Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths #5 of 5
IDW Comics
Layman, Ponticelli & Fotos
John Layman's mini-series in the Godzilla universe wraps up with a good twist at the end that will hopefully lead to an eventual sequel. This issue is not the knock 'em down backyard brawl amongst monsters that I was hoping for but it still has plenty of action to make the issue a real page turner. Overall, this was a fun mini-series that brought something more to the table other than just monsters destroying Tokyo.
The gist of the issue is that Sato has a plan to stop Godzilla and friends from destroying Tokyo. With the help from his two sons, Sato manages to get the robot, Mechagodzilla, up and running to deal with Godzilla, Mothra and the others. Sato's plan includes wrestling away the Elias from Takahasi. The theory being that the Elias will help restore balance and the monsters will return to their home.
The issue contains a tremendous amount of action. It's not to say the action is monster on monster but it's more of the variety of Godzilla spotting Mechagodzilla and things blowing up in his path as he gives chase. The comic book excels in this area.
Ponticelli clearly is a detailed artist, but he also seems to have really studied the Godzilla films in order to get every little detail down cold for all of the monsters. You won't find one scale out of place with any of the creatures. Ponticelli also doesn't skimp on any panel with the background details. Whether it's the smoke, fire or the rubble every panel explodes off of the page with incredible accuracy. This literally looks like a Godzilla movie put down on paper. Layman has a good story but I'm not sure it would have nearly the impact without the amazing visuals in the book.
Godzilla is a niche genre. The basics of the book are that monsters destroy stuff, preferable Tokyo. Layman gives his spin with a unique story backed up by tremendous visuals. Overall, I was looking for a little more monster on monster action (I mean I would have settled for one panel of Godzilla biting Rodan) but this issue provides some level of excitement. I liked the character work done in the issue and I think things are set up nicely for another round. Hopefully there is one in the works. I enjoyed the issue and I think any fan of the genre or of monsters or science fiction in general would like this issue and series. I recommend checking this book out.
3.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
