Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths #1 of 5
IDW Comics
Layman, Ponticelli & Fotos
A second, though a mini-series, Godzilla series launches with what appears to be mostly a set up issue. We get a good introduction to the characters and a nice visual of Godzilla but this issue is mostly a vehicle to get to the main story, which is Godzilla running amuck among the general human population. This issue also features a familiar writer in the form of John Layman of Chew fame and it's nice to see Layman bring some of the charm of Chew to this book. Overall, this is a good introductory issue and I am in for a second one.
The issue starts off with a chase. Sato lands on Monster Island with some thugs in pursuit. It's made unique with some of Layman's clever writing. One of the thugs makes a comment about wanting some payback from Sato for breaking his nose. The next page has the caption "What Sato Did To His Nose". This helps to keep the issue feel fresh while the chase and good guy-bad guy set-up feels generic. Everything gets thrown out the window when Sato and his pursuers run into Godzilla.
The artwork takes over for the next few panels as Godzilla is introduced, as is one of his monster friends. The scenes are excellent as they scream "Saturday Matinee". Layman makes sure to toss in his humor as Godzilla roasts some of the men after they hope to sneak away without disturbing Godzilla. Generally speaking, the issue really excels because of the visual of the Island and of the monsters that inhabit it.
The issue ends with the plot development that will keep me coming back for more. Sato leaves the Island but not alone. I haven't looked at previews or teasers of the coming issues but my guess is that Godzilla is going to be tearing down power lines and throwing buses through buildings fairly soon.
The first issue was a fairly fast read. There isn't a curveball until the very end as the issue serves as a set up more than anything else. At least Layman gives you a taste of what to expect from Godzilla and that's a good thing. This series has the potential to be great and the first issue is only the tip of the iceberg.
3 out of 5 Geek Goggles
