Before I begin this review, I want to express that I am a huge die-hard Godzilla fan. I know almost everything about the franchise, from alternate titles to the order of movies. I know what's accurate and what's not accurate. With that in mind, I can give a review from that perspective. So, how does the first issue of Godzilla's proud return fare? Read on.
The first issue plays out like a classic Toho film, with a modern twist. I like how they mention current events and then this giant monster appears out of the blue. Everyone's like "You have to be kidding me!"
I've been reading a few reviews for the comic, most of which say that it's pretty disappointing. Now, I wouldn't say that, but it could have been much better. It's just a little to thin on plot. I mean, it can be summed up in a sentence: "Godzilla appears and levels Tokyo." That's it. Their's no indication of anything awesome happening in the next issue. But it's just the first issue, I'm sure the next one will start having a better plot.
The art I like, it suites the series well so far.
Now, for Godzilla himself. His appearance is similar of that from Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack. It's appears Godzilla will be more of a "monster" in this series. Believe it or not, I like the late Showa era Godzilla best. (Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, Monster Zero, Terror of Mechagodzilla.) I liked him more when he was a hero. I don't mind that he's not a hero in Kingdom of Monsters, I just hope he gets more of a personality later in the series.
I've noticed that in issue two and three, Anguirus and Rodan make their debut. Kind of like how Godzilla Raids Again and Rodan's film came after the first G film. Then in issue four, Mothra makes her debut. Kind of like how Mothra vs. Godzilla would be the next Godzilla film. (Not counting King Kong vs. Godzilla.) Then in issue five, King Ghidorah himself makes his debut. Kind of like how Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster would be the next Godzilla film. Am I seeing a pattern here?
Also, I'm glad that the first page includes which monsters have been licensed for the series. I'm glad that some of my favorites; Gigan, Destoroyah, and Titansosaurus made it. I'm kind of surprised that Battra made it, but all the better. If only Mecha-King Ghidorah made it. (Or maybe he gets included with regular King Ghidorah.)
In closing, this wasn't as great as I was hoping for the King of the Monster's return. It's still a fun, fast-paced comic, it just needed a little more.
I give this issue a 3/5.
