To be honest, it would be absolutely terrifying to live in a world shared by Godzilla and other kaiju. The fears are only amplified by Ethan S. Parker & Griffin Sheridan‘s The Horror of Godzilla, where they tell a horrifying story alongside artist Tristan Jones that puts us on the ground during Godzilla’s first attack in a way that you can almost feel.
Tokyo, 1954. As the country begins to look toward its postwar future, two scientists start an experiment in the Pacific Ocean. It is meant to change everything…and it will. Come now, reader, and bear witness to the incredible horror of the King of the Monsters. There are no heroes. There are no survivors. There is only the wrath of Godzilla.
The Horror of Godzilla is one of the more frightening Godzilla stories I have ever experienced, whether that is in film or comics. Parker and Sheridan craft a story that puts us ground level during a mysterious and horrifying attack from an unknown monster. Built in a way that not only had me feeling for those dealing with this terrifying event, but the politics involved in the attack along with those who have no idea what is going on. It created a sense of unease in the unknown.
You can always expect a well-written Godzilla story to bring fear to the table, but there is something about The Horror of Godzilla that takes it even further. The impact of this monster appearance and the fallout to come is something that I felt in my bones. Parker and Sheridan place us in the middle of this hectic time with multiple perspectives of how things are going down prior to the Kai-Sei era of comics, including some incredible discoveries.
Yes, the story itself is horrifying and wonderfully written by Parker and Sheridan, but let’s be honest…the illustrations by Jones steals the show on this series. Jones illustrates some terrifying moments where you can feel the fear on peoples faces, the horrors of Godzilla’s massive being, as well as the intimate moments. The Horror of Godzilla is the best illustrations of the year. Jones has this keen ability to use light in ways that astonish me and add so much depth to a panel or page. This comic is stunning and powerful wrapped up in a horrifying and emotional story.
The Horror of Godzilla #1 is exactly what the title promises, an incredibly terrifying look at the King of the Monsters through the eyes of those caught in their path. Writers Ethan S. Parker and Griffin Sheridan deliver one of the most unsettling Godzilla stories I have ever experienced, while Tristan Jones brings his A-game with artwork that is both impactful and horrifying. The Horror of Godzilla is one of the most frightening Godzilla stories with some of the best illustrations I have seen in recent memory, making it a strong contender for comic of the year.
The Horror of Godzilla #1 hits local comic shops on July 29, 2026 (FOC: Jun 15) from IDW Publishing.
The Horror of Godzilla #1 Preview
