IDW Publishing will be releasing The Horror of Godzilla #1 on July 29th. This four issue mini-series is acting as a prequel to the Kai-Sei Era of the current IDW Godzilla series. It is also marketed as a good starting point for fans of movies like Godzilla: Minus One and Shin Godzilla. That says a lot for what IDW is going for with this prequel Godzilla series. IDW has provided us with an early copy of The Horror of Godzilla #1 to check out. Find out how it turned out with our advance review.
Note: The copy we received for this advance review is for a non-final version of the comic book. The final version of the comic will feature Godzilla attack scenes in black, white and green. All other scenes will be in full color.
CREATIVE TEAM
Writers: Ethan Parker and Griffin Sheridan
Artist: Tristan Jones
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
THE HORROR OF GODZILLA #1 SOLICITATION
A terrifying look at Godzilla’s first attack! Tokyo, 1954. As the country begins to look toward its postwar future, two scientists start an experiment in the Pacific Ocean. It is meant to change everything…and it will. Come now, reader, and bear witness to the incredible horror of the King of the Monsters. There are no heroes. There are no survivors. There is only the wrath of Godzilla.
This standalone four-issue miniseries serves as a prequel to the Kai-Sei Era while also being perfect for fans of Godzilla: Minus One, Shin Godzilla, and Godzilla (1954). Written by rising star authors Griffin Sheridan and Ethan S. Parker (Marvel Zombies, Kill Your Darlings) and illustrated by one of the best horror artists of all time, Tristan Jones (Event Horizon, Aliens), this comic experience puts you on the ground during the kaiju’s first attack. And as readers will soon discover, they’ve never seen a Godzilla attack quite like this one before…
REVIEW
Chilling and terrifying are the first two words that come to mind after reading The Horror of Godzilla #1. This comic taps directly into Godzilla representing the horror of nuclear destruction. By leaning into that idea we get a story that spotlights what has made haunting Godzilla iconic while also making this a strong entry point into the Kai-Sei Era.
Setting the story in 1954, the year the first Godzilla movie released, is a strong starting point. This immediately sets a tone we are watching a period piece that goes back to where everything started. Ethan Parker, Griffin Sheridan, and Tristan Jones utilize this to give a new perspective on the arrival of Godzilla that honors the original. They aren’t looking to put their voice and tone to the character. Instead, they examine how game changing Godzilla’s presence is.
This is where Tristan Jones artwork is what does so much to carry the story. You truly feel the hopeless terror that everyone feels when Godzilla shows up. All the people can do is run to give themselves more time. That time is ultimately fleeting as there is no escaping the destruction that comes with Godzilla’s presence.
The magic of Jones’ artwork is amplified by how Ethan Parker and Griffin Sheridan structure the story. The back-and-forth between those trying to find answers for what’s going on and the destruction Godzilla brings is fascinating. As soon as you are put into the mindset of finding answers we get switched to the horrifying destruction.
The switch between the different scenes is paced out well throughout The Horror of Godzilla #1. There is no sense that you are being jarred by the shifts between scenes. It is to the credit of Parker, Sheridan, and Jones ability to work together as a creative team. The explanations for Godzilla’s origin make the impact of the power shown by the King of Monsters as terrifying as the lightning strikes and earthquake they cause.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Horror of Godzilla #1 captures the terrifying presence the King of Monsters has. Tristan Jones artwork equally captures the awe inspiring and terrifying nature of Godzilla rampage. You feel horrifying sensation that people feel as they know all they can do is buy themselves more time to live. The world building done between Godzilla’s rampage and their origin is paced well by Ethan Parker and Griffin Sheridan writing. It all comes together for a comic book that truly lives up to the name of the mini-series.
Story Rating: 9 Night Girls out of 10
Art Rating: 10 Night Girls out of 10
Overall Rating: 9.5 Night Girls out of 10
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