Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Issue 5 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 Some info may be outdated as well.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:

This issue picks up right where Issue #4 left off. Varan is chasing the science team when Rodan suddenly appears, engaging Varan in battle. The science team is forced into a bunker for safety, but the tremors from the Kaiju fight force them to retreat deeper into the facility. During this chaos, one student gets separated and discovers Gaira trapped in a holding tank. The Chinese commander warns the student to keep quiet about Gaira, and once the student reports back to the professor, the professor is outraged that the Chinese have captured the Kaiju.

The Chinese commander claims it was for safety and for potential defense, explaining that they used radio frequencies to lure the monster. Rodan had been drawn to it first, followed by Varan. The professor is furious, arguing that Kaiju should never be used as weapons.

Outside the base, Varan and Rodan continue their destructive battle. During the confrontation, Varan bursts through the bunker ceiling, forcing an evacuation. The student frees Gaira as Rodan retreats, but Varan continues his assault. Gaira emerges from underground and begins fighting Varan, a far more brutal encounter than the Rodan vs. Varan clash. The two monsters take flight, still battling, as Sanda observes from a distance.

Meanwhile, a report reveals that Godzilla has appeared in the California desert, continuing the series’ global Kaiju conflicts.

My Thoughts:

This issue delivers nonstop action from start to finish and is probably my favorite so far in the series. I love that the series is pulling Kaiju not just from Godzilla films but from the broader Toho universe—Gezora in the last issue, now Gaira and Sanda. The artwork remains visually stunning, and the classic Rodan design is a highlight, bringing back the style we haven’t seen in a while.

Rodan’s retreat was a bit confusing, as it seemed he had the upper hand. My guess is he was being drawn away by another force or mission. Godzilla’s appearance in the desert hints at future confrontations, possibly with Gigan, Orga, or Moguera, who are teased on the next issue’s cover.

I also appreciated the use of radio frequencies to manipulate the Kaiju, a clever callback to the Half-Century War series and The Return of Godzilla. The repeated use of the word “unbelievable” when discussing Varan is a nice nod to his origins in Varan the Unbelievable. I’m excited to revisit that film soon to learn more about this lesser-seen Kaiju.

Overall, Rulers of Earth #5 continues to impress with epic battles, excellent art, and clever references. Any Kaiju fan should check out this series if they haven’t already, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next issue.