Review by Wes Gift
Writers: Ethan Parker and Griffin Sheridan
Artist: Pablo Tunica
Letterer and Designer: Nathan Widick
Editor: Jake Williams
Thanks to IDW Publishing for the review copy!
Godzilla: Escape the Deadzone #1 kicks off a grim and gripping tale set in an apocalyptic vision of the Pacific Northwest now known as the Deadzone. Here, whispers of a half-man, half-kaiju wanderer ripple through the wasteland—rumors say he can even kill monsters!
Writers Ethan Parker and Griffin Sheridan drop readers into this irradiated world with sharp pacing and just enough exposition to stoke intrigue. The story doesn’t rely on nonstop kaiju battles—instead, it builds atmosphere and myth.
But the real star is Pablo Tunica’s artwork. His frenetic linework explodes with energy, and his unpolished, gritty textures perfectly fit the tone. The world he renders is a collage of ruins, scavenged tech, and haunted landscapes. His use of color—bold, bright accents against grimy earth tones—is both jarring and captivating.
Each panel is soaked in style, and monster moments hit hard. Tunica doesn’t just draw monsters—he makes you feel their weight. Nathan Widick’s lettering and design seals the deal with kinetic sound effects (such as ‘KA-THOOM’) that burst off the page.
This debut doesn’t center Godzilla in a traditional sense—it’s a slow-burn survival saga rooted in mystery and mood. The result is a genre-blending issue that feels more Mad Max than monster movie.
Godzilla: Escape the Deadzone #1 is an atmospheric and beautifully chaotic start that promises a lot more blood, radiation, and revelation. A must-read for fans who like their kaiju stories with grit, grime, and mythic weight.
Review Score: 8/10
Godzilla: Escape the Deadzone #1 will be released on August 6th.
Are you going to pick up the comic? Feel free to leave a comment below or chat with us on Threads at @theconventioncollective, or Bluesky at @theconcollective.bsky.social
We’re always looking for new writers that are truly passionate about stuff – we give you the review materials, the platform and the support to say what you feel from the
