REVIEW: Justice League vs Godzilla vs Kong #1

Justice League vs Godzilla vs Kong #1 is here and they say strike while the iron is hot! Well thats exactly what Legendary Studios are doing with their latest collaboration this time with DC Comics as we find ourselves on the cusp of a very prolific era for Legendary Studios Monster-Verse.

Not only are we getting an Apple TV series due next month and follow-up theatrical release to 2021’s Godzilla vs Kong out next year, we are now being treated to the fight of the century as the aforementioned Legendary Studios comic book imprint ‘Legendary Comics’ teams up with DC Comics to proudly present Justice League vs Godzilla vs Kong. A seven issue series created by Brian Buccellato, Christian Duce and Luis Guerrero.

The main cover of Justice League vs Godzilla vs Kong #1 is a gorgeous wrap around cover created by Drew Johnson. Metropolis is in flames as the Justice League attempt to bring Kong and Godzilla under control. Whats most striking about this cover is the scale. Kong and Godzilla look massive as they dwarf Metropolis. Using the Batplane in the foreground only emphasizes the sheer scope of the situation.

The first variant cover is by the legendary duo of Jim Lee and Scott Williams. In my opinion, this image doubles as an awesome incentive cover and fun piece of promo material to get pulses racing for the series. You know what? Its working. A giant Bat-mech fighting Godzilla, say no more. I love the over the top nature of this piece. Jim and Scott always make a book or series feel like an event. 

As you know, there are a plethora of variant covers to be hunted down at your local comic book store for this release but I wanted to give a special shout out to the most unique cover of them all. The Christian Duce Roar sound FX Gatefold variant. Godzilla and Kong are both represented as their distinct ‘Roars’ are captured with the simple turn of a page. These will be collectors items for sure.      

Here is a look at the other covers available by Dan Mora, Alan Quah, Francesco Mattina and Rafael Albuquerque.

Straight off the bat, it didn’t take long to realise that this issue is so much more than what the title may suggest. This isn’t simply a case of three warring parties facing off against each other in a fight to the finish. No. Justice League vs Godzilla vs Kong #1 is packed with family and friendship. The perfect ingredients for when you want the audience to truly care for our characters who are facing an extinction level event.  

Now that’s not to say there isn’t action aplenty in this issue because believe me there is. The action however is carefully created to build a sense of anticipation. A sense of foreboding. Not a single moment of action is expended carelessly. Destruction could be achieved so easily in a title such as this. We’ve seen it time and time again to the detriment of a so called summer blockbuster on the silver screen. The same can most certainly not be said for Justice League vs Godzilla vs Kong #1.

The Justice League featured in this series has a real classic feel to it which I simply adore. Hal and Barry are quipping back and forth with a smile plastered across their faces while Superman is ever the beacon of hope. I love how Diana effortlessly takes on the role of Mother in the group. Whether she intends to or not, her words fill you with a warmth and reassurance only a parent can deliver. As for Bruce, well, his heart to heart with Clark reflects my favourite version of their friendship. No doubt, no angst or paranoia on Bruce’s part. Just a brotherly love born of friendship and respect.

Not only does this issue deliever great action and character development but we get some really great fan service and talking points for the audience to debate. The way these two universes come together could be perceived as seismic if you are so inclined. I personally love what it could mean if you really wanted to analyse it. With this in mind, Brian Buccellato is the perfect scribe to helm this book when you consider his time on The Flash. Buccellato has such an incredible mind when it comes to the mechanics found within the pages of The Flash and indeed this issue too. 

Skull Island, home of Kong and the focus of the 2017 movie gets a lot of love in this issue. A creature created specifically for that movie even makes an appearance which put a huge smile on my face. I have a feeling that we are going to dive further into the monster-verse beyond that of Kong and Godzilla in the issues to come.

Christian Duce’s artwork is exceptional in this issue. The artists line work is crisp allowing for multiple characters both human and Titan to exist on the same page totally unfettered. This will be a massive undertaking as the series progresses but Duce’s artwork can no doubt carry the load as the epic nature of this encounter comes to bear. Luis Guerrero and Duce work perfectly together in this issue. Duce’s crisp lines really allow for Guerrero’s colours to create a real sense of depth and lighting which will prove crucial when our characters begin to encounter different Titans and their unique physiology.

Justice League vs Godzilla vs Kong #1 is the crossover event we have all been waiting for. It’s my most highly anticipated book of the year and it hasn’t disappointed. There’s never been a better time to be a Monster-Verse fan than right now and I just get the feeling that the events in this series matter. Maybe not tying in with the Justice League directly but the terminology used and the appearances of different monsters. Only time will tell.