The Xiliens of Planet X have returned to conquer the earth. Aiding them in their conquest is King Ghidorah, who after his last battle with Godzilla is missing one of his 3 heads. Only now it's replaced with a mechanical version that makes the Kaiju even more deadlier than ever before!
As a week goes by, Godzilla is nowhere to be found. It's left to social media sensation (and Godzilla BFF) Cedric and his pals to find a way to stop the invasion. Thankfully, enemies of the Xiliens have sent some help: the robotic warrior Jet Jaguar who has been programmed to take orders from Cedric to stop King Ghidorah from destroying Japan. But how is an 8-foot tall robot supposed to battle a 3-head behemoth like Mecha-King Ghidorah? Oooooohhh.... that's how!
Featuring Mothra, the Shobijin, a slew of cameos from various Godzilla foes, and JET JAGUAR! (You guys might not know who he is, but man was he a favorite character of mine!) Of course, there's also Gojira himself, Godzilla! This was such a fun read.
This Summer Smash one-shot completes a trilogy of Godzilla stories geared for all ages. Writer Erik Burham and artist Dan Schoening started things off with Godzilla: Monsters and Protectors (collected in graphic novel form as Godzilla: Monsters and Protectors- Rise Up) which introduced readers to Cedric who is tasked by Godzilla to be his eyes and ears against global pollution. While the giant lizard slumbers, he'll see through Cedric's eyes the efforts of the human race in hopes of saving the environment. Godzilla: Monsters and Protectors: All Hail the King introduces the Xiliens who first use various Kaiju, including Ghidorah to overtake the earth. This final one-shot has the residents of Planet X deciding to do things themselves; with a little help obviously.
Though I have not read the first two story lines, I did not feel lost reading this book. Erik Burnham wisely made sure that Cedric got readers new and established up-to-date on what had happened so far. Plus, my knowledge of early Godzilla movies really helped me to know who many of these characters were. And did I tell you Jet Jaguar is in the story? I'm really excited about that and I appreciate how well Dan Schoening did in capturing the characters style and mannerisms. Especially, when he flies!
I had an absolute blast. If you grew up with Godzilla in any of his nearly 70 years worth of incarnations, you too will enjoy this book. Though I really think fans of the original 1950s-84 version of the Godzilla franchise will enjoy this book the most. Yes- some evil aliens blow up parts of Japan. Then a few large monsters battle it out. But really, there wasn't anything more violent or scary than what you might see in a classic Godzilla film. Let's be honest here, those movies really ain't that scary and professional wrestling is more real than the battles in those original films.
A great story to bond with Godzilla loving parents and guardians with the young readers in their life.
Worth Consuming!
Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
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