GODZILLA VS THE HULK #1 MARVEL COMICS
Well, I never thought I’d be saying this but Marvel has managed to pull off another Godzilla one-shot that I actually enjoyed. Returning again to the by-gone days when Marvel tried to do a Godzilla comic but failed miserably. But they have apparently learned from their original mistake as we get a pot pourri of guest stars from the Godzilla universe. Kumonga, Mothra, two different versions of Mecha-Godzilla, and … Hedorah the Smog Monster! And special appearances from the Marvel side by the Thunderbolt Ranch, Dr. Demonicus, Doc Samson, reporter Jackson Giles. An all star celebrity slugfest! Now, I will admit that the ending is a little cheesy but overall this book is just plain fun. Writer Gerry Duggan does a fine job of storytelling and the art team of Giuseppe Camuncoli and Daniele Orlandini does justice to the characters. (Except for Doc Samson, way too skinny!) 9 out of 10 Grahams.
MOTHRA, QUEEN OF THE MONSTERS #2 IDW PUBLISHING
Writer Sophie Campbell’s story gets even more confusing featuring time travel, multiple groups of the Mothra Priestesses, a botched mystic spell which leads to a terrible flashback, Megaguirus, and so much more. Old Mothra help newly hatched baby Mothra who is drawn just a little too cute and anime-ish for my tastes. Even a guest appearance by pre-historic Gorosaurus and Anguirus can’t elevate this issue. Even if sisters Emi and Mira can learn to get into perfect harmony, it may not be enough. 6 out of 10 Grahams.
CAPTAIN ACTION VS AL CAPONE VAMPIRE #1
The good folks at American Mythology Productions have done it again. Combining some of their properties in a wonderfully weird mash-up and then having the Fraim Brothers (Brendon and Brian) do the art chores on it! J.C. Vaughn’s story blends the two sets of characters seamlessly as vampiric Al Capone gets invited into a business opportunity which may stem from Dr. Evil. And if Dr. Evil’s around Captain Action and team can’t be far behind. This showcases both comic series equally. And the appearance of Dr. Phinneas Fangs is a welcome change up. Or is it really Dr. Evil’s devious work? Fans of both series will enjoy this one. 8 out of 10 Grahams.
RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD #3 AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY
While I give the creative team of S.A. Check, James Kuhoric, and Andrea Arcari for taking on a beloved masterpiece of horror and camp, this one should have been left alone. While the gore is here, the wacky zaniness of the story and the almost neon color pallet here do not do it justice. The large amount of main characters are mainly unlikeable, so when they do get infected, I really don’t feel any pity for them. Even the brief call back to the movie’s tagline of ‘Send More Cops’ is half-hearted at best. And now, the military has arrived so things are going to get messier. This is one title that I should be loving but maybe I went in with higher expectation than I should have. And what the heck is with the super acrobatic naked zombie woman? Living Dead zombies don’t move like that. Heck, most living humans can’t more like that. 6 out of 10 Grahams.