Comic Review: Godzilla - Here There Be Dragons II

Just how far back does the legend of the King of the Monsters go? According to Frank Tieri and Inaki Miranda, it’s downright Biblical. In their 2023 comic Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons, they imagined a history where Sir Francis Drake journeyed to Monster Island. This month’s new release from IDW expands the story. And according to these comics, history is nothing like we remember it.

Join us as we investigate ancient Rome, the tale of Beowulf, and beyond. The latest Godzilla comic takes us to all these places and more, as well as into the depths of a revolutionary monster cult!

 

The Story

If you haven’t read the original Here There Be Dragons, don’t worry. This installment gets new readers caught up pretty quickly. Sir Francis Drake’s seafaring adventures did indeed turn up dragons… of a sort. And he journeyed to the famed Monster Island. But why? And what’s happened since? Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons II—Sons of Giants fills in the blanks. And when it’s not filling in blanks, it’s rewriting history.

Each chapter begins with a retelling of a historical or legendary moment. The parting of the Red Sea. Beowulf’s battle with Grendel. The legend of the many-headed Hydra. And we learn very quickly that kaiju were involved at every stage… or, at least, some people believe so. Those people include founding father Benjamin Franklin, as well as the Sons of Giants. These strange masked men have some major players in their ranks. But whose side are they on? And why are they so intent on finding Franklin’s secret kaiju study?

 

The Art

In addition to solid art by Inaki Miranda throughout, Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons II showcases a variety of styles. Each ancient retelling is rendered in the style of the culture from which it hails. In between shadowy Colonial scenes are parchments, murals, and engravings recording ancient kaiju fights. It’s not easy to pin those diverse styles down accurately, but Miranda nails it. Each pastiche demonstrates a keen awareness of the artists and styles of the era.

Plus, there’s something really fun about seeing our fave monsters done up in these styles. From an ancient Japanese Godzilla to a Saxon Hedorah, it’s a unique and gorgeous wander through art history. Frankly, we’d just like some of these pictures as posters!

 

The Twist

What can we say that won’t spoil the ending? Frankly, not much… except that Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons II is not the end. Another threat looms, right as it seems like all the pieces are coming together. And if you know your kaiju movie history, you’ll gasp when you see the final page.

Here There Be Dragons is one of the most inventive Godzilla stories we’ve had recently—in an era of increasingly inventive stories! (After all, we’re not that far off from Varan and Australian skater punks.) The blend of art, story, and alternate history makes this a unique addition to the growing kaiju library. We highly recommend you pick this one up and prepare for the third and final installment!

Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons II—Sons of Giants goes on sale May 20.

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