"IDW's Godzilla vs. LA Aids Wildfire Relief"

Godzilla, the iconic monster renowned for devastating Tokyo, shifts his focus to the United States in the gripping new series, "Godzilla vs. America," brought to you by IDW Publishing and Toho. Following the explosive start with Godzilla vs. Chicago #1, the saga intensifies with Godzilla vs. Los Angeles #1, set to hit shelves in April. This issue delves into four distinct tales of Godzilla's rampage through the heart of Hollywood, crafted by a talented team including Gabriel Hardman, J. Gonzo, Dave Baker, and Nicole Goux.

The release of Godzilla vs. Los Angeles #1 comes at a sensitive time, as Los Angeles grapples with the aftermath of severe wildfires. Recognizing the potential for misinterpretation, IDW has been proactive in addressing the situation. Despite the issue being in development since July of the previous year, the company acknowledges the unfortunate timing. In a heartfelt response, IDW has pledged to donate all proceeds from the sales of Godzilla vs. Los Angeles #1 to the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc), supporting bookstores and comic shops affected by the fires.

In an open letter to retailers and fans, IDW expressed their commitment to the community:

To our retail partners and fans,

We hope this message finds you safe and well. IDW Publishing is deeply committed to its community of creators, readers, and retailers. As part of this community, we understand that sensitivity and support are paramount, especially during challenging times.

We are reaching out to address the upcoming release of Godzilla vs. Los Angeles, the next installment in our "Godzilla vs. America" series. Planned since last July, this 40-page anthology features the work of some beloved Los Angeles-based writers and artists and is scheduled to go on sale in April 2025.

We recognize the unfortunate coincidence of our comic’s theme with the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles. "Godzilla," as a series, has often served as a metaphor for the impact of unprecedented tragedies stemming from human actions or natural causes. It is not our intention to capitalize on these recent events but rather to continue to explore themes that resonate with and reflect the human condition.

To support our community in this difficult time, we have decided to donate all proceeds from the sales of Godzilla vs. Los Angeles to the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc). This contribution will directly aid bookstores and comic shops affected by the fires, helping them recover and rebuild.

We appreciate your support as retailers and partners in bringing stories to life, even when art unintentionally mirrors reality. Through this effort, we can offer some assistance to those impacted by the events in Los Angeles.

Thank you for your understanding and continued readership. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or for further discussion.

Associate editor Nicolas Niño, a native Angeleno, shared his excitement with IGN: "Having been born and raised in LA, I couldn’t be happier to work on a comic packed with some of the city’s most talented cartoonists. We’ve got Godzilla fighting giant lowrider mechs, stomping through theme parks, and even a pamphlet on the city’s subway system (yes, LA does have a subway system)! The common theme? Angelenos coming together to fight back against a force of nature. This year’s started out hard for the city and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Los Angeles than by bringing its biggest challenge yet: The King of Monsters! Plus, all proceeds for this issue are going to support the Binc Foundation’s response to the wildfires that affected the city in January."

Godzilla vs. Los Angeles #1 is slated for release on April 30, 2025, with a final order cutoff date of March 24. For more insights into upcoming comic book releases, explore what Marvel and DC have in store for 2025.