Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Issue 4 Review | Godzilla Island Archive

Note: This is article is from the 2013 Godzilla Island archive all views and opinions may have been changed. Some info may be outdated as well.

The Plot:

Rulers of Earth Issue #4 starts off with everyone discussing the attack on the aircraft carrier from the previous issue. Early reports claimed it was Godzilla, but we know it was actually Manda and Gezora. The defense forces are beginning to realize they’re dealing with an alien situation as well.

Meanwhile, Godzilla is on a beach, and news reports are claiming he is dead. He wakes up just in time as small Destoroyah begin crawling over him. Godzilla emits a burst of radiation from his body, knocking the Destoroyah off. A giant Destoroyah rises from the ocean, and the two begin a fierce battle. The defense forces start to understand that Godzilla may actually be on their side, fighting against the other Kaiju—Zilla, Destoroyah, Manda, and Gezora—who are leading attacks.

The Kaiju scientists speculate that these attacks are connected to past events, noting a direct link to the Half-Century War. Previously, Kaiju attacks came from land and then from space; now they are coming from the ocean. They begin to suspect this is the third wave of attacks that has been waiting to strike.

As the battle rages, Godzilla struggles against Destoroyah until Mothra arrives to join the fight. With Mothra distracting Destoroyah, Godzilla grabs the nuclear reactor from the shipwreck that Manda and Gezora destroyed and draws energy from it. Two Mothra larvae also arrive, creating a 4-on-1 battle. Destoroyah is ultimately defeated, marking a victory for Godzilla and Mothra. Unfortunately, adult Mothra is injured during the battle, and the larvae carry her away.

Meanwhile, the Kaiju scientists investigate a reported Kaiju in China and spot Varan rising from a lake, although the military informs them this is not the Kaiju they were looking for. Issue #5, released on October 31st, confirms that the reported Kaiju is Rodan. Upcoming battles will feature Rodan and Varan, and it remains to be seen which Kaiju will fight for Earth and which will fight for the aliens.

My Thoughts:

This issue continues to impress with its stunning artwork and attention to detail. I especially enjoyed the subtle nods to previous Godzilla films, like Godzilla drawing energy from the reactor, which mirrors a scene from The Return of Godzilla (1985). The story does a fantastic job of balancing Kaiju action with human strategy, while giving Godzilla and Mothra moments to shine.

The anticipation for Issue #5 is high. I’m excited to see the old-school design for Rodan and how Varan, a lesser-seen Kaiju, will be integrated into the battle. While it’s sad that this series is expected to conclude with Issue #8, I hope IDW considers a follow-up series. Overall, Rulers of Earth continues to deliver epic monster battles, clever references, and a story that keeps Kaiju fans eagerly turning the pages.