Godzilla is most famous for terrorizing Tokyo, but he has attacked other cities around the world as well. Godzilla Vs. America is a new anthology devoted to profiling the King of All Monsters as he makes his way across the United States. This first issue is devoted to Chicago and tells four wildly different stories involving the legendary Kaiju and the Windy City.
Strangely enough, most of the stories have a comedic or satiric tone. The first story, “Godzilla Does Chicago,” sets the tone for what follows. Written by Mike Costa with art by Ryan Browne, this tale focuses upon an unlikely performer called Fangoolie (a loving nod to legendary Chicago horror host Svengoolie.) Fangoolie is a “fan man” who crashes sporting events in a flying fan suit. After he accidentally causes the Chicago Bears to lose a big game, he executes an ill-advised plan to steal Mechagodzilla. Hilarity ensues when the real Godzilla shows up.
Godzilla takes a supporting role in the second comic, “Blue Line Sign.” Written and illustrated by Tim Seeley, this romance focuses on a woman trying to approach her crush on the train. Naturally, Godzilla attacks just as she gets ready to make her move. “Chi Godzilla” by Ezra C. Daniels centers around a politician trying to capitalize on the destruction of his ward. Finally, “Godzilla Versus Chicago” by Caroline Cash details one woman inadvertently becoming the city’s savior after an energy drink turns her into a giant.
Godzilla vs. America puts new spin on Kaiju
Undoubtedly not every story in Godzilla vs. America #1 will appeal to every fan. Those hoping for pure action, for instance, will be disappointed. However, this book proves the flexibility of the King of the Monsters as a character and concept. It also showcases why he’s remained popular for so long, and that you can tell any kind of story using a Kaiju attack as the backdrop. It will be interesting to see how the concept is further developed in future issues as Godzilla attacks Los Angeles and Boston next.
Grade: 8/10
Godzilla vs. America #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on February 26, 2025.
