Godzilla: Skate or Die #1

by Louie Joyce

Godzilla: Skate or Die #1

Illustrated by: Louie Joyce

Cover Art by: Louie Joyce

Written by: Louie Joyce

Release date: June 12th, 2024

IDW Publishing

*Minor Spoilers Ahead

It’s Australian skater punks versus Varan and the King of the Monsters in this thrilling debut issue by writer/artist Louie Joyce (A Fistful of Pain)!

Four years ago, four best friends and die-hard skaters found the perfect location for a DIY skatepark. After months of hard work, they created the world’s sickest spot that they could enjoy for the rest of their lives… That is, until the ferocious Varan appeared in the middle of central Australia and started making a beeline for their beloved park.

Why is Varan on a rampage? Why did Godzilla just appear off the coast? What does their beloved skate spot have to do with this? And most importantly… what are these punks willing to do to save it?

In the realm of comic books, where the extraordinary becomes the everyday and the impossible is merely a challenge to be overcome, “Godzilla: Skate or Die #1” rolls into the scene. This debut issue, crafted by the talented Louie Joyce, known for “A Fistful of Pain,” brings together two seemingly disparate worlds: the gritty subculture of Australian skater punks and the colossal chaos of kaiju.

The narrative kicks off with a nostalgic look back at the creation of a DIY skatepark, a labor of love for the Coin Toss Crew, a quartet of friends united by their passion for skateboarding. This skatepark is more than just concrete and graffiti; it’s a symbol of freedom, a place where these teens have poured their sweat and dreams. However, their utopia is threatened when Varan, a creature of immense power, sets its sights on their sanctuary, with Godzilla’s ominous presence looming in the distance.

The comic sets up an underdog story, pitting the raw tenacity of youth against the unfathomable might of nature’s titans. The stakes are high, and the connection between the skatepark and the kaiju is a mystery that beckons the reader to delve deeper. The Coin Toss Crew is characterized by their dedication to their sport and to each other, a camaraderie that will undoubtedly be tested in the face of such monstrous adversity.

While the issue serves as an introduction to what promises to be a larger narrative, it does so with a measured pace, offering just enough to whet the appetite for future installments. The artwork is dynamic, capturing the kinetic energy of skateboarding and the imposing scale of the kaiju. The dialogue is authentic, echoing the voices of youth culture with a genuine tone.

However, the issue doesn’t quite deliver the full punch one might expect from such a high-octane concept. The characters, while relatable, don’t break new ground, and the plot, though intriguing, leaves many questions unanswered. It’s a balancing act between setting the stage and delivering immediate gratification, and “Godzilla: Skate or Die #1” leans towards the former.

As a starting point, the comic invites readers into a world where the thrill of the skate is juxtaposed against the thrill of survival. It’s a narrative gamble that holds promise, banking on the hope that subsequent issues will capitalize on its unique premise and fully unleash the potential of its setup.

For fans of Godzilla, skateboarding, and the fusion of genres, “”Godzilla: Skate or Die #1″” is a curious beginning. It’s a comic that may not have fully found its footing but certainly glides with enough style to keep readers on board for the next issue. Whether it will soar to new heights or wipe out remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a ride worth taking for the sheer novelty of its crossover appeal.

So why did I choose to review “Godzilla: Skate or Die #1”? Well, for a few reasons, firstly I love Godzilla, I’m older and I grew up in a time when Godzilla movies and a cartoon series were readily airing on local television, plus at times we did still get them in theaters, besides the most recent Godzilla Minus One, I think that Godzilla 1985 is the last Godzilla movie I saw on the big screen. The other reason is because in that same time of growing up skateboarding and BMX racing and freestyle was a big part of my life, and I’m talking way back to when I was like maybe 12 or 13 years of age. Lastly, my friends and I built a BMX race track with jumps, camel humps, burms and all, and we also built a BMX half pipe all on our own with no help from any adults. It was our neighborhood secret, we built it in an area where it was just a bunch of land and swamp and was surrounded by trees and other foliage. In the end it was eventually flattened and mowed over when the land was sold and another neighborhood was built over it. Anyway, shout out to my 1977 Shogun Warriors Godzilla, NES Skate or Die! Teenage Bottlerocket, and my old Zorlac Metallica skateboard that I gave away to a girl who I had a crush on in 1986.

“Godzilla: Skate or Die #1” is available on our weekly new comic book wall and can be placed on your weekly pull list.