Andrew Newton reviews Godzilla vs. America: Los Angeles #1…
The King of the Monsters stomps his way through USA’s West Coast in Godzilla vs. Los Angeles, the latest entry in IDW’s Godzilla Rivals – Godzilla vs. America series. This special anthology issue brings together four wildly different stories that are all united by the chaos of a kaiju attack on Los Angeles and does so with style, humour and humanity.
First up is Eye in the Sky by Gabriel Hardman, a taut and grounded piece that follows two news reporters circling above the destruction in a helicopter. Hardman’s gritty art pairs perfectly with the journalistic urgency of the story, capturing the chaos from a unique perspective in a way that’s both thrilling and visually breathtaking.
In The Big Break by Jordan Morris, a theme park tour guide sees Godzilla’s attack as her golden ticket to Hollywood stardom. It’s a satirical twist on the classic “dreamer in L.A.” trope, complete with sharp dialogue and a wink at the city’s obsession with spectacle and often tackiness.
How to Use the L.A. Metro to Survive a Godzilla Attack by Dave Baker takes a detour from the usual monster mayhem and heads underground, literally. Two locals attempt to escape the city’s destruction via public transit, but the focus quickly shifts to a tongue-in-cheek take on L.A.’s notoriously poor Metro system. It’s part survival guide, part civic comedy, and while Godzilla might be tearing up the streets above, the real monster might just be the transit planners.
Finally, Godzil-LA by J. Gonzo offers a more classic kaiju showdown, as everyday citizens band together with the military to unveil a last-hope weapon against the monster. The vibrant, stylised art and community-focused storytelling give this one a strong sense of spirit and unity, wrapping up the issue on a hopeful, if still smouldering note.
Each story features a distinct art style and tone, making it easy to jump between stories without losing your place, even if you open up the issue at random. The variety is part of the fun, and none of the stories overstay their welcome.
What makes Godzilla vs. Los Angeles have even more impact is its real-world mission. IDW is donating all proceeds from this issue to the Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation, supporting independent bookstores and comic shops affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. It’s a meaningful gesture, and a reminder that while Godzilla may be fiction, the recovery after disaster is very real.
Whether you’re interested in monster mayhem, satire, or even a surprising civic lesson, Godzilla vs. L.A. delivers. It’s a fun, fast-paced read with real heart, and it helps a good cause, too.
Rating – Godzilla vs. Los Angeles is solid enough to withstand a kaiju attack and earns an 8/10.
Andrew Newton
