by Chris Eaton- Source Comic book resources-
Hear that. That’s me shedding a tear of joy.
Originally posted at www.therealmcast.com
I’m dreaming. I have to be. There’s no way that this is really happening. This is some sick joke that some one went through a lot of elaborate though to just torture me. Wait, what? It’s legit? Then..
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH….WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooo
It’s 1994 again, and this writer is a happy camper. There’s a new Godzilla movie on the horizon, and today, at the New York Comic Con, IDW, the current licenses holders of such titles as Ghostbusters, G.I. Joe, Star Trek and Transformers, has acquired the rights from Toho Co, to bring Godzilla back to the American comic market. I’m sorry..I have something in my eye “sniff”.
The guys at Comicbookresources.com got the press release straight from IDW and Toho, and from what I’m reading, has me crying with joy.
Official Press Release
The biggest star in motion pictures prepares to wreak havoc once again! IDW Publishing is thrilled to announce a partnership with Toho Co., Ltd. to create all-new GODZILLA comics. Starting in 2011, Godzilla will smash his way back onto the scene with a cast of characters from his films never before seen in comics.
“This new series will be monsters and mayhem, but most importantly, it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Yukio Kotaki of Toho. “Godzilla has been gone from comics for too long and we feel that IDW is the perfect company to welcome him back in 2011.”
In addition to the King of the Monsters himself, the new comics from IDW Publishing and Toho Co., Ltd. will feature many of Godzilla’s friends and foes, including MOTHRA™, KING GHIDORAH™, RODAN™ and more that have never before been featured in an American comic book series alongside Godzilla. With an impressive cast of monsters both old and new, IDW’s series will treat fans to both familiar themes and original takes on the pop culture legends that have stomped, smashed, and fought their way across movie screens for over five decades.
“Not only is Godzilla known worldwide, he’s loved worldwide, too. Having a film career with more than 25 movies and going on a 56-year span pretty much solidifies you as a legend, and IDW is really looking forward to contributing to that legacy,” said Chris Ryall, Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in Chief for IDW Publishing. “We wanted Godzilla to return to comics, but this time we wanted him to have some company. I think fans will be pleased with the monster guest appearances, which will really offer something for every fan of these films. There are the classic characters, but there are also a few surprises, too.”
Debuting in February 2011, fans can expect to see a number of unique storylines from some of the industry’s top creators.
Not only are they publishing a new Godzilla series, not only dose IDW have an awesome stable of artist, but they’ve loosened the cork that was up Toho’s ass for the last 30 years and have obtained the rights to use OTHER TOHO MONSTERS! Thus not having to resort to making up new ones that are basically knock offs of the originals. Sweet buttery nipples. The potential is nearly astronomical in story telling. After 6 years of NOTHING in the way of Godzilla, all of a sudden, a new wave, ushered in by Americans is upon us. Best thing: This series debuts in February, the month of my birth! What a perfect way to ring in my Bday than new Godzilla book.
Now, for those keeping track, Godzilla has been published in America twice before. Once in the late 70’s by Marvel Comics, that had Godzilla facing down not just new made up monsters and robots, but S.H.I.E.L.D (led by Dum Dum Duggan) but the rest of the Marvel Universe, including the Avengers and Fantastic Four. While not a true Godzilla story, it’s still an awesome read to this day. Some ten years after that, the fledgling Dark Horse Comics published a one shot, black and white Godzilla book that was very akin to the original film, and very, very odd. In a good way though. Dark Horse would then go on to wait a few years before they would reuse the license and publish the Manga adaptation of Godzilla 1985, a Godzilla Color Special by Art Adams, a two part story in Dark Horse Presents that lead in to a 17 issue series, and notable one shots like Godzilla vs Hero Zero and Godzilla vs Charles Barkley. Lets just say, that much like the movie series, Godzilla’s American run in comics has seen it’s ups and downs.
I do trust IDW a lot though. They take their licensing properties fairly serious, as I’ve heard good things about Transformers and G.I. Joe, and figured that IDW wouldn’t bother forking over the cash to license Godzilla unless they had long term plans. No word so far on who’s illustrating or who’s even writing. I really don’t care right now, I just want this book…now!