Review by Wes Gift
Writer: Tim Seeley
Artist: Nikola Cizmesija
Colorist: Francesco Segala
Letterer: Nathan Widdick
Editor: Jake Williams
Thanks to IDW Publishing for the review copy!
Godzilla returns to shelves in a new story written by Tim Seeley and drawn by Nikola Cizmesija, giving new readers a jumping-on point and fans of the kaiju a new explosive story.
The prologue reframes the 1954 awakening of Godzilla as a world-shaping event–nuclear testing awakens the beast, prompting cities all around the globe to strengthen defenses. Fast-forward to the near-future where Manhattan is walled off, kaiju attacks are routine, and superpowered youth are drafted into G-Force, a specialized combat unit formed to protect the planet. Here we are introduced to Jacen Braid, a brooding, traumatized teen with latent kaiju-derived powers and a personal vendetta against the King of Monsters. His character walks a fine line between archetype and reinvention, and by the end of the issue, he’s more than just a Godzilla rival—he’s a reluctant symbol of humanity’s brokenness and rage.
Visually, the comic pops. Cizmesija’s art is dynamic and expressive, especially during action sequences. Francesco Segala’s colors—neon, moody, and radioactive—are a perfect match for the tone. But it’s not just the big monster fights where Cizmesija shines—his work in the quieter, more introspective moments delivers an eerie, almost surreal atmosphere that adds layers to the story.
This new #1 issue is Seeley setting the groundwork for what’s to come. There’s more human story development than Godzilla action, as the provided exposition can be a bit heavy, but every kaiju-sized adventure needs a solid starting point!
Review Score: 7/10
Godzilla #1 will be released on July 23rd.
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