REVIEW: Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 #4

Wow, just wow. It’s the rematch of the year with Superman vs. Godzilla in ‘Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 #4’ and it’s just incredible. It almost feels as if time stops and everything else in the story thus far doesn’t seem to exist anymore as the fight seems to be the only thing that matters. At the same time, it does something with a superhero fight against the King of the Monsters that hasn’t been done before.

Series artist Christian Duce’s, with colors by Luis Guerrero, cover is one of those classic cases of scenes that never happen in the issue. Maybe it’s happening elsewhere during the events of the issue. In any case, a Justice League team of Hawkgirl, Cyborg, Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific Green Arrow, and Aquaman are sent to tame sea serpents. They don’t look like anything seen in the Monsterverse movies, so the original designs are very welcome and neat.

Stephen Segovia’s variant, with colors by Rain Beredo features of trio of this iteration of the Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, Harley Quinn, and Cheetah, and Rodan and Behemoth from the Monsterverse. Behemoth always was a fan favorite monster for his mammoth-inspired design despite his under a minute of screen time. It looks as though the Squad members are running rather than standing off with them – a fun juxtaposition to the regular cover with Justice League members.

Alan Quah adds another variant to his series that connects into one whole image with The Flash, King Shark, and Hawkgirl fighting off the subterranean ghoul-like creatures of Hollow Earth. With King Ghidorah there, the whole background is naturally going to be lightning bolt yellow because this thing is a living storm. Quah has a fun King Shark take – very skateboard art-esque.

Another great variant is available from Kevin Maguire and Rosemary Cheetham.

The Justice League’s attempt to pacify Kong is interrupted as Superman emerges from Hollow Earth and right into Godzilla’s territory. According to Batman, something is power dampening Kryptonian on this Earth. Convenient for the Titans, but the text in the speech bubble is bold so we may get an explanation later on. Supergirl also joins the fray to help her cousin, undeterred that they can’t hit him as hard as they’d like. The League is going to have to think outside the box for this one, and that they do. If this were on DC’s Earth, it would’ve been a real problem. Mr. Terrific, The Flash, Wonder Woman, and Monarch’s Jae Jorgensen find a lead at one of Lex Luthor’s labs which may even the scale in their favor.

Brian Buccellato seemed to drop all character arcs and fluff present in the last issue in favor of nearly an entire issue dedicated to Superman and Godzilla. This was why the first couple issues of the prequel sold so well -this is what people want to see. Storytelling wise, this could be for better or for worse. But readers craving pop culture clashes and Superman and/or Godzilla fans more than get their fill here. Buccellato also flips the whole Godzilla vs. a superhero trope of Godzilla receiving a boost or new form. So, why don’t the heroes get something to fight him this time around? Letters are by Tyler Smith.

Christian Duce gives us the same high quality and spectacular Superman and Godzilla panels just like the first couple issues of the prequel series. The reader may have to resist the urge to turn past the few Justice League parts right to all the punches, heat visions, tail swipes, and flying dashes all set against a glorious sunset. Some of these panels could be posters or covers on their own. This is the kind of art that carries this series. Colors are by Luis Guerrero.

(9/10) While most superhero vs. Godzilla stories tend to go whole hog and even mad with power, Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 #4 does it differently by keeping a long awaited rematched simple, grounded, and still with all the same amount of excitement.