A.V. Pull List: IDW will launch a Godzilla shared comic universe this summer
Later this year, IDW is set to shake up the world of kaiju comics with the announcement of a Kai-Sei Godzilla shared comic universe. This bold new venture will kick off with the first ongoing Godzilla comic book series in a decade. Godzilla issue one drops in July, penned by writer Tim Seeley and brought to life by artist Nikola Čižmešija. The issue features an all-new Godzilla design that promises to reimagine the iconic monster for a modern audience.
According to IDW’s official description, in 1954, an experiment with a mysterious energy source known as Kai-Sei awakened Godzilla and other terrifying kaiju. For decades, humanity has endured an onslaught of monster attacks. While Japan has come to view these unstoppable rampages as natural disasters, the United States G-Force is locked in battle with these seemingly immortal titans. In a surprising twist, the narrative introduces a boy who wields the power of Godzilla, raising a critical question. Will he save the world or bring about its doom?
Expanding this interconnected universe, IDW will launch Godzilla Escape the Deadzone issue one in August. Written by Eisner Award-nominated authors Ethan Parker and Griffin Sheridan and illustrated by Pablo Tunica, this series introduces the first-ever half-human half-kaiju hybrid in Toho history. The story delves into the mysteries of the post-apocalyptic Deadzone, promising to redefine how fans view the new connected universe. This thrilling and shocking ride will explore the origins and ramifications of a hybrid that stands at the center of this new mythos.
As summer transitions to fall, IDW will complete its initial three-series lineup with Starship Godzilla issue one arriving in October. Written by Chris Gooch with art by Oliver Ono, the series embarks on a journey through the stars that bridges the gap between various alien races in Toho canon. For the first time, the narrative will take readers beyond Earth as a ragtag crew of misfits embarks on high-risk high-reward missions centered around kaiju-based conflicts and a secret that could impact the entire universe.
I am very excited about these comics. Although I would not say I am a huge Godzilla fan, I never grew up watching the movies and have more nostalgia for King Kong. However, there has always been a gateway to franchises that can change one’s perspective. For me, that gateway was Godzilla Minus One, which opened the Godzilla gates and got me hooked on the franchise. These new comics will be the first I collect featuring the big green kaiju, and the Kai-Sei Era is designed for both comic readers who have never bought a Godzilla book and longtime fans who have never experienced Godzilla in comic form.
I cannot wait to pick up these comics monthly and dive into this new universe. Some of my favorite universes, like Transformers and G I Joe, have recently set a high bar for comic and I am hopeful that this new Godzilla universe will do the same. If you are interested, ask your local comic store about these upcoming issues. With its innovative approach and expansive narrative, the Kai-Sei Era of Godzilla promises to be one of the most exciting developments in the world of comics this year.
-Brad McBoom