Protect your favorite rare issues and hide the collectible action figure display case, because the King of the Monsters is coming for a comic book shop near you this summer. As part of IDW’s forthcoming major reboot of the Godzilla comics universe, the publisher is offering some retailer-exclusive covers for Godzilla #1 that will feature individual comic book shops on the cover, giving this popular franchise a bit of a personal touch.
See also: The GODZILLA Universe Is Introducing A Deadly New Kaiju
According to Bleeding Cool, IDW will provide retailer-exclusive covers featuring individual comic book shops being attacked by Godzilla himself on the front page. The artwork comes courtesy of series artist Nikola Čižmešija, who is working with writer Tim Seeley on the new series. IDW is only asking for 500 copies minimum, making it a smaller barrier for entry. Interested shops can email [email protected], with the order deadline set for June 16. Check out the art for yourself below and just try to picture your local comic shop in the crosshairs.
As the article points out, IDW actually did something similar with the Godzilla relaunch back in 2011. So it’s not exactly a brand new idea. Though the artwork is different and a good idea is a good idea. Why limit it to a one-time thing?
Godzilla #1 will kick off what is known as the Kai-Sei universe. The initial slate will also include titles such as Godzilla: Escape the Deadzone and Starship Godzilla. It does not technically include recent titles such as Godzilla vs. Chicago, but it does represent a pretty great jumping-on point for new readers. Here is the synopsis for the first issue of the new series:
“In 1954, an experiment with a mysterious energy source called Kai-Sei awakened Godzilla and other terrifying kaiju. For decades, humanity has endured an onslaught of monster attacks. While Japan views these unstoppable rampages like natural disasters, the United States’ G-Force is attempting to fight these seemingly immortal titans. Now, they’ve found a boy who wields the power of Godzilla. Will he save the world… or bring about its doom?”
It is, all gold, a very busy time for this particular franchise. Outside of the comics, Toho is currently working on a sequel to 2023’s Godzilla Minus One. Warner Bros. and Legendary are also working on a follow-up to last year’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire as part of the ever-growing MonsterVerse, with a Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season 2 also happening at Apple TV+. There is much to look forward to, that much is certain.
Look for Godzilla #1 on shelves in July. For more, get the lowdown on Godzilla vs. Marvel, which is also happening this year.
