2025 is a big year for Godzilla in the world of manga. He has got a new series line in the Kai-sei era and IDW, challenging almost every hero in Marvel’s universe, and now Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 #1 will once again pit the King of Monsters and his Frenemy Kong against the DC universe. But this time there’s a twist. Unwilling to see the world fall on Titan, Amanda Waller deploys a suicide squad to try and care for Godzilla before he attacks again. This attracts attention from Justice League teleporting to Skull Island and encounters a raging Kong!
It should be noted that it takes a little time for Godzilla and Kong to appear. I feel this problem a little more on the DC side. That’s not a Bryan Butcherato knock. Brian Butcherato sets plot points at an incredible speed. In a few minutes, we get a team conflict over Godzilla and the league’s trip to Skull Island. The fact that another scene focuses on Flash’s wedding is fitting. Like the fastest man alive, Butcherato moves with very speed and great purpose.
This leads to an amazing look from the Monsterverse characters who not only fit the story but also strengthen it with their presence. I know that human characters tend to hit and miss, but thankfully the Buccelato was a hit. I also recommend a question. Will this crossover make you see more of the monster verse? Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong saw alternating intersections between dimensions, which may escalate in future issues.
DC
Returning to the duty of art is Christian Deuce. Christian Deuce has the opportunity to bring out more of the DC Universe. In particular, his take on Suicide Squad is a great combination of current DC and new 52 aesthetics and members. Black Manta’s obsidian armor is in contrast to the light brown fur of the cheetah, but Harley Quinn and Peacemaker are easy to overlook because of the bright red costumes. Luis Guerrero is also credited with his use of colour. He uses dim green lighting to highlight the harsh conditions of Belle Reve. This is in stark contrast to the lush vegetation of Skull Island and the pristine state of the wedding scene.
Duce also makes sure Godzilla and Kong feel like Titans and dedicates the entire page to their appearance. But that’s not the coolest part. The coolest part happens when King Shark gets a transformation that turns him into a monster and makes him wild. His fins increase and his teeth grow to the size of the wings of the plane. It’s only topped by changes Batman made to Batplane, but that would be a spoiler.
Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2#1 is a solid start to another battle between Titan, hero and anti-hero, with some twists to make things interesting. If you want more Godzilla in the comics, choose this one.
‘Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2’ #1 sets up the next chapter of that monster mash
Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 #1
Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2#1 is a solid start to another battle between Titan, hero and anti-hero, with some twists to make things interesting. If you want more Godzilla in the comics, choose this one.
A surprising cameo from Monsterverse alumni.
Duce offers great images of Kaiju King Shark and Bat-Mecha.
Butcherato shakes things up with an introduction to Suicide Squad and a few twists.
