During a panel at WonderCon’s virtual @Home 2020 convention, Legendary Comics announced the upcoming movie Godzilla vs. Kong will receive two prequel graphic novels, each focusing on one of the titular monsters, as well as a tie-in picture book:
Godzilla’s prequel graphic novel will be written by Greg Keyes (author of the novelization of Godzilla: King of the Monsters), with art by Drew Johnson (“Godzilla: Aftershock”). They said the book would explore Godzilla “at peace” after the events of last summer’s movie, and discussed the challenge of exploring the point-of-view of such an immense creature with an “instinctual value system.” Keyes also said his background in anthropology made him interested in delving into Godzilla’s ancient nature.
The Kong prequel graphic novel, penned by Marie Anello (“Shout Out”) with art by Zid (the “Kong: Skull Island” prequel/sequel), will introduce a new Titan designed by Legendary, Camazotz, and revolve around a new female pilot character, who’s struggling to cope with being a survivor of an encounter with him. Anello said Camazotz will be a foe who embodies darkness, just as other Titans, like Rodan and Ghidorah, represent fire and lightning.
The picture book, which will be Legendary’s first, will focus on Kong, and will be written by Kiki Thorpe (The Never Girls), with art by Nidhi Chanani (“Pashmina”). Thorpe said the book will explore a side of Kong viewers don’t usually see, while Chanani described the book (which is only her second foray into picture books after last year’s I Will Be Fierce!) as an exciting new challenge.
Watch the video for more insights — including who is actually the creators’ favorite monsters — and early artwork, as well as confirmation of a behind-the-scenes art book from Insight Editions. It’s unknown when the comics will be released, although they are planned for sometime during the fourth quarter of 2020, when Godzilla vs. Kong itself is intended for release on November 20, 2020.
