GODZILLA VS THE X-MEN #1 MARVEL COMICS
Godzilla’s 2025 rampage through the Marvel Universe hits the #4 mark as he goes head to head with the 1990’s (?) X-Men. And like many of the first three one-shots, this almost makes it. When the mutant Sunfire tries in fight off Godzilla’s attentions to the Tsugunai Robotics firm, he quickly realizes he needs help. So he reaches out to the good Professor X and his pals. Writer Fabian Nicieza types up an interesting tale that showcases the genius idea of connecting the X-men to the Super-Adaptoid and then super sizing it with Pym Particles! And while this is a fascinating concept, it does relegate the X-Men to a punch of floating heads panel after panel. So the question becomes is Godzilla actually fighting the X-men? But in using that seemingly random collection of Marvelness, he does create a new kaiju like character that is pretty cool. And the villain, with an insane name, features bits of Battra, Fire Rodan, and Biolante is rather silly. The true human villain however has an amazing backstory with ties to the original Godzilla film series. Ending on a moral question, I really wanted to like this issue more than I did. Plus, knowing that this is the 4th part of a 6 part series of one-shots, therr doesn’t seem to be any linking elements between the issues except that it’s Godzilla in the Marvel Universe. And next up is the Avengers but it’s the bald Luke Cage/Spider-Woman Avengers. So I’m not sure what the time frame we’re using here. Worth checking out but not going to knock your soxs off. 7 out of 10 Grahams.
THE TOXIC AVENGER PINUP SPECIAL #1 AHOY COMICS
Having been on-board the Troma movie bandwagon since it’s very beginnings, it was only natural to be a little curious about this special. Unfortunately, this is not my Toxic Avenger. For a ‘Suggested for Mature Readers’ notice on the cover, the story is rather bland and the new design of Toxie does not appeal to me. And while the pinup artists do their best, only Chris Giarrusso manages to pull off something I’d put up on the wall. A shame but this definitely has a ‘Why did we feel the need to rebbot this’ vibe. 4 out of 10 Grahams.
MONEY SHOT BIG BANG! #1 VAULT COMICS
Being a big fan of Tim Seeley and the previous series, I had hoped for more. If you were hoping to get an expanded look at the Money Shot Universe, you are in luck. The Spearmint Rhino Pole Dancing Squad and the Kinky-Kills all get a proper introduction. But, this first part of the story is a bit dark and gloomy. The usual light humorous undertones are suspicious by their absence. And you know once time travel gets involved everything is going to get muddled. With expectations set low, this isn’t too bad. However, if you had set the bar by the other series, then it’s up to you to make up your mind. By the way, still definitely an adult title. 6 out of 10 Grahams.
SUPERGIRL #1 DC COMICS
What volume are we on now? Seven? Eight? Since her first appearance in the pages of Action Comics #252 in 1959, the Maiden of Might’s timeline has been a confusing mess. Superman’s cousin, Superman’s babysitter, Angel, corrupted evil weapon of Darkseid, shape-shifting alien blobby humanoid, you name it, there’s a storyline for that. Like many female version of major DC characters, aside from their initial creative team, others have tried to develop them into something else. And due to all this variation, it’s really hard to come up with something that hasn’t been tried yet. So this time, we have a young version of Kara who is filling in for Superman due to recent developments with the Man of Steel. She spends a good part of the issue avoiding things she doesn’t want to do (visit with her foster parents in boring old Midvale. Take custody of Lar-on’s lycanthropy form, etc.) And while this acts to reinforce her younger identity, it nothing we haven’t seen before. And while she finally does go back home for a visit, there is another version of Supergirl in town? Definitely been there done that. We are still using the long sleeve, mid-driff, mini-skirt, thigh high boots look with our alernate version in a sleeveless more 1960’s looking outfit and bad teeth.Much like the history of Wonder Girl, rebooting Supergirl is always hit or miss. I do have two questions though, when Kara returns to Midvale, she is recognised by old school friend Clarissa Giltedge but at the end of issue one, not even her parents recognise her? And during the not-so-epic battle between Supergirls, replacement Supergirl zaps real Supergirl with her ‘Discombobulation Generator Prototype’ which she states is calibrated to Kryptonian Biosignatures. Wouldn’t that be evidence that real Supergirl is Supergirl? I’ll sit down and wait for my answer. 5 out 10 Grahams.
