Set Description:
Godzilla debuted in 1954, becoming a colossal hit for Toho productions in Japan. The following year, the film was released in America under an altered title, "Godzilla: King of the Monsters." Marvel Comics acquired the rights to this film icon in 1977, beginning a two-year run (under the same title), written by Doug Moench and illustrated by Herb Trimpe. In the first issue, Godzilla bursts out of an iceberg, a story line very similar to the 1963 film, "King Kong vs. Godzilla." The bane of Godzilla’s existence was S.H.I.E.L.D. – taking on a role that “G-Force” performed in Godzilla films of the eighties. Godzilla met several other established Marvel characters during the series run, including the Champions, Kirby’s Devil Dinosaur, Fantastic Four and the Avengers. Marvel lost the rights to the character and the series ended production (rather abruptly) in 1979, with issue 24.
I vividly recall Toho's Godzilla films and similar Japanese monster folklore (kaiju), regularly airing on weekend broadcast television during the late-1970s and early-1980s; this introduction to a very specialized genre of Japanese entertainment remains a major driving force for my current, collective interest in Marvel’s “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” graded books. The Godzilla (1977) set will remain my first Bronze Age target for completion. Additionally, with story lines that entertainingly illustrate the Fantastic Four and the Avengers failing to defeat the creature, Godzilla, in my opinion, remains a truly formidable and iconic character of the Marvel Universe.
Jewels of the Set:
Godzilla (1977) #20 Signature CGC 9.8 WP: story includes an appearance by the Fantastic Four (Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Girl, Human Torch and Thing). Book (03/79) is triple-signed by Fantastic Four creator, Stan Lee, and both this issue's cover artists, Herb Trimpe and Bob McLeod.
Godzilla (1977) #23 Signature CGC 9.8 WP: story includes an appearance by the Avengers (Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Yellowjacket, Wasp, Scarlet Witch and Vision). Book (06/79) is signed by Avengers co-creator, Stan Lee, and this issue's artist Herb Trimpe.
Set Short Range Target:
Godzilla (1977) #24 Signature CGC 9.8 WP. Would like this set's last issue signed by Stan Lee; book showcases a cameo role by the ASM.
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