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IDW comics released a one shot collecting 4 comics featuring one of, if not THE, biggest threats to the Alpha Kaiju himself, Godzilla. This compilation showcases what makes Destoroyah a formidable foe for Godzilla and a serious danger to all life on Earth! Each story is full of monster action, and humans trying their best to survive the horrors they bring!
Destoroyah Attacks in Godzilla: Legends #1
- Written by Matt Frank & Jeff Prezenkowski
- Art by Matt Frank
- Colors by Josh Perez
- Letters by Chris Mowry
Godzilla: Legends #1 opens up right in the middle of the action. Destoroyah is in his perfect form and he’s attacking the city. The main characters argue over whether the G-Signaler will be effective at calling a rival Kaiju to stop Destoroyah. There’s hesitation as the character of Dr. Anders has had a traumatic experience with Godzilla and is apprehensive about him possibly showing up.
After things get worse, the device is activated and a Kaiju does show up. Unfortunately it’s the underdog Anguirus, who usually plays the role of punching bag in these types of fights. Anguirus shoots his shot anyway and with help of the humans, Destoroyah is defeated and everything seems great…until Godzilla shows up!
The story is straight forward and a heck of a way to set up a Godzilla story. Starting with one of his greatest foes leaves you wondering just how bad things can get! I really love the underdog fight from Anguiris. There’s plenty of action and a great human element.
The monsters are drawn beautifully. Their faces and body language are so expressive. Destoroyah’s bright, deep red stands out so well amongst the city buildings and the destruction the fight is causing. Anguirus looks menacing and formidable, even if he is smaller.
Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #11 & #12
- Written by Chris Mowry & Matt Frank
- Art by Matt Frank & Mostafa Moussa
- Colors by Priscilla Tramontano
- Letters by Shawn Lee
Again we start right in the middle of an attack, this time in Paris, France by the Kaiju Baragon. It’s soon apparent that this is a test for the 3rd iteration of Mecha-Godzilla. The teams goal is to capture and transport the monster without using deadly force. It’s a success and we learn more about non lethal monster deterrents being developed.
These 2 issues follow a battle between the human race, Godzilla, and an underwater race known as the Devonians. Four Kaiju, including Destoroyah, are sent to the take out Godzilla, leaving the human race open to attack. What ensues is a huge underwater, monster battle royale! As three of the Kaiju subdue Godzilla and lead him deeper underwater, Destoroyah heads to the surface, breaking into his aggregate form and attacks a naval fleet! All seems hopeless until Jet Jaguar shows up to assist, even piloting the Mecha-Godzilla!
Covers Courtesy of IDW Publishing. Cover art by Matt Frank.
These 2 issues were really fun. There was something for fans of every era of Godzilla. The story of the Devonians was an interesting angle, especially with one of them is on the surface providing information to the humans. I was surprised to read a story that went deeper into human social patterns and our effects on the world’s ecosystems.
Matt Frank pulled art duties on these issues as well, so a lot of the same points stand from before. The Kaiju each have their own colors that make it easy to follow the action. The rich, bright colors make for an engaging read, and the monsters look menacing and expressive.
Godzilla: Cataclysm #5
- Written by Cullen Bunn
- Art by Dave Wachter
- Letters by Chris Mowry
In the 4th and final comic in this collection, Destoroyah is in pursuit of a group of humans, carrying the seed of Biollante. Destoroyah breaks into his aggregate form, chasing them down and murdering them one by one. When all seems lost, a grandfather’s prayers to Godzilla are answered as he arrives, ready to take on the evil Destoroyah. Destoroyah recombines into his flying form and seems to have the upper hand until Mothra shows up! Destoroyah is too much even for the team of Godzilla and Mothra. When it seems that nothing can stop the evil Kaiju, the seed of Biollante holds Destoroyah in place, giving Godzilla the opening he needs to finish the fight!
This was far and away my favorite of the 4 comics in this collection. I may be a bit biased though, as I really enjoy Cullen Bunn’s writing, and I’m huge fan of Dave Wachter’s art. Even though this is the final issue in a miniseries, this was a great self contained story.
From the first panels of Destoroyah exiting the sea, it’s massive foot setting down on the beach, the sheer size of the monster is on full display and I already get a sense of fear. Destoroyah’s might is menacing in this issue, and it is overwhelming.
The art and colors establish a bleak feeling of hopelessness. Lots of warm colors, along with blacks and grays give us a sense of despair. The details in the monsters is fantastic. Each scale, spine, horn, and tooth is executed with precision. The shading provides a depth that make the creatures feel real and almost 3 dimensional. The arrival of Mothra provided a great contrast to the bleakness on the story, giving us a moment of bright colors and hope. Every panel of the Kaijus could be a worthy print to hang on your wall!
Everything Points To 8/10
These 4 issues are strong entries in the story of Godzilla and his evil nemesis Destoroyah. I came into this not to sure about the size of the book, worried that it would be hard to get through it. That wasn’t the case at all. I was moving page to page quickly, engaged in the stories and enjoying the art along the way. If you’re a Godzilla fan, this collection is great addition to your collection.
