Exclusive Interview: 'Godzilla vs. Avengers' #1 Artist Georges Jeanty

Georges Jeanty has rendered some of the most iconic characters in fandom, but Godzilla vs. Avengers #1 from Marvel Comics may feature the artist's biggest likeness to capture yet. We got a hold of the noted Godzilla fan to learn how he approached working with writer David F. Walker to bring together the King of the Monsters and Earth's Mightiest Heroes for a story packed with a kaiju-scale cast dropping June 16. Read on for the full interview, plus three exclusive preview pages.

Godzilla.com: You’re known, in part, for bringing many beloved characters from cinema and television to comics. What was your reaction when you found out you’d be tackling the King of the Monsters?

Georges Jeanty: While it’s true I have had a hand in drawing several Star Wars characters along with a host of other characters for other companies over the last 20 years, I have to say Godzilla is my white whale! I have drawn Godzilla in some form or another my whole life. I dreamed of doing a Godzilla book growing up. I faithfully picked up all 24 issues of Marvel’s original series back in the day. When I finished my one-shot I asked editorial if there were any other one-shots I could do!

Godzilla.com: Illustrating any version of the huge, detailed, multi-faceted King of the Monsters can be a challenge (dorsal fins are detailed!). What made this version of Godzilla fun to draw for you?

Georges Jeanty: As I understand it, all of the one-shots tackle a Godzilla from a different year. And any real Godzilla fan knows that the design has been changed slightly in most every film. My book took the Godzilla from Godzilla 2000, which I was very happy with! It was such a rewarding experience that I honestly don’t remember drawing the book. I was in a euphoric haze the whole time!

Godzilla.com: Do you have any favorite Godzilla films? What puts them at the top of your list?

Georges Jeanty: Is it too much to say all of them? As a child any movie that featured Godzilla fighting some other Kaiju was an instant favorite! As an adult I still get the thrill of seeing the big guy taking on a monster somewhere in Japan, I can now appreciate the stories and continuity that have threaded through most of the subsequent sequels. At best, every film treated the subject matter seriously. None of the films ever made fun of Godzilla. It was always a force to be reckoned with. The 1990’s Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah stands out as a personal favorite.

Godzilla.com: You’ve posted some fan art of chibi versions of Godzilla kaiju in the past. What are some of your favorite Toho kaiju other than the King of the Monsters?

Georges Jeanty: How much time have you got? Growing up I was ravenous for anything Dai Kaiju! Along with Godzilla and its impressive list of costars like Jet Jaguar and Mothra, I loved almost equally the other giant monster; Gamera the flying turtle!

Godzilla.com: We ask everyone this: Do you have a Godzilla collection? What’s it like?

Georges Jeanty: That question should be obvious! While my collection isn’t as impressive as some collectors--I just don’t have the space in my tiny house--I have a respectable collection nonetheless filled with most of my childhood Kaiju passions.