Godzilla Rivals: Vs Mothra #1
- WRITER
- Mary Kenney
- Artist
- SL Gallant, Maria Keane
- Letterer
- Nathan Widick
- Cover Artist
- E.J. Su
- Publisher
- IDW Publishing
- Price
- 7.99
- Release Date
- 2021-09-15
- Colorist
- Adam Guzowski
Since his debut in 1954, Godzilla's popularity has skyrocketed and created a pantheon of diverse kaiju. Recently, IDW published the debut issue of its Godzilla Rivals series, a quarterly anthology of one-shot stories spearheaded by a different creative team. In each issue of Godzilla Rivals, Godzilla battles a monster from his roster of adversaries. The second issue of the anthology sees the titular character taking on Mothra, an imago moth kaiju, who is often known for her benevolent nature in contrast to Godzilla’s violent temperament. Written by Mary Kenney with pencils from SL Gallant, inks by Maria Keane, and colors by Adam Guzowski, the epic rivalry spills on to this one-shot comic book making a huge splash.
Godzilla Rivals: Vs Mothra #1 opens with a war room meeting between officers of the Kanoya Air Base. They discuss several matters, including the mysterious sighting of a glowing object under Lake Ikeda while a reporter observes the interchange. The reporter is revealed to be a photojournalist named Mima Kinjo, who is doing a puff piece on the JSDF. But as she continues narrating her life, it becomes evident that her actual goal is to free Mothra, kept prisoner under Lake Ikeda. As Godzilla approaches the coast of Japan, Kinjo tries to free Mothra one last time.
Mary Kinney (My Little Pony, Read Only Memories) is the first woman to write a Godzilla comic book. Kinney's story follows photojournalist Mima Kinjo and places the readers in her shoes as she makes a last-ditch effort to help Mothra. Kinney fleshes out Kinjo's backstory well and depicts her motivations, creating an unlikely protagonist. Her verbal exchanges with the Admiral bring an interesting depth to the story as each of them represents a side of humanity.
Artist SL Gallant, who has illustrated nearly 100 issues for IDW's G.I. Joe, teams up with inker Maria Keane to create a detailed world and retro look at post-occupation Japan. The artwork truly shines in the latter part of the story when the beautifully designed Godzilla and Mothra clash, exchanging fatal blows. Colorist Adam Guzowski's impressive use of colors leaves an everlasting impact on readers. From splash pages of a glowing lake in the dark to dynamic layouts of an all-out Kaiju attack, Guzowski's bright palette gives the issue an old-timey vibe.
Godzilla Rivals: Vs Mothra #1 is a well-rounded tale about human perseverance in the face of adversity and certain death. Even though the one-shot is not groundbreaking in terms of storytelling, and the plot bears similarity with other Godzilla media, it is nevertheless intriguing and entertaining. Another milestone for this issue is being the first Godzilla comic book from IDW Publishing to use the '84 design for the king of monsters. Godzilla Rivals: Vs Mothra ends with an epic battle that will please diehard kaiju fans and casual readers as well.