Guest Review June 24: Of Really Big Monsters and Really Tiny Men

My name is Jerry and someone thought it was a good idea to let me do a guest review this week! I wanted to review something fun and light-hearted so I chose my favourite series right now.

Kaijumax

“On a remote island in the south pacific lies Kaijumax, a maximum-security prison for giant monsters. We humans don’t care if these creatures are metaphors for man’s scientific hubris – they need to be contained!”

Kaijumax is the story of a maximum-security prison for the world’s Kaiju (Japanese: literally “monster”). From the mind of Zander Cannon and published by Oni Press, Kaijumax manages to balance drama, humor, and really big monsters.

Issue one introduces about eight primary characters, three organized factions within the facility, and pictures numerous secondary/background characters who are sure to move to the foreground at some point. Amid this whirlwind of introductions Electrogar is the first. Electrogar is the reader’s point of view into the story, and consequently it’s main character. The necessary details of the unfortunate situation that has landed Electrogar in Kaijumax are laid out quickly and in just enough detail.

Subsequent characters are introduced naturally as Electrogar meets the community in Kaijumax. A community that is as diverse as it is closely related. Each kaiju is given a brief back story along with a very distinct personality (these character introductions are minimal, but four pages of bio are provided in the back of the issue). Even the visual style defines these individuals. Some are derived from apes others from insects, reptiles, even robots.

The robust culture of the kaiju is contrasted by the human presence. Very little is said about the flea-sized wardens of this prison. Each are referred to by their position first and foremost allowing the emphasis to remain on the inmates.

Why should you get this?

It’s fun. A character-focused story greased by humor and fueled by drama. The art is bold, defined, and clean. The dialogue is engaging. The characters are simple, but easy to identify with and unique. Overall Kaijumax is an entertaining and pleasant read.