Comics

Review: “Godzilla: Cataclysm” #1

Zac Thompson · August 13, 2014

A gripping apocalyptic thriller, “Godzilla: Cataclysm” #1 delivers an epic adventure into the post-nuclear wasteland. There’s nothing more exciting than seeing two monster clobber at each other senseless. It’s an awesome sight to see Godzilla return to his own stomping grounds to unleash Hell itself.

WRITTEN BY: Cullen Bunn

ART BY: Dave Wachter

PUBLISHER: IDW Publishing

PRICE: $3.99

RELEASE: August 13, 2014

Reviewed by Jorge Solis

At the end of the world, the people thought the monsters were unbeatable titans. When the smoke cleared and the dust settled, there were no more monsters left; as if they had suddenly disappeared. As the years have passed, only the old remember the fire-breathing creature known as Godzilla. The young ones think the extraordinary behemoth is just a myth, a scary tale to tell at night. What happens when the ancient evil decides to return?

Writer Cullen Bunn presents a bleak future where tall buildings have crumbled and bridges have sunk into the barren ocean. Society is trying to move on from the wreckage but a few still cling to the past. It’s old school vs. new school as both generations refuse to learn anything from the lessons of the past. Though this is a grim scenario, the younger survivors believe they can find hope in the vast wasteland.

I really liked how Bunn doesn’t aim at cheesiness and takes the notion of Godzilla seriously. This is a creature who has just ruined the lives of everyone. His atrocities have been downplayed as the years went by. The fire-breathing creature lives on in the faded memory of an old fool. Bunn plays around with myth and legends through three family members who view their surroundings differently.

Artist Dave Wachter lets loose his imagination and illustrates these epic-sized panels. In wide shots, we see jet planes flying in the air, firing missiles into the air. Surrounded by flames and smoke, Godzilla is caught in the middle of a monster-extravaganza. The monster mash is captured in bright red tones and only changes when Godzilla opens his mouth, spreading fire across.

Wachter puts in a tremendous amount of detail into the character designs of the monsters. Each terrifying creature has their own look and method of attack. There’s a great opportunity here to bring in the fan-favorites movie, while making some new original ones too.

“Godzilla: Cataclysm” #1 delivers tons of action and monsters packed into its first installment. When you see Godzilla show up, you’re definitely going to roar like in his movies.