Godzilla: 70th Anniversary

by James Stokoe (Writer / Artist / Letterer), Joëlle Jones (Artist), Dan DiDio

Celebrating 70 years of Godzilla! Since 1954, Godzilla has been King of the Monsters, and what better way to celebrate than with a gigantic anthology of tales that get to the heart of Godzilla’s lasting popularity! From the American Old West to modern Tokyo and beyond, this collection features stories of the King of the Monsters fighting with its allies like Mothra, against old enemies like the terrible Mechagodzilla, and reshaping the lives of all who fall in its path! Nine titanic stories by first-time and beloved Godzilla creators alike, including Joëlle Jones (Catwoman), Michael Conrad (Wonder Woman), Matt Frank ( Rulers of Earth), James Stokoe ( The Half-Century War), Adam Gorham (Ms. The New Mutant), Dan DiDio (Metal Men), and many more!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fiction, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Media Tie In, Fantasy

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2024

About the author

James Stokoe (born September 4, 1985) is a Canadian comic book artist who is known for his work on such titles as Wonton Soup, Orc Stain and Godzilla: The Half-Century War.
Along with Corey Lewis, Brandon Graham and Marley Zarcone, he's a part of a studio/collective called "Yosh Comics".

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The big 'G' turns 70! The stories in this collection look at him from many different perspectives: destroyer, force of nature, monster, protector...all depending on the context of his appearance. As such it is clear that he stands as a metaphor related to the interaction between humans and nature; an interaction that can be both positive or negative.

[Jiro Dreams of Suchy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alright, there are some great Godzilla stories in here. Stokoe is probably the best Godzilla illustrator I’ve ever read (I haven’t read much) but it’s just so visually stunning, some interesting time travel stories, lots of classic monsters appear. I gave this a two instead of three because I don’t think this really does a great job of enticing a new fan to become a Godzilla addict, I love the character already (seen nearly every Godzilla movie) but these stories don’t feel like the best of the best, they’re ok or even boring at times.

Not a total waste of a read but not the best Godzilla has to offer.

[Kym Masera Taborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of stories from the human perspective on what it's like to live in a universe where giant kaiju can appear without warning.

[Larakaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy birthday to the one and only

[Drew Canole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like James Stokoe's contribution to Godzilla. I really only read this for his stuff, one I think is new - a appendix of sorts to his Godzilla: The Half Century War

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few cute stories about Godzilla. In The Shadow of a God and Aftermath are the best ones. The partial stories are not great. Godzilla in Hell looks weird.

[Zay · Rating 4 out of 5]

13 different stories but only liked 10/13 some stronger than others
My top 3 : The Half-Century Bore , In Summation , and Godzilla in Hell
The illustrations were a hit or miss
Probably a cash grab but entertaining nonetheless

[Alex Sarll]

One of those slightly odd commemorative editions where I can never work out who the hybrid format is aiming for; you'd assume deluxe equals hardcore fans, but surely they'd already have the reprint material? Still, considered on its own merits it's an entertaining enough package, and three of those four issues excerpted from past runs do work in isolation, with the big lad respectively the last adventure for a daredevil dragged out of retirement to climb him; stomping his way through Hell; and ending the dinosaurs. Yes, I know he's a mutated dinosaur, but this is not a book where thinking about continuity will do us much good, and that's OK; more of an issue is the garish colouring, which makes the story both uglier and harder to follow than it needed to be, and is the most pronounced example of an issue afflicting a few stories here.

In the new material, as in the reprints, the highlight is obviously James Stokoe; as the title suggests, his Half-Century Bore is a satyr play complement to his great Half-Century War, focusing on the poor sods in not-Monarch's team detailed to deal with the unwholesome Hedorah. It also sets the tone in being more focused on the humans in the shadow of the kaiju - normally the worst bit of a Godzilla film, but something most of these stories make work, possibly precisely because they're vignettes rather than trying to make us care about some tedious squishy apes for 70 minutes when we're just waiting for the cool stuff. It doesn't always work - Dan Didio and Joelle Jones' effort would have been rightly rejected as debut creators' Future Shock, and the Western story has some bloody funny ideas about gold on top of the aforementioned lurid hues - but more often than not, the glimpses feel worthwhile.

(Edelweiss ARC)

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

These were all pretty fun! Basically a lot of short one shots of Godzilla tearing through cities, creating messes for regular people to deal with, or fighting gigantic monsters. I do love that this book has a lot of different styles of one shots so it paints Godzilla it a lot of different ways. The later half is just pieces of bigger story in other books. But overall for a Godzilla, this is worth a read if you love the Big G like me!

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite Svetlana story landed with me. I liked the ideas behind the old west one and the refugees one but those stories just needed more time to breathe, full 20 pages each. The others had various themes and tones which was cool and they all worked in their own way, from dark and foreboding to fun and wholesome. A pretty solid comic anniversary

[mooniepal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me awhile to finish this (due to my own lack of motivation) but what a great collection of comics! If you want a sampler of iconic Godzilla moments this issue is for you 😎👍

[Tim Hoar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the range of stories. The differences in scale. Some epic. Some mundane Dope range of art too. Do feel that Godzilla stories perhaps not best suited to short form storytelling like this though.

[Sean Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Godzilla, but this collection is kind of hit and miss for me. I like that the stories focus on different aspects and not just Kaiju battles, but some are definitely stronger than others.

[Neil · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was somewhat disappointed with this collection. Unmet expectations, I guess. Artwork was hit-and-miss for me. I did enjoy some of the stories, and it was a fast read, so there is that.

With it being advertised as "Godzilla's 70th Anniversary", I was expecting to see a range of issues published from at least the 70s going forward. Maybe some Japanese manga about Godzilla, an issue or three from Marvel's run in the 70s, and then some of Dark Horse's stories in conjunction with what IDW has published since taking over telling Godzilla stories. That being said,

Probably my favorite story was "Contagion" - thought that story had the best artwork, and the story itself was crazy! I loved the ending how Hizuno wakes up just before Godzilla zaps her to find out she has a second chance which she grabs with both hands. I loved the last two images, of Godzilla's blue eyes looking out of the computer screen - very cool and very impactful.

"Of Gods and Con Artists" was an interesting story; the artwork was decent. I'm not sure why, but the character from that story reminds me of a character in Godzilla 1985. I found it interesting because of the growth the character undergoes, so to speak. Nothing deeply profound, but still some growth all the same.

I liked the artwork for "The Big One", and especially liked that the military was able to save some civilians from some monsters for a change, hahahah! It was an interesting mix of colors and made the monsters stick out more than usual. At least they weren't giant grey blobs or something!

"Ain't No Place For An Angel" was interesting - I was half-expecting this story to be the two issues from Marvel's run where some cowboys are trying to wrangle Godzilla. Story's a hoot-and-a-holler. This one was interesting to me partially because of the artwork (maybe more the color palate used over the artwork itself), and partially because of it highlighting Godzilla's relationship with Mothra.

"Godzilla in Hell" has creepy artwork that turns my stomach. So, based on the strength of the reaction, it is "very good" artwork (except it's a hellish landscape, so I feel weird as a Christian saying that, hahahah!).

"Godzilla: Rulers of the Earth" is a fun story because of how it involves a fight between the one-and-only Godzilla and Zilla, the Americanized version starting Matthew Broderick. The artwork is okay. The story is interesting because of how it goes back-and-forth between the monsters fighting and the "antics" of humans on the ground. I also liked how the story uses Zilla's "digging" ("burrowing"?) ability from the movie as a strength/tactic to use against Godzilla. I loved the page where Zilla is looking back-and-forth searching for Godzilla, and then you flip the page to see Godzilla coming through a building at him! It was great!, and it's just a fun read. Also, in some ways, the fight reminded me of the fight between these two behemoths in Godzilla: Final Wars (and how the alien commander comments "I knew that tuna-eating monster was useless!" after Godzilla made short work of Zilla in Sydney).

Some stories I would have liked to have seen: Godzilla's fight with Batragon and the monsters from the Island of Living Demons, or even against the Mega Monsters from Marvel's run. Possibly the two issues where the cowboys tried wrangling him. Or maybe the issue towards the end of the Marvel run where Godzilla fights a rat after being shrunk down due to Pym Particles. From Dark Horse, maybe the six-issue "Return of Godzilla" and "Godzilla versus Hero Zero", or some issues from their monthly series that was sadly cancelled after issue 16 (like where he fights the alien from space, or a giant spider-like creature, or where some giant aliens hunt him with bows-and-arrows). If it was to celebrate Godzilla's 70th Anniversary, I would have liked to have seen a "true celebration" of stories from yesteryear (like Dark Horse did when they published a massive omnibus about Luke Skywalker - they included stories from Marvel's original Star Wars run; it would have been cool if they could have included some stories from the newspaper strip, too, but that is a review for another collection). Marvel and Dark Horse did not have the rights to Toho's plethora of monsters to use in their comics, so they had to create new monsters for Godzilla to fight, and they did a pretty decent job of it. Dark Horse has better artwork than Marvel, overall, so there is that, but I still enjoyed both series.

In any case, had I immediately rated it after reading it, I would have rated it just two stars because of how disappointed I was with it. After thinking about it and the stories I liked, I would rate it 2.5 stars, maybe 2.7, but I just don't know if I can round it up to 3 stars (since I really only truly liked 4 out of 13 stories). Maybe if I revisit this compilation at a later time, I'll give it a better rating.

[Joseph R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This anthology pulls together thirteen different stories featuring the most famous kaiju of all time, Godzilla. The book was published in 2024, being the seventieth anniversary of the first Godzilla movie in 1954. The years have seen a lot of different depictions and interpretations of Godzilla. This book presents the same--a lot of different depictions and interpretations (though the stories were produced in the last decade).

As in most anthologies, the selection is hit-and-miss. In the miss category: one story tells of Godzilla in the American Old West; another of a daredevil mountain climber who takes fifteen hours (!) to scale Godzilla's back and take samples. On the hit side, a charming story shows a boy's vision of Godzilla and his enemies. And a serious story is told by a scientist who grew up a victim of Godzilla's wrath, inspiring him to study the "megafauna" in order to defeat it. His struggle to understand the monster is as much an intellectual challenge as a physical one.

Overall, there's a lot more nonsense and brutal action than good entertainment here. I don't regret reading this but definitely won't be picking it up again.

Mildly recommended--this is really for Godzilla fans only.

[Victoria Timpanaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This epic comic anthology is full of different stories about the King of the Monsters and each one is from a different team of writers, artists, letterers and colorists. What I really enjoyed is how drastically different the stories are from each other. Each writer takes on a unique perspective of how people's lives are impacted by the kaiju that we have all come to love. The art is amazing and also quite diverse. All together it is a 70th Anniversary love letter to all things Godzilla that I think any fan will appreciate.

[Norman Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

2025 Eisner Award winner - Best Anthology

This is quite a hodgepodge of short stories showing Godzilla in his various guises: destroyer, force of nature, monster, protector. Some of the stories are lighthearted, some are dramatic and emotional, some are just giant monsters wailing on each other. As with the films, much of the conflict comes from the humans, with Godzilla serving more as a MacGuffin than a real antagonist. The range of artists is broad, from realistic to cartoonish to stylized. Something for everyone, and probably few liking everything.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know of Godzilla, who doesn't? I watched the 1998 film with Matthew Broderick until I broke the VHS. But I don't know the lore or long legacy of the kaiju beyond that, really. This was an interesting anthology where some of the tales did an amazing job at telling a story and wrapping it up cleanly to someone who doesn't know a lot. Yet, there were definitely some of them where my lack of knowledge really made me feel like I was missing some context.

Overall, it was a fun read and great to see all of the different artists and writers come together to pay tribute to the Big G.

[Ava Courtney Sylvester · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fitting and Fantastic Celebration Comic

I always joked that the humans are the least interesting part of Godzilla movies, but then "Godzilla Legends," and especially the stunning "In the Shadow of a God," took my breath away. "Godzilla in Hell" is just plain epic fun.

Any of these three are worth the price of admission alone, which is well and good given that like almost every anthology, there are some entries in this book that are better than others. None are bad, to be sure, but it’s a collection of okay, good, and brilliant issues.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 70th Anniversary special is pretty good. I gave it 4 stars when I first read it. This deluxe edition adds these random Best of Godzilla comics that I think brings down the collection as a whole. They are all very random. Some of them are incomplete stories. If you're a Godzilla fan, you've probably already read all of it in previous collections. It just seem like a scam to take more of your money.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Are you a Godzilla fan? Or maybe more of a kaiju fan? Well, pick up this volume and feast your eyes on a wide variety of short tales featuring Godzilla in all sorts of situations fighting all sorts of other kaiju and related enemies. The stories are told from multiple viewpoints and are snapshots of Godzilla through the course of his 70 year reign! Read and enjoy!

Thanks Netgalley and IDW for the chance to read this volume!

[Ángel Javier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dibujos bonitos e historias con la profundidad de un charco en agosto. En fin, no sé qué esperaba de Godzilla, pero sí que esperaba algo más de la antología que se llevó el premio Eisner de este año. Solo para amantes de los lagartos gigantes. Y, joder, señores de los Eisner, denle el puñetero premio a Now cada año, todos los años.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

For such a lofty event and title, I would have expected better original stories with the King of the Monsters...and the rest NOT being issues from previously released collections that I already own.

[Jaime Guzman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Godzilla's 70th Anniversary has lukewarm stories and art. The only story I enjoyed in this book was by James Stakoe

[James Atkison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection

Fine collection of Godzilla stories going back 70 years. Lots of fun and nostalgia. This is great artwork to go along with the great writing. Enjoy.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The horrors of Kaiju clean-up. Rescue the small. Climb the impossible.Is it wrong to beat someone with their own arm?

Living, Dead, and those caught in the middle.

[Scott A. Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover to Cover Godzilla with different art and story styles. What's not to love?

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an advance copy of this new graphic novel showcasing the King of All Monsters on the anniversary of his first appearance, featuring stories by different creators covering the different eras, different locations and even different attitudes Godzilla has had with humanity.

I am not one for knowing what gifts are appropriate for certain anniversaries. This whole concept is kind of foreign to me. I once received an invite to a wedding that had +1 on it, and my first thought was why was there a Dungeons & Dragons reference here. So i turned to Google and found that the 70th anniversary gift of choice is platinum. In celebration of this anniversary the editors at IDW have brought together a platinum cast of writer and artists to celebrate this event, and to share their different views of what Godzilla is, and what Godzilla can be. Not many characters have had such a long career, with so many changes in their character arc from human destroyer to human defended. Even harried parent in some movies, dealing with a child who seems to cause more problems than anything else. This collection, Godzilla's 70th Anniversary features artists and writers new to the Godzilla mythos, and many familiar names celebrating 70 years of city destroying, tail swinging, fire shooting, even drop kicking action and scares.

Godzilla began as a prehistoric creature awoken from its home deep under the sea by the numerous atomic tests being conducted in the 40's and 50's by the superpowers. Godzilla charged with radioactivity and rage, attacks Toyko leaving a past of destruction, fear, guilt and revenge in the hearts of many. As the movies progressed, Godzilla began to protect humans, while still destroying cities, and probably a lot of collateral lives. This collection features stories from all over from city destroying, a little bit of humor, a few tales of horror, and one memorable tale of Godzilla going to Hell, and looking like he was planning to take over. Some of the stories feature body horror, good old stomping, a little mystery and conspiracy, and one tale about a daredevil who climbs Godzilla, while examining the many creatures that live on Godzilla. I liked this story as it is both a reflection on aging, doing what one fears, and just a fun little story.

The stories jump in time, from Old West, to distant past, featuring aliens, a little body horror, good old scares, and lots of crushing and monster fighting. As is usual in collections like this some of the stories are good, some are ok. The art is quite different story to story. One dealing with daredevil climbing Godzilla and the first tale with dealing with the Sisyphean task of cleaning-up from a battle between Godzilla and the Smog Monster, Hedorah, are very European in look. The art is bright, in places and have a look of 70's Heavy Metal magazine. A few have a strong horror vibe, one that I liked. While I love Destroy All Monsters, watching the black and white version of Godzilla Minus-One reminded me of the fear, the rage in the original Gojira films. I was glad to see a little bit of that here.

Godzilla fans will enjoy this collection, especially the fact that it is different from what is out there. A strong collection, with quite a few good stories, sure to make fans want to jump up and down in a Little Godzilla dance.

[MaguiWorld · Rating 4 out of 5]

No soy una gran fan de Godzilla pero este comic prometía mucho ya por su titulo y a medida que lo iba leyendo me di cuenta que fue una gran elección.

Podemos encontrar una gran variedad de micro historias donde Godzilla es el protagonista, pero que se encuentra acompañado por diferentes personajes y enemigos.

Desde peligro ENORMES Y REALES hasta la simple imaginación de un niño. ¡Me encantó! Fue divertido ver el estilo de que cada artista y la manera que tenía de contar las cosas que sucedían.

Gracias IDW Publishing por el ARC que leí a través de NetGalley a cambio de una reseña honesta.

[Ben A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Godzilla's 70th Anniversary collects the recent 70th Anniversary Special as well as various issues showcasing the diverse work that IDW has done with the character in all the time they have had the license. Reading through this volume really shows how there is a wide breadth of tone among the Godzilla stories being told. I've always believed that if a character is good enough, we can get multiple iterations of them at the same time, and IDW is proving it with each project that Godzilla fits the bill. Highly recommended and I will keep picking up whatever stories they give me.

Special Thanks to IDW Publishing and Edelweiss Plus for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.