IDW and Toho International, Inc., the parent company that owns Godzilla, have announced “a multi-year publishing program that will bring Godzilla and dozens of monsters from the Godzilla live action films to a wide selection of publications and merchandise.”
IDW has previously held the license for Godzilla comics, publishing projects like Godzilla: King of the Monsters in 2011 and James Stokoe’s Godzilla: Half Century War in 2013. The new deal includes comic books, graphic novels, trade collections, art books, coloring books, journals, tabletop games and puzzles.
IDW’s first Godzilla project for 2021 will be a five-issue miniseries by writer Erik Burnham, artist Dan Schoening and colorist Luis Antonio Delgado. The comic book will be aimed at middle grade readers and hits stores with its first issue in April.
“We’re very excited to work with Toho to build a comprehensive array of stories and products that Godzilla fans everywhere can enjoy,” says Nachie Marsham, IDW’s publisher. “Their library of characters are quite literally titans of pop culture, and we can’t wait for people to get their hands on what we’re creating in close partnership with Toho. There will truly be something for everyone, from casual fans to people who live and breathe these amazing creatures.”
IDW will have worldwide distribution for Toho’s Godzilla comic book, graphic novel, gaming, and merchandise program, with the exception of some parts of Asia.
“IDW has been such a fantastic partner in bringing Godzilla characters to life through high-quality graphic storytelling, and we’re excited to take our relationship to the next level,” said Lora Cohn, Managing Director, Toho International, Inc. “By expanding beyond comics with wide-ranging books, games and more, we’re sure that our iconic kaiju will leave monstrous marks on these products that consumers across the globe, young and old, will never forget.”