Did Godzilla Vs Kong Leave You Wanting More?

Did Godzilla Vs Kong Leave You Wanting More?

By Olivia Clark

If Godzilla vs Kong left you wanting more, I have some comic book reading recommendations for you!

The highly anticipated Godzilla vs. Kong movie has hit theaters and streaming on March 31, 2021. If you are among the many that have already seen it and are further intrigued by these fierce giants, I have some fun supplementary reading for you! If you’re of the ilk that haven’t jumped on the big monster bandwagon yet, maybe give these reading suggestions a try and they just might pique your interest.

Full disclosure – this movie isn’t GREAT. It isn’t winning any academy awards this year, but it does deliver high octane, action packed fun. And that’s what the world seems to want right now – a much needed break from reality. Check your brain at the door. There are numerous gaping plot holes and bad science abound, but not many viewers seem to care! This movie is currently sitting at a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

For my comic book recommendations, I pick two trades that explore both these monsters dealing with a crossover universe.

Kong on the Planet of the Apes (2018) (issues #1-6)
BOOM! Studios – publisher
Ryan Ferrier – writer
Carlos Magno – art

This story takes place months after the original 1960’s Planet of the Apes movie leaves off. Scientists Cornelius and Zira are tapped to tag along in an expedition far beyond the Forbidden Zone after a female Kong washes up ashore. The expedition is led by Dr. Zaius and he is sure the trip to Skull Island will lead to some of the most important answers to apekind. These Kong beings – are they gods or just a genetic anomaly? They eventually find the King himself, seemingly the last of his kind sharing an island with *gasp* humans. Suffice it to say, things do not end peacefully.

Godzilla vs. Kong is decidedly missing the breadth of scientific knowledge that the apes can provide. The dialog in this comic is quippy and intelligent. Kong shows his range of humility amidst the interspecies battle of humans vs. apes. This comic emphasizes human and apekind’s biggest downfall is their penchant for war, whereas Kong only resorts to violence unless absolutely necessary. This is an intriguing tale that may not end how you think. 3 out of 5 stars.

Godzilla in Hell (2016) (issues #1-5)
IDW – publisher
Issue #1
James Stokoe – story & art
Issue #2
Bob Eggleton – story & art
Issue #3
Ulises Farina & Erick Freitas – story
Buster Moody – art
Issue #4
Brandon Seifert – story
Ibrahim Moustafa – art
Issue #5
Dave Wachter – story & art

This series reads like various submissions to an open call writing prompt with the subject, “Write a story about Godzilla going to Hell.” It’s as simple as that, and it just works. This series is all action and little to no dialog. Godzilla is a simple creature – he knows how to do one thing well and that’s fight anything that stands in his way. And that’s exactly what you’ll get here. It’s a fun and entertaining “read” as long as you have the imagination for it. 4 out of 5 stars.

Would you like more comic book recommendations? Or would you like a full review of Godzilla vs. Kong on a future episode of Tapes and Scowls? Let us know! Drop us a line on Twitter @CapesandScowls or @Mad_Dog_Tim. Email us at [email protected].

 

Olivia Clark is a bubbly barista by day and a sleuthing, scowling writer by night. She is knowledgeable in all things coffee and horticulture, with a special interest in comics, TV, film, music, and literary fiction. Contact her on Twitter @swahililove or Email [email protected]