Paving the way for Godzilla’s return to the big screen on 16th May, Legendary Comics official graphic novel, Godzilla: Awakening is on sale in all good book and comic shops across Britain next week (7th May). The cover reveals the King of the Monsters in all his glory, featuring artwork by acclaimed Godzilla and X-Men artist Arthur Adams.
It’s just a small part of a feast of Gozilla-tie-in merchandise for the hotly-anticipated film for which excitement has been slowly building for months.
This 80-page story, set decades before the film, is co-written by Max Borenstein (screenwriter of the new Godzilla) and Greg Borenstein. Delve into an incredible mystery, generations in the making when, at the dawn of the atomic age, humanity awakens life forms beyond imagination, unleashing monumental forces of nature.
Godzilla: Awakening is illustrated by Eric Battle (X-Men, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman), Yvel Guichet (Pacific Rim: Tales from Year Zero, Superboy Annual, End of Nations), Alan Quah (Rage, The Vampire Diaries, Anywhere) and Lee Loughridge (Batman Adventures, Arkham Asylum: Living Hell, Marvel Zombies Return).
Here are the Us and Asian trailers for the upcoming film. Godzilla was designed by New Zealand based WETA.
“[Godzilla] looks really nasty up close,” enthuses award-winning illustrator and Godzilla fan Bob Eggleton. “His design was based on a bear as does the way he fights, and something reptilian, as Godzilla is basically many animals. WETA designed him in New Zealand, I think they did a terrific job. This Asian trailer looks just amazing.”
The Godzilla merchandising programme includes toys, figures, apparel, accessories, costumes and more are all part of roll out, with many items on sale from specialist stores such as Forbidden Planet.
Master toy partner Bandai America has a raft of Godzilla-inspired toys, action figures and play-sets, while Jakks Pacific will launch its Massive Godzilla figure, which extends over 43″ long and features 12 points of articulation and a swinging tail.
Rubie’s Costume will offer Godzilla costumes for children and adults, as well as a highly detailed mask, and NECA will feature a complete line of novelty and collector toys, while Sideshow Collectibles will offer high-end collectables.
Warner Brothers has also partnered with a number of apparel licensees including Bioworld, Trevco and Freeze. and Fast Forward are selling backpacks for younger fans, complemented by lunch kits and bottles from Thermos, while Titan Merchandise are releasing a number of Godzilla mugs and t-shirts.
As well as the Legendary Pictures graphic novel (also available in hardback), Insight Editions have published the “Making Of” book Godzilla: The Art of Destruction, offering a selection of concept illustrations, sketches, storyboards, and other materials.
“Already one of the most recognisable characters in all of pop culture, Godzilla’s return to the big screen will re-introduce the ‘King of the Monsters’ to a whole new generation,” enthused Brad Globe, president of WBCP. “By working with key licensing partners who are inspired by the unforgettable experience of the film, WBCP will bring its visuals to life with imaginative product lines that will engage fans both new and old.”
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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