Godzilla is one of the most iconic and recognizable pop culture characters of all-time. But what happens when the King of Monsters faces off against a different kind of foe…The Great Gatsby in Godzilla’s Monsterpiece Theatre. Yes, you read that correctly.
The year is 1922. Mysterious man of luxury Jay Gatsby throws lavish parties from his palatial Long Island estate, all in hopes of attracting the attention of his love, Daisy Buchanan. But his affair is interrupted as his party attracts the one thing more dangerous than love: Godzilla. Now, Gatsby has no choice but to turn his undying will away from his love of Daisy and onto revenge against the monster who destroyed his home. Green lights will be broken. Boats will beat back ceaselessly against the current.
Written and illustrated by the talented Tom Scioli, Godzilla’s Monsterpiece Theatre is an absurdly unique and creative tale featuring some of history more iconic characters in a comic parody taken to new heights. Scioli masterfully blends two worlds – the glamour of the Roaring Twenties and the chaos of Godzilla’s rampage – together to create a truly unique and engaging tale.
Godzilla stories are a dime-a-dozen in the world of comics, movies and television. However, what IDW Publishing has been able to do over the past few years with the addition of Godzilla: Skate or Die and now Godzilla’s Monsterpiece Theatre is simply fantastic. Scoili takes age-old tales and turns them on their heads to give us an odd and bizarre comic series that is both delightful and unique.
The artwork gracing each page is beautifully created by Scioli. His style is both timely and fantastic, capturing the essence of vintage comics while adding a modern twist. The visuals bring to life not only characters like The Great Gatsby, but a classic Godzilla that is captivating and timely. Each panel is filled with details that standout, drawing me into the worlds of Gatbsy and Godzilla…can’t believe I even am saying that…
While Godzilla has never really been my cup of tea, this comic is so unique and odd that there is no denying its creativity. Comic parody is nothing new, but somehow Scioli was able to breathe fresh life into characters with rich histories and create a bizarre comic series. Reading Godzilla’s Monsterpiece Theatre was such a delight and can tell Scioli had fun creating something truly original.
Godzilla’s Monsterpiece Theatre #1 was so bizarre of a concept that I needed to read it immediately. Tom Scioli’s storytelling and artwork combine to create a one-of-a-kind experience that is unique while also wonderfully crafted. If this new series as well as other Godzilla tales from IDW Publishing is any sense of where they are taking the brand, we are in for a fun ride.
Godzilla’s Monsterpiece Theatre #1 hits local comic shops on October 23, 2024 (FOC: September 16) from IDW Publishing.