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Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons #2

Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons II―Sons of Giants

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The sequel to 2024’s Eisner-nominated smash Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons. Frank Tieri and Inaki Miranda reunite in this historical miniseries that explores a shadowy society who control the secrets of the kaiju, from ancient Rome to Colonial America and beyond.

Sir Francis Drake had his reasons for hiding treasure on Monster Island and in this miniseries all secrets will be revealed! Who are the Illuminati-esque cult, known only as the Sons of Giants, and what is their mission? More importantly, how have they been pulling the strings of every major kaiju encounter since the dawn of time? This series shows us how it all came to be, how Godzilla was discovered by the leaders of the world, and how it changed history forever!

From Frank Tieri and Inaki Miranda, the incredible team behind Old Lady Harley, comes an action-packed Godzilla adventure like no other. Collects the five-issue series.

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 20, 2025

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Frank Tieri

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for RatGrrrl.
1,040 reviews30 followers
May 2, 2025
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

I don't know how I feel about Godzilla removed entirely from its historical context and the King of Monsters and the other famous kaiju being crowbarred into historical events.

I don't know how I feel about a secret society akin to the Assassin's and Templars from Assassin's Creed keeping the 'true' stories of various cultures and events around the world starting with the Romans and being told by 19th century Americans.

I really didn't like the flattening of these events and cultures, especially the Mayans praying to Rodan to save them from slavery under the Spanish.

The attempts to tell stories within the art style of the various cultures and time periods were interesting.

I just found the whole thing rather puzzling, boring, a bit of a waste of time.

What is the relevance of Godzilla and the other kaiju on this story? They could be swapped out for any other kaiju or monster and the only thing that would be different would be the lack of cultural cache the names hold.

I've read a lot of graphic novels in the last few weeks and this is almost certainly the bottom of the pile for me.

Godzilla: Skate or Die, on the other hand, is an absolute banger!
Profile Image for Haydn.
18 reviews8 followers
May 7, 2025
3.5 / 5 stars

Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons II—Sons of Giants boldly asks: "What if Godzilla were real?And the Freemasons were in on it?" Graciously, it also answers these weighty quandaries.

This graphic novel follows a secret society in the early 1800s who have infiltrated the highest ranks of the (recently established) US government. These "Sons of Giants" have chronicled the history of the kaiju. When they sense trouble brewing, Godzilla and his pals may be their only hope.

This was a brisk tale that offers up some seriously cool full-color kaiju art. Between each chapter is an interstitial that re-frames a famous myth—like Beowulf or the parting of the Red Sea—as a kaiju incident. These little side stories were fun diversions, and each is drawn in a style that matches the myth being retold.

Structurally, Sons of Giants suffers from being almost entirely set-up. By the time the central conflict is introduced, the book is over. That being said, by the time the book ended, I was pretty hooked. This book might best be enjoyed with the next volume ready in hand.

This is a fun, lighthearted read that isn't asking for a huge time commitment. If it sounds interesting to you, give it a shot!

Thanks to IDW & NetGalley for this ARC.
Profile Image for Ben A.
634 reviews9 followers
March 16, 2025
I absolutely loved the first volume and my question was could lightning strike twice with an amazing blend of history and kaiju? The answer is yes, as we get Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson and many, many more great historians figures, mixed alongside Godzilla and company. And the ending? I’m dying for the third volume. I’ll be reading it the day it comes out.

Special Thanks to IDW Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
2,171 reviews62 followers
March 18, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an advance copy of this graphic novel that combines both Kaiju and the world of conspiracies, a tale of the secret histories of monsters, men, how the great civilizations rose and fell, and what threats might effect the future.

I have been a fan of Godzilla and his fellow denizens of Monster Island since I first came across Monster Week on Channel Eleven in New York. Starting with one week, expanding to two one got to see all the Godzilla movies, a few Gamera movies, and some other weird flicks tossed in. Cities were destroyed, Godzilla went from foe to friend, aliens were fought, and little boys got to meet Minya, or Godzilla's adopted son who always had a different name. I started reading the comics about the same time, though the Marvel run is a little lost in time to me. I remember Godzilla pulling down a SHIELD helicarrier, but that is about it. The current run of comics have been good, though I must say this mixing of Kaiju and the idea of a secret history of man, with the Illuminati might have to be my favorite. Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons II—Sons of Giants is the second of a three part series written by Frank Tieri wth illustration by Inaki Miranda, furthers the story of kaiju being around for far longer than we have thought, effecting history, the rise of civilizations, and maybe even protecting us from threats beyond the stars.

The book begins with Godzilla tromping all over Japan as usual, but this is medieval Japan, a time of Samurai, and not fighter jets. A warrior has a sword crafted from the remains of a meteor, one that can cut the great hide of Godzilla, but one blast of atomic fire the warrior is gone, though the sword remains. This sword is found by the Sons of Giants, a group of men who seem to worship the Kaiju, wearing masks in monster form, but maybe are something more. We come to the early days of the 19th century and Vice President Aaron Burr, fresh from killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel is approached by a reporter with a strange question. Why was a coin showing monsters found on the dead body of Hamilton, and did it have anything to do with why Burr shot him. These questions upset the wrong people and the reporter is kidnapped, and brought before the Sons of Giants, whose leader shares the secret knowledge of the Kaiju. The buring of Rome, the true story of Exodus, Beowulf and others. The price of this knowledge is that the Sons of Giants want the reporter to look into finding the secret laboratory of Benjamin Franklin, for Franklin had a great interest in the monsters. And how to stop them.

I had enjoyed the first story quite a bit, but still found it a little herky-jerky in some areas. This one is smooth story telling with a plot that has a lot going on, but Tieri keeps a good hand on the steering wheel. I loved the mix of monster and secret history, lots of little bits, and dropping of names. One can tell there was a lot of thought and lot of research, though I think a scene that takes place in the Oval Office of the White House, might be a little anachronistic. However in a story with giant monsters, that is a little quibble. The story moves well, and drops a lot of surprises and kaiju easter eggs. The ending is just wonderful, and makes one want more. The art really compliments the story. I love the different styles used, the way spoken history is told in one way, real history in another. The characters all look good, and the Kaiju are really captured in their glory. The action scenes are very cinematic, and all I could think is how good this would look animated.

One of the better Godzilla stories, and one that makes me really excited for what is to come. Great story, great art, and a conclusion that makes a reader want more. I can't wait.
Profile Image for Michael J..
1,134 reviews42 followers
January 4, 2025
At the end of GODZILLA: HERE THERE BE DRAGONS it was revealed that there was a secret society of Kaiju worshippers, leaving the door open for a sequel. Turns out, this is a planned trilogy. (NOTE: I read this in the monthly single issues, published in 2024.)

Like Volume I, this is heads above your standard Godzilla story. Those who like to read tales of the good/bad monster but yearn for more than just another clash of titans will find a lot more of substance here as Frank Tieri establishes the importance of Godzilla and other kaiju in alternative history. On the other hand if you want more battle action (especially with the creative Inaki Miranda on art) you might be disappointed with SONS OF GIANTS. While this is very interesting with plenty of detail, it is essentially a set-up for the final volume - laying out the background and establishing the threat/conflict.

The main story occurs on the East Coast of the United States in 1804, just after Aaron Burr kills Alexander Hamilton in a duel. The kaiju cult is the Sons Of Giants. The leader is President Thomas Jefferson, who is recruiting an investigative journalist who may know the location of Benjamin Franklin’s secret lab.They do find it, along with details on a worldwide threat as well as a miraculous solution. The story will be concluded in GODZILLA: HERE THERE BE ALIENS. Yep, as crazy as that seems - - it’s an alien invasion of shape-shifters who have their own armada of kanji to assist in their conquest.

Throughout the five issues, the presence of Godzilla in historic events is detailed: a battle with a samurai in early Japan; the beginnings of the secret society in ancient Rome; Beowulf and Grendel; the emergence of Mothra during the Egyptian plagues protecting the exodus of Moses and his people; the presence of Rhodan when Mayans were conquered by Spain; and the alliance of Godzilla with Mothra and Rodan to take down the three-headed dragon King Ghidorah.

The art style and coloring is altered from the main story during these historical flashback panels to give things more of a children’s textbook look, which is quite effective. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
Profile Image for Ya Boi Be Reading.
841 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2025
3.5. I really struggled on whether to round up or down. On one hand it manages to keep itself entertaining and the vignettes are exceptional. On the other hand I don't think this has a lot of re-read value and its story feels like a stepping stone to make the original Here There Be Dragons become a trilogy. A necessary if slightly boring expansion of lore and worldbuilding. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the secret conspiracy of Kaiju knowers who keep their existence hidden. And the ending where is great. But so much of this is just slowly explaining the role of the secret society and that I just can't imagine re-reading this. Even if I were to re-read the Here There Be trilogy. It makes me excited for the final trade but this just feels like a slow methodical bridge to get from “Pirates go to Monster Island” to a larger story structure and setting to accommodate the of the third trade.
The interspersed vignettes of history and myths being shaped by the Kaiju instead of monsters is the best part. The retellings are fun and the art changes are immaculately done. Though it is a bit ignorant of actual Kaiju canon lore. I don't really care though except for making the man-made pollution metaphor monster Hedorah but even then that’s more of a disappointment to the only Godzilla kaiju I care about and this is isn't trying to stick to lore or canon I mean it's a Kaiju Illuminati story.
Profile Image for jcw3-john.
271 reviews
May 26, 2025
This is a lot more disjointed than its predecessor. We open every issue with only vaguely related historical events reframed to include Tohoverse kaiju - Mothra being the apparently incompetent protector of the Jews is my personal favorite, and then you follow that with kind of dull stuff surrounding mortal allies of the kaiju, almost all of whom are apparently important real world historical figures.

So half of the issue is on a historical kaiju story in a style mimicking the culture in question being referenced, the other half is a conversation between the leader of the Order, a contemporary historical figure, and a journalist who's discovered the Order. It winds up feeling very ramble-y - say what you will about this comic's predecessor, it kept things going a lot tighter than this manages, despite its flaws.

Being an independent (kind of) monster comic who uses the Lewis & Clark expedition is audacious - because there's already a phenomenal comic with the premise of 'Lewis & Clark discover monsters and get in over their heads' - it's called Manifest Destiny and you should read that instead.

This isn't the worst thing I've ever read, but nothing about it is that great, and the good stuff is mostly unintentionally funny stuff like Mothra and Rodan being very bad in the long run about protecting their favorite marginalized minority groups, or .
Profile Image for Jeremy Fowler.
Author 2 books34 followers
March 9, 2025
Hamilton, Burr, and Ben Franklin Oh My!!

This graphic novel series is unquestionably original and delectably devour-able!! Following our shady Kaiju observing organization through another patch of iconic history, here readers can expect twists, turns, reveals, and Kaiju battling (of course)!

I really enjoyed the first volume in this series, but having this set with both an ancient civilization focus with an American History backdrop, really made this story come to life! The beginning of each chapter gives “found footage” vibes through ancient depictions whether hieroglyphics or other ancient art forms. Then that layers with the all too pressing mystery of the Kaiju society and it just builds into a truly fantastic story! Throw in a few Easter Eggs for Godzilla fans and this made for a perfect 5 star read!

Check this out - especially if you’re a Kaiju/Godzilla Fan! The next/last volume is going to be EPIC!
Profile Image for Mohan Vemulapalli.
1,277 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2025
In "Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons II―Sons of Giants" Godzilla and the Monster Island crew are back for another wild romp through history. This time the book primarily focuses on the founding era of the United States. There are also a number of flashbacks to other eras which feature strong illustrations in styles appropriate to the depicted times. The real crux of the book comes from its revelations about Godzilla’s role in history and as the book develops the reader will begin to realize that something massive and earth shattering is afoot.

Expect a more nuanced view of the Kaiju death cult, a more odious portrayal than usual of a well known dualist, an unexpected role for the third president of the United States, a very different take on the Lewis and Clark expedition and a previously unexpected threat.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, IDW publishing for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars rounded to 4
Profile Image for DollarBin ComicWin.
101 reviews
November 24, 2025
This follow-up dives even deeper into the mythic, swashbuckling version of Godzilla lore, and it’s an absolute blast. Think kaiju epic meets lost-world adventure, wrapped in a narrator’s tale that feels half-legend, half-confession. The creative team doubles down on the historical-fantasy angle, giving Godzilla and the other titans a sense of ancient, terrifying majesty. The art is the standout again: dramatic, textured, and full of giant energy. The pacing balances monster mayhem with big, atmospheric worldbuilding, keeping everything grounded in a story that feels bigger than its panels. If the first volume felt like Godzilla by way of Treasure Island, this one leans even more into Kaiju Conan vibes; grand, dangerous, and dripping with mystery. Fans of Godzilla: The Half-Century War or Ultramega will be right at home.
Profile Image for Krystal.
2,308 reviews514 followers
April 8, 2025
This was a lot crazier than the first series.

Where the first book was a pirate telling his story of shipwrecking on Monster Island, this features a Kaiju cult, a president and some really rather ridiculous plot points.

Still, I kind of enjoyed it.

There are some great pages of monsters battling in all their magnificence, so kaiju fans should be happy with that, and there are some clever links to different mythology and cultures of the past that work in a fun kind of way.

I think the ending was a bit much for me, so I don't know that I'd pick up the concluding arc, but as a sequel to the first it wasn't so bad. The highlight is definitely the monsters brought to life in stunning colours.

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of the collected story
Profile Image for Jiro Dreams of Suchy.
1,575 reviews11 followers
November 1, 2025
I love alternate history and I love kaiju, this is a comic made for me. You have to accept a certain level of the absurd when reading stories like this, just be like yea sure alright and enjoy the giant battles and the twisted history. The big bad is Ghidorah and the aliens bringing about new kaiju, the planets only hope seems to be… jet jaguar??

I had a lot of fun with this series, I love the stories being placed in their time period with a comic stylized art that matches the time period- some feudal Japan, some Roman tile work and Mayan histories in that cubist style. Lots of fun and a creative riff on these classic monsters.
Profile Image for Cuchillo Lope.
153 reviews
December 17, 2025
What a silly little comic. It’s fun and pretty ridiculous. What cracks me up about it is this supposed secret society is so American focused it’s funny. Using figures like Jefferson is wild because all I can imagine is he dresses up like Godzilla and then goes and horrifically abuses his slaves.
It’s kind of a bridge to a conclusion and it really ramps up the zaniness in the last few pages. I found myself chuckling over how goofy this idea is and it feels like Godzilla himself doesn’t really work outside the context of the nuclear age in a lot of ways. At least for me.
Oh well. Bring on the 3rd act to this nonsense.
Profile Image for Alexis Berman.
159 reviews9 followers
April 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for my Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

This book is part of a trilogy. The first book in the series I liked. This one I liked more. I can't wait for the final book.

Godzilla to me is such a great literary character. You can write a story with him, and the rest of the kaiju, at any time or place in history, and it will work, which is one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much.
Profile Image for Hassan.
310 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2025
Whereas the 1st volume was a silly pirate tale + Godzilla, we've now gone completely off the rails, and I like it. Hedorah is the Grendel who actually slew Beowulf, the Mayans worshipped Rodan, and Aaron Burr is an alien. The art is good, but the story really is all exposition because this "alternate reality" is that bonkers.
Profile Image for Elle.
2,117 reviews
July 5, 2025
Godzilla vs. a samurai? Then, off to Ancient Rome and Colonial America? To be followed with more Kaiju retelling the stories of Moses and Beowulf/Grendel?!? How does one not pick up this volume to read???
Profile Image for Dave.
511 reviews96 followers
September 15, 2025
This was so much fun! I absolutely loved the creative ways Tieri weaved history and Kaiju together. And the art is fantastic, especially in the short retellings that kick off every issue. Can't wait for the concluding chapter in the trilogy.
117 reviews
October 29, 2025
Substantially better than Volume I: Better plot, more monsters, fun little alt-histories that use culturally appropriate art styles, and a cliffhanger that has me excited for the next volume.

And it starts with Alexander Hamilton being shot, so I'd give it an extra star if I could.
Profile Image for Robert.
4,931 reviews33 followers
January 25, 2026
A standard anthology structure elevated by the quality of both the story and the art. The only slight drawback is the lettering in the Norse section which (despite it's appropriate design) was an absolute chore to read.
Profile Image for Bianca Damhuis.
167 reviews6 followers
April 2, 2025
I love godzilla and the world around him. This was such a fun read
Profile Image for HALLOWGEN.
30 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2025
Thomas Jefferson, who is part of a secret society of kaiju researchers, in a laser gun fight with a xilien located in Benjamin Franklin's basement is insane and something I never knew I needed.
Profile Image for Danny Solomon.
25 reviews
August 26, 2026
This is obviously a “middle chapter” of a story but I had a blast with how this ties Godzilla and other kaiju with major historical figures and events.
Profile Image for Michael.
90 reviews
July 21, 2025
I freaking love the premise and the various stories within. This is easily one of the best Godzilla comics I've read in a while, and I want to give it a much higher rating, except for one reason -- it's pretty much all set-up. It has that problem that trilogies that weren't planned out as trilogies from the start have: the first one is a mostly a self-contained story, the second part is half of a story that gets filled out in the third, and this is, essentially, what it is. Regardless, I enjoyed this a lot.
Long live the King!
Profile Image for Ron.
4,303 reviews12 followers
April 14, 2025
When a reporter confronts Aaron Burr regarding the real reason he dueled Hamilton, the reporter did not expect to be inducted into a cult or, as they claimed to be, an order. The Sons of Giants has been a secret cabal since the time of the Romans, seeking to keep secret the role played by kaiju in history. But now the Order needs to step out of the shadows to face what is coming to visit Earth. An interesting alternative look at history in a volume that fills a bit like a filler between the first Here Be Dragons volume and the forthcoming third volume in this series..

Thanks Netgalley and IDW for the chance to read this title.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews