#godzilla valentine's day special

[astoundingbeyondbelief]

Kaiju Week in Review (February 4-10, 2024)

Zoe Tunnell's Godzilla: Valentine's Day Special for IDW was everything I wanted it to be and more. While the kaiju are essential to the story, the focus is on the rivalry-turned-romance between an EDF captain and an independent kaiju researcher, which unfolds wonderfully across multiple attacks. Kaiju researchers have decried a military-first approach since 1954, of course, but Piper Simmons goes a step further by questioning whether an explosion in defense spending on shiny super-weapons is just making the problem worse. Essential reading.

Shout Factory! TV added seven vintage Toei tokusatsu titles out of nowhere, all in Japanese with English subtitles. Magic Serpent (retitled Dragon Showdown) is probably the most familiar and of-interest title to kaiju fans, but there's also Planet Prince (the first of two films edited together and dubbed under the title Prince of Space), Invasion of the Neptune Men, Watari: The Ninja Boy, Ninja Scope, and The Golden Bat. Earlier today, we learned that they're all being released in a Blu-ray set as well—but more on that in the next column.

Here's a new CG short called Daikaiju vs. the Giant Girl (we are ignoring the typo in the thumbnail/video title). Great action, and I had to check the credits to confirm it was completely computer-animated.

When Titanic Creations first announced its articulated Gorgo figure, I was less than confident they'd be able to deliver on their promise of a graphic novel sequel to the film. Well, work on it seems to be progressing well, although at some point along the way it became a prequel instead. Artist Patrick McEvoy posted on his Facebook that the comic is fully inked. The company is also rather boldly setting it in the same universe as their original kaiju graphic novel Soul War, also illustrated by McEvoy.

Warning from Space has a surprisingly large role in this Martin Scorsese-directed Squarespace ad. Leave it to the world's foremost Marvel hater to have me watching and enjoying a Super Bowl commercial.

I don't often post X-Plus news, but this Bagan figure based on his appearance in Godziban seemed noteworthy. They're also releasing a figure based specifically on the giant Cybot Godzilla animatronic from The Return of Godzilla, with the Shonen Rick limited edition including a small Shockirus.

[smashpages]

Out this week: Godzilla Valentine’s Day Special (IDW, $4.99): Zoe Tunnell and Dani Pendergast tell the story of an  intrepid amateur kaiju researcher and a global kaiju-response lieutenant, who are “hopping from country to country to take in the sights and splendor in the fleeting seconds before Godzilla smashes the skyline.”

See what else is arriving in comic shops this week!

[lisanees]

fake fans finding out Godzilla is inherently political, and that extending to LGBT themes, is endlessly funny to me, like.

always has been, always will be ✌

Men are being very normal about the new Godzilla design

[godzillajuniorreborn]

My girl Piper speaking some facts on just how utterly pointless and meaningless it is to try to kill Godzilla instead of just learning to live with him and the other Kaiju.

I just can't believe it had to come from a Valentine's Day special for the larger Godzilla franchise.

[graphicpolicy]

Preview: Godzilla: Valentine's Day Special #1

Godzilla: Valentine's Day Special #1 preview. Truly, there's nothing like the thrill of an international game of cat and mouse between an intrepid amateur kaiju researcher and a global kaiju-response lieutenant #comics #comicbooks #godzilla

[monarch-afterdark]

After Dark Special: Interview with Bernie Hayes

Welcome once again to Monarch: After Dark, the digital gateway between you and the organisation dedicated to understanding and navigating this troubled new world we live in.

For today, we bring to you a little extra something special. With the poll's conclusion, we will be bringing our followers the long-awaited updates on Godzilla and Kong, but in the meantime, we would like to present a special treat that we have been preparing for some time now; the long-awaited interview with Titan Truth's Bernie Hayes!

(Pictured above: Bernie, along with Madison Russell and Josh Valentine, investigating an Apex Cybernetics "sacrifice pit", circa. 2024)

The Interview with Bernie

Before we begin, let's discuss a little about Bernie's history, as behind his aloof and off-putting personality, his is an interesting story. Joining Apex Cybernetics' ranks following his wife's death under suspicious circumstances, Bernie was determined to unlock a hidden conspiracy that would bring down the organisation once and for all, though at first even he wasn't certain of what exactly he was going to find.

In 2024, his luck would change when Godzilla unexpectedly attacked the Pensacola facility, where Bernie happened to be stationed. Taking advantage of the chaos, Bernie would sneak to an inner part of the facility and come across a large eye-like device following Godzilla destroying the wall hiding it.

Some time later, Bernie would recruit Madison Russell and her reluctant friend Josh Valentine, after Madison's concerns about Godzilla's attack were brushed aside by her father, who was caught in the publicity aftermath of the incident. Together, the trio returned to the ruined Apex facility and ventured deep into its depths, where advanced transports carrying a clutch of Skullcrawler eggs were being deployed to Apex's headquarters in Hong Kong.

While we'll cover the remainder of his story in the interview, the short version is that Bernie would go on to be instrumental in stalling Mechagodzilla at a crucial moment during its battle with Godzilla and Kong, allowing the Titans to emerge victorious. Bernie would be called upon by Monarch once more during the Skar King crisis, travelling with Monarch to the lost Hollow Earth city of Malenka.

-----

And now, without further ado...let the interview begin!

Transcript from Monarch Interview 20270608 - "Bernie Hayes"

[B.HAYES]: Hey, so, can I do the intro?

[S.RAGLIN]: I'm sorry, what?

[B.HAYES]: The intro! For, uh, for my podcast? Cuz you guys said I could record this for my podcast, and I usually do a-

[S.RAGLIN]: Fine. Floor's yours.

[B.HAYES]: Okay, cool cool. What is up, loyal listeners? Welcome to a special episode of Titan Truth podcast, and you'll wanna be seated for this one! Today, I am hosting-

[S.RAGLIN]: No you're not.

[B.HAYES]: ...I am hosting a once-in-a-lifetime interview with Monarch itself! All will be revealed-

[S.RAGLIN]: No it won't.

[B.HAYES]: Dude, come on. Just let me do this.

[S.RAGLIN]: Fine.

[B.HAYES]: Thank you. Anyway, all will be revealed so keep your government-proofed headphones on and don't forget to support Titan Truth Podcast over on my Patreon, because every penny helps, and you can support more episodes like this! Special shoutout to MothraMaddie61, our Super Supporter, who donated $30 this week.

[S.RAGLIN]: ...You done?

[B.HAYES]: Yeah, all done now.

[S.RAGLIN]: Right then. So, uh, first question then, you're known for infiltrating Apex Cybernetics and doing what you could to uncover a conspiracy. What sparked that?

[B.HAYES]: Oof, no holding back there. Uh, well, it was my wife. She worked for them for a while, quit a year after G-Day. She...well, um, you know she- she died, and I found this note. Something about a- a Monarch contract for a bomb, with Apex.

[S.RAGLIN]: The Oxygen Destroyer?

[B.HAYES]: I didn't know back then. I joined up with Apex right after, cuz it just- it felt wrong, you know? Then Monster Zero happened, connected the dots...yeah. But, I had to keep going. Nobody was taking the fall for the Oxygen Destroyer, so I needed something bigger. Something that'd truly bring Apex down.

[S.RAGLIN]: I see. Well, y'know, we here at Monarch pride ourselves on the hunt for truth, it's been our main founding policy. Nobody'd fault you for wanting answers. Anyway, next question, your little team...why two teenagers? Why not go to Monarch itself?

[B.HAYES]: Nah, you guys wouldn't have listened. You were too busy trying to make excuses for Godzilla, and, well, Madison found me first. Wouldn't have been my first call, personally, but if you're gonna make the effort to find me, and prove yourself, then I'm gonna hear you out.

[S.RAGLIN]: And...how, exactly, did she prove herself?

[B.HAYES]: No tap water.

[S.RAGLIN]: I...wha- tap water?

[B.HAYES]: Yeah. Makes you docile, easy to manipulate. Her friend was definitely a tap water guy.

[S.RAGLIN]: You...oh, for fu-

[B.HAYES]: Language! Gotta watch it, or I can't monetize this.

[S.RAGLIN]: ...Right, fine. Fine. Um, okay, so, uh-

[B.HAYES]: Hey, can I ask you a question?

[S.RAGLIN]: Sure.

[B.HAYES]: Why Tumblr?

[S.RAGLIN]: What?

[B.HAYES]: You know, After Dark. Been following you guys day one, cuz you know I'm gonna be all over anything I can get straight from the Titan's mouth. And, you know, I'm sure you got a whole team, but I'd really wanna offer my suggestions cuz I noticed some of what you were saying was off, and of course you were dodging the question about aliens on the blog so-

[S.RAGLIN]: Dude, I don't write the stupid blog. I'm a media liason, I just sift through what we get sent in and make sure it's approved for the team to talk about.

[B.HAYES]: Right, okay, but like...why Tumblr? Why not, like, Twitter or Facebook? Or Spotify, cuz I could definitely hook you guys up-

[S.RAGLIN]: I really don't know. Uh, had the most appealing layout for the writing team? Less bots? I don't- I couldn't tell you why, it just is on Tumblr.

[B.HAYES]: Cool, cool. Respect it, personally.

[S.RAGLIN]: I...will pass that along. Uh, next question then, after Mechagodzilla, what was next for you?

[B.HAYES]: Well, after Mechagodzilla, it was just back to normal for me. Didn't have my Apex job anymore, but I set up a Patreon, so I could do this full-time. I did this five-part series on fireflies.

[S.RAGLIN]: ...Fireflies?

[B.HAYES]: Yeah. Full deep dive on how they're actually micro-alien organisms hiding in ships, and the government's covering it up. There's really a lot to it, like, you never see fireflies around government facilities, right? Cuz if you did, you'd see them being tinkered with and repaired before being sent back out.

[S.RAGLIN]: And you did 5 parts on that?

[B.HAYES]: Oh yeah, it's a big one. You know, I even met with a guy who took apart one of the ships to see what it was really like. Wouldn't let me see it, but, you know, if he showed that on the podcast he'd be tracked down and shot, so, I get it.

[S.RAGLIN]: Were you on anything when you did that?

[B.HAYES]: Oh no, no drugs for me! No sir, I keep well away from that stuff. Everyone knows drugs are actually manufactured by the FBI to alter brain chemistry so that we don't question the government. Don't do drugs, kids! If you're listening, that is. Uh, parents listening, tell your kids.

[S.RAGLIN]: Oh, my god...

[B.HAYES]: Oh, right, almost forgot! Uh, today's episode is sponsored by Bye-Bye Spray!

(Pictured above: Bye-Bye Spray, sponsor of Titan Truth Podcast)

[B.HAYES]: Afraid of microcameras in the corners of your home, protected and obscured by dust and grime? Well, be afraid no longer with Bye-Bye Spray! This chemically safe and sound product shorts out any microcameras that may be in your home with its secret forumla of chemicals and liquids designed to give you the ultimate peace of mind. Bye-Bye Spray can also double as a standard surface and window cleaner, so nobody would suspect a thing! Make your home more secure with Bye-Bye Spray, and use the special code "B3RN13" at byebyespray.com to get 20% your first order! That's byebyespray.com, and now, back to the episode!

[S.RAGLIN]: Did...did you just- was that an ad? Did you just record an ad? Right now, in the middle of this?

[B.HAYES]: Yeah, they sponsored this episode. That's how it works, I get sent in products from guys on my Discord and I do ads for them, and in return they either put money into my Patreon or they get Nitro for my server.

[S.RAGLIN]: ...Yeah, no. No, I'm done.

[B.HAYES]: What?

[S.RAGLIN]: Not doing this anymore, no. Uh, I'm- I'm done. This- yeah, no-

[B.HAYES]: Aw no, come on! There was so much I wanted to talk about! We never even got to talk about the Monarch base in Roswell, or-or my shower theory!

[S.RAGLIN]: ...Shower theory?

[B.HAYES]: Yeah! I, uh, well, um, I don't shower. You know, cuz of the microcameras in the shower head, they scan your body for AI, so I make sure I wash with natural water, right from the lake.

[S.RAGLIN]: Oh, that's bogging! Is that what the smell is?

[B.HAYES]: No, that's just bleach.

[S.RAGLIN]: ...Nope. No.

S.RAGLIN leaves the room, and the interview ends around a minute later when another employee came in and shut off the recording equipment.

-----

And that's all she wrote for the interview! Unfortunately, shortly after recording, Steven Raglin was let go from the After Dark team due to becoming intoxicated during work hours and shouting obscenities on a follow-up call from Monarch superiors after Bernie had complained about his behaviour.

We apologise to Bernie Hayes and our own followers that this interview did not go as we had originally intended. With any luck, we may one day invite Bernie back onto the platform where a proper discussion can take place.

Until next time,

Monarch: After Dark

[randomdeinonychus]

We are freaking drowning in Godzilla media lately and I love it so much.

Really excited to reveal my cover for the Godzilla Valentines Day Special from IDW! Written by Zoe Tunnel with interiors by Dani Pendergast, edited my David Mariotte. This is going to be a QUEER ROMANCE in this Kaiju smashin' story, and I'm really excited to have contributed a small part! Go pick it up next January!! Solicit info below.

[davidmariottecomics]

Save Your Work!

Hello, friends! 

This week is going to be very quick because, not to get ahead of myself, but next week is likely going to be pretty long. I didn't mean to time things out so there'd be a long one right after I'm done with work for the year and most people are off for that final week, but that's how things worked out. And the week after that, the last weekend of the year, I'm going to do a Best of 2023 round-up. 

But, in my brief update this week, I wanted to talk about some very straightforward best practices. 

I turned on my computer this morning and was shocked to find that I was *turning on* my computer this morning. One way or another, it had shut down since the last time I used it. Maybe it was Becca or a planned restart or something, but however it happened, my computer was off. And as any artist should know... you neeeeeeeeeeeed to make sure your stuff is saved again and again. You see, I was working on my holiday gift guide that I'm building for my Patreon when the computer shut off and I lost a whole spread and some change. All of it. The images, the hyperlinks, the text--both in terms of what I wrote and the font choices I made--everything. It shouldn't be terrible, but it'll add at least an extra hour on as I have to rebuild all of that. So, if you ever work on anything that would benefit from being saved, make sure you do!

The other best practice I want to emphasize today is something I say a lot. If you'd like to work in comics professionally, please make it easier on yourself and any potential collaborators/hiring folks, by making your web presence clear and accessible. Something I've slowly been working on over the past few weeks is going through my Twitter as I get ready to delete it before the end of the year and looking to make sure I have contact information from anyone I'm interested in not losing. I'm looking for emails, or agents, or websites. And the more varied the information, the better. Because I'm trying to incorporate that into my existing digital rolodex, whenever possible, while emails (for talent or their agents) are the things that are most helpful, I am looking to add your website info so I can quickly pop to it before emailing you and make sure you're who I think you are and your style is what I think it is. As much as possible, when I look through info I got from old like Visible Women sheets and the like, I'm looking for people who aren't just including their handle on one social because those can change, or who aren't just linking to an Instagram or Twitter account with "DM me" because while I know some people work best in DMs, for legal paperwork and the like, an email is so much more helpful. 

Lastly, and this should go without saying, but this is a post about common sense practices, be kind to folks. I don't know why this seems so counter-intuitive to certain people, but if you're openly hostile toward your peers, they don't want to work with you. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy of ostracization. It literally can't be said enough. Comics as an industry is doing just fine and differentiation in the medium in both format and talent is only a good thing. 

Alright. More next week! 

What I enjoyed this week: Dungeons & Daddies (Podcast), Reverse 1999 (Video Game), Nancy (Comic), Lego Masters (TV show), Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror (Short story collection), Yu-Gi-Oh: Duel Links (Video Game), Dandadan (Manga), Godzilla: Minus One (Movie), Godzilla Raids Again (Movie), Cunk on Earth (TV show), I'm a Virgo (TV show), Clyde Fans by Seth (Comic), getting and making some really exciting 2023 news. There's some amazing stuff to come! 

New Releases this week (12/13/2023): Sonic the Hedgehog: Winter Jam (Editor)

Final Order Cutoff next week (12/18/2023):  Godzilla Valentine's Day Special (Editor) If you haven't seen it, I put together a little explainer on what exactly a "Final Order Cutoff" is and why it matters! And if you found this helpful and have a platform where you think people should know, those explainers are watermarked and good to share! 

New Releases next week (12/20/2023): Godzilla: The War for Humanity #3 (Editor) Godzilla Rivals: Jet Jaguar vs. Megalon (Editor)

Announcements: If there is one blog this year that you should not miss, it's next week's. Big news to come. 

The Cartoonist Cooperative is still doing E-Sim cards for Gaza. You can donate a digital sim card so that residents can get access to the internet and have more functional phones and, in exchange, get some comics or a drawing or whatever else is available from the many participating artists. Additionally, the CC is hosting their mini-comic awards! It's a cool way to maybe get your mini-comic recognized and make some scratch! 

You can also give more directly. If you don't have money, and I get it, you can call or fax or email or show up at the offices of your representatives. Keep your eyes open for actions too, whether they're another general strike like what happened last Monday or demonstrations and marches in your area. Given the nature of the things, they often come together fairly quickly, so do exercise your due diligence. Also, of course, being informed and just giving your time to Palestinian writers is incredibly valuable. Whether that is journalists on the ground--who are being murdered at extraordinary rates--or reading Fiyah's Palestine Solidarity issue or anything from Verso's solidarity reading list, having and sharing that knowledge is significant. 

Becca just did their Art vs. Artist post for 2023. They did a lot of really cool work this year! They also posed a spicy art version. And as if it could not be said enough, while we've got some things brewing (and now on a schedule), you should reach out if you'd like to work on comics with them! I think we're both looking to do more next year! You can find their gallery on their website and also, y'know, maybe pick up a few things for belated gifts while you're there! 

If you aren't a Patreon backer yet, well, like I said above, I've been working on something pretty cool. I'm building a holiday gift guide. It won't probably be out with a lot of shopping time for Christmas in particular, but I thought it'd be a fun way to showcase some of what I've been learning more generally about design and how to make comics and zines and stuff. I'm really proud of it and it'll be exclusive to $10+ backers for December and then will be made public in a couple months. Also at that $10+ tier, there's stuff like a tour of my workspace, an adults-only podcast pilot that Becca and I recorded called "Abandoning the Premise" (short sample here), a review of root beers is also coming up quick, old D&D campaigns I ran, and more! Another goal of mine for next year is to grow my Patreon and also have it start making some money to fund more comics ventures for myself. 

Pic of the Week: I teased it last week, but the Winter Jam team did a Winter Jam-piece! Our fabulous leader, Iasmin Omar Ata, got Reggie Graham, Adam Bryce Thomas, Abigail Oz, Shawn Lee, and me to put together a happy holidays card from the Winter Jam cast! I did the thought balloon Froggy because even when Big is holding "Froggy", he can't stop thinking about that frog! 

[sebaspiriz]

Godzilla valentine's day special

W: Zoe Tunell

C: Rebecca Nalty

L: Johanna Nattalie

E: David Mariotte

IDW

[jimmyaquino]

Comic News Insider Episode 1483 - My CNI Valentine!

Comic News Insider: Episode 1483 is now available for free download! Click on the link or follow on Spotify/subscribe on iTunes!

Reviews: Godzilla Valentine's Day Special #1, Star Wars: Mace Windu #1, Thundercats Vol 3 #1, Halo season 2

A quickie episode for you! Thanks to reviewers Melissa, Marta and Jon! Always so insightful and informative in their reviews. Jimmy gives Emily the week off and tries the news himself which includes: Garth Ennis returns to Marvel Comics, Funimation is closing down, SyFy's WYNONNA EARP is returning with a 90-minute special and more. And as usual, Jimmy has great recommendations to pick out in the Top 3!

Also, get a hold of us!

Thanks for listening!

[astoundingbeyondbelief]

i'm very proud of this line but found out 0.8 seconds after posting it that one of the characters is nonbinary

[cheese0spider]

Good night everyone tomorrow is New Thundercats,Ultimate Black Panther,Xmen,Avengers,Fantastic Four,Venom,Mighty Morphin Power Rangers The Return,Shazam,Doctor Strange,Captain America,She Hulk,Thanos,Fire And Ice,Wolverine Madripoor Knights,Suidie Squad Kill Arkham Asylum,Superman 78,DC How To Lose A Guy Gardner In 10 Days,Godzilla Valentines Day Special,Batman Scooby Doo Mysteries,Birds Of Prey and Daredevil Gang War :D

[thegaminggang]

IDW Publishing Comics for February 7th, 2024 - https://thegaminggang.com/comic-books/idw-publishing-comics-for-february-7th-2024/...

[sapphirelords]

Lords Mobile

Guild Events

Dragon Arena | Guild Expedition | Kingdom Clash Guild Bash | Guild Fest | Guild Showdown

Main Account:

Solo Event | Hell Event | 24h Challenge Lords Cup | Kingdom's Paragon

Alt Account:

Solo Event | Hell Event | 24h Challenge Lords Cup | Kingdom's Paragon

Baby Account:

Solo Event | Hell Event | 24h Challenge Lords Cup | Kingdom's Paragon

Collaboration

Lords Mobile x ACW (Armored Combat Worldwide)

Lords Mobile & Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Lords Mobile x How to Train Your Dragon

Lords Mobile x Kung Fu Panda

Lords Mobile x Pagani

Lords Mobile x Saint Seiya

Lords Mobile x Shrek

Lords Mobile x Smiley World

Seasonal Events and Turf Transformation

Easter / Spring – Eggstravaganza

Halloween / Dia de los Muertes – Pumpkin Palooza, Gemerous Spooktacular

Lunar New Year – Prosperous Spring

Mid-Autumn Festival / Lunar New Year – Lunar Blessings

Valentine's Day – Sweet Serenity

Winter / Christmas / Holiday Season – Winter Festival

* the picture above is from the Goddess Festival (but there will be no separate post for it because it is only a small event hihihi)

Other Events

Enchanted Expedition

Stellar Gala | Summer Music Festival and the Groove Gala

Individual progress and other stuff...

Heroes | Familiars | Dark Nests Labyrinth | Kingdom Tycoon | Artifact Hall Colosseum | Limited Challenge | Trial By Fire | Vergeway T4 Unlocked | T5 Unlocked | Vassal Titles Kingdoms | World News | Anniversary Special

[godzillajuniorreborn]

"I know the EDF saves lives, I've seen you save plenty. But you can't stop picking fights! I know Godzilla's dangerous, I'm not stupid! But Godzilla's part of our world, you can't fight that, the EDF keeps trying. Everyone wants bigger guns or robots so they can be the one that finally kills Godzilla. Billions of dollars sunk into junk that doesn't work and blows up cities. Think of what that money can do put developing towards study, or developing deterrents, or warning systems? That's why I will never join the EDF. I think we can do better." -Piper Simmons

[graphicpolicy]

Godzilla Valentine's Special is a beautiful story about two people finding each other

Godzilla Valentine's Special is a beautiful story about two people finding each other #comics #comicbooks #godzilla

Just in time for the big greeting card holiday, Zoe Tunnell, Sebastian Piriz, and Rebecca Nalty give readers a sweet, gay kaiju treat in the form of Godzilla Valentine’s Day Special. This one-shot chronicles a growing slow-burn romance between an unemployed burnout-turned-monster chaser named Piper Simmons and Lieutenant Tam Sauveterre, an officer in the Earth Defense Force, a self-explanatory…