My Book Reviews: ‘Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons’ by Frank Tieri
by Rob Smith, Jr. on Dec.18, 2023, under Books
Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons by Frank Tieri
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve been rather uber-critical of recent (Past 20 years) comics. I find this above most. There is a very good story included. The conspiracy theory angle is as much a part of our wonderings of history as that documented. I just wish this volume had better explored the ideas, intertwining the conspiracy with the drive of the book. I’m just very glad the angle was presented and included in the tale.
The plotting is wonky with far too much real estate dedicated to interior prison scenes and too much silly fighting of monsters. Structuring the story via the Queen and Drake to the prisoner to the monster would’ve worked better.
The critique of the artwork is about the same as I’ve written of other recent comics. The style is Lladro where Armani was needed. A grittier style was essential to give the book the weight it needed. Full sets of teeth and perfect nails are impossible of any working pirate back then.
There are a series of historical inaccuracies begging why use historical figures at all to avoid the trap? Example was mention of mutinies, which rarely occurred. The Media presents such silliness which makes little sense when cooped on a finite area of a ship. Democracy reigned with ships’ crew to keep all alive.
Still an admirable effort to present the story. The ability to read this prior to publication is due to access via NetGalley.com
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of ten points.