Godzilla - Kai-Sei Era Discussion

[Jomei]

It has led to me splurting "kaisei" all over it.

Mods, that's the esoteric Japanese concept of "mysterious energy" for the record.

[daveblackeye15]

Hmm I got to side with calling it Kai-Sei Era. They're trying to hype it up and it's not just one series but three set in the same universe. And with these series obviously some major stuff happened so maybe a little silly...but Kaisei seems to going for something silly at least with the Godzilla title. So I'm okay with it. Besides it's kinda their first major ongoing after a whole bunch of minis or the non-related Godzilla Rivals stuff.

[LSD Jellyfish]

So having actually had the time to read “the new heroes” and “Godzilla 1”, I can actually say they preemptively address Jomei’s fixation. There’s a joke about how it could be translated, but they substitute “cum” for juice. Big Lizard Juice. Who knows, honestly.

Anyways, issue one was intriguing. It’s basically a new mutant entering G-force, which has been reimagined as a super hero team. On one hand, I’m annoyed by the integration of super heroes and teen angst into Godzilla. On the other hand, the comic has a slightly more mature tone, and many of the designs are intriguing and out there. Leans a lot into the more depressing elements of living in a Kaiju world as well as some horror. The world building is pretty good so far.

Most of the first issue is centered around establishing everything, as well as a skirmish with Anguirus. While seeing mutants fight monsters up close is cool, it’s hard to get a sense of scale.

However, the cliffhanger was certifiably interesting. Looks like a new monster, and a bizarre one at that. Looks like a pacific rim monster more than anything. Interesting and edgy name too.

LAMENT!

[daveblackeye15]

It's certainly over the top such as the older commander playing with a guitar, being very 'America F*** yeah' and wearing an exo-suit. I have a feeling this is going to rub some people the wrong way. Still I'm intrigued by a few things. What's going on with Jacen's roommate? Tied up with that monster at the end or something else? CAN ANGUIRIUS BE SAVED!? There's that panel where Incense asks Nukie if she wants to share a bench with him, both are smiling and he called her 'Nadine' oooh closer than they appear? Rumi's friction with her more empathetic power over the more destructive teammates. Yeah we got some potentially good things here. Also I like the nods mentioning the Dead Zone, on sale in August!

I was hoping they were going to take on Godzilla in issue 1 but I guess it's for the better to build up to him first. It's kind of like Final Wars but will hopefully be GOOD. Alright let's see how the Kai Sei universe goes...

[godgun42]

new kaiju look like he belong in kaiju no 8

[UltramanGoji]

It's certainly over the top such as the older commander playing with a guitar, being very 'America F*** yeah' and wearing an exo-suit. I have a feeling this is going to rub some people the wrong way.

It's me, I'm "some people".

Did not care for this first issue. I feel like "sloppy" is the best adjective to describe it. The tone was a mess, comedic moments fell utterly flat and its serious mysteries and action were utterly dull. I understand what it's going for...and I hate what it's going for. I do not care for the team's current dynamic, nor do I really care about the mystery behind these "G-Mutants". Nothing here feels like a Godzilla comic. Even some of IDW's more out-there stories like Godzilla in Hell and some of the anthology stories they've done at least have a feeling of being a Godzilla-based story. Here? Not the case. Godzilla, Jet Jaguar (the theme song shtick got old real fast, Seeley), and Anguirus feel interchangeable with any other generic comic book/manga monster. I agree with the post above, "Lament" seems like a character you'd see in Chainsaw Man or Kaiju No. 8. Nothing about it feels like Godzilla at all.

Hopefully Escape the Deadzone and Starship Godzilla can turn things around because I am already not a fan whatsoever of this "Kai-Sei Era".

[LSD Jellyfish]

^I was being charitable, but I think you’re right. It doesn’t feel like a Godzilla comic, and as of issue 1, there’s little little keeping me interested as a Godzilla fan.

But you’re right, even the other more out there comics manage to make it work:

Monsterpiece Theater, while bizarre conceptually, managed to capture a lot of the destruction and tragedy that many of the films have. It also managed to hit that sweet spot of balancing heavier themes and ideas with pulp.

Here be Dragons was a period piece/pirate tale, but managed to work by giving Godzilla continual appearances in each comic, and having the characters be more reactive to the monsters. Time for good development of Hull and the other pirates, but still definitively a Godzilla comic.

Monster Island Summer Camp: not everyone’s cup of tea, but not advertised as such. A graphic novel instead of a comic, and appealing to more goofy elements. Still manages to have a lot of Godzilla theming thanks to its focus on environmental issues.


And it’s most recent comparison: Godzilla Galactic Odyssey, has actually some similar elements to this, but knows to focus on Godzilla at first, and keep things focused on the monsters.

Still, I’ll give a couple more issues (at least until 3) before giving up on it. I’m intrigued by the ambition of this, but could see this crash and burn.

[Showa Gyaos]

Bought the first issue. The only hook it had was the cliffhanger ending.

Barring that, I don't care about any of the characters. I agree with UltramanGoji's remark that it doesn't feel like a Godzilla comic. I also agree with godgun's statement that Lament feels like something right out of Kaiju No. 8 or at least an anime of some kind. If they're trying to imitate or mimic an anime aesthetic with this, it's going to be a rough go for me. Hopefully the hook is worth it because there was little for me to chew on with that first issue.

[LSD Jellyfish]

I thought about Kai-Sei Godzilla#1 a lot, perhaps too much. I think I’ve pinpointed what irks me about the series, specifically, and it’s the characters. There is some intrigue to be had, but to be blunt, I don’t like the character designs. I’ll start with Dr. Chiba, who I think exemplifies this issue rather well, mainly stereotyping.

Dr. Chiba is a Japanese character, who within issue one, spouts a lot of nonsense. Her stereotyping of Asia as making peace, and treating monsters differently, is, to put it bluntly, is light orientalism. We’ve seen shades of this in other American-made Godzilla media, but most of it has the sensibility to tone it down and often comes across as just a well-meaning but unintentionally problematic way to link Godzilla to its home country. But then to have her lecture someone on what “kai-sei” means, only for that information to be incorrect itself, really makes things pretty awkward and clear what’s going on here.

It doesn’t help that her actual character design reeks of orientalism and Japanese stereotypes. I’m not going to complain about skin-tight outfits (great!), but it’s not particularly reassuring that she’s the only female character to be put on display like this. The fact that she has chopsticks in her hair, the most immediate signifier of orientalism, is particularly in poor taste.

Before continuing, let me be clear: I’m not “offended” by the above, nor do I actually care for what some “social justice warriors” would call problematic. Quite honestly, Japan and Japanese society doesn’t need me to white-knight for it, and I’d like my criticisms to be more constructive than something that has to “cancel” any of the creatives involved. Likewise, I’m doubly aware that often Japanese media can be guilty of these same criticisms as well.

My big problem with it, is that it’s lazy.

Chiba isn’t a Japanese character. Japanese is her character. Rather than have a character who happens to be Japanese, they made her bound to the country she originates from. It’s something that many comics, specifically American, and put out by DC/Marvel have a history of doing, and it’s not great. I’ve never commented on it, but it’s the same level of cultural corniness that gives me an ick in some of the other comics.

While Chiba is the most prominent example, it’s also clear that Riveria is much the same. Loud boisterous guitar playing American, probably a MAGA guy. I don’t know much about the other cast, but Nuki seems to be falling into this trap too. The more I thought about it, I just straight up don’t like the designs and the characters, because they seem lazy. Jacen or whatever is the most dickish name possible.

I’ve also been a big supporter of Jet Jaguar appearing in these comics and getting a much more prominent role in these things, but it’s lame that he’s just been reduced to a member of this team, and can speak, but in the most annoying way possible.

Now, again, this is only based on issue 2, and I’m still hopeful for the future. But, this first issue is raising a bunch of red flags in my mind.

Added in 2 minutes 14 seconds:

If they're trying to imitate or mimic an anime aesthetic with this, it's going to be a rough go for me.

They’re trying to emulate a weird hybrid between superhero comics and manga. Not great for a Godzilla comic.

[ebirahsmeg1]

If they're trying to imitate or mimic an anime aesthetic with this, it's going to be a rough go for me. Hopefully the hook is worth it because there was little for me to chew on with that first issue.

You're absolutely right...this whole "Post-Apocalyptic" anime aesthetic is extremely cliche, unoriginal, and as you and others pointed out, neither fits nor feels like a G comic.

Also, I love how the authors repeatably boasted, "Did we mention we'll have the first human-kaiju hybrid????!" for ETDZ....as if this is something G fans have just been clamoring to see in a G comic

Anyways, after finally reading this first issue, I have one thing to ask: What are we doing here IDW? Is this really the style, approach, and take on the Godzilla licence you actually want to hitch your wagon to for your "main" G comic moving forward?


Things I liked

- Um....nothing really. Sorry, have to be brutally honest.

Things I disliked:

Too many to list and too tired/time constrained this week to do so. The biggest gripes are below:

- As others have correctly pointed out, Godzilla and Anguirus feel like they have no personality whatsoever. I know I rant quite hard on artistic approaches towards Godzilla whenever I feel don't work, but there is a good reason behind my critiques as they can absolutely detrimental to a comic. Godzilla and Anguirus both look and feel like lifeless zombies. There is no personality or charm to them whatsoever. And the slime green color scheme for Godzilla's beam and dorsal fins....seriously?

- Lament looks like Monster X's drug addict cousin and could potentially end up being even lamer than Antra from MQOTM.

- This comic tries way to hard to feel "dark, cool, and edgy"...instead, the thrown in swear words and "adult" dialogue that is apparently intended to be "edgy" come off as forced and *extremely* cringy. Just....stop...please.

I don't normally abandon a series after one issue (will give even the worst books 2-3 issues to get their act together), but if issue #1 is any indicator, then this whole "Kai-Sei" saga is going to be painful to sit through just 2-3 issues, let alone *18* issues spread out over 3 series. Once again I have to ask, what are we doing here IDW?

[CH2]

Can't say I'm surprised to see all the negativity here. I've long since recognized that I don't match up with the typical Godzilla fan as far as my tolerance for things outside the norm of the franchise. But I'm excited about this new shared universe and will be picking up trades of everything when they release. As an overall comics fan, I've been waiting a while to have a Godzilla story with this attempt at building out a cohesive world.

[LSD Jellyfish]

Can't say I'm surprised to see all the negativity here. I've long since recognized that I don't match up with the typical Godzilla fan as far as my tolerance for things outside the norm of the franchise. But I'm excited about this new shared universe and will be picking up trades of everything when they release. As an overall comics fan, I've been waiting a while to have a Godzilla story with this attempt at building out a cohesive world.

I would say overall, I’m pretty accepting of both change and experimentation, as well as things being outside the norm. I’m a person who loved Monster Island Summer Camp, Monsterpiece Theater and War For Humanity, as well as accepting different comics are trying to do different things.

Still, this comic isn’t hitting or feeling hot for me. I absolutely agree with the italicized, but until we have more issues of this, and Deadzone/Starship we won’t know.

Oliver Ono at least has a very good track record in my eyes, so I’m hopeful for starship.

Added in 4 minutes 4 seconds:

Godzilla and Anguirus both look and feel like lifeless zombies. There is no personality or charm to them whatsoever.

Yes, completely agreed, and that sums things up rather distinctly.

Godzilla and the other monsters do not need to have fleshed out backstories or emotions. But, they still need to have a soul, something there. That might change, but a first issue must leave a good impression, and it’s bizarre how Godzilla only appears for a couple of pages.

[ebirahsmeg1]

Can't say I'm surprised to see all the negativity here. I've long since recognized that I don't match up with the typical Godzilla fan as far as my tolerance for things outside the norm of the franchise. But I'm excited about this new shared universe and will be picking up trades of everything when they release. As an overall comics fan, I've been waiting a while to have a Godzilla story with this attempt at building out a cohesive world.

Yup, the Kai Sei era is groundbreaking because no other G comic in history has ever attempted cohesive world building across different books....oh wait, HTBD-SOG-HTBA, MMPR1 & 2, KOM-HGM-ROE, M&P - AHTK - Summer Blast, JLvsGvsK1&2. Of course, all of the above sagas have their positives and negatives, but the assertion that the Kai Sei series is somehow "unique" in regards to world building across different titles is utter nonsense....

[Gojira2K]

Can't say I'm surprised to see all the negativity here. I've long since recognized that I don't match up with the typical Godzilla fan as far as my tolerance for things outside the norm of the franchise. But I'm excited about this new shared universe and will be picking up trades of everything when they release. As an overall comics fan, I've been waiting a while to have a Godzilla story with this attempt at building out a cohesive world.

Yup, the Kai Sei era is groundbreaking because no other G comic in history has ever attempted cohesive world building across different books....oh wait, HTBD-SOG-HTBA, MMPR1 & 2, KOM-HGM-ROE, M&P - AHTK - Summer Blast, JLvsGvsK1&2. Of course, all of the above sagas have their positives and negatives, but the assertion that the Kai Sei series is somehow "unique" in regards to world building across different titles is utter nonsense....

Well I mean, all those are sequels coming one after the other. Not three books running at the same time, taking place in the same universe. There is a pretty big difference there.

[ebirahsmeg1]

Well I mean, all those are sequels coming one after the other. Not three books running at the same time, taking place in the same universe. There is a pretty big difference there.

Naah, be it concurrent or just "sequels", it's not that different in the grand scheme of things. Regardless, if all 3 series share the same terrible flaws and approaches, does the "world building" really matter?

[UltramanGoji]

As an overall comics fan, I've been waiting a while to have a Godzilla story with this attempt at building out a cohesive world.

I would normally agree...if it actually felt like a Godzilla story. But it doesn't, not at all. This doesn't have the same feel as something like the original Chris Mowry era of IDW comics or even the modern reboot works up 'til now. It feels like a generic young adult manga with Godzilla monsters dropped in. I'm all for departures from the norm, but there's a difference between that and straight-up name-slapping IP into unrelated stories. That's what this feels like.

[CH2]

Can't say I'm surprised to see all the negativity here. I've long since recognized that I don't match up with the typical Godzilla fan as far as my tolerance for things outside the norm of the franchise. But I'm excited about this new shared universe and will be picking up trades of everything when they release. As an overall comics fan, I've been waiting a while to have a Godzilla story with this attempt at building out a cohesive world.

Yup, the Kai Sei era is groundbreaking because no other G comic in history has ever attempted cohesive world building across different books....oh wait, HTBD-SOG-HTBA, MMPR1 & 2, KOM-HGM-ROE, M&P - AHTK - Summer Blast, JLvsGvsK1&2. Of course, all of the above sagas have their positives and negatives, but the assertion that the Kai Sei series is somehow "unique" in regards to world building across different titles is utter nonsense....

Well I mean, all those are sequels coming one after the other. Not three books running at the same time, taking place in the same universe. There is a pretty big difference there.

Right. None of those listed are at all what I think of as shared universes.

[Showa Gyaos]

Can't say I'm surprised to see all the negativity here. I've long since recognized that I don't match up with the typical Godzilla fan as far as my tolerance for things outside the norm of the franchise. But I'm excited about this new shared universe and will be picking up trades of everything when they release. As an overall comics fan, I've been waiting a while to have a Godzilla story with this attempt at building out a cohesive world.

Admittedly, my experiences with IDW's comics have been mostly underwhelming and I've been open about that as of late but I went into this series with an open mind because it was intended to be the start of something brand new. I got that much, but I'm still scratching my head over some of the storytelling choices made in the first issue alone.

My statements aren't a reflection of immediately saying it sucks, but some of the complaints here mirror my own--particularly the ones about this not feeling like a traditional Godzilla comic. If it gets better in issue #2, sure I'll admit that I jumped on it too soon. Right now though, I can't say I'm excited even with that ending.

[UltramanGoji]

And if the main Kai-Sei book ends up sucking while the arguably more intriguing side stories in Escape the DeadZone and Starship Godzilla impress, then hey, two out of three ain't bad.

[Moth]

I LAMENT the fact IDW threw all their eggs into this edgy, grungy basket! Yuk yuk yuk!