Andrew Newton reviews Godzilla #1 from IDW Publishing…
Godzilla has been a lot of things over his many years, a metaphor, monster, reluctant hero and occasional punching bag for Mothra. But in IDW’s Godzilla #1, writer Tim Seeley and artist Nikola Čižmešija start a brand-new continuity with ambition and bite. Dubbed the beginning of the “Kai-Sei Era,” this isn’t just another monster-of-the-week book. It’s a big swing at building a fully-fledged Godzilla universe from the ground up.
The story begins in the aftermath of the kaiju awakening and the monsters that were once dormant now part of daily life. Governments have scrambled to respond while cities burn and public perception has shifted from awe and fear to weary acceptance. Enter G-Force, a covert U.S. operation trying to get a grip on the situation. Their latest asset? A young boy who might just hold the key to controlling, or becoming, something very much like Godzilla himself.
The issue doesn’t just focus on Godzilla himself as Tim Seeley smartly introduces Anguirus as the primary threat to G-Force early on. This classic kaiju returns with ferocious energy, providing a formidable adversary that ramps up the stakes. It’s great to see Anguirus back in action, bringing that relentless, spiky Godzilla ally (sometimes) that longtime fans will appreciate while grounding the battle in tangible monster-versus-human tension.
Seeley, known for his knack for blending sharp character work with genre excitement, lays down just enough mystery and world-building to pull you in without overwhelming exposition. There’s a certain grit to the story, this isn’t the sanitised monster fiction of yesteryear. It’s messy, politically complicated and strangely intimate.
Nikola Čižmešija’s art brings it all home. His Godzilla is huge, yes, but there’s also a genius in the creature’s design. His version of the most famous kaiju feels primal, glowing with radioactive menace, but also oddly majestic. Čižmešija draws scale well, giving battles weight and the cities a sense of fragile, lived-in tension.
The artwork is complemented by a colour palette that feels grounded and natural, with moody blues and greys to convey the tense, uneasy atmosphere of a world on edge. The colours support the story’s serious tone without overplaying any dramatic hues, keeping the focus on the characters and the looming threat of the kaiju.
Godzilla #1 delivers monster mayhem, strong storytelling, and a fresh take on a legendary character. It’s a promising start that sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in the Godzilla saga and fans and newcomers alike will surely find plenty to enjoy here.
Rating: 8/10 – Godzilla #1 is a roaring debut with brains, brawn, and a fresh perspective. The Kai-Sei Era is off to a great start.
Andrew Newton
