The second issue of IDW’s Godzilla vs. America series has arrived, and it does not disappoint. Following the first issue “Godzilla vs. Chicago,” this time Big G wreaks havoc in the famed city of Los Angeles in four unique short tales. An unfortunate coincidence surrounding this book was that this issue’s release was announced during the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year. The comic had been in development long before these wildfires, but IDW and Toho made the gracious decision to donate all proceeds from the sales of this comic to the Book Industry Charitable (BINC) Foundation. This charity is dedicated to providing assistance to bookstores and comic shops affected by the fires to help them recover. If you wish to read a cool collection of Godzilla stories and donate to a good cause all in one, you’re in luck!
“Eye in the Sky”
Written and illustrated by Gabriel Hardman; letters by Sandy Tanaka
The anthology begins with a very classic and simple story of Godzilla making a devastating night attack on Los Angeles. It follows Tom and Arya, two newspeople in a helicopter with a perfect vantage point of the mayhem. The art is super crisp, dark, and gritty, and has many great shots depicting the scale and realism of a Godzilla attack. A Final Wars-type design of Godzilla also earns plenty of points. Not a crazy amount of substance, but plenty of enticing spectacle.
“The Big Break”
Written by Jordan Morris; illustrated and lettered by Nicole Goux
Following a very traditional Godzilla tale is a very untraditional one, but charming, nonetheless, and is gleefully Los Angeles-spirited. Nicole Goux’s unique art style and coloring brings this tale to life as the protagonist Kendall is stuck doing Hollywood tours after a struggle to become an actress. Godzilla, thematically, does not play a huge role in the story but is well-translated to the cartoon style. The story also has some clever humor, and any entertainment industry hopeful will enjoy the small exploration into the aspects of trying to make it in L.A.
“How to Use the Los Angeles Metro to Survive a Godzilla Attack”
Written, illustrated, and lettered by Dave Baker
Perhaps one of the most interesting Godzilla comic stories you will ever read, Dave Baker puts out an outstandingly funny tale that pokes fun at L.A. ‘s metro system and general infrastructure. Two guys bumble through a pamphlet to try to figure out how to escape Godzilla, and an informational comedy ensues. The feeling of reading a manual is executed perfectly, even featuring hilarious footnotes. Baker’s art style is super unique, and the tale is filled with fun easter eggs and social commentary that any L.A. resident will relate to.
“Godzil-La”
Story and art by J. Gonzo; additional inks by Scott Hanna; colors by Heather Breckel and J. Gonzo; letters by Nathan Widick
In the final story of the anthology, a vigilante recruits multiple specialists to create a defense to save L.A. from Godzilla’s rampage, despite opposition from the military. A more old school cartoony style helps aid an atmosphere akin to the loveable Showa-era films of the 1970s, and Godzilla certainly looks the part. Fans will rejoice in the story’s reference to one of the most hilariously iconic moments of the Showa-era, as the story lives and breathes in its celebration of L.A.
Overall, Godzilla vs. America: Los Angeles is a really neat pickup. Each story is distinct from the other with different tones and depictions. Most of the stories, except for the 1st one, seem to be focused on aspects of Los Angeles rather than Godzilla, but that is fine and understandable. The stories have a whimsical charm that pay homage to the famed city of Los Angeles and play with Godzilla in more unique styles of storytelling. In a difficult time for L.A., Godzilla vs. America: Los Angeles celebrates a great city with spectacle-driven stories of big G and leaves great excitement for future installments of IDW’s Godzilla vs. America series.
