Godzilla, the King of the Monsters, has terrorized screens everywhere since the 50s. Fans adore watching his majesty plague humanity and fight other giant monsters. He’s become a global icon and appeared in everything from movies to comic books. And in March 2025, Godzilla will debut in a crossover event of epic proportions. He’ll tangle with characters who have captured people’s hearts for decades. But it is unknown who will survive such an altercation.
The Rise of Godzilla
Godzilla first appeared in the 1954 movie of the same name, directed by Ishiro Honda. The film showcased the titular monster awakening due to the testing of America’s Hydrogen bomb. He reaches Tokyo after destroying several ships, destroying everything in his sight. His reign of terror ends after a dangerous weapon reduces him to bones. The movie arrived in America but was renamed Godzilla, King of the Monsters. It included original scenes featuring Perry Mason star Raymond Burr.
In the flick, Godzilla represents the possible effects of radiation on living creatures. The atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki devastated everything, and their energy killed countless people. These events left survivors wondering about any long-term effects that could occur. The Monster King is also somewhat based on a real-life event. A Japanese fishing boat entered a U.S. Pacific testing ground for its Hydrogen bomb. The crew was exposed and suffered from radiation sickness, but most of the men recovered.
Long Live the King
The Godzilla, King of the Monsters movie was massively successful, creating many sequels. Starting with Godzilla Raids Again, the atomic monster king faced against other kaiju. He also stayed the antagonist until King Ghidorah’s debut changed his image and role. The monster king became an Earth-protecting superhero, though future iterations reworked him into other parts. He often returned to his antagonistic roots or became a protective anti-hero who destroyed cities. Nowadays, Toho depicts Godzilla as a villain, while Legendary Studios handles the heroic version.
Movies are Godzilla’s primary stage, but he’s appeared in other forms of visual media. He starred in a Hanna-Barbera cartoon and made guest appearances in the Zone Fighter series. You can also witness him harass the Simpsons during their trip to Japan. There are even video games featuring his majesty and other memorable Toho kaiju. Alongside these visual works, Godzilla appeared in many literary pieces. These written works include informational guides, movie novelizations, and, of course, comic books.
Godzilla Stomps Back to Marvel Comics
There have been various comics where the Monster King has taken the spotlight. Many of them are adaptations of the movies, though some are original stories. Companies like Dark Horse, IDW Publishing, and DC Comics are responsible for them. However, one of the most memorable is Godzilla, King of the Monsters by Marvel. This 24-book series featured the king traversing across America, fighting kaiju and superhero groups. It was written by Doug Moench and illustrated by Herb Trimpe.
Despite the collection’s moderate success, the monster king hasn’t starred in Marvel Comics since. But that changes next year because he returns in the brand-new mini-series, Godzilla vs Marvel. It will consist of six one-shots that take place in different periods. Everything begins with a tale about the quartet contending with Galactus and King Ghidorah. Ryan North and John Romita Jr. will write this issue. Afterward, the proceeding tales will feature The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, the X-Men, and Thor.
Final Thoughts
Even if done before, this Godzilla and Marvel Comics crossover sounds incredible! Each issue, being a stand-alone one-shot, gives off Marvel’s What If vibes. The same goes for every story taking place in a different period. The possibilities are endless with this series, and they get wild with every thought. Here’s hoping the final comic ends with a team-up between the Avengers and the king.
I’ve loved Godzilla movies and Marvel cartoons ever since childhood. And this love for both has grown from all the new films. The idea of the Fantastic Four taking on King Ghidorah blows my mind. Seeing The Thing slug the space dragon and Godzilla blast Galactus would be amazing! If I can, I’ll sit and read the entire series from beginning to end. The first book will arrive at some point in March of 2025.
