Marvel’s long out of print Godzilla series returns next year in a brand-new omnibus edition. For a brief period in the late 1970s, Godzilla rampaged through the Marvel Universe, rubbing shoulders with the likes of SHIELD and the Avengers. However, due to licensing issues, the series has been long out of print, but now, thanks to a new deal with Toho Studios, Marvel’s Godzilla series will return in a gorgeous new omnibus.
As reported on Marvel’s website, Godzilla: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus will reprint all 24 issues of the series, which ran from 1977 to 1979. Written by Doug Moench and drawn by legendary Hulk artist Herb Trimpe, the series introduced Godzilla to Marvel continuity. The series featured a parade of guest stars, including Dum Dum Dugan of SHIELD, the Fantastic Four and Devil Dinosaur.
The book, which releases next Fall, will feature three covers, one by Junggeun Yoon and two exclusive to the direct market, spotlighting Trimpe’s art.
Godzilla Stomped His Way into Marvel History
Godzilla made his cinematic debut in 1954, and quickly became a pop culture icon across the world. Stan Lee was a fan, and arranged for Marvel to acquire the license. Toho remained largely hands-off with the series, allowing Marvel to insert Godzilla into its fictional universe. The series ran for 24 issues, but came to an end when Toho decided to charge more money for the license. Due to these licensing issues, the series fell out of print. Marvel re-released the series in a black and white Essential edition in the mid-2000s, but it too is out of print and commands top dollar values online.
Marvel’s Godzilla series was typical of its late 1970s/early 1980s licensed comics. Titles such as Rom and The Micronauts, which Marvel licensed from Hasbro, were fully integrated into the Marvel Universe, and it was not unusual to see the Avengers and the Fantastic Four interacting with these characters. While no canon-shaking events happened in Marvel’s Godzilla series, the book was still fun. Fans got to see some of their favorite heroes go up against Godzilla, something they could have only dreamed about to that point. Marvel’s Godzilla books are an integral part of the character’s mythos.
Will Godzilla Return to the Marvel Universe?
Now, Marvel is bringing this epic run back into print, digitally restoring the series and making it look better than it ever has. Marvel did not mention if they would publish new Godzillla comics, but DC is currently publishing a crossover between the Justice League and Godzilla and King Kong, which may make new Marvel material unlikely. At the same time, Marvel has entered into a deal of their own with Toho, so Godzilla could be very well on his way back to wreak havoc in the Marvel Universe.
Godzilla: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus is on sale October 2024 from Marvel Comics.
