Review – Godzilla in Hell #1 (of 5) (IDW Publishing)

Publisher: IDW Publishing
Writer/Artist: James Stokoe
Release Date: 15th July, 2015

When I initially picked up this book to review I wasn’t really sure what to expect. All I have ever known about Godzilla is that he either turns up and trashes the place or saves it from a worse threat… but still trashes it in the process.

Anyway, I thought I would give it a shot as nothing else had piqued my interest, and – based on what little I’d seen – it looked like a really intriguing premise. I was not disappointed. Unlike other books I’ve been following lately, the story here is remarkably simple; Godzilla falls to Hell, Hell attacks Godzilla, Godzilla rips Hell a new one. It was truly refreshing to have a book that contains no actual dialogue (only noises), allowing me to fully appreciate the stunning artwork without any unnecessary chit-chat.

The artwork itself is absolutely glorious, and Stokoe takes full advantage of every inch of panel space left unoccupied due to the lack of text. To me, this approach makes the book much more immersive and easier on the eye, with Stokoe’s colour pallet going incredibly well alongside the theme; the cheesy Godzilla green is nowhere to be seen and it is replaced with shade more appropriate for where he finds himself.

Simply put, for all the brilliantly captured and well thought out action, Godzilla in Hell is the equivalent of a weekend spa break for the eyes; enjoyable, fun and refreshing.

Rating: 4/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK
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