Godzilla is renowned for his destructive rampages through Tokyo, but imagine if the iconic monster set his sights on the United States? That's the thrilling concept behind "Godzilla vs. America," a new series of standalone specials from IDW Publishing and Toho. Kicking off with "Godzilla vs. Chicago #1," the series continues its cinematic journey with "Godzilla vs. Los Angeles #1" slated for release in April 2025. This issue promises four captivating stories of Godzilla's assault on the City of Angels, crafted by an impressive lineup of talent including Gabriel Hardman, J. Gonzo, Dave Baker, and Nicole Goux.
The release of "Godzilla vs. Los Angeles #1" comes at a sensitive time, as the city grapples with the aftermath of devastating wildfires. IDW acknowledges this unfortunate timing and has taken a commendable step by pledging all proceeds from the comic to the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc), which supports bookstores and comic shops affected by the fires. This initiative reflects IDW's commitment to their community during challenging times.
In a heartfelt letter to retailers and fans, IDW emphasized their dedication to sensitivity and support:
To our retail partners and fans,
We hope this message finds you safe and well. IDW Publishing is deeply committed to its community of creators, readers, and retailers. As part of this community, we understand that sensitivity and support are paramount, especially during challenging times.
We are reaching out to address the upcoming release of Godzilla vs. Los Angeles, the next installment in our "Godzilla vs. America" series. Planned since last July, this 40-page anthology features the work of some beloved Los Angeles-based writers and artists and is scheduled to go on sale in April 2025.
We recognize the unfortunate coincidence of our comic’s theme with the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles. "Godzilla," as a series, has often served as a metaphor for the impact of unprecedented tragedies stemming from human actions or natural causes. It is not our intention to capitalize on these recent events but rather to continue to explore themes that resonate with and reflect the human condition.
To support our community in this difficult time, we have decided to donate all proceeds from the sales of Godzilla vs. Los Angeles to the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc). This contribution will directly aid bookstores and comic shops affected by the fires, helping them recover and rebuild.
We appreciate your support as retailers and partners in bringing stories to life, even when art unintentionally mirrors reality. Through this effort, we can offer some assistance to those impacted by the events in Los Angeles.
Thank you for your understanding and continued readership. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or for further discussion.
Nicolas Niño, an associate editor with roots in Los Angeles, shared his enthusiasm for the project: "Having been born and raised in LA, I couldn’t be happier to work on a comic packed with some of the city’s most talented cartoonists. We’ve got Godzilla fighting giant lowrider mechs, stomping through theme parks, and even a pamphlet on the city’s subway system (yes, LA does have a subway system)! The common theme? Angelenos coming together to fight back against a force of nature. This year’s started out hard for the city and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Los Angeles than by bringing its biggest challenge yet: The King of Monsters! Plus, all proceeds for this issue are going to support the Binc Foundation’s response to the wildfires that affected the city in January."
"Godzilla vs Los Angeles #1" is set to hit shelves on April 30, 2025, with a final order cutoff on March 24. For those eager to stay updated on upcoming releases, be sure to check out the anticipated titles from Marvel and DC in 2025.
