Gaea-Tima: The Gigantis, Manga

King Kong had Ann Darrow and Mothra had the singing Shobijin fairies, so if this kaiju takes an active interest in Miyako, you could argue he is only following in tradition. However, they might share a disturbingly close connection that rather alarms the sensitive teen. Yet, that “relationship” might help Miyako save her seaside village of Sukuba from future kaiju attacks in artist-writer KENT’s manga, Gaea-Tima: The Gigantis (vol. 1), which is now on-sale at comic retailers.

Ten years ago, Sukuba barely survived Gaea-Tima’s rampage. However, the aftermath was strangely profitable. Although Gaea-Tima turned the offshore waters black, it produced famously tasty seafood. The community also benefited from a wave of kaiju tourism. Since Miyako still suffers from PTSD, she finds the Gaea-Tima fascination perverse and even insulting. Nevertheless, she profits from it more than anyone, having found modest fame for her handcrafted vinyl Gaea-Tima figurines. She also works in her mother’s seafood restaurant—and resignedly expects to remain stuck there the rest of her life.

Things start to change when a fan pays a visit. That would be the kaiju-crazy oceanographer, Tatsukuni-san. He should resent kaiju more than anyone, since his formerly wealthy family was financially ruined by a kaiju attack.  Instead, he is quite philosophic when it comes to the great behemoths. He also might be handy to have around when a new, completely different kaiju attacks Sukuba. Fortunately, a kaiju resembling Gaea-Tima rises out of the water to fight it off, like the kinder, gentler Godzilla of the later films. Of course, that prompts the question of why, which seems to involve Miyako.

In a way, Gaea-Tima: The Gigantis channels the angst and existential dread of the very first Godzilla, in its original Japanese cut. Indeed, for Miyako, there is absolutely nothing campy about a kaiju attack. Arguably, that emotional realism sets KENT’s manga apart from other kaiju films and comics.

Miyako and Tatsukuni are also already quite complex characters with significant backstories. Tatsukuni’s three “colorful” associates have yet to be so fully developed, but they have clearly defined roles to play.

Regardless, fans should appreciate KENT’s fresh take on kaijus. His (primarily) black-and-white art is crisp and bold, but also darkly moody. Indeed, the big shock-and-awe action sequences are always cleanly legible and easy to follow. Those who like what they read will not have long to wait, because volume two is currently scheduled for July 29^th. Indeed, KENT delivers the kaiju drama fans want, while keeping things sort of-kind of “real.” Recommended for readers who appreciate the genre and the manga medium, Gaea-Tima: The Gigantis #1 is now on-sale, wherever manga is sold.