Legendary Comics Announces ‘Godzilla Vs. Kong’ Publishing Program
by James Ferguson
March sees the release of Godzilla vs. Kong from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, pitting two giant monsters against each other. The action is not limited to the big screen (or small screen as it’s also streaming on HBO Max). Legendary Comics has announced a robust publishing program to coincide with the film’s release including two prequel graphic novels, an anthology of previously released comics, an original children’s picture book, a young children’s board book, an official behind-the-scenes art book, and a novelization that takes readers deeper into the worlds of Monarch, the Titans, and more. Each book helps set the stage for this epic battle.
“As with previous installments in the Monsterverse franchise, Legendary Comics is excited to expand the story universe by paving the way for the cinematic clash with two prequel graphic novels that will tell separate tales of our favorite Titans,” said Robert Napton, Senior Vice President of Legendary Comics. “We are also expanding our publishing offerings with our first-ever children’s book and board book, and are thrilled to be working again with Insight Editions and Titan Books on an art book and novelization that will offer exclusive content, taking readers deeper into the world of Godzilla and Kong.”
Godzilla Dominion is a prequel graphic novel written by Greg Keyes and illustrated by Drew Edward Johnson. It tells a story picking up after the events of Godzilla: King of the Monsters where the Titans have risen and the reign of Godzilla has begun. Told entirely by Godzilla’s point of view, the book provides new insights into the King of Monsters including his habitats, ancient rivalries, encounters with new Titans, and other challenges. Godzilla Dominion is set for release on March 30th, 2021 at your local comic shop, bookstore, and Amazon.
Kingdom Kong is a follow up to the graphic novel Skull Island: Birth of Kong and a prelude to Godzilla vs. Kong. Written by Marie Anello and illustrated by ZID, the comic follows a group of highly skilled military pilots gathered together on Skull Island to see who has “the right stuff” to take on a dangerous mission into the hollow earth. Audrey, one of the pilots, is haunted by the memories of a monstrous class with one of Godzilla’s titanic rivals that left deep scars. When Camazotz, a bat-like Titan attacks Skull Island, Audrey must come to terms with her inner demons. Meanwhile, Kong doesn’t take too kindly to having his home threatened, so he rises up to face this usurper that would plunge the world into perpetual night. Kingdom Kong will also debut on March 30th, 2021 and is also available for pre-order at your local comic shop, bookstore, and Amazon.
Giant monsters aren’t just for grown-ups as shown in Kong & Me, a children’s book by author Kiki Thorpe with illustrations by Nidhi Chanani. Young readers can follow along as the mighty Titan and his new pal spend a day of fun and adventure exploring the wonders of Skull Island. Along the way, they prove that friendships come in many sizes, no matter how different we are. No one is too big or small to find a true friend. I really hope this is the true ending for Godzilla vs. Kong. Kong & Me is set for release on, you guessed it, March 30th, 2021 and is available for pre-order.
Insight Editions is releasing Godzilla vs. Kong: Sometimes Friends Fight (But They Always Make Up) from Carol Herring. The family-friendly board book features heartwarming lessons and introduces the Godzilla and Kong characters to a younger generation. Making new friends isn’t always easy for kids (or adults for that matter). That’s also true for giant monsters. Small misunderstandings can lead to enormous conflicts. Godzilla vs. Kong: Sometimes Friends Fight (But They Always Make Up) provides tips on how to be a good friend by using these two Titans to show kids how to behave in familiar situations, albeit on a much larger scale. This is set for release the following week, on April 6th, 2021.
Godzilla vs. Kong: The Official Movie Novelization, written by Greg Keyes, takes us deeper into this world as humanity fights for its future, set for release on April 6th, 2021.
Delve into the backstories of this world with Monsterverse Titanthology: Volume 1, collecting the previously released graphic novels Skull Island: The Birth of Kong and Godzilla: Aftershock together for the first time ever. This will be available on May 11th, 2021.
Finally, Godzilla vs. Kong: One Will Fall, The Art of the Ultimate Battle Royale from Insight Editions is written by Daniel Wallace and features a foreword by director Adam Wingard. It takes fans behind-the-scenes of this monstrously epic film, showing how it was brought to the screen. Featuring a dynamic selection of exclusive concept art, pre-production materials, on-set photography, and insight from the filmmakers, the book is the ultimate guide to this showdown. It’s set for release on May 21st, 2021.
That’s a whole lot of monster content, building upon this tentpole film.
