GODZILLA #4 (IDW PUBLISHING)

G-Force USA has split into 2 teams, with vastly different agendas. But when a dark force reveals itself to one of the teams, will the allure of killing Godzilla blind them to the nefarious nature of their new ally?

CREDIT: IDW PUBLISHING

Written By Tim Seeley – Art By Nikola Čižmešija

Colors By Francesco Segala & Gloria Martinelli – Letters By Nathan Widick

Edited By Jake Williams - Published By IDW Publishing

***Minor Spoilers Possible***

An Uneasy Alliance

Rumi, Jacen, and Jet Jaguar are investigating the underground tunnels Anguirus made, and Godzilla used to attack Atlanta. As they follow the tunnels, they run into Godzilla who is now attacking Kansas City. Even though he’s not fully ready, Jacen is thrust into action against the King of the Monsters. Meanwhile, Captain Riviera and the rest of the team are hunting down who created the Yacumama Leeches. After a short investigation they find out exactly who is behind it and are shocked that a Kaiju can talk. But that doesn’t stop them from forming an alliance based on their mutual hate for Godzilla.  

A Team Divided 

Godzilla #4 continues the rift between the G-Force team, well adding a new wrinkle with a unique alliance. Tim Seeley does a wonderful job of explaining the rift between the 2 sides of the G-Force team. Seeley really shows what the characters are thinking and their underlying motivations. Add to that the mysterious puppet master that is pulling the strings, and who now has aligned with Riviera, and the suspense is really building. 

The art in this issue is awesome and really brings this world to life. Nikola Čižmešija does a phenomenal job with the character and monster design. Čižmešija also does a fantastic job with the backgrounds and settings of the story, which really brings the world to life. Francesco Segala & Gloria Martinelli do an incredible job of matching the colors with the art seamlessly, making the art really pop. 

Overall Grade: 9/10 

Godzilla #4 really moves the story forward well keeping some motivations mysterious, which really builds up the suspense. As the story ramps up, the mythos keeps growing, which is setting the Kai-Sei Era apart from every other iteration of the Godzilla franchise. This series has delivered and then some and should be on everyone’s Pull List.

JUSTCE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG #2 (DC COMIC/LEGENDARY COMICS)

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we are checking out the latest chapter of a pop culture triple threat that can’t be missed. What happens when you mix the King of All Monsters, the Eighth Wonder of The World and DC COMICS’ greatest heroes all in the same story? If the first issue is any indication, it’s a non stop entertaining tale that no matter the fandom will be blown away by.

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG #2 by Brian Buccellato, Christian Duce, Luis Guerrero and Comicraft showcases how the heroes of the DC Universe is handling the two infamous figures crossing their paths. Let’s take a closer loo and se where things are at now, shall we?

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG #2 by Brian Buccellato, Christian Duce, Luis Guerrero and Comicraft (Credit: DC Comics/Legendary comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

GODZILLA HAS APPEARED IN METROPOLIS!!!! Interrupting the proposal attempt of Clark Kent to Lois Lane, Godzilla is looming on the streets of Superman’s City. The Man of Steel engages while Lois and the city’s residents look on with fear and reservations.

The Justice League has had their own issues to deal with as a Lex Luthor led Legion Of Doom has their own plans in motion. However, when Toyman goes roguewith a powerful artifact, plans change quickly for all involved. Plus, King Kong has now entered the field as well?!

This current chapter opens up with Superman addressing the Godzilla matter head on. After the talk goes nowhere, the fighting begins. Godzilla swaps Superman away like a fly! Some of the Justice League is now en route to Metroplois to help. Readers see that Godzilla might not be the only monster the heroes will need to worry about.

The Monsterverse has now invaded the DC Universe via Toyman! How will the heroes fare against these new threats? What of the Legion of Doom? The action escalates as the heroes race to stop the new threats. Will they succeed? If the closing portion of the book is any indication, things look bleak with a shocking visual to send readers home with.

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG #2 by Brian Buccellato, Christian Duce, Luis Guerrero and Comicraft (Credit: DC Comics/Legendary comics) - Cover: Francesco Mattina)

Buccellato presents the beginning of a heavyweight showdown for the ages. Superman versus Godzilla comes across as the major conflict all fans would want and expect. Buccellato paces the opening round with strong moments. Seeing the Man Of Steel challenged in such a manner adds another dynamic for readers to process.

The rest of the DCU Heroes are presented spotlight moments which is nothing but wins for readers. The story never lacks the “special event” feel which continues to illustrate how significant this story is. The writing is winning fans over with ease with another great issue.

Duce and Guerrero craft some unforgettable images for this latest chapter of pop culture icons. The initial “first blow” thrown between Superman and Godzilla is presented with an excellent two-page spread. It sets a high bar for the remainder of their fight. The introductions of the Monsterverse representatives also are gifted with a two page spread, instantly connecting with readers about the dangers happening.

The “Gotham Monster” imagery feels like its’ taken right from a Hollywood blockbuster. The parting shot of one character’s walk-off is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Heading towards the final moments, the art team throws in some interesting dynamics before bowing out of the second issue. It closes with an unforgettable final page spotlighting the threats unfolding on the DC Earth. An exceptional job from the opening page!

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG #2 by Brian Buccellato, Christian Duce, Luis Guerrero and Comicraft (Credit: DC Comics/Legendary comics)- Cover: Dustin Nguyen)

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

If you want action, look no further! With Buccellato orchestrating the fight card, Duce and Guerrero give readers a show-stopping initiative of excitement. Once the issue concludes, there is no doubt of how huge the stakes are and its’ outcome is one not to miss!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #2. Thanks for reading!

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG #1 (DC COMICS/LEGENDARY COMICS)

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we are checking out an EVENT that is guaranteed to have fans talking at the shops about! Three pop culture entities, one amazing story! In one corner, you have the greatest heroes of the DC COMICS universe: The Justice League. In another corner, you have the “King Of All Monsters”…GODZILLA! Completing the trifecta is the “Eighth Wonder Of The World”…KING KONG!

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG #1 by Brian Buccellato (NO/ONE, MIDLIFE), Christian Duce, Luis Guerrero and Comicraft brings these characters together with a story that needs to be read to be believed! Let’s check out this crossover and see what’s unfolding, shall we?

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG #1 by Brian Buccellato, Christian Duce, Luis Guerrero and Comicraft (Credit: DC COMICS/LEGENDARY COMICS - Cover: Drew Johnson)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins on top of the Daily Planet. A table is set for two with a happy couple seated. Readers see one of comics’ greatest couples enjoying their time alone: Clark Kent and Lois Lane. It’s a normal conversation which leads to Clark dropping to one knee to propose! However, the happy moment has an uninvited guest crash the party. GODZILLA HAS ARRIVED IN METROPOLIS!!!!

Meanwhile at the JLA Watchtower twelve hours prior, another dynamic duo is watching footage of Superman fighting crime. Readers know this pair as Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) and The Flash (Barry Allen). Their commentary shows concern for Superman burning himself out for trying too much. they’re interrupted by Supergirl, who mentions she is filling in for Clark during his “vacation” after proposing. They notice on the screen Clark is flying into battle against Titano. By the time the rest of the Justice League arrives to help, Superman has saved the day.

All the while, readers find out that Titano was just a small part to a bigger scheme hatched by some familiar villains. How things play out will catch readers off guard. The latter portion of the book steers events into a clear direction that will please fans. The closing moments will leave no doubt that this is one story you absolutely can’t afford to miss!

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG #1 by Brian Buccellato, Christian Duce, Luis Guerrero and Comicraft (Credit: DC COMICS/LEGENDARY COMICS - Cover: JIM LEE)

Buccellato sets the stage for a truly memorable event. The introduction to Godzilla in the story establishes how big the moment is. The same can be said when Kong debuts as well. Buccellato gives the Superman sub-plot enough time to connect with readers, providing a welcomed break between all the action. With all the pop-culture titans involved, the pacing moves very smoothly. The villains making their moves behind the scenes is pure superhero storytelling bliss. How all the parties ultimately come together is a prime example of this. For anyone who questioned how this would all work out, those fears were quieted quickly. This is going to be something special within this series.

Duce and Guerrero leave a lasting impression on readers with the Hollywood feel of this initial chapter. The two-page spread introduction of Godzilla has that “big fight feel” that the King of Monsters demands. The conversations involving Superman’s “Big Question” reflects the team’s happiness for their friend via their reactions. The action sequences carry that classic “Saturday morning” vibe that readers have grown up with and love. The latter portion of the book offers a few more grand entrances before departing on a final image that one can’t help but be excited for what’s next.

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG #1 by Brian Buccellato, Christian Duce, Luis Guerrero and Comicraft (Credit: DC COMICS/LEGENDARY COMICS - Cover: DAN MORA)

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

Combining some of Pop Culture’s biggest characters in one book is a challenege onto itself. The creative team of Buccallato, Duce and Guerrero give fans an unforgettable first impression with incredible writing mixed with energetic visuals. There’s no way after reading the first issue readers won’t be counting down the days for the next round at the LCS!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG #1. Thanks for reading!