Review – Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #15 (IDW Publishing)

Publisher: IDW Publishing
Writer(s): Chris Mowry
Artist(s): Matt Frank
Release Date: 27th August 2014

I’m not going to dedicate the first paragraph of this review to the usual recap and setup stuff. This week I’m dedicating the preamble to the amazing cover art of MechGodzilla in Red Square, which manages to be as impressive as it is hilarious.

That aside, let’s dive right into discussing the internal stuff. Story-wise, the plot continues to interest and confuse in equal amounts. I’d love to fire up the Godzilla wiki to find out exactly who the aliens that made MechaGodzilla are, but they are never referred to by name, nor is their backstory explained. This clearly remains a comic which can only be fully appreciated by die-hard Toho Godzilla fans, but only in the sense that pre-existing knowledge of the lore fills in much of the currently unrevealed backstory. There is still much here for the non-initiated to enjoy, however, depending on whether you are ready to accept the B-movie standard for moustache-twirling villainy and world destruction plans. I have a politics degree and still managed to push the part of me that screamed ‘That’s a terrible way to look at Mutually Assured Destruction’ deep down inside, if only to better enjoy the pages upon pages of beautiful kaiju fighting.

Yeah, I think that’s why we’re all here isn’t it? The story ultimately serves the art and the situations, providing reasons for kaiju to enter the fray with one another and gracefully backing away when the punches start flying. In this issue we are treated to a fight unlike any I have ever seen in kaiju-focussed comics, with Godzilla taking on four MechaGodzillas at once. The desperation, fatigue and fury of Godzilla is apparent throughout the fight, allowing you to root for Godzilla when he’s knocked down and cheer when he makes an epic comeback. The fights in this comic are incredibly inventive, utilising the differing techniques of the foes to always surprise. These are scenes worthy of film, and perhaps a little beyond what could reasonably be achieved on screen.

If you’re picking up this comic, you’re doing so to fill the void of Toho-inspired Godzilla films in your heart. It’s reassuring to know that the team behind this comic fully understand this, and strive to provide so much for fans who would have likely bought a Godzilla comic regardless of quality, just to have more Godzilla content.

Rating: 4/5

PREVIEW ARTWORK.

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