Mothra: Queen of the Monsters Discussion Thread

[ebirahsmeg1]

For some odd reason, many websites over the last 2 days have been running "Mothra Queen of the Monsters #3 Preview!", only to incorrectly show several pages from Issue #2 instead.....very strange

So far, the only preview to appear is this lone photo posted by Matt Frank on X:

[Moth]

Mothra #3 is another slam dunk.

Crazy call-back in the first half of the comic.

[GigaBowserG]

Spoiler:

WOW! I was expecting the story to be pretty straightforward, but seeing MechaMothra of all things has me giddy! Hoping for more crazy surprises like that, but still on board with the series either way.

[LSD Jellyfish]

Cool issue. I’m underselling a lot of the actual issues contents, but in terms of non-spoilerly stuff, I really like the panel of Megagurius attacking the farm+Emi sitting under an umbrella waiting for something to happen.

That being said:

Spoiler:

Crazy issue when having Desghidorah isn’t the craziest thing! Neat, MechaMothra! Cool to see all the incarnations of Ghidorah together. If you look carefully you can see Heisei there too. And what about those one-headed Ghidorahs?

Of course, the most pressing question is now: when Bagan?

As cool as that sequence is, I really wonder what’s going to happen. Is Megagurius just going to swoop in and fight normally? Or will there be some bigger twist? Maybe Megagurius will become extra powerful?

[GigaBowserG]

Cool issue. I’m underselling a lot of the actual issues contents, but in terms of non-spoilerly stuff, I really like the panel of Megagurius attacking the farm+Emi sitting under an umbrella waiting for something to happen.

That being said:

Spoiler:

Crazy issue when having Desghidorah isn’t the craziest thing! Neat, MechaMothra! Cool to see all the incarnations of Ghidorah together. If you look carefully you can see Heisei there too. And what about those one-headed Ghidorahs?

Of course, the most pressing question is now: when Bagan?

As cool as that sequence is, I really wonder what’s going to happen. Is Megagurius just going to swoop in and fight normally? Or will there be some bigger twist? Maybe Megagurius will become extra powerful?

Regarding Megaguirus...

Spoiler:

The issue 5 solicitation was released, and reveals Mothra and Antra will be facing off against "Omegaguirus"! Go figure, can't find the link anymore, but the watermark was from Bleeding Cool. She looked pretty wicked with 6 wings and a halo thing going on with her design.

As for those one-headed Ghidorahs, I took those to be matured Dorats. In the novelization of GvsKG, the Dorats were bioengineered based on the genetic material of a deceased KG found on Venus, which kind of explained the Showa KG resemblance to me.

[LSD Jellyfish]

^Got it. Considered that’s what I thought might happen, I’m excited to see this.

Edit, I found it.

Spoiler:

The full design of Omegagurius is in shadows, but looks neat. I like the promise of a full issue of monster brawling. This series has been great but most of the fights have only been a page or two, which is generally uncharacteristic for Matt Frank.

[ebirahsmeg1]

Just read MQOTM #3. My two cents:

Things I liked:

- Dynamic art by Frank that brings back memories of ROE in how the kaiju action is depicted. There's never a dull panel (though it can appear a bit too cluttered at times...his ROE collaborator Jeff Zornow suffered from this same issue at times). Visually, however, there is never a dull moment and is full of life. I especially liked the panels with Megaguirus flying over the countryside.

- I'm not really getting the recent "the dialogue is bad!" sentiments (compared to the dialogues of "literary powerhouses" such as Skate or Die, WFH, or Heist, it seems like Shakespeare in comparison). While the story and dialogue is definitely not going to win an Eisner award anytime soon (the part where they brainstorm their "new" Mothra song was cringe at times, though a nice nod to the "Call Happiness" Mothra song from GTTHM with some of the lyrics they wrote down, and the time travel elements weren't particularly well-developed), the sisters' lack of harmony and strained relationship is holding my attention so far, and I like it. Sue me.

- The "new" Mothra larva actually has a lot of personality, and I liked how it hid behind the bail of hay in the barn to hide from Megaguirus.

- Mecha-Mothra??? And Heisei KG, Showa KG, Keizer Ghidorah, Death Ghidorah all battling together???? Neat idea and awesome to finally see it actually take place, and had vibes of those amazing Godzilla Japanese "Sonorama" 1960s/70s books that always had crazy, unique kaiju matchups

Things I disliked:

- As mentioned, Mecha-Mothra vs all the Ghidorahs was very cool...but it was also far too short, and such a premise as seeing "Multiple Ghidorahs" deserves a whole issue (hell, even a whole mini) devoted to it. Instead, it just feels like a gimmick, and not sure what it did story-wise to have the Emi and Mira travel to this time period. We'll see if they revist this in issues 4 or 5.

- Sorry, but Antra just seems like a poor man's Battra in terms of characterization (a defender of Earth who suddenly went "dark"). Antra is also undermined by making Megaguirus the main baddie and relegating Antra to a "sparring partner". I'll reserve judgement and see how this plays out, but thus far, the way Antra has been written, I would rather have seen Battra instead (seeing Battra square off against Megaguirus would have been a potentially intriguing matchup. In contrast, we've already seen Mothra battle Megauirus several times in these books).

- There was a bit of mystery involving the two sets of fairies for Mothra and the supposedly "evil" fairies of Antra. The mystery seemingly has been revealed...and it was a bit anti-climatic to be frank. Again, it's only issue #3, so we'll see where they take this.

Again, while not quite up to the level of the HTBA saga, it's been a fun ride thus far, and a great contrast to the current dour Vs America and Heist series. Eager to see what direction this takes in issues 4 & 5...

[Moth]

My main gripe with this mini is that the action is a bit too hard to read at times, with MechaMothra vs The Ghidorahs being the prime example of this gripe.

Also yeah, while it's nice to have a new Kaiju, Antra reeks of "swapped in for Battra". I don't mind it too much though. Just wish Antra stood out more. Maybe if it was Gigamoth instead....

[LSD Jellyfish]

My main gripe with this mini is that the action is a bit too hard to read at times, with MechaMothra vs The Ghidorahs being the prime example of this gripe.

Agreed. Then again, I don’t think the battle between MechaMothra and the Ghidorahs is supposed to be a serious one, more of a cutaway to show how bad things could get. It does feel like the comic is avoiding showing off any conclusive fights. Hopefully that’ll change in the final which is supposedly just one big brawl.

Also yeah, while it's nice to have a new Kaiju, Antra reeks of "swapped in for Battra". I don't mind it too much though. Just wish Antra stood out more. Maybe if it was Gigamoth instead....

I think probably the logic with Antra was people would’ve seen the twist coming if it was Battra instead of Antra. You’d also wind up with a scenario with three flying insects. There’s more variety at play here. Still I agree, would’ve been a great time for Battra to be in a non-Godzilla story.

[ebirahsmeg1]

Issue #5 covers and solicitation:

The rematch of the century is upon us-can this new Mothra win?! This entire issue is one giant kaiju brawl. After perishing at the mighty mandibles of Antra many years ago, Mothra has returned! But this time, Antra and Mothra are working together to defeat an even greater enemy-Omegaguirus! Find out if this titanic duo can save the world in the thrilling finale!

[Kagutaba]

Omegaguirus

[TitanoGoji16]

What in the Biblically Accurate Megaguirus is that?

[ebirahsmeg1]

Issue #4 preview *should* be popping up somewhere soon. In the meantime, here are some cool cover collaboration for issue #4 between Matt Frank & Noah Cortez:

[ebirahsmeg1]

Issue #4 Preview from kaijubattle.net:

[LSD Jellyfish]

Issue 4 mostly one-upped the last issue in terms of appearances. It was a fun read.

However, it’s made me realize a big problem with this mini, mainly pacing, and Matt Frank and Sophie Campbell’s prioritization of fan service. Still, I also understand why this issue was so battle focused, each page and fight showed off Mothra Gemini’s abilities, and condensed rapid growth into a few pages.

[Moth]

This should've had another issue or two.

[Gojira2K]

It’s definitely a fun issue for sure. I do wish this series was longer though. 5 issues feels too short. Had fun with the cameos for sure.

Spoiler:

I did really like how Baragon was just like a puppy and didn’t want to fight.

[GigaBowserG]

Weakest issue narratively, but still a visual feast from start to finish. A lot of detail to admire when it comes to the monsters. Also enjoyed the expansion of Mothra's toolkit. Very curious to see how things wrap up in the final issue.

[ebirahsmeg1]

What a lot of fun issue #5 was. It has its short-comings though, which I'll address below:

Things I liked:

- Of course, the monster cast this issue is something we need to see more often in *all* of these books (this is not not just directed at IDW....Marvel, I'm looking at you. DC, no comment). Enough of MG, Hedorah, and Jet Jaguar every issue....Gabara (more please!), Baragon (where the hell has he been the last 15 years in these books?) Varan, Rodan, Anguirus (remember when he actually used to be seen fairly regularly in these comics? Why the sudden aversion of authors from using him?), Titanosaurus (see my comments about Anguirus), Manda (ditto)...how refreshing!

- Maguma! Similar to issue #3 with Mecha-Mothra and the various King Ghidorahs, I get major vibes of the old Japanese Sonorama children's books from the 60s-70s where every kid's fantasy kaiju matchups would occur. Hopefully this opens the floodgates for Showa Moguera, Dogora, Matango, Giant Condor, Ganimes, Frankenstein (FCTW), the Giant Sea Serpent (KKE) Black Moth (Latitude Zero), et al. and other TOHO "non-G film" kaiju to appear in these books.

- The battles between Mothra and the various kaiju were short and brief, yet more exciting than dreck like Heist, WFH,GvsMMPR2, M&P-AHTK, Skate or Die, GvsAmerica or DC's JLvsGvsK1&2's snoozefest, and even the majority of the GvsMarvel series, etc.).

- Artwork-wise, this may be Frank's best work on this particular series thus war. The monster detail is incredible and dynamic (though Titanosaurus looks a bit odd at times). Contrasting the artwork from this series and the overall HTBD saga with crappy artwork from Heist, Monsterpiece Theatre, WFH, GvsMMP2, M&P-AHTK is mind-boggling.

Things I disliked:

- Storytelling-wise, this definitely isn't the deepest G comic and like issue #3, the monster match ups seem more as a gimmick as opposed to actually furthering the story. While I like this series thus far, this is the main drawback that keeps it from reaching the same elite level of HCW and the HTBD/SOG saga.

- Sorry, but Antra sucks....is just a very poor man's Battra and no different in personality. Also, I have trouble picturing Megaguirus as the supposed "Final Boss" role...Megaguirus is just not in the same league of King Ghidorah, MechaGodzilla, or Gigan. Oh, and the "Omegaguirus" monikor....seriously?

Overall, a very fun issue. True, it's a bit weak at times with its story-telling, but I’d actually push back on the idea that “fan service” is a negative here....in fact, it’s what makes this mini so engaging at times: Delivering actual fun kaiju battles and exciting appearances by underutilized kaiju. It’s a refreshing contrast to how IDW has often treated Godzilla and co. in other past minis, and it's definitely no less deep or vapid than most of the recent GvsMarvel books. Definitely curious to see how everything comes together in the final issue...

Added in 2 minutes 50 seconds:

It’s definitely a fun issue for sure. I do wish this series was longer though. 5 issues feels too short. Had fun with the cameos for sure.

Spoiler:

I did really like how Baragon was just like a puppy and didn’t want to fight.

Agreed. Hopefully they'll follow this up with another mini similar to the approach taken with the HTBD-SOG saga...

[mikelcho]

What a lot of fun issue #5 was. It has its short-comings though, which I'll address below:

Things I liked:

- Of course, the monster cast this issue is something we need to see more often in *all* of these books (this is not not just directed at IDW....Marvel, I'm looking at you. DC, no comment). Enough of MG, Hedorah, and Jet Jaguar every issue....Gabara (more please!), Baragon (where the hell has he been the last 15 years in these books?) Varan, Rodan, Anguirus (remember when he actually used to be seen fairly regularly in these comics? Why the sudden aversion of authors from using him?), Titanosaurus (see my comments about Anguirus), Manda (ditto)...how refreshing!

- Maguma! Similar to issue #3 with Mecha-Mothra and the various King Ghidorahs, I get major vibes of the old Japanese Sonorama children's books from the 60s-70s where every kid's fantasy kaiju matchups would occur. Hopefully this opens the floodgates for Showa Moguera, Dogora, Matango, Giant Condor, Ganimes, Frankenstein (FCTW), the Giant Sea Serpent (KKE) Black Moth (Latitude Zero), et al. and other TOHO "non-G film" kaiju to appear in these books.

- The battles between Mothra and the various kaiju were short and brief, yet more exciting than dreck like Heist, WFH,GvsMMPR2, M&P-AHTK, Skate or Die, GvsAmerica or DC's JLvsGvsK1&2's snoozefest, and even the majority of the GvsMarvel series, etc.).

- Artwork-wise, this may be Frank's best work on this particular series thus war. The monster detail is incredible and dynamic (though Titanosaurus looks a bit odd at times). Contrasting the artwork from this series and the overall HTBD saga with crappy artwork from Heist, Monsterpiece Theatre, WFH, GvsMMP2, M&P-AHTK is mind-boggling.

Things I disliked:

- Storytelling-wise, this definitely isn't the deepest G comic and like issue #3, the monster match ups seem more as a gimmick as opposed to actually furthering the story. While I like this series thus far, this is the main drawback that keeps it from reaching the same elite level of HCW and the HTBD/SOG saga.

- Sorry, but Antra sucks....is just a very poor man's Battra and no different in personality. Also, I have trouble picturing Megaguirus as the supposed "Final Boss" role...Megaguirus is just not in the same league of King Ghidorah, MechaGodzilla, or Gigan. Oh, and the "Omegaguirus" monikor....seriously?

Overall, a very fun issue. True, it's a bit weak at times with its story-telling, but I’d actually push back on the idea that “fan service” is a negative here....in fact, it’s what makes this mini so engaging at times: Delivering actual fun kaiju battles and exciting appearances by underutilized kaiju. It’s a refreshing contrast to how IDW has often treated Godzilla and co. in other past minis, and it's definitely no less deep or vapid than most of the recent GvsMarvel books. Definitely curious to see how everything comes together in the final issue...

Added in 2 minutes 50 seconds:

It’s definitely a fun issue for sure. I do wish this series was longer though. 5 issues feels too short. Had fun with the cameos for sure.

Spoiler:

I did really like how Baragon was just like a puppy and didn’t want to fight.

Agreed. Hopefully they'll follow this up with another mini similar to the approach taken with the HTBD-SOG saga...

Could someone here please show a picture of Maguma? I'd like to see what he looks like in the issue.

And I figure I'll have to include him and Desghidorah into my list of Toho kaiju that IDW has done, but what about Mecha-Mothra? Should an otherwise-unmade Toho kaiju be included in it?