The idea of Godzilla “visiting” different cities is a clever one, and with the proceeds from Godzilla vs. Los Angeles #1 going to charity, it’s an easy add to the buy pile. With an advance copy in hand (with three of the four stories available to read) I had to check out this compelling one-shot from creators who live in the Los Angeles area.
The copy of Godzilla vs. Los Angeles #1 I had opens with a story by Gabriel Hardman. Thanks to his black-and-white art style, he’s one of my all-time favorite creators. The story focuses on a news team in a helicopter who happens to be in the air when Godzilla arrives in Los Angeles. The art style is gritty and hyper-realistic, with backgrounds, vehicles, and Godzilla rendered with great detail.
The story is about the team biting the bullet and attempting to get the story, even with the government ready to bomb the heck out of Godzilla. Testament to Hardman, he pulls off a twist I don’t think we’ve seen in a Godzilla story. Let’s just say there’s a new perspective you won’t want to miss.
A variant cover for the issue.
Credit: IDW
The second story is by Jordan Morris and Nicole Goux, and it is as funny as you might expect from Morris. An apt tale, it focuses on a wannabe actor who does Hollywood tours. Goux’s cartooning is great, with a limited but fun color palette. The number of puns in this story makes it well worth a look, and it even ends in a happy-ish ending that Los Angeles actor hopefuls could relate to.
Wrapping things up in a historical and funny story about the Los Angeles metro by Dave Baker. Not only is this informative, but it relates to how awful the Los Angeles metro is from the perspective of someone who lives there. The story opens with people rushing to get to the metro so they can avoid being stomped by Godzilla, and on their way, they learn about the metro’s history.
Again, this book delivers an unconventional art style that Baker maximizes well. There’s a striking use, or lack of use, of color, and the charts are a great way to get a lot of information across.
Save for the fact that I couldn’t read the fourth tale in this one-shot, I had a blast reading it. Godzilla vs. Los Angeles #1 is a clever and engaging one-shot that blends thrilling monster action with unique, localized storytelling. With three distinct stories from creators who clearly understand and appreciate Los Angeles, the comic delivers a mix of intense spectacle, humor, and historical insight. Each creator brings their own artistic and narrative flair, making this a well-rounded and memorable read. Plus, with proceeds going to charity, it’s an easy recommendation for any Godzilla or comics fan.
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