Godzilla #1 & #2 (Review)

The "wrap-around" cover for Godzilla #1

As "Godzilla Week" KREEEEAUNG's (Godzilla's roar spelled phonetically) to a close, we take a look at issues #1 & #2 of the new monthly on-going series; Godzilla, from IDW Publishing. Written by veteran writer Duane Swierczynski, with artist Simon Gane and colorist Ronda Pattison.....

Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters (Review)

Cover of Volume 1

Cover of Volume 2

Continuing "Godzilla Week" brings us to Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters, a three volume (twelve issue)  story arc that stars President Ogden (who looks a lot like President Obama), Sergeant Steven Woods, a girl named Allie, psychotic & telepathic twins, Godzilla, & most of his Monster "friends".

Cover of Volume 3

The story begins with Godzilla rising up from the depths of the ocean off the coast of Japan.  After destroying a fishing village, the Japanese Government makes the decision to nuke the beast!!
MISTAKE!!  Godzilla can now breath fire (or something to that effect) as a result of the failed attempt to destroy him.  Godzilla takes out his bad breath frustrations on Tokyo's helpless population.

Meanwhile, all across the world in various nations and on various continents.....other monsters are awaking as well!! Anguirus, Battra, Kumonga, and Rodan begin paths of destruction, heading toward one another.

The twins; Mallorie & Minette, decide they want to be Queens.....so they use their considerable telepathic powers to influence and control Battra.  They make their way to Paris.....where Battra cocoons on the Eiffel Tower.

Anguirus decides to leave Mexico and travel across the U.S. border illegally! Rodan eats a juvenile hockey player in Moscow, Russia, and Kumonga takes to the road just outside Pasadena, California.

President Ogden and the U.S. Government begin to panic as Godzilla makes his way across the Pacific and onto our shores.......

Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths (Review)

I've decided that it's "Godzilla Week" at Superhero Reviews!! Although Godzilla: Gansters & Goliaths may not contain the most deeply intricate story plots....and the main characters don't speak, they simply roar or "skreeonk"....how can you not love the random and all-encompassing chaos and destruction?

Written by John Layman, with artwork by Alberto Ponticelli....G:G&G revolves around Tokyo Police Detective Makoto Sato, who tries to end the corruption and violence of mob boss Takahashi.  Takahashi murders his partner and frames him for it, has his cronies take Sato out to sea to murder him and dispose of the body......they end up just off the coast of Monster Island.

Sato makes a bold move and escapes death momentarily, only to find himself washed up onshore Monster Island with the mob guns right behind him.

Saga #3 (Review)

So, we find Marko, Alana, & Hazel still in the Endless Woods (it is "endless", you know).....Marko bleeding to death from The Stalk's attack last issue, and the "horrors" having appeared.

We quickly learn that the "horrors" aren't exactly that, but rather are ghosts...."spiritual defenders of Cleave".  Marko regains consciousness momentarily and lets Alana know that he would need snow for a healing spell.....of course it's sweltering, and they are nowhere near snow.  One of the Ghosts; Izabel (see: cover on left), offers to help....for a price.  She wants off Cleave, but can only achieve escape if she's bonded with someone born on Cleave.  Alana is wary about allowing a ghost to bond to her daughter, but she does need snow for Marko.

The Stalk is still about, but is too busy fending off the indigenous wildlife to keep pursuing Marko, Alana, & Hazel.  She calls The Will, and we learn that the two have had a "past".   Prince Robot IV is planetside as well....

Higher Earth #1 (Review)

The new series from Boom! Studios, written by Sam Humphries, with artwork by Francesco Biagini.  Let me say from the start that I was drawn to this new on-going series NOT because of the writer or artist or publisher.....but because of the story concept.

The art is decent; by the way, with great colors by Andrew Crossley.  Biagini's art comes from different angles, and the fight sequences are good.  Sam Humphries' writing is good, carrying with it a great concept of awesome potential.  The former writer of Planet of The Apes, and soon to be Marvel Comics writer, Humphries shows his muster with a good first issue introducing us to Rex & Heidi; the two main characters, and Rex's bird (?).  The only place the writing fell short to me was that there was almost no revelation as to who the "enemy" is.....of course, I'm sure it will be revealed as the story progresses.

The first issue was only $1.00.....you can't beat that!!

Saga #2 (Review)

When you first look upon the cover of Saga: Chapter Two (or, #2), you think "What the Frak?"....weird hand and baby hands? But do not be fooled!  This is an awesome comic book through and through.

Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples deliver the next chapter of this on-going series, which is quickly becoming the hottest property in the comic book industry.  The only criticism I have of #2 is that it goes by so fast!  

When we last left Marko & Alana, they were fleeing the forces chasing them, and hoping to find the mythical "Rocketship Forest"....
Now they find themselves in the "Endless Woods".

Meanwhile, The Will is tracking them and learns that another is as well...The Stalk.  The Will contemplates giving up on the quest, and we will soon find out why....

A Tribute to O.M.A.C. (featuring the artwork of Keith Giffen)

A tribute to O.M.A.C. and the series' wonderful artist Keith Giffen.....