Even fans unfamiliar with the concept of SpaceGodzilla can't deny the appeal of the premise. Written and drawn by Matt Frank, colored by Gonçalo Lopes, and designed and lettered by Nathan Widick, IDW Publishing's Godzilla Rivals: Vs. SpaceGodzilla is a roaring one-shot that takes the indomitable and phenomenal kaiju to the cosmos. The creatives tell the story in an innovative way that is quite unlike other books on the shelf right now.
The one-shot tells the tale of an alien planet whose inhabitants pray to a sacred crystal. They believe the quartz provides and that they must put their faith in it. Much like any other world, though, when religion and government meet, there is bound to be trouble. This changes after a cult leader decides to use the powerful quartz to summon the god known as the Crystal King. What the leader unleashes, however, is the menacing and almighty SpaceGodzilla.
Frank's story doesn't follow the traditional model of comic book storytelling. Instead of speech bubbles between the characters and a focus on a few key figures in the tale, this is a translation of an alien artifact. It's a narration of a pivotal moment in this planet's history whereby the event is more important than the actual participants. Godzilla Rivals: Vs. SpaceGodzilla might appear unusual to a first-time reader, but multiple re-reads unlock a full understanding of the premise. Once the comprehension is there, it's effectively a wild fairy tale with SpaceGodzilla as the star of the show.
Operating like a futuristic merger of hieroglyphics and Bushman paintings, the images tell the full story, as there are lengthy periods where there is no text on the page. With Frank on art duties, as well, the creative mastermind hits the sweet spot between metaphorical depictions and literal imagery in a highly detailed one-shot that ushers in an entirely new world to get lost in. Since this is a book about SpaceGodzilla, Frank doesn't skim on the action scenes, laying down epic moments that allow the monster to roar and wreak total havoc.
Lopes' energetic colors complement the sensational linework. The colorist explores a gamut of colors and combinations to deliver what can only be described as sheer eye candy. Simply put, there's a chaotic energy unleashed across every page that captures various eras of the kaiju and all its symbolism. Similarly, Widick holds an important role in conveying the translation in the design and lettering of the book. The designer/letterer also allows the art to breathe in sections, understanding where it's best to let the art be the focus of the panel or page.
Godzilla Rivals: Vs. SpaceGodzilla proves to be everything that a reader could want from a comic book. From the imaginative interstellar world to the eye-popping artwork, it's practically impossible to not be sucked in by this story. Even if someone doesn't worship at the altar of the king of monsters, they will find themselves converted after this one-shot.