Godzilla Getting Sauced in Kansas City Makes for One of This Year’s Most Delightful Comics (Review)

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Godzilla’s been on a destructive journey across the US this year, and his rampage will conclude in Kansas City. While some might overlook Kansas City, those who know it appreciate its vibrant arts community, unique architecture, and incredible barbecue. The new story, Godzilla vs America: Kansas City, shows the monster experiencing everything the city has to offer. Though he might not be a fan of the barbecue after a tough battle, and some landmarks may not survive, it’s a fun and quirky story that celebrates a truly special, yet often overlooked, American city.

Let me be upfront: I’m from Kansas City and have lived here for many years. Because of that, a lot of the humor in the comic Godzilla vs America: Kansas City feels like inside jokes and visual gags that I personally enjoy. However, you don’t need to be a local to have fun with these stories! The creative teams have done a fantastic job of weaving familiar Kansas City imagery and ideas into exciting adventures, offering something for both those who know the city and those who don’t.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

PROS CONS
Great references to local landmarks, culture Some of the jokes are a little too niche
Celebrates more than just one part of KC

Godzilla and BBQ Sauce Do Not Mix (In a Good Way)

This issue features four stories: “Make a Mark” by Buster Moody and Ludwig Olimbo, “Tornado Watch” by Freddie E. Williams II, Moody, and Andrew Dalhouse, “Local Flavor” from Kyle Strahm and Jake Smith with Valentina Pinto, and “Lost in the Sauce” by Strahm, Baldemar Rivas, and Heather Beckel. The stories fall into two main themes: destruction of Kansas City landmarks and the city’s vibrant food scene, especially barbecue. Like previous issues of Godzilla vs America, each story is filled with local references – you’ll find nods to Planet Comic Con, area sports teams, and the region’s weather. There’s a strong focus on Kansas City’s culture, including its food and arts, with “Local Flavor” specifically highlighting North Kansas City’s Screenland Armour Theater and surrounding businesses.

The real strength of these stories lies in their humor. Bartle Hall – and especially the iconic Pylons of Kansas City – consistently get destroyed. In ‘Make a Mark,’ a group of graffiti artists witness Godzilla demolishing downtown, ironically leaving their artwork untouched. ‘Tornado Watch’ follows alien observers studying Kansas City’s reaction to Godzilla’s arrival from the Missouri River. They discover the city’s frequent tornadoes have unintentionally created a unique monster trap thanks to hidden ley lines, and that Arrowhead and Kaufman Stadiums actually help in the fight.

The book also playfully tackles Kansas City’s famous barbecue sauce, portraying it as a giant monster for Godzilla to battle. This is a funny way to acknowledge the city’s signature product while also showing that Kansas City is more than just its food scene – it’s a place with vibrant small businesses and a strong community. What really makes the book stand out is the creators’ willingness to gently poke fun at their city. From barbecue sauce becoming monstrous creatures to iconic landmarks being destroyed by Godzilla in each story, the book is filled with both heart and humor.

At their heart, these ‘Godzilla vs America’ books are a playful tribute to some of America’s most iconic cities. Each book, including the one about Kansas City, has been uniquely quirky, exciting, and surprisingly touching. My only slight criticism is that a few of the jokes are a bit too inside, and it’s a shame Godzilla didn’t get a chance to try our famous barbecue! But overall, it’s awesome to see Godzilla wreaking havoc in KC. Now, if we could just get him to join the Chiefs…

Godzilla vs America: Godzilla vs Kansas City is on sale now.

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2025-10-29 15:10