Exxon Valdez THIS!
Godzilla #1 – The Coming! (August 1977)
Writer – Doug Moench
Artists – Herb Trimpe & Jim Mooney
Editor – Archie Goodwin
The Godzilla series sets off right as Big G takes his first steps onto American soil, and sets up many of the story themes that will echo throughout the run: environmentalism, Godzilla not as an evil monster, Godzilla misunderstood by humans, characters who grow attached to Godzilla, and humans all but helpless in the face of so awesome a monster. Godzilla’s actions are described by the narrator in place of thought balloons, and the narrator is often sympathetic to the monster (and is backed up by Godzilla’s actions.) For a rundown on the cast, be sure to stop by the Godzilla Marvel Comics Splash Page!
Godzilla awakens in an iceberg off the coast of Alaska. He immediately trashes a lighthouse (Holy Foghorn reference, Batman!) then goes to attack the Alaskan Pipeline. At this point the US is in the middle of the oil embargo, and oil is considered a precious commodity even more than today’s ridiculous gas prices. So Godzilla’s attack is more devestating than it looks. The narration constantly refers to the US oil addiction and how much the US relies on the oil (and it is a continual theme in the Godzilla comic series as wel shall see.) Godzilla’s attacks are not characterized as the work of a mindless evil monster.
Dum Dum Dugan and Agent Jimmy Woo are sent to deal with this mess in a helicarrier. Godzilla shrugs off their various flying weaponry without a scratch.
Godzilla is angry he’s being served by Jimmy Woo and Dum Dum!
Nick Fury arrives with guests: Dr. Yuriko Takiguchi, Tamara Hasioka, and Robert Takiguchi. Dr. Takiguchi claims to have secret plans to stop Godzilla. A bit of Godzilla’s origin after an underseas nuclear test and Dr. Takiguchi’s involvement as lone dissenter and lone survivor are detailed as well.
Godzilla manages to destroy part of the Alaskan Pipeline, and then is blasted with SHIELD’s really big laser. Godzilla is injured, but then immediately destroys the weapon.
SHIELD is left at a loss for options, unable to stop something so powerful as Godzilla. Will they find something by next issue???
Just another lazy Sunday
They call me “Dum Dum” because I invented the sucker!
The only Godzilla vs. Hulk battle you will see, and it foreshadows Godzilla vs. Bambi!
Good thing they had this gigantic laser just in case!
Ineffective attack – BEGIN!
Godzilla gets Lasik!
This secret plan we keep talking about is a secret!
