When a giant monster attacks a city and swallows a bus full of civilians, one woman must fight for her life. Trapped inside the enormous beast, Sara and her fellow bus passengers soon find out that they’re not alone. But what dangers lie within the belly of this beast? And who-or what-will they have to contend with in order to survive? Behemoth #1 delivers a nice twist on the kaiju genre.

Written by Grant Sputore and Ryan Engle, Behemoth #1 is the lead up to the action. We meet Sara and get to know her a little, and the monster’s introduction comes with initial destruction. It’s a build to the main story, escape from inside. And that’s part of the fun of Behemoth #1, the build up to the main event.

Kaiju stories are many at this point and a new one seems to come regularly now. But, they often show the destruction and response. Behemoth #1 is potentially giving us a new perspective, from within the kaiju. And that makes the series full of potential and gives readers and fans of the genre something new.

Behemoth #1 doesn’t break much ground but it’s a nice build to what’s coming. It plays into regular tropes and beats for the genre including the surprise appearance of the kaiju, the utter chaos of its arrival, and harrowing moments full of close encounters and close calls. It’s fun that way with a popcorn beat that makes you feel like you’re sitting back and enjoying some kaiju destruction entertainment.

The art by Jay Martin is good. With color by Martin and lettering by Frank Cvetkovic, the art is solid playing off of familiar beats. The introduction of the kaiju is a solid spread where the mysterious creature makes a splash. The threat of the kaiju on the mainland also has a nice dread about it and the destruction from landfall has a nice feel of moments from The Day After Tomorrow. The inside of the kaiju is teased and we’ll get more of it but we can see some of the insanity and destruction that awaits.

Behemoth #1 has a fun concept and while the first issue doesn’t break any ground, it does set things up nicely for what’s to come. The concept of what happens after people are eaten by a kaiju is a fun one and the escape should be a mix of harrowing and gross… and let’s face it, I really want to see what’s inside.

Story: Grant Sputore, Ryan Engle Art: Jay Martin
Color: Jay Martin Letterer: Frank Cvetkovic
Story: 8.0 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle