Godzilla: World of Monsters Review

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Godzilla, Godzilla Cataclysm, Godzilla Gangsters & Goliaths, Godzilla Oblivion, Godzilla World of Monsters, IDW, IDW Publishing

Godzilla: World of Monsters

Review by Paul Bowler

IDW’s Godzilla: World of Monsters features some of the King of the Monsters greatest sagas in one massive 335 page volume that collects the three Godzilla graphic novels: Gangsters & Goliaths by John Layman and Alberto Ponticelli, Cataclysm by Cullen Bunn and Dave Wachter and Oblivion by Joshua Fialkov and Brian Churilla. 

This trade collection begins with Godzilla: Gangsters and Goliaths by superstar creators John Layman (Chew) and Alberto Ponticelli (Unknown Soldier). This outstanding tale is  perhaps as bizarre as it is ingeniously inventive, when Godzilla ends up classing head on with the Tokyo criminal Yakuza underworld after Detective Makoto Sato embarks on the quest to take down a notorious crime syndicate. Sato’s mission unfortunately earns him a tropical getaway to Monster Island. Here he must fight for survival against gangsters and goliaths – whilst ensiling the help of some very unusual friends along the way. Gangsters & Goliaths is a quirky and exciting spin on the usual Godzilla tropes, with a great story by John Layman, and stylish art from Alberto Ponticelli.

Next up we have Godzilla: Cataclysm by Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun) and Dave Wachter (The Guns of Shadow Valley). Bunn’s ominous Godzilla story takes place many years after a terrifying monster apocalypse that virtually wiped out all of mankind. Now that disaster is only a nightmarish memory for Hiroshi, the elder of one of the few surviving human tribes. But the apocalypse isn’t over yet, far from it, and Hiroshi’s memories of the past may end up being the only hope of saving the future of mankind. This grim tale makes for compelling reading, and the impressive artwork by Dave Wachter depicts the apocalyptic world and monster in action in vivid detail.

Godzilla: Oblivion, written by Joshua Fialkov Doctor Who, I Vampire), with art by Brian Churilla (Big Trouble in Little China), rounds off this Godzilla collection with an adventure set on an Earth where there are no monsters, until a scientist builds a machine that creates a portal to another dimension leading to an Earth-like world where monster rule and Godzilla is the mightiest of them all. When a team embarks on a voyage to explore this alternate reality, they discover what happened to that world, and their frantic return to their own Earth risks brining something very nasty back with them. Oblivion has a unique Sci-Fi unique twist in the story, although the art is a bit variable at times, and lacking in finer detail. Minor quibbles aside, Oblivion remains a fun and action packed Godzilla adventure. 

Godzilla: World of Monsters showcases some of the best collections from IDW Publishing’s extensive Godzilla comics.  This trade paper back features Godzilla at his best, reigning supreme no matter what world or timeline we find him in, and this excellent trilogy of epic tales has something for every  Godzilla fan to enjoy.

Publisher IDW Publishing

Writers John Layman, Cullen Bunn, Joshua Fialkow

Artists  Alberto Ponticelli, Dave Wachter, Brian Churilla.

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

Godzilla Oblivion #5 Review

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Brian Churilla, Chris Mowry, comics, Godzilla, Godzilla Oblivion, Godzilla Oblivion #5, Godzilla Oblivion #5 review, IDW Publishing, Jay Fotos, Joshua Hale Fialkov, King Ghidorah, Mechagodzilla

Godzilla Oblivion #5

Review by Paul Bowler

It’s the end of the world as we know it in Godzilla Oblivion #5, the stunning final of IDW Publishing’s five-part comic book series, written by Joshua Hale Fialkov and featuring art by Brian Churilla, as monsters swarm from a ravaged alternative dimension to destroy the world! Battles rage across this Earth that has never known monsters, the foolhardy experiments of the scientists and the military to visit other dimensions have now doomed all civilization, can there be any possible hope of escape now? Get ready for the most epic Godzilla battle of them all!

Having lured Godzilla from the apocalyptic parallel Earth to their world to defeat King Ghidorah for them, their nuclear backup plan backfired when King Ghidorah was killed and Godzilla went on the rampage. In a desperate move employing replicated technology from the alternative Earth, the humans unleashed an army of Mechagodzillas to hold off Godzilla long enough for them to recover King Ghidorah’s body from the sea bed and use the technology to reanimate and control the creature’s body. But just as Godzilla and King Ghidorah were squaring up for round two, the portal machine suddenly powered up as the humans from the other Earth allowed the monsters of their world through to the scientist’s dimension!

Joshua Hale Fialkov and Brian Churilla bring their uncanny world shaking What If? scenario to a close with Godzilla Oblivion #5, as the monstrous Kaiju of the alternative Earth now pour through the portal to their parallel counterpart . The scientists and military finally begin to understand the impact of their actions. Especially when they realize that without Godzilla’s help to keep the monsters in check on the alternative Earth, those monsters then grew more powerful and dangerous. That apocalyptic world was then left with only one choice – to send their monsters through the portal to the parallel Earth! Now the scientist and the military of this world must face the consequences of their experiments and the impending doom it has brought to their world.

Joshua Hale Fialkov builds the drama and tension brilliantly in this issue, as the world is ravaged by Godzilla’s all-out battle against this seemingly unstoppable legion of monsters, but with a worldwide nuclear strike about to be launched, its up to Ridley – with the help of a rather nifty looking neural network VR technology – to keep Mecha King Ghidorah going right in the thick of the action to buy the human race more time. One last ditch eleventh hour strategy still remains, but will it be enough to save the world from this ultimate monster smack down?

Brian Churilla’s artwork on this issue impressively presents the epic scale of Godzilla’s battle against hordes of his greatest enemies. Big sweeping page layouts convey the city levelling monster action, with Godzilla and Mecha King Ghidorah squaring up against the Kaiju onslaught, while the scientist work frantically to reprogram crucial technologies in their attempt to save humanity before the military deploy the global nuclear option.. Churilla also gets to focus more on the scientists and military characters in this issue to bring us some particularly emotional and moving scenes. The finale monologue by Ishiko Yamada is especially moving. These closing sequences are beautifuly illustrated by Brian Churilla, the colors by Jay Fotos wonderfully harness a subtle palette of tones and shades to bring the mini-sereis to a resounding conclusion.

One last act of self sacrifice ensures that Godzilla Oblivion packs one hell of an emotional punch during its closing moments. Godzilla Oblivion has been one IDW’s standout titles for me, with its fresh and different take on the Godzilla franchise, exciting the storyline by Joshua Hale Fialkov, great art by Brian Churilla, and colors by Jay Fotos, this mini-series has skilfully built on the potential of its unique premise, kept us all on our toes with unexpected plot twists, and Godzilla Oblivion #5 now provides an action-packed, emotional, and thought provoking finale to this excellent slice of monster mayhem from IDW Publishing.

Publisher: IDW Publishing Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov

Art: Brian Churilla Colors: Jay Fotos

Letters / Creative Consultant: Chris Mowry

Cover: Brian Churilla

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Godzilla Oblivion #4 Review

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Brian Churilla, Chris Mowry, comics, Godzilla, Godzilla Oblivion, Godzilla Oblivion #4, Godzilla Oblivion #4 review, IDW Publishing, Jay Fotos, Joshua Hale Fialkov, King Ghidorah, Mechagodzilla

Godzilla Oblivion #4

Review by Paul Bowler

After a team of scientists from an Earth that has never seen monsters opened a portal to a parallel dimension, they unleashed King Ghidorah on their own world. Godzilla Oblivion #4 sees the crisis escalate, having lured Godzilla from the apocalyptic parallel Earth to defeat King Ghidorah, they must now utilize a secret countermeasure against Godzilla – using replicated technology from the alternative Earth where monsters rule and the human race have made an alliance with Godzilla to protect them. As the fate of the world hangs in the balance, Godzilla’s rampage seems unstoppable, and the other Earth has a surprise of its own!

The King of the Monsters goes up against an army of Mechagodzillas in Godzilla Oblivion #4, in the penultimate issue of IDW Publishing’s five-part comic series, written by Joshua Hale Fialkov and with art by Brian Churilla, the world shattering action continues as Godzilla faces the onslaught of the Mechagodzillas!

With its innovative What If? twist on the Godzilla franchise, Joshua Hale Fialkov and Brian Churilla’s have crafted an exciting and action packed storyline. This issue brings events full circle as the cast of scientists and military characters observe the titanic face off between Godzilla and the Mechagodzillas. Joshua Hale Fialkov keeps the suspense building over the course of this action packed issue, especially when it becomes clear that the apocalypse these humans have unleashed on their Earth is far from over. However, when a further backup plan suddenly presents itself, it seems the defeat of King Ghidorah could have inadvertently provided them with one last chance to get Godzilla back through the portal!

Brian Churilla’s artwork for this issue is excellent; indeed, it’s some of his finest work on this series so far. The opening battle royal between Godzilla and the Mechagodzilla army is stunningly realized by Churilla with bold page layouts and intense action, while the human characters observe the carnage and plan their next move. Their analysis of King Ghidorah is another highlight, where complex schematics and computer displays nicely complement the necessary exposition and techno-babble. The plan the scientist and military devise is audacious in the extreme, and its implementation is extremely dramatic. Jay Fotos’s vivid palette of colors also brings added clarity and definition to virtually every scene, employing a clever use of tone and shade which distinctly clarifies the human’s plight and also makes Godzilla look more powerful than ever before.

The end result collectively makes Godzilla Oblivion #4 one of the best issue so far in IDW this mini-series. Everything, as you might have expected, builds towards a fittingly apocalyptic cliff-hanger of epic proportions. I think Joshua Hale Fialkov, Brian ChurillaIt, and Jay Fotos have really excelled themselves with Godzilla Oblivion #4, and it looks like we are in for one hell of a monster showdown for the final issue!

Publisher: IDW Publishing / Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov / Art: Brian Churilla

Colors: Jay Fotos / Letters / Creative Consultant: Chris Mowry

Cover: Brian Churilla

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Godzilla Oblivion #3 Review

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Brian Churilla, Chris Mowry, comics, Godzilla, Godzilla Oblivion, Godzilla Oblivion #3, Godzilla Oblivion #3 review, IDW Publishing, Jay Fotos, Joshua Hale Fialkov, King Ghidorah, The King of the Monsters

Godzilla Oblivion #3

Review by Paul Bowler

On their Earth monsters never existed, but an experiment to visit an alternative dimension unleashed King Ghidorah on the world! Now, in Godzilla #3 from IDW Publishing, a team of scientists have lured Godzilla back from the parallel Earth in the hope the King of the Monsters will help them vanquish the rampaging King Ghidorah. However, when catastrophe strikes their mission to save the world is suddenly thrown into jeopardy, and the last hope of survival now rests with a vital piece of technology from the other dimension…

Godzilla, King of the Monsters thunders his way across the dimensional void to a another world as IDW Publishing’s new five-part comic series continues in Godzilla Oblivion #3, writer Joshua Hale Fialkov and artist Brian Churilla ramp up the monster action to the max, but will Godzilla’s arrival herald this Earth’s salvation, or its destruction? Joshua Hale Fialkov and Brian Churilla’s unique take on the Godzilla franchise with this innovative and exciting What If? Scenario, has already seen a team of scientists creating a portal to an apocalyptic parallel dimension, where monsters rule supreme and the rag-tad survivors of the human race have forged an alliance with Godzilla. Now, in a daring move, Godzilla has been transported to battle King Ghidorah on the scientists Earth in a desperate gamble that could soon backfire and threaten everything!

Godzilla Oblivion #3 is without doubt the most action packed instalment so far in IDW’s five part mini-series. Joshua Hale Fialkov delivers a frenetically paced issue, with the battle between Godzilla and King Ghidorah taking center stage, while the scientists and military can only watch events unfold and wish for a hopeful outcome. The ethics and morality of both the scientist and the militaries actions are brought into sharp focus in this issue, Fialkoy channels the essence of just about every Godzilla movie trope you can possibly think of here, with the cast of characters watching and debating as the city levelling monster smack down between Godzilla and King Ghidorah escalates, and there’s plenty here for new and old school Godzilla fans to enjoy as the humans are ultimately forced to decide on a fateful course of action that could jeopardize the entire world!

Brian Churilla’s great artwork on this series really comes into its own in this issue, every moment of Godzilla’s and King Ghidorah’s battle is gloriously realized across huge sweeping page layouts that really capture the epic scale of their conflict, and we even get more insight into the human cast amidst all the action. The humans naturally have a back up plan to fall back on, one were victory outweighs unacceptable losses, at any price. Churilla ensures the build up to this explosive moment will have you on the edge of your seat. The colors by Jay Fotos are also key to making this issue look so good, with a rich palette of tones and shades enhancing every moment of Godzilla’s and King Ghidorah’s momentous fight, and the delivery of the Thunder Lizard culminates in a haunting fusion of art and color caught in the glint of a monsters eye.

This issue builds to a nail-biting close, with a seriously miffed Godzilla rising from the depths in spectacular fashion, and the humans of this world using replicated technology from the devastated parallel Earth to take the fight to Godzilla himself! Of course, with all the cover to cover action going on in Godzilla Oblivion #3, this issue is essentially one big fight sequence, albeit a spectacular one, and as a result it makes the issue a very quick read. However, if, like me, its full scale Godzilla monster smashing action that you‘re after, then Godzilla Oblivion #3 is just the ticket, with its fast paced story by Joshua Hale Fialkov and terrific art by Brian Churilla, this exciting IDW Godzilla comic series is really shaping up to be a gargantuan monster epic!

Publisher: IDW Publishing / Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov / Art: Brian Churilla

Colors: Jay Fotos / Letters / Creative Consultant: Chris Mowry

Cover: Brian Churilla

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Godzilla Oblivion #2 Review

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Brian Churilla, Chris Mowry, comics, Godzilla, Godzilla Oblivion, Godzilla Oblivion #2, Godzilla Oblivion #2 review, IDW Publishing, Jay Fotos, Joshua Hale Fialkov, King Ghidorah

Godzilla Oblivion #2

Review by Paul Bowler

King Ghidorah is unleashed in Godzilla Oblivion #2 into a world were monsters have never existed! When a team of scientist opened a portal to another dimension, they visited a parallel Earth where monsters rule and the surviving humans have allied themselves with Godzilla. Now, after making a desperate bid to return home, King Ghidorah has followed them back through the portal and invaded their world. The military and scientists of their Earth are powerless to stop King Ghidorah, his rampage seems unstoppable, only a miracle could help them now, but there is still one frightening option left that could save their world….

The King of the Monsters new five-part comic series from IDW Publishing continues in Godzilla Oblivion #2, as writer Joshua Hale Fialkov and artist Brian Churilla build on the scene setting first issue to bring us even more monster carnage and mayhem on an Earth were there have been no monsters. This uncanny What If? style concept has provided us with a bizarre and imaginative new take on the Godzilla franchise, the whole idea of having parallel worlds and monsters crossing dimensions has been wonderfully handled by Joshua Hale Fialkov and Brian Churilla, and now in this exciting second issue Godzilla Oblivion really cranks up the action!

We pick up events two weeks later as writer Joshua Hale Fialkov details the extent of King Ghidorah’s devastating impact on this world since the creature arrived. Told via a series of television news reports it seems the U.S. Government, NATO, and the U.N. have all been unable to repel King Ghidorah’s onslaught, major cities have fallen, and all hope seem lost. However, Doctor Talbert and Miss Yamada are being held by the military following their return, and now face the unthinkable – in order to save their world they are going to be sent back through the portal to the parallel Earth to get help from the human survivors in that dimension.

One thing I really like about Godzilla Oblivion is the way Joshua Hale Fialkov balances the seriousness and wry humour that’s so skilfully interwoven throughout the pot, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and the snappy dialogue between Talbert and Yamada makes them a great double act. Their return to the barren alternative Earth via a newly constructed machine, along with a crack team of troops to help accomplish their mission, soon leads to the formation of a plan that might enable them to defeat King Ghidorah back on their world. Even though Godzilla Oblivion #2 initially feels a bit like a retread of the first issue the action is still literally non-stop, while the plot twist involving Godzilla is not exactly surprising, Joshua Hale Fialkov does everything with such style and fun that you cannot help but be swept along with all the excitement, and there’s even a knowing nod to one of our favourite Star Wars lines at a particularly critical moment!

While the first issues art was a bit hit and miss, with characters and proportions feeling a little sketchy at times, Brian Churilla’s artwork for Godzilla Oblivion #2 now seems much more focused and detailed than the series’ debut issue. There’s a new version of the Stargate-style device used to create the portal, only this time it’s on a much larger scale. Brian Churilla ensures that all the set-pieces are equally epic, there are a number of really impressive two-page spreads in this issue, we also get some excellent monster scenes – the opening moments with King Ghidorah are great and Godzilla looks magnificent and powerful when he stomps into action! The colors by Jay Fotos really make this book come to life, with the grim shades of apocalyptic landscape of the alternative Earth being a particular highlight, bright energized tones define King Ghidorah’s carnage, and rich shadows enhance Godzilla’s lumbering presence to the absolute max.

Godzilla Oblivion #2 charges into a brilliantly staged cliff-hanger as the team make another nail biting escape back to their own dimension, only this time they are hell bent on brining something back with them… With the minor quibbles of the first issue more of less ironed out, Godzilla Oblivion #2 continues this five-part series in fine style, featuring a terrific main cover by Brian Churilla – along with a host of great variant covers to choose from – this issue sees writer Joshua Hale Fialkov setting everything on course for an epic monster smack down. One things for sure, Godzilla Oblivion is shaping up to be a really fun and exciting mini-series!

Publisher: IDW Publishing / Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov / Art: Brian Churilla

Colors: Jay Fotos / Letters / Creative Consultant: Chris Mowry

Cover: Brian Churilla

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