IDW Extends Toho Partnership & Unleashes Giant Plans for GODZILLA Shared Universe

Logo for IDW's new line of Godzilla shared universe comics. Photo courtesy of IDW Publishing. ©TOHO CO., LTD.

GODZILLA #1 cover by Nikola Čižmešija. Photo courtesy of IDW Publishing. ©TOHO CO., LTD.

IDW Publishing has proudly worked with Toho International, Inc. for more than a decade to publish a vast array of acclaimed comic books featuring GODZILLA and the kaiju’s stunning cast of characters. Now, the two companies have extended their partnership through 2029, and this year will see the King of the Monsters rising to even greater heights in the comic book industry.

Welcome to the Kai-Sei era, an all-new GODZILLA connected universe launching with three jaw-dropping titles, each one expertly designed to unleash completely different genres and tones for all kinds of fans.

Kicking off the new connected universe in July is the first GODZILLA ongoing series in a decade from New York Times bestselling writer Tim Seeley (GODZILLA VS. AMERICA: CHICAGO, Grayson) and amazing artist Nikola Čižmešija (TMNT: BLACK, WHITE & GREEN, Batman and Robin). In 1954, an experiment with a mysterious energy source called Kai-Sei awakened Godzilla and other terrifying kaiju. For decades, humanity has endured an onslaught of monster attacks. While Japan views these unstoppable rampages like natural disasters, the United States’ G-Force is attempting to fight these seemingly immortal titans. Now, they’ve found a boy who wields the power of Godzilla. Will he save the world… or bring about its doom?

Featuring a wild new take on GODZILLA’s universe, this upcoming ongoing series will surprise readers with a fearsome new Godzilla design, new characters with powers, and plenty of kaiju twists and turns along the way.

GODZILLA #1 interior art by Nikola Čižmešija. Photo courtesy of IDW Publishing. ©TOHO CO., LTD.

New GODZILLA design by Nikola Čižmešija. Photo courtesy of IDW Publishing. ©TOHO CO., LTD.

GODZILLA: ESCAPE THE DEADZONE #1 cover by Pablo Tunica. Photo courtesy of IDW Publishing. ©TOHO CO., LTD.

GODZILLA: ESCAPE THE DEADZONE #1 interior art by Pablo Tunica. Photo courtesy of IDW Publishing. ©TOHO CO., LTD.

Stomping into comic shops in August will be GODZILLA: ESCAPE THE DEADZONE from Eisner-nominated writers Ethan Parker & Griffin Sheridan (Kill Your Darlings) and incredible artist Pablo Tunica (TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES). Introducing the first-ever half-human, half-kaiju hybrid in Toho history, GODZILLA: ESCAPE THE DEADZONE will explore the biggest mystery of the new connected universe… What is the truth behind the post-apocalyptic Deadzone? The search for answers will forever change how fans view this new universe as they experience this thrilling and shocking ride.

STARSHIP GODZILLA #1 cover by Oliver Ono. Photo courtesy of IDW Publishing. ©TOHO CO., LTD.

STARSHIP GODZILLA #1 interior art by Oliver Ono. Photo courtesy of IDW Publishing. ©TOHO CO., LTD.

Launching in October is the cosmic adventure STARSHIP GODZILLA from award-winning writer Chris Gooch (IN UTERO) and inventive artist Oliver Ono (GODZILLA: MONSTER ISLAND SUMMER CAMP). For the first time in Toho canon, this trip through the stars will bridge the gap between the various alien races. They’ve come to Earth in past tales, but now it’s time to visit their worlds as a crew of misfits embark on high-risk high-reward kaiju-based missions with a secret that could impact the whole universe.

“We couldn’t be more excited to present to you the new home of Godzilla – The Kai-Sei Era,” commented GODZILLA line editor Jake Williams. “The Kai-Sei Era is the only ongoing Godzilla story of its kind – crafted for comics readers who have never bought a Godzilla book, and Godzilla fans who have never read a comic. We aim to bring you the absolute best stories possible – whether those stories contain super powered G-Force members trying to kill Godzilla, mutants in a wasteland trying to survive in its wake, or mercenaries flying around space in Mechagodzilla. Every month readers will be able to take a peek inside a brand new universe composed of unimaginable horrors, kaiju old and new, and heroes to keep it all at bay. We’re telling the best Godzilla stories in the world, inside the best comics on the shelves.”

In addition to the upcoming connected universe, IDW Publishing will continue to release limited series that are outside of the connected universe, like the recently announced GODZILLA: HERE THERE BE ALIENS in May. Plus, GODZILLA: HEIST makes its debut in comic shops today, with the anthology limited series GODZILLA VS AMERICA kicking off next week and the first issue of the limited series MOTHRA: QUEEN OF THE MONSTERS arriving the following week.

Visit a comic shop near you to pre-order and purchase these GODZILLA comics and many more great releases from IDW. To find a comic shop, check out comicshoplocator.com. All of these comics and more IDW releases can also be purchased and read on the new and improved IDW app.

About IDW

IDW (NYSE AMERICAN: IDW) is a leading media company providing uniquely compelling stories and characters in various genres for global audiences across all entertainment platforms. The award-winning IDW Publishing and IDW Entertainment divisions holistically evaluate and acquire IP for franchise development across comics and graphic novels, television, theatrical, games, merchandise, and other entertainment platforms, in addition to bringing world-renowned storytelling to life with our creative partners.

About Toho International

Toho International, Inc., the Japanese studio’s U.S.-based subsidiary, has brought classic Godzilla, with 70 years of storytelling and monster mayhem, brand awareness and excitement to audiences around the world through a comprehensive licensing program spanning toys & collectibles, gaming, apparel, accessories, publishing, seasonal, housewares, food & beverage, and many more categories. With over 25 live-action films, numerous animated films and series, and more action-packed new content to come, Toho has captured the love and attention of Godzilla fans from all across the globe. Always-on content accessible across multiple streaming platforms has put Godzilla and other Toho monsters at the forefront of consumers' minds as the franchise gears up for an exciting next generation of storytelling and fandom.

TM & © Toho Co., Ltd. For regular brand updates, stay tuned on the official Godzilla website Godzilla.com, Instagram @godzilla_toho, Twitter @godzilla_toho and YouTube Channel GodzillaToho.