Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Godzilla Legends #1
IDW Comics
Frank and Prezenkowski
The first of a series of one-shots tied up as a mini-series that focuses on the various characters in the Godzilla universe. This one is about the ultimate loser: Anguirus. If you watched the TV show from some forty years ago you may recall the creature that walked on all fours and was covered in spikes, much like a dinosaur. This creature, Anguirus, always seemed to lose whatever battle it was in. Well, he (she?) is the focus of the first one-shot, called "The Underdog" and its fantastic. This issue is one of the best one-shots I have read all year.
Essentially, another monster, Destoroyah, is attacking a city. Three people, a Doctor, a Major and a Colonel are trying to figure out what to do about the monster. The Doctor had been working on a device that would allow it to call Godzilla. The theory being that if they called Godzilla that the two monsters would fight and leave the humans alone I guess. However, the Doctor hadn't completed the device so instead when he uses it they get Anguirus.
Anguirus and Destoroyah battle it out while the Doctor gives the background of the characters. Eventually the story gets resolved much like the monster movies from all those years ago did.
The story is very good. It's got a good plot, good characters, some twists and plenty of action. I'm not sure how many of these stories could be entertaining but this one certainly is from cover to cover.
The artwork is very good. I definitely loved the fighting sequences and I felt the action, particularly that of the very mobile Anguirus, was very clear and fluid. The book provided an excellent set of visuals for the strong story.
Godzilla is a niche kind of story. I'm not sure how many would find a story about the loser of the Godzilla universe to be appealing but I thought it was great. This is a perfect example of what a comic book can achieve in a single, confined story. This is worth taking a look at.
4 out of 5 geek goggles
