REVIEW: ‘Godzilla vs. Fantastic Four’ Issue 1

Godzilla vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Ryan North, pencils by John Romita Jr, inks by Scott Hanna, colors by Marcio Menyz, and letters by Travis Lanham.

This is the first of a series of one-shots. The Fantastic Four must try to stop Godzilla from destroying New York, but there may be something even more prominent on the horizon.

Godzilla vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 is a true blockbuster. The crossover happens instantly, throwing the protectors of New York against the world’s most famous Kaiju as it bears down on the city. Even though this story takes place in a superhero comic, it has the destruction of a monster movie. The death of civilians is never actively shown, but the destruction is relentless and unfiltered. Both the Godzilla and Marvel universes are intertwined, seamlessly combining the two.

There are multiple levels to Godzilla vs Fantastic Four Issue 1, rapidly increasing in intensity and level of opponent. At first, it is just the Fantastic Four and Godzilla, with the superheroes trying everything they can to stop the colossal reptile. But gradually, more elements are introduced, and the stakes keep increasing. A relentless pace keeps the pressure on and the giant, scaled foot on the chest of the heroes. With the story being a one-shot, the plot is neatly finished. It’s a satisfying ending that could have been seen coming and is even corny, but that is part of both IPs. The surprise comes from what was hinted at and what is yet to come.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Godzilla vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 is that it’s a period piece. The one-shot is set in the sixties, around the early days of the Fantastic Four’s emergence and existence. North has an excellent understanding of how characters spoke in that time and can replicate that manner brilliantly. Reed Richards and others must explain what’s happening and their powers and tech. And it feels authentic to how they did it in the original comic series. It keeps the reader included and adds context and depth to moments where not everything can be seen directly.

With Godzilla silent, it is up to humans to speculate on what it wants to do and what its intentions are. The time setting is important because it brings a particular character into play, which is the perfect example of why this story had to be set in this exact time setting. As for Godzilla, it may be silent, but the creature has enough personality not to need to speak.

The art in Godzilla vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 uses a stalwart of the industry to bring this crossover to life. Romita Jr. is an absolute legend of the game, starting not long after this story was supposed to be set. His art brings homages and tributes, perfectly understanding how to make Godzilla vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 seem classical. On the face of it, the characters themselves and their powers mimic how they fought back in the 60s and early 70s. The dotted lines represent Invisible Woman’s force field and invisibility. The long lines down Human Torch’s body when he’s aflame. These features show attention to detail and a recognition of what made those older comics so charming.

Even the “Kirby Krackle,” large black dots used to suggest energy, explosion, and cosmic radiation, make an appearance in the sky. Those references have an intruder that was not present in the old storylines. Godzilla looks phenomenal. The design makes it ferocious and wonderfully expressive. The rage bristles off the creature. Godzilla has a massive head and big eyes that show so much. Sometimes, the lines are messy, but that works with the chaos of the situation.

Romita Jr. makes sure Godzilla dwarfs everything around it, making it look almost impossible for the Fantastic Four to fight back. Godzilla vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 does not hold back on the destruction, not embracing Godzilla’s power. The beam is enormous and almost unstoppable when it fires its atomic breath.

The colors are intriguing in Godzilla vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 because many parts are dazzling. The aforementioned atomic breath is dangerously vibrant, glowing a bright blue as it streams across the city and carves through everything it touches. The orange of the Human Torch and the Thing is iconic and rich. But Godzilla’s scales are still dark, like charcoal. This keeps it ominous and natural, instead of lightening up its skin to make it brighter for a comic page. When the spines on its back glow, something terrifyingly awesome is about to happen. The lettering is clear and easy to read.

Godzilla vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 seamlessly combines two legends. It’s not a story with depth and thoughtful conversation, but that’s not what it’s for. It’s a crossover between a giant monster and a team of heroes trying to stop it from destroying their city. There is a twist that is both interesting and elevates the story’s stakes. The period aspect makes the book fascinating from a creative standpoint. The Fantastic Four must be as creative as they ever have been to stop something of this magnitude. Godzilla is not finished getting involved in the affairs of the Marvel superheroes, with another cataclysmic standoff not far away.

Godzilla vs Fantastic Four Issue 1 is available now wherever comics are sold.