Review by C.J. Bunce
When you think of kaiju you probably first think of Godzilla, who debuted 72 years ago, and for others the word will conjure Ultraman, who debuted 60 years ago. But another major Japanese franchise featuring giant monsters also turned 60 last year. Gamera has never faced Godzilla, but the giant, fire-breathing, tortoise-shelled beast has never left the big and small screens, books, and other media. Celebrating the anniversary of of its first appearance, over the holidays a new manga takes fans back to the origins of the kaiju as a prequel to the Netflix animated series. Titan Manga released the first English translation of the 2023 series Gamera Rebirth: Code Thyrsos, and its first volume is now available at comic shops and here at Amazon.
Set a hundred thousand years ago, it follows siblings caught up in the politics of an ancient Japanese monarchy. Their father was killed working for something–and his son Lucius asks if he died honorably, troubled by not knowing. When Lucius investigates further he uncovers scientists working on DNA sequencing to create giant beasts, and not for some theme park, but seemingly to be able to feed the people. When Lucius gets too involved his face is forever disfigured and he seeks vengeance for those creating these monsters.
The powers that be have been staging battles–proxy wars–but are they just for sport or something else? Lucius studies to become an expert to build the better dinosaur in the very science they are using and takes his scientific improvements to the faction he seeks to destroy, leaving his sister Sica behind. When a jealous mad scientist steals his plans, he unleashes a fury he never could have imagined. All along Sica has stepped into her brother’s former role, creating her own creatures, angry at the brother who left her.
Kaiju face kaiju and man in a gladiator-type battle of monsters, monsters created for war against a kingdom’s enemies in this prequel to the animated series. The story was written by Hiroyuki Seshita with artwork by Cambria Bakuhatsu Taro. It’s a classic mash-up of action, drama, and sci-fi. Taro’s art blends everything you’ve watched on the big screen of legendary kaiju blended with the typical drawn style of familiar manga human characters. You’re still going to want to cheer for the kaiju.
Get the first volume of Gamera Rebirth: Code Thyrsos for kids of all ages who are fans of Godzilla, Mothra, Ultraman, and of course, Gamera. Order your copy of Volume 1 now from Elite Comics or here at Amazon.
