SPOILER: The New Cast of ‘Godzilla: Escape the Deadzone’ Revealed in Interview

The inaugural issue of Godzilla: Escape the Deadzone, the second book in IDW Publishing’s new “Kai-Sei Era” of Godzilla comics, dropped this week to great reviews and intrigue by both comic enthusiasts and kaiju fanatics alike. Boasting a more mature tone, vast post-apocalyptic scenery, and a shocking reveal at the end, readers were left with several questions as to where the story would go next. Thankfully, in an exclusive interview with Godzilla.com, the team behind the new Deadzone book have come with answers… and a spoiler-filled reveal at the new characters that will be joining our lone Wanderer in his journey across the wastelands.

As we discover in the previews for both Issue 2 (releasing September 17th) and Issue 3 (releasing October 15), our central protagonist, The Wanderer, helps protect two powerful children from the horrors of the wasteland and some of the more devious organizations that have sprung up. Their names are Runt and Glasseater, half human, half kaiju mutants with the power to control Kaiju with just a single touch, almost like a body horror, organic, Pacific Rim-esque meld of flesh and mind.

In Issue 2, we learn that the two children were born and raised within this Deadzone, learning to survive and thrive on their own with their unique abilities. Currently, they are held captive by a sinister cult, the Church of Godzilla, who according to Godzilla.com, is “an organization that worships Godzilla for creating their world and is hellbent on luring the King of the Monsters back to harness its power.” When The Wanderer stumbles upon these children, he makes it his mission to save them… but perhaps, he just may be the one in need of saving this time. After all, it appears he doesn’t share their unique ability of Kaiju control, and that may come in handy out in the Deadzone…

IDW’s Godzilla Editor Jake Williams elaborated further on his enthusiasm for the new characters, telling Godzilla.com:

“Runt and Glasseater are vile, disgusting, little gremlin freaks who also happen to be the two most charming characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. From their first introduction, Griffin and Ethan have had such a complete understanding of these characters that have made them feel so fully realized from jump… and then Pablo Tunica seems to have generated some literal magic to craft two of the most perfect character designs the world has ever seen and move them across the page in a way that makes you feel like you’re in the room with them. I could read about these two for a hundred issues–and I hope I get a chance to.”

Additionally, the writers of Escape the Deadzone, Ethan Parker and Griffin Sheridan, commented on the new additions to the cast, with Ethan Parker confirming that the two children were some of the first ideas that were pitched for their vision of the Kai-Sei Era.

“The kids were actually the first idea Griffin and I pitched to Jake for our contribution to this universe, and we couldn’t be more excited that they made it into the book. We frequently talk about how we could write this trio and their bizarre dynamic for the rest of our lives, and we hope the readers love them as much as we do. If not, I fear Glasseater will pursue righteous vengeance.”

Sheridan also reflected on some of the characters’ influences from other media such as Peanuts and Attack on Titan, stating:

“We wanted to really blow the doors open on what could be found in the Deadzone, on what could happen in a Godzilla story. And so Runt and Glasseater were created. They exist somewhere along the bizarre spectrum between Peanuts and Attack on Titan. If readers, much like The Wanderer, thought they knew what this world was, how this story goes, they were mistaken. The Twins are forces of nature and they will totally reshape this world. For better or for worse? We’ll have to find out…”

Lastly, the series’ artist, Pablo Tunica, gave insight on how fun it was to illustrate such dynamic, gross, and yet, energetic characters, especially through their childlike personalities contrasting with such graphic and horrific body horror.

“Runt is magnificent with his strange shyness and false erudition. Always very polite and kind. But Glasseater, well, she’s something else. She moves like a waltz through the panels and plays with everything she finds: trees, weapons, flowers. She doesn’t seem to mind. Her adorable wickedness definitely steals the book. The best thing that happened to me while drawing this story was getting them to move. The children lie on the floor and stand on their heads, everything is important for them but everything is part of a game. I enjoy it so much.”

Godzilla: Escape the Deadzone #1 is now available anywhere you find comics, with Issue 2 set for release on September 17. For more on all things Kai-Sei Era, keep a close eye on Kaiju United, as we’re entering an unprecedented time for Godzilla comics.