It’s A Kaiju Thing — Reviewing ‘Godzilla: Skate Or Die’ #2

Godzilla stories are at their best when the human element of the story is strong, interesting, and often really funny. Only two issues in, Godzilla: Skate Or Die is proving to very much fit the mold for the best type of Godzilla story.

Louie Joyce and Rus Wooton are nailing everything, creating a story that has a heart as big as a really stocked skate park.

As Godzilla and Varan stampede their way across the lands and seas for a bombastic confrontation, our teenage skaters are on the run. Joyce gives us a very solid teens running from the authorities, right into danger, because they have a relatable emotional stake in things. There isn’t a whole lot of extra on the plate, but it’s not necessary. Sometimes a plate of a really delicious staple food displayed in the most appealing way hits the spot perfectly.

Artistically, this is where a ton of the fun comes from. Joyce’s style is just so light, rough, breezy, and weighty all at the same time. It’s got a whimsical streak that enhances rather than dulls the sharp edge of things, as the danger is still very present and ominous. Colors are very vibrant, edging towards the brighter side of the spectrum, in most cases. With plenty of shadows and darker tones mixed into the affair for effect.

Paneling allows things plenty of room to breathe, as they slip and slide around the page. Plenty of the angles chosen let the audience be both on the ground and a distant observer. Joyce’s visual bits are also on point, especially with Godzilla bursting from the water for a well-placed dark humor moment.

Even with the specific plot track focus, the work done here and in the first issue has really given this world depth. These characters feel fleshed out and lively, not just teenage stereotypes. Yes they fit some of the trope types for these characters, but so do people that many of us know or meet in real life. It’s the heart and interactive moments that help define them beyond that.

The addition of Wooton brings even more energy to everything, adding some flavor to the lettering that matches what the rest of the art is putting down. Speech bubbles of all shapes and sizes meet sketchy rougher fonts and splashes of color. All of it geared to give the characters some uniqueness in their voices and something for our mind to grab onto as we mentally ‘recreate’ those voices.

Godzilla: Skate Or Die #2 is now available from IDW Publishing.