Review by Frank Plowright

It might be Godzilla’s title, but Duane Swierczynski gives an early indication of where things are heading by having a giant spider, Kumonga to the initiated, invade a Mexican gangster’s wedding, followed by appearances of other massive monsters around the world. It’s the beginning of an ambitious tale spanning three volumes, or just one if you pick it up as the third Godzilla Library Collection or as History’s Greatest Monster.

Present in all of them is Boxer, the hardest of hard men, ex British Special Forces and when introduced acting as the bodyguard for the teenage daughter of a billionaire. That first chapter is a thrill ride showing what the best of specialists improvises when Godzilla comes to town and starts butting up against reinforced skyscrapers. He knows of Godzilla and other monsters, and also knows of a bunch of specialists, the best of the best, so perhaps it’s time to put an end to the threat of monsters.

Yes, it’s an insanely ambitious idea on Boxer’s part, but Swierczynski sells his confidence that Boxer’s team can get things done. He’ll also sell Boxer’s convincing UK origins, the dialogue not the Dick Van Dyke impersonations British readers are used to reading from American writers. It’s a welcome change.

Also new is the textured cartooning Simon Gane brings to Godzilla, a major step away from the usual ‘realistic’ depictions, yet the opening chapter’s pacing is so well judged anyone hung up on previous styles will soon be a fan. Gane’s also a lover of detail from Boxer’s perma-stubble through military hardware and the surroundings to the finer points of the monsters themselves. And wait until you see his big gun. Tank Girl would blush.

For all the action elements, Swierczynski doesn’t short change on surprises. As much of the thrills occur in Scotland perhaps they’re best summed up by Robert Burns’ phrase about how the best laid plans of mice and men oft go awry.

The only disappointment is going to be that Boxer and his crew are working their way up the danger ladder, so while Gane draws a great spread of Godzilla on the rampage, he’s barely seen otherwise. Onwards to Volume 2.