Author: Rosie Knight
Artist: Oliver Ono
Quick Review
Godzilla: Monster Island Summer Camp approaches the ideal Godzilla comic for me. It’s a wonderful love letter to both Godzilla and the comics form. Rosie Knight created a touching, fun, and meaning story and Oliver Ono delivered his usual superb art. It’s anti-capitalist, environmentalist, and affirmative about differences in a way that feels natural and appropriate for the the narrative. The main characters are named after women comics creators Jackie Ormes, Louise Simonson, and Rumiko Takahashi, while another is named after the character Storm. These Easter eggs were delightful to my comics-loving brain. I read the comic to my daughter and she loved following along too.
Description
As an aspiring cartoonist, Zelda has always dreamed of attending an art summer camp, and this year she finally gets to go! But when she arrives to Make It Summer Camp, she’s horrified to see the easels and sketchboards have been replaced with dodgeball and calisthenics. The camp is under new, suspicious management that’s turned it into an extreme sports nightmare.
Determined to salvage her summer, Zelda escapes to a secluded corner of the island. Here she can finally draw in peace. At least until she stumbles into a portal to a fantastic world!
Welcome to Monster Island, Zelda!
There she makes a connection with baby kaiju Minilla and discovers the beauty of these legendary creatures. However, all is not well on Monster Island. Great evils are stirring and if Zelda can’t protect their home, the kaiju will unleash their wrath on the world.
Godzilla: Monster Island Summer Camp