Here are the stats for Kingdom of Monsters so far: Issue 1: okay, issue 2: excellent, issue 3: okay. Overall, it's been a decent read for a Godzilla fan. Surely the fourth issue breaks this "okay" thing and goes back to being excellent.
Sadly, this is not the case.
The BIG problem with this series now, is that it's focusing in saying how bad America is rather than the monsters. Sure, the films usually have a message, but this series is taking it a bit too far.
Let's begin with an example. We have the stars in a show called "Jerseyfied." (An obvious parody of the infamous MTV show Jersey Shore. Why must New Jersey always look bad in these things?) The issue goes out of its way to make sure we don't like these guys, which is fine.....but every time they're on a panel you're left wondering: "When the heck are the monsters going to show? I didn't pay $3.99 to watch parodies of celebs/stars....I paid to see GIANT MONSTERS destroy each other." I'm only tolerating this cause I'm one of (if not the biggest) Godzilla fans out there.
It's not all in vain however. We finally get some real character development in the form of Steven Woods, a recently returned soldier. This guy is cool, he sees the world how it really is, how our culture is degrading. This is nice and all, but it's just so repetitive. I get the message, bring on the monsters, that's why we're here.
Finally, let's please talk about the monsters. Godzilla is back, and so is Anguirus. We have our first major monster fight between the two, which is fitting because the first ever monster fight in the films were between those too. Sadly, it's pretty short and unsatisfying. Anguirus is pretty much no mach for the big G...and it shows. Besides that, not much else with the monsters....
Of course, almost forgot good ol' Battra. Battra is looking mighty impressive, but he feels a little "empty." Those creepy twin girls have complete control over him, he's lacking his cool character from his debut film....hopefully this will change.
Another thing: WHERE THE HECK IS RODAN? He's getting the shaft, not being seen or mentioned in the issue. He better start appearing and looking awesome, he's THE monster and a real match for the big G. (No offense to Anguirus.)
Let's talk art.....which is pretty much the same. Battra by far looks the best, so much detail.....Godzilla on the other hand is lacking some detail.
The cover to this issue is alright, a bit bland. Oh, the alternate covers with Mothra are nothing but pure lies, she is neither seen nor mentioned at all.
In closing, this is a really disappointing issue. It might be a tiny bit better than the first, but it's still really disappointing. It's sad when the first issue of a mini-series beats all of the ongoing issues combined. (Check out Gangsters and Goliaths if you haven't, a real Godzilla story so far.) The next issue of KOM sees the debut of "The King of Terror:" King Ghidorah. This could save the series, unless they're lying again with the cover. I'm only buying this cause I'm a Godzilla fan....the series better pick up and start producing high-quality stuff.
I give this issue a 4/10.
