Staff Picks
Reading About Kaiju In June For #Kaijune
- Thomas M.
- Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Collection
Kaijune is a month-long online event for artists. The name comes from a word for large monsters, "kaiju," and the month of June. Every month is a good one to read about kaiju. The list below includes plenty of graphic novels (and a couple of prose books) full of kaiju.
Godzilla in Hell.
Published in 2016
Godzilla meets his greatest adversary of all time-the impossible tortures of Hell! Each issue of this special miniseries will see Godzilla enter a new level of the underworld to do battle with the impossible.
Godzilla
World of Monsters
Published in 2021
The King of Monsters reigns supreme, no matter the timeline or world, in this compendium collecting three graphic novels-Gangsters & Goliaths by John Layman and Alberto Ponticelli, Cataclysm by Cullen Bunn and Dave Wachter, and Oblivion by Joshua Fialkov and Brian Churilla! First, in Gangsters & Goliaths, monster recognizes monster, which quickly becomes obvious when Godzilla collides head on with the Yakuza-dominated Tokyo underworld. In Cataclysm, does any hope remain for humanity in an apocalyptic future devastated by never-ending kaiju attacks? And, when a reckless scientist opens a portal to an alternate dimension ruled by Godzilla and his brethren, a single baby kaiju stowaway could spell disaster for our monster-free world, in Oblivion.
Pacific Rim. Tales from Year Zero
Published in 2013
Don't miss this exciting sci-fi prequel graphic novel of the hit Warner Bros. & Legendary motion picture, Pacific Rim directed by Guillermo del Toro! Chronicling the very first time Earth is menaced by incredible monsters known as Kaiju, these inhuman beasts rise from the ocean depths and threaten to extinguish all mankind! Witness the race to develop massive robot fighting machines called Jaegers, each one controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. This action-packed tale features many of the key characters from the film as we follow them in their early careers. Witten by Pacific Rim screenwriter himself, Travis Beacham, and with del Toro's hands-on supervision, this volume is beautifully illustrated by Sean Chen, Yvel Guichet, and Pericles Junior; inks by Steve Bird and Mark McKenna; and fully painted cover by superstar artist Alex Ross.
Monsters Unleashed
Published in 2017
It's all hands on deck across the Marvel Universe to deal with the giant-size fallout! But who are these Leviathans that have been unleashed across the Earth? Who controls them? And can even the combined forces of the Avengers, Champions, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men and Inhumans stop them before they trample everything into dust?! Amidst this chaos, a puzzle appears and Elsa Bloodstone is just the person to pick up the pieces. Will she find the answer or hasten the apocalypse?! And what does this all have to do with a boy with a wild imagination? Marvel's mightiest monsters are unleashed in an event so big it redefines the word! Plus: the first fantastic issue featuring Marvel's newest heroes Kid Kaiju, aegis, Slizzik, Scragg, Hi-Vo and Mekara now teaming up with vampire-hunter Elsa Bloodstone!
Monsters Unleashed. Issue 1-5.
Published in 2019
It's all hands on deck with the Avengers, Champions, Guardians, X-Men and the Inhumans as they clash with monstrous hazards that threaten to destroy every corner of the Marvel Universe. Who are the Leviathons? Who controls them? How can they be stopped before Earth becomes another tragic barren world in their wake?
Godzilla
Monsters & Protectors-rise Up!
Published in 2022
When Godzilla becomes humanity's judge, life on Earth will hang in the balance in this middle-grade graphic novel adventure! When a coldly single-minded businessman uses an untested element to create clean energy for a profit, he inadvertently awakens the beast from the deep-Godzilla! Sensing the harm the new energy poses to the planet, Godzilla attacks the heart of the problem-humankind! It will be up to three intrepid middle-school students-with a little magic help from Infant Island-to show Godzilla that not all humans are bad... and that there is still hope for Planet Earth. By the superstar creative team of Erik Burnham, Dan Schoening, and Luis Antonio Delgado!
Kaijumax
Terror and Respect. Season 1
Published in 2016
"Welcome to Kaijumax! Where the worst of the worst Kaiju monsters are securely locked away from the human world whether they be villains, anti-heroes, eco-parables, or nuclear metaphors."--Cover, p.[4].
Ultramega by James Harren. Volume 1, Issue 1-4
Published in 2021
A cosmic plague has spread, transforming everyday people into violent, monstrous kaiju. Only the Ultramega-three individuals imbued with incredible powers-hold the line against this madness. Their battles level cities and leave untold horror in their wake. Now, the final reckoning approaches for the Ultramega...but is this a war they can even win? Fight monsters and stand with humanity in this new Skybound Original from the greatest artist of his generation, JAMES HARREN (RUMBLE, BPRD) and Eisner Award-winning colorist DAVE STEWART (Black Hammer).
Ultramega. Volume 1
Published in 2021
A cosmic plague has spread, transforming everyday people into violent, monstrous kaiju. Only the Ultramega--three individuals imbued with incredible powers--hold the line against this madness. Their battles level cities and leave untold horror in their wake. Now, the final reckoning approaches for the Ultramega...but is this a war they can even win?--Amazon.
Ultraman. Volume 1, Issue 1-5, The Rise of Ultraman
Published in 2022
Ultraman rises at Marvel! In the darkness there lurk Kaiju - terrifying and unfathomable monsters. Between them and the rest of us stands the United Science Patrol! But who are these enigmatic defenders, and how do they perform their miracles? Shin Hayata and Kiki Fuji have spent half a lifetime trying to find out - and now their quest drives them toward a decades-old dark secret and a collision course with a mysterious warrior from beyond the stars! Kyle Higgins (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Mat Groom (Self/Made) and Francesco Manna (AVENGERS) reimagine the classic origin of a pop culture icon! The histories of two worlds, the experiences of two lives and the destinies of two heroes must reconcile as Ultra and Man struggle to become one - and if they don't, neither will survive!
Big Girls. Volume 1
Published in 2021
"Men are monsters destroying the world. Only girls can stop them. Big girls! Meet Ember. She writes poetry, loves to read, and she's a 300-foot-tall full-time kaiju killer! Ember and the other big girls are all that stand in the way of our world's complete annihilation! A new graphic novel by acclaimed creator Jason Howard that explores what happens when people see each other as monsters." -- page [4] of cover.
Big Girls. Volume 1, Issue 1-6
Published in 2021
When men become giant monsters destroying the world, only girls can stop them-BIG GIRLS. Meet Ember: she writes poetry, loves to read, she's 300 feet tall, and her full-time job is killing monsters! Her and the other girls are all that stand in the way of our world's complete annihilation! Critically acclaimed artist JASON HOWARD (TREES) takes the full creative reins, writing and drawing a tale that could be described as a cross between John Wick and Godzilla by way of HBO's Girls.
Pacific Rim
The Official Movie Novelization
Published in 2013
When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity's resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes-a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)-who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind's last hope against the mounting apocalypse.
Godzilla
Dominion
Published in 2021
A unique story that picks up after the events of the film Godzilla: King of the Monsters, where the Titans have risen and the reign of Godzilla has begun. As told entirely from Godzilla's point of view, the graphic novel brings new insights into the King of Monsters: his habitats, ancient rivalries, challenges, and encounters with new Titans. As his new era of dominance is tested, a coming confrontation with another King looms.
Monstress. Vol. 01, Awakening
Published in 2016
"Set in an alternate world of art deco beauty and steampunk horror, Monstress tells the epic story of Maika Halfwolf, a teenage survivor of a cataclysmic war between humans and their hated enemies, the Arcanics. In the face of oppression and terrible danger, Maika is both hunter and hunted, searching for answers about her mysterious past as those who seek to use her remain just one step behind... and all the while, the monster within begins to awaken..."--Page [4] of cover.
Monstress. Volume 1, Issue 1-6, Awakening
Published in 2016
Set in an alternate matriarchal 1900 's Asia, in a richly imagined world of art deco-inflected steampunk, MONSTRESS tells the story of a teenage girl who is struggling to survive the trauma of war, and who shares a mysterious psychic link with a monster of tremendous power, a connection that will transform them both.
Kaiju No. 8. Volume 1
Published in 2021
"With the highest kaiju-emergence rates in the world, Japan is no stranger to attack by deadly monsters. Enter the Japan Defense Force, a military organization tasked with the neutralization of kaiju. Kafka Hibino, a kaiju-corpse cleanup man, has always dreamed of joining the force. But when he gets another shot at achieving his childhood dream, he undergoes an unexpected transformation. How can he fight kaiju now that's he's become one himself?! Kafka hopes to one day keep is pact with his childhood friend Mina to join the Japan Defense Force and fight by her side. But while she's out neutralizing kaiju as Third Division captain, Kafka is stuck cleaning up the aftermath of her battles. When a sudden rule change makes Kafka elibible for the Defense Force, he decides to try out for the squad once more. There's just one problem--he's made the Defense Force's neutralization list under the code name Kaiju No. 8." -- Back cover.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. Volume 1, Issue 1-6, BFF
Published in 2016
Lunella Lafayette is a preteen genius who wants to change the world, but lives in fear of the Inhuman genes inside her! Now, Lunella's life is turned upside down when a red-scaled beast is teleported from the prehistoric past to a far-flung future we call...today! Together they're the most Marvelous Team-Up of all - Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur! But will they be BFFs forever, or just until DD's dinner time? And Lunella soon learns that there are other problems with having a titanic T-Rex as a pet in the modern-day Marvel Universe. School, for one. Monster hunters are another - especially when they're the Totally Awesome Hulk! Then there's the fact that everyone's favorite dino didn't journey through time alone. Beware the prehistoric savages known as the Killer-Folk - New York City's deadliest tourists!
Godzilla
Complete Rulers of Earth. Issue 1-12
Published in 2020
Giant monsters are appearing across the globe and leaving complete devastation in their wake. But who-or what-might be behind their attacks? It's up to Commander Steven Woods and his Counter-Kaiju Reaction forces to hold the monsters at bay, while young Lucy Casprell and her scientific research group, the Kaiju Watchers, attempt to find the truth behind the invasions.
Godzilla. Aftershock
Published in 2019
"Continuing the story of 2014's Godzilla after the catastrophic events in San Francisco, the King of the Monsters finds himself once again threatened as a terrifying new foe rises from the depths of the earth, unleashing a series of devastating earthquakes and driven by an unstoppable primal instinct that will test the King of Monsters like never before."--Provided by publisher.
Godzilla. Aftershock
Published in 2019
The official prequel graphic novel tie-in for the Warner Brothers/Legendary Entertainment film, Godzilla: King of the Monsters.
Batman
Night of the Monster Men
Published in 2017
The first Batman crossover of DC Rebirth is here in BATMAN: NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN! It's the storm of the century, and it's headed straight for Gotham City. The guardians of this sprawling urban center-Nightwing, Batwoman and the Batman himself-think they've prepared for the worst. They have no idea. Thanks to the machinations of the macabre scientist Dr. Hugo Strange, the storm has unleashed a rain of monsters upon the city. Colossal creatures are stomping through the streets, terrorizing the citizens and challenging the skills of even Gotham's greatest heroes. Can the Dark Knight and his allies stem the tide of destruction? Or will the Night of the Monster Men mark the fall of the Bat? Find out in BATMAN: NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN, the first crossover of the DC Rebirth era from the creative team of Steve Orlando (MIDNIGHTER), Tom King (BATMAN), Tim Seeley (BATMAN ETERNAL), James Tynion IV (DETECTIVE COMICS), Riley Rossmo (CONSTANTINE: THE HELLBLAZER), Roge Antonio (BATGIRL AND THE BIRDS OF PREY) and Andy MacDonald (THE NEW 52: FUTURES END). This epic of horror and heroism collects BATMAN #7-8, NIGHTWING #5-6 and DETECTIVE COMICS #941-942.
Mech Cadet Yu. Issue 1
Published in 2017
Once a year, giant robots from outer space come to Earth and bond with young cadets from the elite Sky Corps Academy to defend the world from the terrifying aliens known as the Sharg. It's a great honor to be chosen, but this year...well, the wrong kid was picked. Greg Pak (Totally Awesome Hulk) and Takeshi Miyazawa (Ms. Marvel) team up for an action-packed adventure perfect for fans of Amadeus Cho and Pacific Rim!
Godzilla
Kingdom of Monsters. Volume 1
Published in 2012
The King of the Monsters rises again, and for the first time in comics, he's bringing lots of other beloved Toho monsters with him in one destructive saga! When Godzilla appears off the coast of Japan, the Japanese government must respond quickly to contain the disaster... but before long, other monsters start appearing all over the world. Can humanity survive this mysterious onslaught of giant beasts? Writers Eric Powell (The Goon) and Tracy Marsh bring the mayhem a-plenty, and artist Phil Hester (Green Arrow, Swamp Thing) brings the massive monsters to life!
The Kaiju Preservation Society
Published in 2022
The Kaiju Preservation Society is John Scalzi's first standalone adventure since the conclusion of his New York Times bestselling Interdependency trilogy. When COVID-19 sweeps through New York City, Jamie Gray is stuck as a dead-end driver for food delivery apps. That is, until Jamie makes a delivery to an old acquaintance, Tom, who works at what he calls "an animal rights organization." Tom's team needs a last-minute grunt to handle things on their next field visit. Jamie, eager to do anything, immediately signs on. What Tom doesn't tell Jamie is that the animals his team cares for are not here on Earth. Not our Earth, at least. In an alternate dimension, massive dinosaur-like creatures named Kaiju roam a warm, human-free world. They're the universe's largest and most dangerous panda and they're in trouble. It's not just the Kaiju Preservation Society who have found their way to the alternate world. Others have, too. And their carelessness could cause millions back on our Earth to die. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
The Kaiju Preservation Society
Published in 2022
"The Kaiju Preservation Society is John Scalzi's first standalone adventure since the conclusion of his New York Times bestselling Interdependency trilogy. When COVID-19 sweeps through New York City, Jamie Gray is stuck as a dead-end driver for food delivery apps. That is, until Jamie makes a delivery to an old acquaintance, Tom, who works at what he calls "an animal rights organization." Tom's team needs a last-minute grunt to handle things on their next field visit. Jamie, eager to do anything, immediately signs on. What Tom doesn't tell Jamie is that the animals his team cares for are not here on Earth. Not our Earth, at at least. In an alternate dimension, massive dinosaur-like creatures named Kaiju roam a warm and human-free world. They're the universe's largest and most dangerous panda and they're in trouble. It's not just the Kaiju Preservation Society whose found their way to the alternate world. Others have, too. And their carelessness could cause millions back on our Earth to die"-- Provided by publisher.
Ultraman. Vol. 01, This is the Beginning of a New Age
Published in 2015
"Shinjiro is an ordinary teenager but his father is the legendary Shin Hayata. When he learns that his father passed on the "Ultraman Factor" to him and that he possesses incredible powers, nothing will ever be the same again" -- Unedited summary from the book.
The Wake
Published in 2014
"New York Times bestselling author, Scott Snyder (American Vampire, Batman, Swamp Thing) and artist Sean Murphy (Punk Rock Jesus, Joe The Barbarian), the incredible team behind the miniseries American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest, are reuniting for the powerful miniseries: THE WAKE. When Marine Biologist Lee Archer is approached by the Department of Homeland Security for help with a new threat, she declines, but quickly realizes they won't take no for an answer. Soon she is plunging to the depths of the Arctic Circle to a secret, underwater oilrig filled with roughnecks and scientists on the brink of an incredible discovery. But when things go horribly wrong, this scientific safe haven will turn into a house of horrors at the bottom of the ocean! Collects THE WAKE #1-10"-- Provided by publisher.
The Wake. Issue 1-10
Published in 2014
Winner of the 2014 Eisner Award for Best Limited Series New York Times bestselling author, Scott Snyder (American Vampire, Batman, Swamp Thing) and artist Sean Murphy (Punk Rock Jesus, Joe The Barbarian), the incredible team behind the miniseries American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest, are reuniting for the powerful miniseries: THE WAKE. When Marine Biologist Lee Archer is approached by the Department of Homeland Security for help with a new threat, she declines, but quickly realizes they won't take no for an answer. Soon she is plunging to the depths of the Arctic Circle to a secret, underwater oilrig filled with roughnecks and scientists on the brink of an incredible discovery. But when things go horribly wrong, this scientific safe haven will turn into a house of horrors at the bottom of the ocean!
Godzilla in Hell.
Published in 2016
Godzilla meets his greatest adversary of all time ;the impossible tortures of Hell! Each issue of this special miniseries will see Godzilla enter a new level of the underworld to do battle with the impossible by a variety of today's best writers and artists!
Asadora! Vol. 01
Published in 2021
"A deadly typhoon, a mysterious creature and a girl who won't quit. In 2020, a large creature rampages through Tokyo, destroying everything in its path. In 1959, Asa Asada, a spunky young girl from a huge family in Nagoya, is kidnapped for ransom--and not a soul notices. When a typhoon hits Nagoya, Asa and her kidnapper must work together to survive. But there's more to her kidnapper and this storm than meets the eye. When Asa's mother goes into labor yet again, Asa runs off to find a doctor. But no one bats an eye when she doesn't return--not even as a storm approaches Nagoya. Forgotten yet again, Asa runs into a burglar and tries to stop him on her own, a decision that leads to an unlikely alliance."--Provided by publisher.