The Fall 2024 Manga Guide

Godzilla: War for Humanity

What's It About? 

Everyone's favorite city-smashing monster may be humanity's only hope for survival in this twist on a classic kaiju battle!

“Godzilla saved us that day.” When Dr. Yuko Honda was young, she was chased by Hedorah, the smog monster, and thought it was all over…until Godzilla saved her! Now a respected professor and writer, she's dedicated her life to showing that while Godzilla may be a monster, that doesn't mean it and the other kaiju are enemies. Unfortunately, when a strange new monster emerges, her belief in the good of Godzilla will be put to the test. If Godzilla doesn't defend them, what can humanity do against the might of ZOOSPORA?!

Godzilla: War for Humanity has a story and character designs by Andrew MacLean and art and lettering Jake Smith. Published by IDW Publishing (September 17, 2024).

Is It Worth Reading?

The best way to describe War For Humanity would be if somebody decided to take a Saturday morning Godzilla cartoon and turn it into a fully colored manga. I mean that in the best way possible because everything from the style to the structure, to the exaggerated story just exudes that type of energetic narrative flow. The story takes place in a world where Godzilla and other kaiju are casually well-known aspects of everyday life, but there are issues arising that not only threaten the human world but also the world of the kaiju. But the question is, what part will Godzilla play in all of this? The story makes a lot of narrative leaps and the ending wraps itself up, but I was surprised at how thoroughly entertained I was with everything.

The characters are a bit typical with only one of them having a real character arc. Our lead lady's love for Godzilla gets put to the test in a world where constant wanton destruction is the norm. It's silly, but in an endearing way, and a lot of that is strengthened by the incredible presentation. This book is exploding with color, cartoon designs, and exaggerated panel layouts. There's just something about the way that everything is laid out that draws you in and sticks with you. The sense of scale feels appropriate and the action is very easy to follow. If you're a Godzilla or kaiju fan in general, then I think there is just enough here to appreciate. If you're someone who hasn't yet been exposed to the wacky cartoon side of the giant monsters genre, then this might be a good place to start.