REVIEW: ‘Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe’ Issue 1

Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Gerry Duggan, with art by Javier Garrón, colors by Jesus Aburtov, and letters by Travis Lanham.

Godzilla suddenly appears in New York City, and even the combined might of The Avengers and the Fantastic Four might be unable to stop him.

Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe Issue 1 marks the beginning of a brand-new and bold story. It’s a spiritual successor to the series of one-shots, but it’s a fresh iteration with no previous attachments. The comic wastes very little time in introducing the King of the Monsters, making him appear right underneath the city and extremely close to the Baxter Building. There is a rapid but gradual increase in response, starting with the Fantastic Four.

There is a cacophonous beginning to Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe Issue 1 that shows that Godzilla isn’t here to be gentle, with the first victim in his rampage being one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe. And from there, the dandy only gets more intense. Each plan seems improbable, but there’s nothing else the heroes can do. It’s a frantic panic to try and save as many lives as possible.

The heroes even reach the point where they attempt to kill Godzilla or commit other unspeakable acts to stop the threat. But that backfires. The first sign of what can happen in Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe Issue 1 is shocking and mysterious, as it takes out some big names very early on.

The selection of characters is fascinating for Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe Issue 1. It’s a selection of the heaviest hitters—the main characters who started the Marvel Age. At first, it’s the Fantastic Four, but the Avengers are stupidly bright into action. These are the most experienced characters, who have seen everything and anything in their time, saving the world. Seeing them so frightened is terrifying. They don’t know what to do. Reed tries to stay out of its way, not wanting to aggravate it anymore.

The powerhouses, such as Scarlet Witch and Thor, are portrayed as weak compared to Godzilla, with their abilities rendered ineffective in Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe Issue 1. The sudden emergence of the giant kaiju means that the heroes are caught off guard, with many of the reinforcements unable to attend immediately. There is a feeling of dread and fear spreading among the teams, but there is also an energetic humour that can lighten the situation when needed.

The art is phenomenal, recognizing the chaos of Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe Issue 1. Godzilla’s might is extreme, making every hero look like ants compared to him. He looks incredible, towering over. This isn’t the goofy creature seen in the earlier one-shots. This is a monster, one that causes destruction with every movement. Every part of him is a devastating weapon, from his limbs to his tail. The spines on his back are enormous, adding to his already massive size. The skyscrapers look so fragile, crumbling in his wake.

The Marvel characters also have fantastic designs. Garrón captures the best and most notable part of each character. The extremity of Reed‘s stretching, the massive muscles of Thor, and other details show the heroes at their best. There’s also an excellent specificity to the characters and their body types. Captain Marvel appears to be much larger than Invisible Woman, showcasing her more muscular physique.

The faces of the heroes are terrific in Godzilla Detroys the Marvel Universe Issue 1 because they show so much. There are some funny expressions when they’re having fun or making quips. But there are also many times when these composed figures look frightened and without answers, horrified by the beast they’re fighting. It creates a feeling of hopelessness and futility.

The colors are magnificent. Godzilla is characterised by his signature dark grey color, which continues from his design in the one-shots. When he uses his atomic breath, the light travels up his back first, creating an eerie glow that Godzilla fans just know means trouble. There’s then an array of colors as so many heroes make themselves known. A mixture of blues, reds, and other shades as the characters with the most colourful costumes appear. The lettering is very clear and easy to read. The SFX for Godzilla’s roars are chilling, denoting his intentions through a selection of growls and screams.

Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe Issue 1 is an incredible escalation. The one-shots saw small groups of heroes, genre stories, and period pieces, often where Godzilla ends up becoming an ally. This issue is entirely different. It’s a modern blockbuster, with all hands on deck and a title that says just what could happen. No one is safe, and everyone can die. It’s loud and dramatic, but it’s not morbid and bleak. Duggan recognizes the incredulous and ridiculous nature of the story, and there is some humour and good-natured fun within these pages alongside the daunting plot.

Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe Issue 1 is available wherever comics are sold.