We open on a panel showing Destoroyah in the water as steam plumes rise from the monster’s body. The familiar red tone overpowers the color palette, and the kaiju stands ready to pounce. Conveying such energy, the initial illustration harkens readers into an action-pack concluding chapter. Arata, Shiori, and Hiroshi run away with their precious Biollante cargo. The seedling of the plant monster may be the cure that could turn the barren, monster-ravaged wastelands into a verdant paradise. The three run from the creature, and a well-penciled panel gives the readers a true impression of the monster’s size and ferocity.
Hiroshi, at one point, served in a group whose intent was to psychically control the monsters. The group failed, and the humans maintain a link that acts like blood in the water—the open psychic line attracts the monsters. Hiroshi attempts one last, desperate measure for help. He calls on Godzilla.
This leads into a tremendous battle where the two monsters fight with fury and rage.
The fate of Hiroshi and the boys is revealed, and the important role Biollante has to play in the story concludes with a subtle ending.
I will say this very clearly: this series would have benefitted from three more issues. The rushed conclusion ties up the loose ends, yet it leaves out so many opportunities to explore grave and interesting themes introduced in the previous issues. The notion of kaiju being worshipped as gods gets only a nominal mention as the series closes. Additionally, so much more could have been explored in the way of the psychics’ impact on the Cataclysm and the balance of power with the monsters.
Most of all, the reasons why Destoroyah appeared could have been fleshed out with more of the ‘demon’ notion because the monster did not follow the storyline from the film, the tale of the creature being a product of the Oxygen Destroyer that killed the original Godzilla.
But I must say the concepts presented and the refrain from just throwing any such monster out for the sake of a gee-whiz factor made this entire series a refined and pleasing addition to the IDW selection of miniseries (like Half-Century War) honoring this wonderful monster at the anniversary year of his creation.
Score: 4/5
Writer: Cullen Bunn Artist: Dave Wachter Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 12/17/14 Format: Miniseries (5 of 5); Print/Digital