Monster Unleashed

When I first heard about this 2017 Marvel crossover, I was pretty excited. The big baddies of Marvel's sci-fi 1950s and 60s like Fin Fang Foom, Goomba and the Creature from the Black Bog were finally gonna rise up against the heroes of the Marvel Universe and reclaim their place as the rightful rulers of earth. It even appeared from some of the earliest artworks that good guys such as Devil Dinosaur were going to rise up against these men in tights. Yet, that wasn't to be the storyline at all.

An invasion by kaiju-like creatures does happen in Monsters Unleashed. However, these behemoths are unlike anything to have ever graced the pages of a Marvel Comic. Planet Earth has been chosen as the newest nest of the Leviathon Queen, a massive crimson egg-laying beast. But before she can settle in, the world must be cleansed of vermin. That means 'bye-bye, pesky humans.' 

The superhuman population assembles on a global scale like never before. Heroes and villains join forces to stop these Leviathons from decimating the planet. That's where the Marvel monsters of the Silver Age of comics step in. They've been biding their time waiting for the chance to conquer our planet and they're not about to let a bunch of extraterrestrial interlopers just swoop in and take the planet from them! 

Monsters Unleashed was unlike any massive crossover event I've ever read from the House of Ideas. For one thing, it was fun. There wasn't any sort of major shock, like the death of Captain America at the end of Civil War. The editors didn't try to add some new character that was going to change the way we looked at people of color or gender or reveal that some beloved established character was now retconned to be furry or something like that. Instead, this storyline was a tribute to the giant monsters of a by-gone era of creativity and thinly veiled fear of the Red Menace of Communism!

The new character that was introduced in this series was a young pre-teen boy named Kei. He has the ability to draw monsters and make them appear and disappear as needed. With this ability, Kei becomes Kid Kaiju (a freakin' awesome 2010s superhero name if I've ever heard one) and perhaps humanity's last hope for salvation against these big nasties.

I really loved how Monsters Unleashed utilized Moon Girl. Having her become a sort of mentor for new hero Kei was a perfect casting choice. Then we have monster-hunter Elsa Bloodstone becoming Kei's bodyguard and mentor in a preview of a Monsters Unleashed regular series that continues from where the 5th issue of the miniseries ends. Even though I've got plans to downsize my collection somewhat, I think I'd be more than happy to collect the follow-up series because just like this crossover event, it was fun. 

Okay. Now it's time to pick apart the story a little. With kaijus appearing all over the globe, both villains and protagonist alike, there's a lot of destruction here. Some notable landmarks become piles of rubble, like the Nevada's Hoover Dam, the imperial palace of Wakanda and Johannesburg's FNB Stadium. I've read Marvel stuff from the past 7 years since this story came out. I've not heard about rebuilding efforts from Monsters Unleashed still being a thing in the Marvel Universe. Is superhero calamity reconstruction company Damage Control that good at quick repairs? Or do the magicians of the Marvel Universe like Doctor Strange cast instance rebuild spells? I think what I'm trying to get at is as much as I enjoyed the scenes of massive destruction, the level seen in this book was just too implausible to me.

Cullen Bunn penned a great story that was a thrill ride a minute. Smartly plotted. Hilarious banter. The art was good. Though a lot of the alien kaiju seemed to have googly eyes that made them look more silly that deadly serious. (Was Hobby Lobby having a sale on them?) I did mourn the death of one of Kid Kaiju's creations. The character is only there for like 5 pages and yet I feel in love with them. Hopefully, they'll make a return! Some great variant covers by Arthur Adams appear in the back and they're not to be missed. 

Another gem unearthed at my nearest Ollie's, Monsters Unleashed is an extremely fun read  despite it's over-the-top level of chaos and destruction.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

In Utero (2024 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

Australian creator Chris Gooch crafts a Kaiju themed graphic novel that is both terrifying and heartwarming.

This 2024 work from Top Shelf Productions begins with an explosion that level of destruction rivals that of an atomic bomb. 20 square miles is wiped out in the blink of an eye. At the time of the disaster, it was believed that a gas leak was behind the carnage.

Jump ahead 12 years. The Australian community has rebuilt over ground zero to some effect. However, the damage from the explosion still lingers over the city. A large shopping mall had to be condemned due to structural and foundational damage. However in an attempt to make a little money, the owner has been secretly renting out a wing of the complex to his son who's turned the spot into a discount daycare facility.

12 year old Hailey has been spending her school holiday at the day camp. As one of the older children, she's given responsibilities to wander the grounds looking for escapees from the center. In her rounds she encounters a mysterious older teen who seems to know all about the history of the mall. Hailey also encounters a pair of boys who've found a bunch of mysterious gooey eggs that react to human speech. These eggs also seem to be merging together into one giant mass...

In Utero was a surprising read. The main villain in this monstrosity that looks like a combined nightmare dreamed up by Lovecraft and Stephen King. Think Re-Animator meets The Langoliers. The government agents that seek to quarantine the mall act like any sort of biological researcher you'd see in a zombie film. Only, thanks to the experience we've all had with the pandemic, their presence makes the story a little bit more realistic and a whole lot terrifying. Add in the mystery of the explosion from a dozen years past and it also feels like 9/11 all over again.

Yet despite the fear factor of this graphic novel, there's an element of joy in the relationship between Hailey and the mysterious teen named Jen. It's completely unexpected considering the level of carnage being raged by the monster that is reforming in the confines of the abandoned mall. Yet, this type of camaraderie is what made this a quick read that I could not put down!

A read that feels like it could or SHOULD be set in the universe of J.J. Abrams' Cloverfield franchise. The year 2024 is only a couple of months old. Yet, this very well could be one of the top graphic novels of the year! It's that good!

Completing this review completes Task #24 (A New Release at Your Local Library) of the 2024 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Godzilla: Monsters and Protectors- Summer Smash #1 (One-Shot) (Family Comic Friday)

School is almost back in session for all. So don't let the Summer break end without visiting the magic island nation of Japan. Fans of Godzilla, King of the Monsters and his allies and his eclectic rogue's gallery will have delight in this summer special from IDW!

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.

Clobberin' Time #1

I am a sucker for team-up comics. I try to collect every such series there is. From the Batman laced adventures of Brave and the Bold to the arachnid antics of Spider-Man in Marvel Team-Up, if it pits a well known hero with a array of partners ranging from A-list to Z, I will collect it. So when I learned of a brand-new team-up series starring the ever-loving blue-eyed Thing, I was thrilled and requested a copy of issue #1 from my favorite LCS. 

Steve Skroce does double-duty as both writer and penciler in this new team-up comic. Issue #1 has Dr. Bruce Banner visiting the Baxter Building for one of his routine gamma ray check-ups conducted by Dr. Reed Richards. While Mr. Fantastic is pre-occupied by some strange readings, Ben Grimm and Banner encounter a strange-looking intruder in the Fantastic Four laboratories. 

Looking like Iron Man and Doctor Doom were fused together by a bolt of lightning, this intruder sends The Thing and Banner to an alternate universe. In this new world, the pair learn that it's due for destruction by a giant kaiju looking creature. Hulking out, Banner and Thing easily subdue the beast. And then friends of the deceased invader decide on revenge...

I was intrigued by the cover of this book from the very beginning. For the first time in my 45-years of life, I saw just what happens if you were to break off one of those golden stones from Ben Grimm's mutated hide. There's blood and muscle under there! I was expecting something gray and oozing like cement. Needless to say, it really got my attention.

The initial cover art showed such an eye for detail, I was reminded immediately of Frank Quietly. I wish I could say that the interior drawings were just as good. But with the exception of the mysterious infiltrator of the Baxter Building, everything else was subpar looking and inconsistent! There's one scene where Grimm's left eye is all bruised up. Yet throughout the rest of the book, Steve Skroce keeps switching that damaged eye from the left to the right and back. I really felt due a No-Prize on catching this flaw!

The story itself is a mess. Skroce peppers the dialogue with rambling thoughts that never go anywhere. There's the whole scene where Thing is stranded on this other world when he gets a text from Johnny Storm that makes zero sense. It doesn't move the plot anywhere and seems totally unnecessary. 

Then we have the preview of next month's issue. It promises a teaming with everyone's favorite mutant, Wolverine. Okay, I'm on board. That Tony Stark/Victor Von Doom character is back again. Good, because I wanted to know just who in the heck he was. But this fella seems to be ripping Ben Grimm apart brick by brick. Each stone that makes up Thing's body looks like a tiny mushroom cloud erupting from Ben Grimm's torso and it made me sick to my stomach...

My favorite comic book store wanted to know if I wanted to complete the series run by the end of this weekend. For ordering purposes. Once I completed this whole thing, I was left just feeling that I really don't like this book. If I come across the collected trade, I might give it a read. The mysterious villain who sent Thing and Hulk across dimensions is intriguing. But I'd have to find it on the shelves of my nearby library as I do not feel like wasting anymore hard earned money on this. 

Not Worth Consuming!

Rating: 3 out of 10 stars.

The Complete Gorgo Readers Collection: Volume 1 & 2

Gorgo was a 1961 British film produced by MGM. The film itself was a European rip-off of Godzilla with offshore atomic testing awakening the prehistoric beast and being worshiped as an ancient deity by a Gaelic seaside town. But the real change to this kaiju was that Gorgo was a baby. You did not want to get on the bad side of mama!

This deluxe volume from Gwandanaland Comics reprints the all of the Gorgo books published by Charlton Comics. First is the adaptation of the film. Then a comic based on the never made proposed sequel. Those two books was enough to warrant a 23-issue series based on further exploits of Gorgo and his kin. Then there was 2 one-shots that sought to revitalize the adventures of Gorgo, but to little avail. 

The main series that ran from 1961-65 was a product of it's time. As with all giant monster franchises, the threat of nuclear destruction is ever looming. But what's even more interesting about Gorgo is how he was such a vital cog in the war against Communism. 

One issue ties the events of the Cuba Missile Crisis to the classified inclusion of a very po'd Gorgo. Several other issues has Gorgo and his mom running afoul of hidden commie bases and wrecking the plans of global domination from Communist China. But when it comes to the good guys, Gorgo is there to help; almost like a giant reptile version of Lassie. 

This book has one big superstar tied-in. The legendary Steve Ditko (Doctor Strange) pencils the first 5 issues and then returns from time-to-time. I just wish that the storytelling and editing was given as much care as Ditko gave the art.

There are dozens upon dozens typos through this book. Apparently spellcheck was something never explored by the editors at Charlton Comics. Yeah, yeah. I know I am one to talk. But then again, I'm not a professional either.

I loved this book. It was as massive as Gorgo himself. Full of awesomely wild stories about a classic but forgotten movie monster.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Kaijumax Season Two

Xander Cannon did it again! He crafts this tale of no hold's barred crime and punishment. Full of sinners and very little saints. Cannon illustrates a world in which characters who despite winning my heart wind up as worm food or worse! All the while, the giant monster/prisoner drama breaks my heart and makes me terribly uncomfortable. And yet when the ride is all over- I'm ready for more!

That's how it is with the second season of Kaijumax! An escaped prisoner (about 40 stories tall) defies the odds in order to reunite with his children! A rookie cop (about 40 stories tall) learns what it means to lose a partner and how to break in a new one! A prodigal son (also about 40 stories tall) must make amends with the passing of the estranged father!

While Season Two does carry over several story lines from the previous series, there's all sorts of new characters and angles that are added to the mix. Secrets are revealed. Debts are paid. And yet with everything going on, I would have to say most of the characters, as well as 90% of the island of kaiju prisoners from Season One are largely forgotten. 

Xander Cannon does promise at the end of this book that Season Three will bring it's focus back to the prison. I'm so looking forward to that. Unfortunately, I'm not sure when I will be able to make another visiting day at Kaijumax anytime soon. The pandemic has limited my resources. My library, which has volumes 3-5, is on delivery only and there's a 2-3 week waiting period for check-outs. But man, am I itching for another hit of this comic series that is a cross from HBO's Oz and the Godzilla films!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Kaijumax: Season One TPB

A combination of Godzilla movies and the HBO drama OZ. Imagine there is a island in which after a kaiju destroys a major city, it's captured and sent to a maximum security island for rehabilitation. 

This twist on the prison drama has a lot of the usual cliches. There's the inmates who've found religion. The slimy prison guard whose running a side racket inside the penitentiary. The crime capo whose running things behind bars. There's the newbie whose considered fresh meat. And there are those acts of unspeakable depravity and gall. 

While the cliches are there in this book, because of the sci-fi nature of the characters, there's some twists to this book as well. So while I feel like I've seen this before, Kaijumax is unlike anything I've ever seen or read, before!

While parts of this book made me quite uncomfortable, I was in awe of this book. Zander Cannon's (Star Trek: The Next Generation) labor of love was something that I couldn't look at yet couldn't put down at the same time. I liken the feeling to a driver who passes by a car accident- He does want to look at the carnage, but he can't stop looking in the wreck's direction either. 

I really want to read season 2!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Where Monsters Dwell #5

    The bargain bin- it's where I find lots of great little gems and this one was no exception. It's like mining for gold at those little tourist traps in the mountains. The stuff you find might be unique and maybe even a little rare but it's so flawed that there's very little value to it unless you polish it up. In my case, that would mean having it graded. But I don't care, I was extremely happy to find this monster book from 1970 even if the cover is almost about to fall off.
    This issue has 4 stories. The first is the cover story involving a giant mud monster who has returned to turn earth with plans of turning our planet into it's private global kingdom. By Jack Kirby along with Dick Ayers, this is one of the last Kirby stories before the King left for DC. An interesting read with touches of the King's mastery and a bit of an ending ripped from the Classic Trek episode "Charlie X.'
     The next story by the legendary Steve Ditko, involves an American sailor enthralled by the ship of an Asian warlord. The sailor goes as far as to shanghai the crime lord to commit piracy but it turns out that the criminal leader also has magical powers. This story had an ending that I figured out pretty quick but it was still an entertaining read.
    Then a country bumpkin helps a trio of aliens repair their ship in return for a special treasure. But when the earthling discovers that the visitors are planning to return with an invasion fleet, the man promises to make things right. It was okay but clearly the weakest story of the bunch.
     Lastly, a man wanting to buy a haunted house is encouraged by the realtor to spend a night in there. It's a classic version of an old ghost story but with a great twist. 
    I think the biggest surprise to me about this book was it's age. I really thought Where Monsters Dwell was a Marvel book from the early 60s- like pre-Fantastic Four early. I had no idea that it ran in the 70s. But man, was I glad I found this- it was worth early penny of the dollar I spent on it and then some. What a great way to start my Halloween haunted reading for the 2016 season!!!
   
   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
 

Fantastic Four / Iron Man: Big in Japan #4

 

In the final issue, the FF and Iron Man find themselves not only betrayed, but also having to team with Mole Man in order to save the world. You might actually feel a little sorry for the pint-sized megolmaniac when all is said and done.

The art continues to dazzle but is also very strange. It’s like the whole gambit of Manga styles rolled into one. I’m usually not a  fan of Manga, but this series works. Plus, I liked the idea of having an Iron Man masks with an open and close jaw. It’s freaky cool.

Great stuff. Not everyone’s cup of tea. But, just bizarre enough for me to love!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Fantastic Four / Iron Man: Big in Japan #3

 

The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and a curator from the Japanese Kaiju museum follow a lead to the Artic or is it Antarctica? Either way, where they’re going is freezing cold. Once at their location, the heroes find the culprit being the recent giant monster attacks and this Kaiju makes the other guys look like ants.

If you have a problem with eyeballs, this issue might not be for you. But, with it’s daft cartoonish style and wicked designs pulled from the demented minds of Mike Allred and Lovecraft, and clever easter eggs, then you’ll really enjoy this series.

There is a brilliant cliff hanger that introduces a new player to the game whom I didn’t see coming and I really should have. It makes perfect sense, especially based on the theories about the early exploits of the Fantastic Four in issue #1. Hope I didn’t give away too much of a spoiler. 

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Fantastic Four/ Iron Man: Big in Japan #2

As a slew of giant monsters return to destroy Tokyo, the combined forces of the Fantastic Four and Iron Man attempt to find a way to repel the Kaiju and save the city. Here, Iron Man’s role bumps up just a notch, with his turbo boosters and laser beams turning him into a smart weapon. It's also an efficient way to the travel when fighting creatures that are 30-stories high.

The art continues to be borderline Simpsons/ Manga. I don’t know whether to love it or hate it. Thankfully, the story is so bizarre and so excellently done, I often can overlook my disapproval of the artwork.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

FANTASTIC FOUR/ IRON MAN BIG IN JAPAN #1

The Fantastic Four and Tony Stark are asked to help open a museum in Japan dedicated to the island nation's rich history of battling giant monsters. Only this museum seems to be conducting some questionable genetic research on the side and that may be the reason a batch of giant monsters once again have Tokyo in their crosshairs.

This is a really strange book. The characters look like Matt Groening drew them. Mutliple Manga art techniques are used throughout the book as well. The writing is really well done what with its unique theories about the Giant Monster or Kaiju genre, such as why the FF no longer battle gigantic monsters as in their early days and why don’t you see Godzilla destroying Tokyo that much anymore. 

Clearly this is a love letter from two Marvel artists to the Kaiju cinema and culture of Japan. Why Iron Man is involved in it is unclear. He’s more of a background character at this point with very little to do but flirt with Japanese girls. Young, school-aged Japanese girls. Ick!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.