Comments on: Essential Godzilla

By: A. C. Cronvich

A. C. Cronvich — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:58:46 +0000

The bad points first: Black and white printed on cheap news print. But that is how they pobably make this so affordable. But hey man, This is the seventies, should definately be in color.
Good points: At least this volume allowed me to read the issues ive not been able to fingd in comics shops.
Fans who dont like the way Godzilla looks here: Godzillas design for this comic was modeled on the Aurora model kit, which was in turn modeled on the Godzilla suit from KING KONG vs Godzillla. That particular suit was probably the most dinosaur like (especially the head )version seen in the films and is distictly different from the way he appeard in all the other films. So its somewhat diferent from what many fans are used to. The model kit they used to make the drawings from was probably painted green with red eyes. In some of the comic book art
there is an attempt to create a forced perspective to exagerate G’s size. But it doesnt work and he just ends up looking weird.
The Godzilla cartoon from around the same time used the same Aurora design, but they had painted the eys the right way. (HIs eyes are humanoid looking, usually, with redish brown pupils.

For those unfamiliar with this incarnation of Godzilla or this version of The Marvel Universe for that matter,
It shold be noted that this comic was released during what is known by fans as the “Second Monster craze”.
the first was in the 1950-sixties, The second was fom mid 70s to about 1980 when slashers became the rage.
The huge theatrical release of movies like Godzilla vs. Megalon and Inframan were a big part of this. But the era is mostly owed to the release of many high quality monster toys. A lot of Universal monster inspired Action figures. The import of weird Japanese toys like micronauts and Shogun warriors (also marvel comics)
and Godzilla Toys and games fro mattel. Mattels Shogun Warrior GODZILLA toy as the holy grail or at least the pinacle of this era. The aurora monster kits, including Godzilla, were rereleased in glow in the dark versions at this time. Glow in the dark Monster postrs were prizes in Super Sugar Crisp cereal boxes. And there was even a Godzilla record containing two audio adventures.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Mark A. Domeier

Mark A. Domeier — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:56:05 +0000

I bought this volume of the Marvel Essential series based largely on the reviews I read. It was a fun romp through the 70’s Marvel world, even though I have not been a big Godzilla fan over the years. I was worried early on that this would be a different version of the Hulk, with Dum-Dum Dugan replacing General Thunderbolt Ross, but Dugan actually showed character growth early on in this run. There were some parts that were pretty hokey, but it was a fun read and worthwhile.
Rating: 3 / 5

By: Ethan Cole

Ethan Cole — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:39:15 +0000

This collection is good enough to be a relativly good buy, but not outstanding. All the storys follow a formula, but it is still fun and entertaining. For the price and Godzilla it’s worth buying but it wont be the most interesting comic you will read.
Rating: 4 / 5

By: J. B. Pitchford

J. B. Pitchford — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:19:07 +0000

This is a thick book of most of the Godzilla comics that were published, essential for collectors, but if looked at too much the binding comes away from the book, must be careful, but good reading for the Godzilla collector.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: GameFAN HCGamer

GameFAN HCGamer — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:47:36 +0000

Fantastic reprint of all 24 issues. Worth the small price! Very good value!

I highly recommend this complete collection, even if you are just a fan of older comics. . . a good read.

5 stars, highly recommended. . . .
Rating: 5 / 5