Godzilla: Monster Island Summer Camp - Review

While I was not the biggest fan of Godzilla's Revenge [Gojira Minira Gabara Ôru kaijû daishingeki, aka All Monsters Attack] growing up, I found that I warmed to it more and more after becoming a parent. So much so that I now consider that maligned black sheep entry in the Godzilla franchise to be something of an underrated movie. 

One that dares to acknowledge and even critique one of the most immutable rules of any and all fandom(s). "After a monster or villain, no matter how heinous or cruel, becomes popular enough, a version will emerge that will be a fierce protector/defender of puppies, kittens, and children."

Which is my rather long-winded explanation as to why, while browsing Things From Another World at the Universal City Walk, I took one look at Godzilla: Monster Island Summer Camp and, with a big grin and hearty chuckle, knew I had to read it.

Aspiring artist Zelda wants nothing more than to spend a summer at camp creating all manner of art while meeting and befriending many a like-minded camper and, maybe, future collaborator. Her hopes and dreams of an idyllic summer camp experience are dashed, though. After she arrives and learns that the camp's new owners have changed its focus from art to sports. Ugh...

After meeting her cabin mates Weezy and Rumiko, and asserting her independence from being forced to adhere to intense rounds of physical activity, Zelda discovers a portal that takes her to Monster Island.

That is where she meets Minilla (aka the Son of Godzilla) and learns that something is driving the other monsters on the island into violent fits of rage and destructive behavior. Something that just might be linked to clandestine activities being undertaken by the new owners of the summer camp, More Inc.

Six Shōwa era monsters appear in Monster Island Summer Camp, but only two of them have recognizable marquee names. Those are Godzilla, of course, and Mothra. The other three, not counting Minilla, will be familiar to anyone that, like me, grew up watching Godzilla's Revenge, or the films that it took most of its monster footage from, as well as the very first Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla (1974).

Although Monster Island Summer Camp stumbled a wee little bit during the final confrontation, it did not diminish the fun I was having the slightest bit. I smiled the moment Minilla appeared and kept smiling all the way to the very last panel.

When I closed the book and set it down, the only thought that came to mind was, "Damn, I wish I could go to Monster Island Summer Camp!"

There really cannot be any higher praise than that, right?