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Godzilla: War for Humanity
Everyone's favorite city-smashing monster may be humanity’s only hope for survival in this twist on a classic kaiju battle!
“Godzilla saved us that day.” When Dr. Yuko Honda was young, she was chased by Hedorah, the smog monster, and thought it was all over…until Godzilla saved her! Now a respected professor and writer, she’s dedicated her life to showing that while Godzilla may be a monster, that doesn’t mean it and the other kaiju are enemies. Unfortunately, when a strange new monster emerges, her belief in the good of Godzilla will be put to the test. If Godzilla doesn’t defend them, what can humanity do against the might of ZOOSPORA?! Find out in this titanic tale written by Andrew MacLean ( Head Lopper ) with art by Jake Smith ( Blood Force Trauma )!
“Godzilla saved us that day.” When Dr. Yuko Honda was young, she was chased by Hedorah, the smog monster, and thought it was all over…until Godzilla saved her! Now a respected professor and writer, she’s dedicated her life to showing that while Godzilla may be a monster, that doesn’t mean it and the other kaiju are enemies. Unfortunately, when a strange new monster emerges, her belief in the good of Godzilla will be put to the test. If Godzilla doesn’t defend them, what can humanity do against the might of ZOOSPORA?! Find out in this titanic tale written by Andrew MacLean ( Head Lopper ) with art by Jake Smith ( Blood Force Trauma )!
- GenresComicsGraphic Novels
128 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2024
3 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Andrew MacLean
74 books151 followersMassachusetts based comic artist, Andrew R. MacLean is the creator of the SNIP SNIP, Head Lopper, and Daruma. His work can also be found in Department O, Colonial Souls, Meatspace, Outlaw Territories, Bad Karma, and others.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 2, 2024
This one was pure, wacky, entertaining kaiju fun. When a new monster, Zoospora, threatens humanity it's up to Dr. Yuko Honda and her team Kaiju Task Force Alpha to try and recruit Godzilla into the fight. I really love that we get are getting multiple Godzilla projects from IDW with incredibly different tones and styles. I wouldn't say no to more stories like this one.
Special Thanks to IDW Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
Special Thanks to IDW Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
May 18, 2025
OK, so I am a big Godzilla fan from many many many years ago. I’m really enjoying all the comics and trades and books that are out there these days so I can get my fill from many mediums. I still watch the movies with regularity. This collection Which follows his war for humanity was really cool. This is not the artwork that I am used to, but it was extremely well done and I love that so many monsters/kaiju are in this one. Zoospora is an interesting construct that touches on so much of the idea of what the Godzilla storylines have been about through the ages. This is an excellent read for any kaiju fan.
July 20, 2024
Most of the appeal of this graphic novel is in the artwork. Some of the art is quite sophisticated while other parts, people mostly, is MAD Magazine meets Archie Comics. The storyline is good, probably geared towards a younger audience. Overall, it is good.
October 11, 2024
A fun Godzilla adventure that really captures the spirit of the late-Showa era films. MacLean delivers a delightful tale of love and family while Smith’s art has the feel and energy of a Saturday morning cartoon.
May 30, 2024
ARC from Netgalley.
If you wanted James Stokoe art, why not just get James Stokoe?
If you wanted James Stokoe art, why not just get James Stokoe?
January 1, 2025
The most important thing I took away from this graphic novel was that it felt like a kaiju movie. That might not be to everyone's taste, but to me, that's what made reading this so enjoyable.
June 24, 2024
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, IDW Publishing for an advance copy of this graphic novel about the King of All Monsters defending his family, friends and all of humanity from a creature who enslaves other kaiju, and has plans to destroy the world.
My love of the King of All Monsters began when WPIX in New York would have Monster Week, an event that soon spread to two weeks, and would appear it seemed like 4 times a year. The week would feature Godzilla, fighting others, destroying Tokyo constantly, being a father, and sometimes a protector of the Earth. Monster Week was like Ape Week, featuring the Planet of the Apes movies, a time when all of us in school would talk about the movies we were watching for probably the fifth or sixth time, but never getting tired. My comic history with Godzilla began with Marvel, I swear I remember Godzilla swinging a SHIELD Helicarrier, onto Dark Horse and a few others, but as with the new Godzilla movies not holding my interest, except for Godzilla Minus One a true classic, I have fallen away from the adventures of the Great Flaming Reptile. This graphic novel might bring me back in. Godzilla: War for Humanity is written by Andrew MacLean, illustrated by Jake Smith and is a touching story about family, responsibility and pounding other giant monsters to powder while destroying major cities all around the Pacific Rim.
Yukio Honda learned two lessons one day. One that her mother was always going to be a distant figurehead, and that Godzilla is not only awesome, but he is a protector. Honda as a child was lost in the woods with a friend when they were attacked by Hedorah, the smog monster. Only the timely intervention of Godzilla, well his foot, saved the two, and while the titans battled the girls made their escape. Now Dr. Yukio Honda has spent her years studying Kaiju and their interactions with humans. When a new monster Zoospora appears, attacking kaiju and releasing a fungus that makes the kaiju slaves, Honda is drafted into a billionaire's plan to fight the kaiju, a plan that is soon torn asunder. Honda has an idea. Godzilla doesn't seem to want to fight Zoospora, so they will make them fight. Honda kidnaps Minilla, Godzilla's adopted son, and puts him in the field of fire. The plan is desperate, and could backfire. Godzilla might not fight, or decide to fight the humans for revenge. Or even worse Godzilla could lose, and so could humanity.
A fun story with bright art, big splash pages, lots of city destruction, and a surprising bit of violence in the end. However except for that, this is a pretty cool all ages Godzilla story that has a lot of fighting and a lot of heart. The family subtext is interesting and moves the story along quite well. One can see Honda becoming like her mother when dealing with her daughter, and how quick Honda is to put Minilla into peril. This is a typical Godzilla movie/story. Bad creature appears, as does Godzilla, fighting cities laid waste. What kicks the story up a notch is the amount of kaiju present in the story, and the art. A mix of underground and brightness. Character expressions are big, the characters all are sweaty, the people seem hyperactive even when standing still, and the action is kinetic, with each panel almost resounding from impacts of bodies smashing, buildings collapsing. Really great stuff.
A good done in one story that doesn't need continuity to tell or enjoy the story. I think this is a great way to do Godzilla stories. Different writers, different artists, different stories. Lots of fun, and one I recommend for fans of the character, the comics or the classic movies.
My love of the King of All Monsters began when WPIX in New York would have Monster Week, an event that soon spread to two weeks, and would appear it seemed like 4 times a year. The week would feature Godzilla, fighting others, destroying Tokyo constantly, being a father, and sometimes a protector of the Earth. Monster Week was like Ape Week, featuring the Planet of the Apes movies, a time when all of us in school would talk about the movies we were watching for probably the fifth or sixth time, but never getting tired. My comic history with Godzilla began with Marvel, I swear I remember Godzilla swinging a SHIELD Helicarrier, onto Dark Horse and a few others, but as with the new Godzilla movies not holding my interest, except for Godzilla Minus One a true classic, I have fallen away from the adventures of the Great Flaming Reptile. This graphic novel might bring me back in. Godzilla: War for Humanity is written by Andrew MacLean, illustrated by Jake Smith and is a touching story about family, responsibility and pounding other giant monsters to powder while destroying major cities all around the Pacific Rim.
Yukio Honda learned two lessons one day. One that her mother was always going to be a distant figurehead, and that Godzilla is not only awesome, but he is a protector. Honda as a child was lost in the woods with a friend when they were attacked by Hedorah, the smog monster. Only the timely intervention of Godzilla, well his foot, saved the two, and while the titans battled the girls made their escape. Now Dr. Yukio Honda has spent her years studying Kaiju and their interactions with humans. When a new monster Zoospora appears, attacking kaiju and releasing a fungus that makes the kaiju slaves, Honda is drafted into a billionaire's plan to fight the kaiju, a plan that is soon torn asunder. Honda has an idea. Godzilla doesn't seem to want to fight Zoospora, so they will make them fight. Honda kidnaps Minilla, Godzilla's adopted son, and puts him in the field of fire. The plan is desperate, and could backfire. Godzilla might not fight, or decide to fight the humans for revenge. Or even worse Godzilla could lose, and so could humanity.
A fun story with bright art, big splash pages, lots of city destruction, and a surprising bit of violence in the end. However except for that, this is a pretty cool all ages Godzilla story that has a lot of fighting and a lot of heart. The family subtext is interesting and moves the story along quite well. One can see Honda becoming like her mother when dealing with her daughter, and how quick Honda is to put Minilla into peril. This is a typical Godzilla movie/story. Bad creature appears, as does Godzilla, fighting cities laid waste. What kicks the story up a notch is the amount of kaiju present in the story, and the art. A mix of underground and brightness. Character expressions are big, the characters all are sweaty, the people seem hyperactive even when standing still, and the action is kinetic, with each panel almost resounding from impacts of bodies smashing, buildings collapsing. Really great stuff.
A good done in one story that doesn't need continuity to tell or enjoy the story. I think this is a great way to do Godzilla stories. Different writers, different artists, different stories. Lots of fun, and one I recommend for fans of the character, the comics or the classic movies.
November 11, 2024
I had so much fun reading Godzilla: War for Humanity!
As I’ve talked about before, I really like monster and Kaiju stories, but I’m only getting into Godzilla comics for the first time this year. So far, I’ve really enjoyed the books that I’ve checked out, and Godzilla: War for Humanity is not different.
The story of a new Kaiju called Zoospora. This was an awesome fungal creature that takes control of other Kaiju. It was a really intriguing story, and I really liked all of the characters involved.
Even the human characters! You need sympathetic humans in a story like this, and you have feelings about all of the characters here. It doesn’t matter if you like them or dislike them, but they make you feel something about them.
The art and color work in this book from Jake Smith and Valentina Pinto was truly staggering. This is the best looking comic that I’ve seen in a while. It’s excellent. I want to see more books drawn by Jake.
This was a fun story, and I liked it. Check it out if you’re a Kaiju fan. I think I’m going to check out Godzilla comics moving forward as often as I can.
Thank you Netgalley and IDW Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
As I’ve talked about before, I really like monster and Kaiju stories, but I’m only getting into Godzilla comics for the first time this year. So far, I’ve really enjoyed the books that I’ve checked out, and Godzilla: War for Humanity is not different.
The story of a new Kaiju called Zoospora. This was an awesome fungal creature that takes control of other Kaiju. It was a really intriguing story, and I really liked all of the characters involved.
Even the human characters! You need sympathetic humans in a story like this, and you have feelings about all of the characters here. It doesn’t matter if you like them or dislike them, but they make you feel something about them.
The art and color work in this book from Jake Smith and Valentina Pinto was truly staggering. This is the best looking comic that I’ve seen in a while. It’s excellent. I want to see more books drawn by Jake.
This was a fun story, and I liked it. Check it out if you’re a Kaiju fan. I think I’m going to check out Godzilla comics moving forward as often as I can.
Thank you Netgalley and IDW Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really liked it, stuck with me & would recommend
A super fun read. You don't need a lot of back story to understand what is going on. Good action and interesting resoltion. I think an overall winner for all ages. There's destruction, technology, sacrifice, environmental impact, ego, cuteness, and Kaiju aplenty.
I know this isn't traditional Godzilla representation, in many ways, but I loved the bright and stylized art.
Thank you to IDW Publishing, NetGalley, and authors Andrew MacLean & Jake Smith for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review. In Godzilla: War for Humanity is out September 17, 2023.
A super fun read. You don't need a lot of back story to understand what is going on. Good action and interesting resoltion. I think an overall winner for all ages. There's destruction, technology, sacrifice, environmental impact, ego, cuteness, and Kaiju aplenty.
I know this isn't traditional Godzilla representation, in many ways, but I loved the bright and stylized art.
Thank you to IDW Publishing, NetGalley, and authors Andrew MacLean & Jake Smith for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review. In Godzilla: War for Humanity is out September 17, 2023.
June 3, 2024
A new creature called Zoospora is attacking & corrupting the world's kaiju making them violent. Meanwhile, Dr. Yuko Honda struggles with her responsibilities trying to stop it, and trying to be a better mother than her own.
The story is serviceable, but Smith's colorful, stylized rart is the real show. It's easy to lose time poring over the renders.
*ARC provided by NetGalley & IDW Publishing*
The story is serviceable, but Smith's colorful, stylized rart is the real show. It's easy to lose time poring over the renders.
*ARC provided by NetGalley & IDW Publishing*
May 31, 2024
Dr. Yuko Honda is a kaiju researcher. When kaijus start being poisoned by another kaiju, she is certain only Godzilla can save the day.
Overall, I enjoyed this comic. I think the plot was perhaps a little simplistic for the age group, because it was not directed really at a younger age group. However, I still enjoyed it.
I received my copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Overall, I enjoyed this comic. I think the plot was perhaps a little simplistic for the age group, because it was not directed really at a younger age group. However, I still enjoyed it.
I received my copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
July 15, 2024
love the artwork in this so much! very creative takes on the creature designs, and zoospora is a great new kaiju that works well to espouse the themes the story’s going for. speaking of, the godzilla/minilla and yuko/sam dynamics do a good job paralleling one another, and are a heartwarming parent-child story. overall, very simple but fun godzilla story. recommend!
March 14, 2025
This was fun enough for a goofy Godzilla story. I didn't hate the art but the expressions on many panels didn't really feel like it fit the dialogue. Characters appear sweating and shouting constantly, creating a sense of constant tension even during moments that didn't seem written with that in mind.
June 2, 2024
An enjoyable graphic novel with an interesting plot. The graphics are well done with vivid color and action. The story itself was interesting and will hold your attention. A good escape read.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 28, 2025
Set in the Ishirō Honda Godzilla-verse, Andrew MacLean and Jake Smith waste no time re-introducing the terrifying kaiju. Maintaining the traditional foam-suit aesthetic, they respect the franchise while allowing for a beautiful story hidden inside trippy artwork and fun battles.
May 3, 2024
3.5 stars.
September 6, 2024
Godzilla >> madri asiatiche
October 9, 2024
I thought the story was interesting and kept my attention. The art was well done, it was very frenetic and over the top but still fun.
July 15, 2025
A very fun book with colorful and vibrant art. story and action takes you back to the Showa era.
September 6, 2025
Amazing artwork, awful writing.
November 8, 2025
A bit of a childish interpretation of Godzilla. Disfunctional families and the Curious George effect. Battle on two fronts was well done.
September 17, 2024
3.75/5⭐️
Alright. This was cheesy. It had battles. It had kaijus. It was everything Godzilla and it was fun. The story was ok. But I had a bigger peeve with Dr. Honda. She kinda ticked me off lol. I like a take charge lead female with baggage but me no like a gal who is irresponsible. Some okay but not too much. Still, a monster who can “poison” other kaijus to do their bidding is pretty cool.
The artwork and coloring was sooooo perfect. Seriously 10/10.
This was a fun fast read and I’d like to thank netgalley, idw publishing and creator for the opportunity to read this.
Alright. This was cheesy. It had battles. It had kaijus. It was everything Godzilla and it was fun. The story was ok. But I had a bigger peeve with Dr. Honda. She kinda ticked me off lol. I like a take charge lead female with baggage but me no like a gal who is irresponsible. Some okay but not too much. Still, a monster who can “poison” other kaijus to do their bidding is pretty cool.
The artwork and coloring was sooooo perfect. Seriously 10/10.
This was a fun fast read and I’d like to thank netgalley, idw publishing and creator for the opportunity to read this.
September 16, 2024
This was not very good at all. The story seemed to take place back in the 70s era of Godzilla movies. It was terrible. The art while quite detailed couldn't get human proportions correct. It looked like a bunch of little people with limbs and heads larger than their bodies.
August 2, 2024
I wasn’t a huge fan of most of the characters in this story as they seemed to let their egos get in the way of doing what was right. Interestingly enough, the real hero n the story is the main characters 15 year old daughter. She is the one who takes the time to think and listen and make the best decisions in regards to the Kaiju and how to stop Zoospora. And of course, lots of credit must be given to Mothra, who’s is always willing to sacrifice herself for the greater good. She does not get enough love and respect. Overall, the storyline was okay and the graphics were colorful, but not really my style. I would recommend this book to other Godzilla fans simply b/c Godzilla, Mothra and Mozilla are in it and that’s good enough for those of us who love Kaiju.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews