Everyone deserves a good makeover - including giant slime monsters fromGodzillalore. The comic seriesGodzilla: Here There Be Dragons II – Sons of Giantshas redefined one of Godzilla’smost iconic kaiju, tying it directly to one of the most famous legends in history: Beowulf.
Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons II - Sons of Giants#2 by Frank Tieri and Inaki Miranda reveals thatthe infamous Smog Monster, Hedorah, inspired the legend of Beowulf’s monstrous foe, Grendel. This revelation recontextualizes the kaiju’s history and adds a layer of depth to this misunderstood creature, using him to his full potential (unlike others from the monsterverse).
This one scene from this one issue is just one of the many historical connections thatSons of Giantsexplores, blending real-world events with kaiju lore to give these monsters a deeper role in human history. Hedorah’s arc in this series is fascinating, as the intergalactic muck monster goes from a wrongfully accused villain to a heroic savior.
Hedorah’s New Origin Changes the Beowulf Myth, Connecting It to Godzilla Lore
Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons II - Sons of Giants#2 by Frank Tieri, Inaki Miranda, Eva De La Cruz, and Steve Wands
In the comic, Hedorah’s arrival is rewritten into the famous tale of Beowulf. The issue depicts a meteor crashing into ancient Denmark near the great hall of Heorot. The alien kaiju inside is dubbed “Grendel” by the Danes, who soon realize thattheir weapons are useless against it. The King calls for Beowulf to engage the beast in battle as the monster rampages across the land. However, Hedorah proves far more powerful, swiftly regrowing severed limbs and ultimately killing the legendary warrior.
The comic suggests that some of the most well-known legends in history might actually be records of past kaiju battles.
This new backstory doesn’t just make Hedorah’s origins more mythic; it also aligns withSons of Giants’overarching narrative. The series introduces a secret society that has influenced history by covering up humanity’s encounters with kaiju. Through this plot, the comic suggests that some of the most well-known legends in historymight actually be records of past kaiju battles.
Godzilla’sSons of GiantsConnects Kaiju Lore to Major Myths and Historical Moments
A Conspiracy That Spans Centuries
Beyond reimagining Hedorah’s past,Sons of Giantsdives deep into a historical conspiracy involving kaiju and world leaders. Issue #2 sees journalist Mortimer Lane captured by the Sons of Giants, a powerful organization devoted to hiding kaiju history. Lane’s interrogator reveals that the secret societyhas shaped world events for centuries, even confirming that Alexander Hamilton’s infamous duel with Aaron Burr was orchestrated to silence him before he could reveal their existence.
MonsterVerse’s Best Villain For Kong 2 Can Continue KOTM & GvK Stories
By picking Hedorah to serve as the main villain in Kong 2, the MonsterVerse can properly continue the stories and themes from its previous movies.
Later, the issue drops an even bigger twist: the masked leader of the Sons of Giants is none other than Thomas Jefferson. The comic portrays the former U.S. president as someone deeply involved in kaiju affairs,with the meeting taking place inside the White House itself. This historical twist ties into the comic’s larger narrative, where major historical figures are directly connected to kaiju-related events.
In the End, Hedorah Is There for the Final Fight
A Growing Kaiju Universe with More to Come
Sons of Giantshas proven to be one of IDW’smost ambitious Godzilla projects, expanding the lore in unexpected ways. Even though the series has already concluded,IDW’s Godzilla lore expansion isn’t stopping anytime soon. A sequel series,Godzilla: Here There Be Aliensby Tieri and Ángel Hernández, will be released in May 2025, promising even more connections between kaiju history and real-world myths.
IDW’s reinvention of Hedorah gives the monster a unique place in the Kaiju Pantheon. The choice of Grendel as a narrative vehicle suggests that humans may have the same misguided view of Kaijus as Beowulf did of Grendel, adding a new layer of complexity to this seemingly simple creature. With its bold storytelling and unexpected twists, theSongs of GiantsGodzillaseries has become a must-read for both kaiju fans and mythology buffs.
Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons II - Sons of Giants#2is available now from IDW Publishing.
Godzilla
The Godzilla franchise, spanning over six decades, follows the adventures of the titular kaiju, a colossal, prehistoric sea monster awakened and empowered by nuclear radiation. Originating in Japan, Godzilla has evolved from a destructive force of nature to a protector of humanity, battling various other giant monsters, including iconic foes like King Ghidorah, Mothra, and Mechagodzilla. The series explores themes of environmental destruction, nuclear anxiety, and human resilience. With numerous films, TV series, and an expanding universe, Godzilla remains a cultural icon, captivating audiences worldwide with its epic battles and compelling narratives.
