COMIC REVIEW: Godzilla: Heist

GODZILLA: HEIST
by Van Jensen and Kelsey Ramsay
Available January 13

One of my favorite things about Godzilla (and kaiju in general) in modern comics has been reinvention. The best new stories understand that giant monsters are less about their own lore and more about serving as a backdrop for human stories. Godzilla in particular is emblematic of everything from war to environmental issues, depending on who's steering the story. Seeing new stories comprehend this and run with it is super rewarding.

Doubly rewarding if, for instance, the story Godzilla is appearing in is a cool London-based heist.

Godzilla: Heist is exactly what it says on the tin, at least at first. The story follows Jai, who has a very special ability: he knows how to summon Godzilla. This is especially handy if you need some kind of major cover for, say, a heist. Everyone will have eyes on the monster, rather than what you're doing. And who's going to suspect someone of orchestrating a kaiju attack?

Well, someone has noticed, putting Jai in a sticky situation. But he has one last heist to pull off: the biggest yet. And once it becomes apparent what Jai is after, long-time fans of the Godzilla films will be equal parts surprised and delighted.

Artistically speaking, Kelsey Ramsay does a great job melding a rough-and-tumble art style with a really well drawn 'zilla. Neither feels out of place with the other. And as much as I'd like to compliment a very specific artistic rendering in the comic, that's a huge spoiler. So suffice to say there's something else fans will love later on.

Godzilla: Heist strikes a balance between being a good Godzilla story and being a compelling human story. Without the latter, you've just got a disaster movie. Which is fine, but it's so much better to see new generations of writers and artists place the King of the Monsters at the center of evolving stories.

TEA PAIRING: Poet's Study
A big heist needs a strong drink beforehand, and Poet's Study is that. This is my absolute favorite Earl Grey, with plenty of bergamot for those of you who like it super-strong. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!