Godzilla Stomps into Comics: A Look Back at Marvel’s Monstrous Run
Godzilla first roared to life in 1954’s Gojira from Toho Studios in Japan, a somber and terrifying allegory for nuclear destruction. The film was later re-edited and released in the U.S. as Godzilla, King of the Monsters in 1956. From that moment on, the King of the Monsters became a global icon.
While Godzilla began as a destructive force of nature, his character gradually evolved. Over the years, he squared off against more benevolent monsters like Mothra and King Kong—who often appeared to be defenders of humankind. Eventually, Toho Studios followed in the footsteps of their rival Daiei Studios (creators of the heroic giant turtle Gamera, protector of children and the Earth). By the end of the 1960s, Godzilla had also become a reluctant hero and savior of mankind—even battling pollution itself in 1971’s Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster.
Godzilla Meets Marvel Comics
In May 1977, Marvel Comics launched Godzilla, King of the Monsters #1, bringing the mighty kaiju into the Marvel Universe after negotiating licensing rights with Toho. Surprisingly, instead of adapting existing film storylines or presenting Godzilla as a hero (as he was trending at the time), Marvel chose to reimagine him as a destructive force—a full-blown villain.
It was a risky move. Comic book history is littered with failed villain-centric series, as it’s notoriously difficult to sustain a story centered on an unsympathetic main character. Still, Marvel charged ahead, putting Godzilla front and center in brand-new, original stories.
A Monster in the Marvel Universe
This version of Godzilla was more beast than man, lacking the strategic cunning seen in many of the Toho films. His rampage began when an iceberg housing the monster drifted into Alaskan waters, resulting in his escape—and immediate attack on U.S. soil. S.H.I.E.L.D., led by Dum Dum Dugan, was quickly deployed to contain the threat.
From there, the series took a somewhat episodic turn: Godzilla would attack a new location, be temporarily stopped, and then return again next issue. After his initial defeat in Alaska, he set his sights on Seattle, prompting another military response.
As the 24-issue series unfolded, the stories grew wilder and more imaginative. Godzilla didn’t just face S.H.I.E.L.D.; he clashed with the Avengers, Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four. One particularly bizarre storyline even saw the towering titan shrunk down to human size—disguising himself with a trench coat and hat while blending in among the public.
Missed Opportunities and Strange Highlights
Despite its ambitious crossover potential, the series had its missed opportunities. Most notably, writer Doug Moench and artist Herb Trimpe never pitted Godzilla against Marvel’s own Fin Fang Foom—a dream matchup that could have made kaiju comic history.
Instead, Godzilla battled original giant monsters crafted in the spirit of Toho’s iconic rogues gallery. While these stories were fun, Marvel never quite captured what made the film version of Godzilla resonate so deeply with audiences. The result? A curious and entertaining series that feels more like a cult oddity than a celebrated cornerstone of Marvel lore.
Legacy and Collectibility
In 2006, Marvel reprinted the full 24-issue run in their Essential Godzilla black-and-white collection, introducing a new generation to this bizarre crossover era. While back issues remain relatively affordable, interest—especially in issue #1 and a few other key appearances—has been steadily increasing.
Whether you’re a kaiju fan, Marvel completist, or just love the weird corners of comic book history, Godzilla, King of the Monsters #1–24 remains a fascinating chapter worth stomping through.
Issues Covered:
Godzilla, King of the Monsters #1–#24 (Marvel, 1977–1979)
