Godzilla Vs America: Boston #1: Bostonians may have started America in the 1700s and defeated the King of England, but, can they withstand the King of Monsters? Godzilla’s epic tour through the United States begins in the land of many Dunkin’ Donuts. How many will be left when all is said and done?
Creative Team:
Steve Orlando (writer), Jesse Lonergan (writer, Illustrator, and letterer), Hannah Cha (writer and illustrator), and Hayden Sherman (writer and illustrator). Patricio Delpeche (colorist) and Brian Kolek (letters)
This is an interview by Matt of the weekly pop-culture podcast Hops Geek News! I grew up 20 minutes outside of the city of Boston and used to ride my bike or catch the T to Boston often and the city of Boston as well as Godzilla have a special place in my heart. So when this issue was announced it immediately jumped to the top of my reading list and is the best way to kick off this run.
*WICKED SPOILERS AHEAD*
The Review:
This issue is a blend of four mini stories all seamlessly transitioning from one to the other in a love letter to not only Godzilla but also the city of Boston. Godzilla is a tenacious monster who has found his way to the shores of the city and he has often been referred as many things but, a whale as Steve puts it may be a new one for me. Hayden, Hannah, Steve, and Jesse all pay homage to the giant creature through time. However, more importantly within their stories there is a tale of the people that reside within the city limits as well. Bostonians are known to be rambunctious and never backing down but, also a sense of community. We see this beautifully as they stand tall in the waters against the creature, always with an iced coffee in hand (which is a stereotype that rings all too true for me), began the disgusting thought of running 26.2 miles (marathon Monday has a different meaning for non-runners,) or how it has a combined wicked amount of sports titles compared to LA’s zero lakes all capped off by Brian’s lettering giving beauty to the monster sized stories.
A Path of Destruction
The artwork by Matt, Steve, Hayden, Hannah, and Jesse is vastly different from one another. We see the rugged sea battles, a child-like wonder with Mothra, and a more modern take on the Green Line (surprised it wasn’t late!) The battles over the city loom large with Godzilla breathing his powerful breath upon the city and battling a giant blue lobster. What’s more impressive are the details they made sure to capture as the city falls victim to needing immense repair. The North Church and Prudential are two of the most iconic buildings captured well in the artwork, and there is fine detailed line work in Godzilla’s scaly body and claws. This is an epic way to kick off the Godzilla Vs series giving readers a visual masterpiece.
Final Thoughts:
Godzilla and Boston are two entities that are steeped in history and full of lore. This kick off issue pays homage to the power of both respectfully whether in Godzilla’s god-like power or its citizens ability to be resilient. Godzilla vs. Boston is an epic way to kick off the Godzilla vs series and will have readers excited for this country-wide tour!
Overall Grade: 10/10 Iced Coffees
