A Monster Reading List

18 Books for Fans of Godzilla and Kong

Gird your loins! Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, the follow-up to last year's thrilling Godzilla vs. Kong, is coming to theaters on March 29. If you're a fan of the monster movies, you probably know that this wildly popular subgenre of sci-fi has roots in Japan, where it is known as Kaiju, meaning strange beast. If you can't get enough of the creature features, here are eighteen titillating titles to enjoy, including novels, comics, anthologies, and nonfiction.

Novels

Godzilla vs. Kong: The Official Movie Novelization by Greg Keyes
Humanity fights for its future as the two most powerful forces of nature on the planet collide in an all-out war and embark on a path of destruction. Based on the latest movie in the Monsterverse franchise, this novel takes readers deeper into the worlds of Monarch, the Titans, and more.

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
After COVID-19 shuts down New York City, Jamie is stuck in a dead-end job. When Tom offers him a job at the "animal rights organization" he works for, Jamie gratefully signs on. What Tom doesn't mention is that the animals they protect are Kaiju, massive dinosaur-like creatures who live in an alternate dimension.

Project Nemesis by Jeremy Robinson
Jon Hudson thinks his job investigating the paranormal for the Department of Homeland Security is a joke. That is, until he stumbles upon the terrifying creature known as Nemesis. As the body count explodes, he races to understand Nemesis's origins and motivations and to stop the monster before it's too late.

King Kong vs. Tarzan by Will Murray
After filmmaker Carl Denham captures King Kong, he's determined to get the creature back to America and cash in on his astonishing catch. But when their ship makes a detour in Africa, Kong escapes into Tarzan's jungle domain and a standoff ensues. Will they make peace—or war?

Age of Monsters by John Lee Schneider
Once upon a time, Dinosaurs ruled the Earth. The Age of Monsters begins tonight and the world of humankind will crumble. Some will call it Judgment. Some will attempt to fight. Others will simply run. Most will just try and survive. But no one will escape. Where were YOU when the world ended?

King Kong of Skull Island: Exodus by Joe Devito and Brad Strickland
This novel tells the thrilling origin story of the Tagatu civilization. Facing impossible obstacles, the mighty Kongs embark on a spectacular exodus to Skull Island, where they face impossible obstacles and unimaginable dangers that threaten to wipe them from the face of the earth.

Comics

Godzilla: The Half-Century War by James Stokoe
The year is 1954 and Lieutenant Ota Murakami is on hand when Godzilla makes landfall in Japan. Along with his pal, Kentaro, Ota makes a desperate gamble to save lives. His obsessive battle with the King of the Monsters lasts fifty years, ranging from Ghana to Bombay, and maybe the end of the world.

Kingdom Kong by Marie Anello
A sequel to the graphic novel, Skull Island: Birth of Kong and a prelude to the film Godzilla vs. Kong, this tale follows a group of highly skilled military pilots gathered together on Skull Island to see who has "the right stuff" as they take on a dangerous mission into the hollow earth.

Godzilla: Complete Rulers of Earth, Volume 1 by Chris Mowry
Giant monsters are appearing across the globe and leaving complete devastation in their wake. It's up to Commander Steven Woods and his forces to hold the monsters at bay, while young Lucy Casprell and her research group attempt to find the truth behind the invasions. Volume 2 completes this series.

Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters by Eric Powell
When Godzilla appears off the coast of Japan, the Japanese government must respond quickly to contain the disaster . . . but before long, other monsters start appearing all over the world. Can humanity survive this mysterious onslaught of giant beasts, including Anguirus, Battra, Destroyah, Gigan, and more?

Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong by Brian Buccellato (available for pre-order)
Godzilla, the King of the Monsters has emerged from the deep seas of Metropolis, interrupting Superman's proposal to Lois Lane. King Kong is taking on the world's greatest heroes in his home turf, Skull Island. Can the Justice League send these creatures back to their own dimension before it's too late?

Godzilla: The Original Marvel Years by Dough Moench (available for pre-order)
For two glorious years in the 1970s, Japan's greatest export was one of Marvel's biggest stars—marching across America and battling the likes of the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, the Champions, Nick Fury, and more. This commemorative omnibus compiles the original 24 volumes of the epic series.

Anthologies

The Horror Zine's Book of Monster Stories
With an Introduction by Shirley Jackson Award-winner Gemma Files, this outstanding anthology of all things monstrous includes spine-chilling stories from Bentley Little, Simon Clark, Elizabeth Massie, Tim Waggoner, Sumiko Saulson, and more of today's best emerging horror writers.

Creature Feature: A Monster Anthology, edited by Anthony Giangregorio
Giant squirrels, massive zombies, killer trees and marauding severed heads are just a few of the twisted tales of creatures you will find inside this anthology. So let your imagination free and embrace what isn't real. Or maybe it's the monsters that are real, and it is you that does not truly exist.

From the Depths, edited by Mark Bilsborough
Barnacles and bilge rats. Mermaids, giant sea creatures, and monsters from the deep. Pirates who ought to know better doing things that ought to be impossible. Selkies. Things with piercing eyes and tentacles. They're all here in fifteen fright-inducing stories with a satisfyingly salty tinge.

Nonfiction

A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series by David Kalat
Reviled by critics but boasting a dedicated cult following, the Godzilla franchise offers insight into the national identities of both Japan and the US. Explore the fascinating story behind Godzilla's evolution from black-and-white arthouse allegory to international commercial juggernaut.

Inside King Kong: A Journal by Will Shephard
When actor Will Shephard showed up to interview with legendary director Dino De Laurentiis, he had no idea what he was about to embark on. Cast as one of the (uncredited) actors suiting up to play the title role in 1976's King Kong, this is his delightful and funny account, along with behind-the-scenes photos.

The Art of Godzilla: King of the Monsters by Abbie Bernstein
An in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the epic 2019 movie Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Packed with concept art, on-set photography, and detailed insight from key members of the production, this beautiful book tells the story of how Godzilla and his mighty foes, like the three-headed King Ghidorah, were brought to life.

Take a deep dive into creature feature fandom with these thrilling, informative, and expansive reads.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon