This year’s Comic-Con was dominated by monsters. From killer kaiju (including Godzilla) to fantastic beasts, a menagerie of monsters horrified and delighted convention attendees. Monsters had a major presence in upcoming films, TV shows, and video games. Here are the very best creatures featured at San Diego Comic-Con 2018.
Film
Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Godzilla: King of the Monsters reigned in Marvel’s absence. The giant lizard is joined by other kaiju — or Titans — as Dr. Emma Russell (Vera Farmiga) describes, “the original and rightful rulers” of the planet.
We see at least three more distinct kaiju: a three-headed dragon fans of Toho films will recognize as King Ghidorah. Later in the trailer, Emma’s daughter Madison (Millie Bobby Brown) reaches out to touch the round head of Mothra. The giant insect then spreads her huge luminescent wings and takes flight.
Finally, the pterosaur Rodan emerges from an exploding volcano (or perhaps causes it), and a giant shadow is cast over a city as she flies overhead. There may be even more monsters in the blockbuster, and these initial teaser images have fans hungering for more. Godzilla: King of the Monsters will open May 31, 2019.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
As its name suggests, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald features a menagerie of magical creatures. Returning from the first film are the money-hungry Niffler, the plant-like Bowtruckles, and some nasty-looking newcomers.
One of the new human characters, Maledictus, suffers from a curse that turns her into a monster. Magizoologist Newt Scamander will have his hands full in the sequel, which arrives November 16, 2018.
TV
Stranger Things was absent this year, but that didn’t stop monsters from invading the small screen.
Voltron: Legendary Defender
The paladins from Voltron: Legendary Defender will take on creatures inside and outside of their lions. In the Season 7 premiere, they’ll encounter a creature that shrinks them to insect-size. Later, they’ll encounter a monstrous space creature with multiple maws and sharp teeth. The new season premieres on Netflix August 10.
Doctor Who
While the Comic-Con trailer served as an introduction to the first female Doctor Who (Jodie Whitaker), the showrunners promised “a lot of new monsters this year.” The popular BBC series returns this fall.
Games
Fans of Monster Hunter were treated to several announcements surrounding the popular gaming franchise.
Monster Hunter: World
Capcom announced a release date for Monster Hunter: World PC — August 9, 2018. The game will be available on Steam and feature customizable graphics and all the intense, gorgeous action players have come to expect from the bestseller.
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate also got an August release date — the 28th. The game boasts over 90 monsters — the largest monster roster ever in the franchise. There are six unique hunting styles that will be explained further.
Much to fan’s delight, a DLC crossover with Zelda: Breath of the Wild for the Nintendo Switch was also announced. Hunters will don tunics and choose between sword and shield and bow and arrow while tracking and taking down their hunts. Palicos will be able to suit up as Korok. It’ll be available at launch on August 28.
This comes on the heels of a Final Fantasy XIV DLC crossover, where hunters were seen battling humongous behemoths. Other popular creatures from the JRPG franchise were also seen, including Moogles and cactuar.
For more winners and losers from Comic-Con, check out the Screen Junkies recap below.
