Godzilla vs Hulk #1 Is a Rollicking Good Time (Review)

In recent times, Godzilla has been growing in size and popularity, not just in Japan but also in America. Toho is investing significantly in the iconic monster. The last ten years have seen two outstanding Godzilla films – Shin Godzilla and Godzilla Minus One. These movies may have taken different approaches, but they all use the monster to reflect Japan’s history and culture. DC has already had a successful run with its Godzilla series, which is set for a sequel, and now it’s Marvel’s turn to deliver some Godzilla excitement. Marvel has a rich history with Godzilla, making a grand crossover featuring the kaiju an ideal choice. The publisher has chosen Hulk as the hero to face off against Godzilla in Godzilla Vs. Hulk #1, which harks back to Marvel’s old Godzilla comics and offers readers an enjoyable yet somewhat shallow reading experience.

Gerry Duggan effectively evokes nostalgia for classic Marvel Godzilla comics through his writing, particularly with the captions that embody the Bronze Age Marvel style. While Duggan is skilled at delivering straightforward superhero narratives, as demonstrated in this series, deep and thought-provoking themes are not his strong suit – his work on X-Men being a fun read but lacking depth. Therefore, readers seeking complex or intellectually stimulating content from Godzilla Vs. Hulk #1 may be disappointed since Duggan excels more in creativity than intricacy.

In the first issue of Marvel Universe’s Godzilla vs. Hulk, we don’t get the usual clash between these titans. Instead, we find ourselves in a Marvel world where monstrous creatures known as kaijus engage in battles with the Thunderbolts, a military team led by Thunderbolt Ross and Doctor Demonicus, an antagonist from Marvel’s Godzilla comics. The issue subtly references the universe through Easter Eggs – Tony Stark is hinted to have created Mechagodzilla but met his end, Rick Jones was mistakenly believed to be the Hulk instead of Banner and was killed by the government. Characters like Doc Samson and the Leader, known to Hulk fans, also make an appearance. The issue offers impressive kaiju fights featuring Mothra, Hedorah, Kumonga, and Hulk’s thrilling debut. However, the rest of the issue, where the monsters team up against Ross, is unexceptional. The story ends on a cliffhanger, leaving us wondering what’s to come next. Overall, it’s a standard offering from Duggan in terms of Marvel work.

As a passionate comic book enthusiast, I must express my admiration for the exceptional work done by artist Guiseppe Camuncoli on this issue. His pencil strokes are the standout feature of this comic, particularly when it comes to Godzilla stories where giant monster action is crucial. Camuncoli doesn’t disappoint, offering stunning depictions of Godzilla, Hedorah, Mothra, Kumonga, and Mechagodzilla, along with exhilarating battle sequences.

Rendering the Godzilla fights in a two-dimensional medium can be challenging, but Camuncoli manages to infuse the book with the necessary kinetic energy that truly brings the fight scenes to life. It’s an incredible visual experience that any Godzilla fan would appreciate.

Similarly to Duggan, Camuncoli skillfully infuses the book with a nostalgic vibe. The narrative is deeply rooted in reminding readers about the rich history of Marvel and Godzilla, and the artwork enhances this experience. Camuncoli avoids employing unconventional panel layouts or contemporary comic book elements, instead opting for a more vintage style. Federico Blee’s colors exude an old-school charm, while Daniele Orlandini’s inks maintain that nostalgic feel with the right balance of detail and contrast. Camuncoli’s depiction of Godzilla blends design aspects from the Showa and Heisei eras, portraying Godzilla not as a malevolent monster but a somewhat heroic figure from those periods. His Godzilla is impressive, and even more so when Godzilla gains gamma power.

In a fresh take, let me rephrase your text: The top-notch Godzilla tales often serve as metaphors for humanity. Films like Shin Godzilla and Godzilla Minus One delve deeply into the Godzilla universe, whereas the 2010s and 2020s American Godzilla films have primarily focused on mass appeal. The comic book series Godzilla Vs. Hulk #1 leans more towards entertainment for the masses. Duggan wouldn’t have crafted a story in the vein of Shin or Minus One, as that’s not his style of superhero comic book writing, but he does offer readers an enjoyable kaiju adventure, reminiscent of Marvel and Godzilla’s golden age. The art by Camuncoli, Orlandini, and Blee is the highlight of the book, maintaining the classic feel while beautifully illustrating the monsters. There are intriguing elements of world-building scattered throughout the issue, yet they don’t outshine the main event. In summary, this comic is average, but that’s alright. Not every story needs to be groundbreaking and profound, and fans of Godzilla will undoubtedly appreciate this book.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Published by Marvel

Released on April 16, 2025

Written by Gerry Duggan

Art by Guiseppe Camuncoli

Inked by Daniele Orlandini

Color Art by Federico Blee

Letters by Ariana Maher

2025-04-16 18:22

Godzilla vs Hulk #1 Is a Rollicking Good Time (Review)

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