The Godzilla franchise is no stranger to reimagining its legendary kaiju, but Godzilla: Here Be Dragons II - Sons of Giants #4 delivers one of its most ambitious retcons yet. The issue paints a fascinating alternate history for the flying fire demon Rodan. This version of the giant pterosaur is more than just a monster, but rather a divine being that directly influenced human history.
Written by Frank Tieri and illustrated by Inaki Miranda, this issue reveals Rodan as an ancient god the Mayans worshiped. They would make ritualistic sacrifices to the fire demon, and in return, Rodan brought fiery revenge on the invading conquistadors.
This is a major departure from his traditional origins, but this story perfectly fits the fan-favorite flying kaiju. As fantastical as this all seems, it's one of the most realistic approaches to this kaiju we've seen yet. The inspiration behind this reinvention is rooted in the real world, combining aspects of ancient history and actual dinosaurs.
Rodan’s New Mythological Status in Godzilla: Here Be Dragons II
A Divine Figure From Ancient History
It's no surprise that the Mayans would worship a giant flying kaiju. Rodan’s divine portrayal is a direct reference to The name may sound familiar to fans of the MCU. Kukulcan is the creator god and is a central part of both Mayan culture and architecture.
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By intertwining Rodan’s presence with history, the creature becomes more than a destructive force of nature. It becomes a god -- and a vengeful one at that.
This parallel adds a layer of historical depth, making Rodan's presence feel organic within an ancient pantheon. It adds an intriguing twist to Rodan's lore and subtly suggests that the significance of gods like Kukulcan may have originated from similar kaiju sightings. By intertwining Rodan’s presence with history, the creature becomes more than a destructive force of nature. It becomes a god -- and a vengeful one at that.
This Rodan Doesn't Mess Around
A Mindless Monster Turned Powerful Protector
In a significant departure from real-world history, this alternate timeline sees Rodan actively defending the Mayans from European conquest. This twist offers a fascinating “what-if” scenario where history takes a drastically different turn due to the presence of kaiju, which seems to be a central theme in this series. Rather than being a mindless destroyer, it becomes an avenging force against those who threaten its followers. It's a fresh take on how kaiju may have altered the course of human history.
How Rodan's New Lore Ties to the Real-World Kaiju
The Science Behind the Myth
Beyond its mythological inspirations, Rodan’s reimagined history also has an intriguing connection to paleontology. Just over 72 million years ago, the skies of North America were home to a prehistoric giant known as Quetzalcoatlus. These prehistoric creatures were among the largest flying animals ever, with wingspans estimated between 33 and 36 feet.
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They were named after Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec's name for Kukulcan - the very same god Rodan replaced in this timeline. This real-world parallel suggests Rodan is a surviving descendant of these prehistoric creatures that migrated down to Central America and was elevated into godhood upon its discovery. This new backstory feels more grounded, and blurs the line between legend and reality.
How This Changes Rodan’s Legacy
A New Interpretation of a Classic Monster
Rodan’s history has evolved significantly throughout the Godzilla franchise. Introduced initially as a mutated Pteranodon in Rodan (1956), Rodan was later reimagined in the portraying Rodan as a transdimensional being composed of a mysterious substance.
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The approach taken in Godzilla: Here Be Dragons II - Sons of Giants #4 adds another layer to Rodan’s ever-changing identity, distancing the kaiju from being simply a bi-product of nuclear foul play, into an ancient being with divine significance. This version of Rodan is distinct from his previous incarnations and enriches the character’s legacy by tying the airborne giant to reality.
By reestablishing Rodan in this way, Godzilla: Here Be Dragons II - Sons of Giants #4 creates one of the most compelling takes on this classic kaiju. It deepens Rodan's lore and redefines its place in the Godzilla universe by connecting it to real-world deities and prehistoric creatures. This retcon sets a precedent for how kaiju can be used to explore historical and mythological themes. Whether future adaptations will expand on this idea remains to be seen, but for now, Rodan’s ascension into godhood is one of the most fascinatingly grounded in the franchise.
Godzilla: Here Be Dragons II - Sons of Giants #4 is available now from IDW publishing.
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Rodan is a 1956 Japanese kaiju film directed by Ishirō Honda. Set in a mining village, it follows engineer Shigeru as he uncovers giant prehistoric insects and a flying creature while investigating mysterious disappearances. The film culminates with the creatures menacing the city of Fukuoka.
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- Godzilla, Godzilla 2, Godzilla 3, Shin Godzilla, Godzilla, Godzilla, Godzilla vs. Kong, Godzilla Minus One, Mothra vs. Godzilla, Godzilla Vs King Kong, Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S., godzilla: monster planet, Godzilla vs. Gigan, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla, Godzilla: Final Wars, King Kong vs. Godzilla, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II, Godzilla: The Showa Era Films, Godzilla vs. Biollante
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- Akira Takarada, Momoko Kôchi, Akihiko Hirata, Takashi Shimura, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell
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.
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