REVIEW: ‘Godzilla: Infinity Roar’ Issue 1

Godzilla Infinity Roar Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Gerry Duggan, art by Javier Garrón and Ig Guara, colors by Jesus Aburtov and letters by Clayton Cowles.

In Godzilla Infinity Roar Issue 1, Godzilla has been banished to the depths of space, but is now working with Knull to obliterate planets. This issue is a direct sequel to Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe. The heroes may have sent the kaijuu off-world, but that just means it’s causing devastation elsewhere. It’s obliterating planets in association with Knull, God of Symbiotes.

In the opening pages of Godzilla Infinity Roar Issue 1, a major world is removed from the universal map entirely, along with its powerful defender. The scale of this series dwarfs that of the first, with the entirety of the cosmos at Duggan’s disposal. The plot bounces across the universe, between multiple teams and entities. There is more than one plan underway to stop Godzilla, all incredibly dangerous for entire galaxies. And there are the first signs of ruthlessness, as prominent figures in the Marvel Universe meet their fate.

The extensive cast that was so present in the earlier edition of the crossover had been expanded further. The Avengers, X-Men and Fantastic Four are still at the core of Godzilla Infinity Roar Issue 1, carrying the scars of Godzilla’s rampage on Earth. The main party includes a jet filled with the most notable Avengers, including Spider-Man, Ant-Man, and Blue Marvel.

But the cosmic characters of the Marvel Universe have also been inadvertently drawn into this conflict by the belief that all their planets and empires are in danger. It’s not just the giant lizard; it’s the army of Symbiotes and the celestial being that have existed since the dawn of time, backing it up, that make the threat even more extreme.

The Guardians of the Galaxy are some of the first to engage, and the Wakandan Empire is among the victims. Not just them, but all of the major empires and races are hinted at or appear in just this first chapter. It’s obvious that the danger is extreme when the most fearsome and noble warriors in the universe have to work together. Duggan effectively weaves fear into their dialogue, with captions that also evoke dread.

The art captures a universe crafted over decades. The heroes that have returned look terrific, as Garrón and Guara present them as the most recognizable and best versions of themselves. And there are so many other figures included in Godzilla Infinity Roar Issue 1.

Godzilla not only towers over everyone else but also looks ferocious and imposing. But the Symbiote also covers its body with writhing tendrils and Knull’s symbol on its chest. It means that even if the kaijuu doesn’t crush the populace, the Symbiotes will rip them apart.

The destruction of worlds is even more jaw-dropping because they are more fragile than Earth, so they actually experience catastrophic carnage. The Wakandans are accompanied by Black Bolt, the Inhuman King, who is known for having the most destructive roar in the Marvel Universe, until now. There’s an example of Godzilla being hurt, with some serious injuries on display. But it will always get back up again. The cartoony art style makes the characters even more panicked and petrified.

The colors add more shades to Godzilla’s look. Aburtov brilliantly included the blue-gray of Godzilla’s skin, with the bright blue atomic breath. But there’s also the solid, oily black of the Symbiotes on and around him, with a red added to make it even more ominous. The rest of the colors in Godzilla Infinity Roar Issue 1 are so vibrant that they maintain the high energy. The lettering is clear and easy to read, with some potential SFX that work hard to demonstrate the immense noise.

Godzilla Infinity Roar Issue 1 takes the fury of the world’s greatest Kaiju much further. In storage, and flanked by a huge alien army, Godzilla can go anywhere. It’s amazingly dramatic and over-the-top. The first series felt like a story taken to extremes, but it pales in comparison to what comes next. It’s noisy, brutal, and relentless, bringing in the big guns in the first issue and making it clear there will be no holding back on either side.

Godzilla Infinity Roar Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.

Rating: 5/5