I was a little skeptical when this was compared to Godzila Minus One, because hype for new move aside, that's my second favorite Godzilla film behind the original because of the kind of story it choses to tell while using Godzilla. So far, the comparisons stand strongly, but in their own way. Gaea-Tima carries the same kind of "kaijuu as trauma/ survivor" metaphor narrative that I personally, really like with this sort of story. In the ten year gap. the great monster has even managed to become a local mascot. And then he comes back, and that's when things start to get even more narratively interesting. If you like big monsters with substance, don't sleep on this one!

Ok, so this is yet another one of the Godzilla retreads that we see from time to time. The creature is out there, connects with the character, and for reasons unknown (there are often things left unexplained that hurt the story), this dude is available to her so that when she gets his little statue wet, ZING! He turns into a big monster and creates chaos and havoc. Why? We still don't know. Sort of reminds me of Gremlins, but he can get wet at any time and grow into a nightmare, not just after midnight. There is no real connection between the characters and me, so a story like this is one more forgettable one that I will soon not remember. I thought the art was good, and a potentially good story line, but it depends on all the other stories that have gone on before it.

first thought? godzilla
this as a lot of similarities with a lot of Mangas of this genre, so if you enjoy this type of genre you will like this one

I was not expecting the “mommy” aspect but I’m actual really pleased with that, can’t wait to know more about their connection and how that did even happen. Hoping the next volumes we will get more action, I really like fighting aspects in this type of manga

After a kaiju named GAEA-TIMA devastated a small, coastal town, we get a look on the people who lived to tell the story. Ten years after the attack, the town has emerged as a tourist destination—and Miyako, who survived, is a local celebrity.

She makes a living selling small artisanal replicas of GAEA-TIMA. But deep down, her connection to the creature goes far beyond a traumatic encounter. More than she bargained for, perhaps.

Overall thoughts:

If you’re a fan of Godzilla, you’ll likely love this one. I gravitate towards similar stories, namely Pacific Rim and Kaiju No. 8, and found this take to be just as entertaining.

Although it’s borrowing from tropes we’ve seen before and cult classics, it does enough for it to give it a unique spin, making the tale its own. What are the odds of a girl surviving an attack, selling figurines of it, and finding out some rather interesting secrets? I shall let you find that out when you give it a read.

Volume 1 shapes up to be rather promising and I’m curious to see how this title will stand out next to similar series currently publishing. The action scenes are interesting to read, and the take of this story being driven by survivors gives the plot a lot of interesting elements to play with.

Overall, it’s pretty solid! I really enjoyed it.

Who is GAEA-TIMA for?

I could recommend this title to fans of Godzilla-like stories who are looking for a series that does things a little differently. It’s similar enough for it to feel like a huge comfort read when you’ve been wanting to see more of your favorite trope!

See you in the next one!

I received this one from the publisher/Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

This was OK. At times a bit boring or a bit much (yes make sense of that, haha). But I do love love love the Kaiju designs (they were seriously so cool) and the battles that we see between Kaiju (so cool) and seeing how our MC can summon a Kaiju (GAEA-TIMA who is apparently connected to her after the events in the beginning, and seriously I laughed so hard when he appeared in the washing machine). I am curious how the summoning works exactly, so far it seems water is the key but maybe there is more to it. I also loved seeing the various kaiju and I am curious to see more of them. There is also a cast of interesting characters, our MC who has been through a lot and the Kaiju peeps. I also liked the mix of seriousness with silliness.

I am definitely hoping to read the next volume as well!

GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis is a kaiju manga and the main character is a girl. GAEA-TIMA is a monster that ravaged a town and now ten years later, the town uses the whole thing as a tourist attraction. Miyako survived the attack and now makes replicas of the monster until the monster comes back...or comes back from Miyako as she spits a marble that ends up being GAEA-TIMA. This was a truly interesting development of the plot surely. I liked the mystery behind everything and I do hope it will be developed piece by piece. I would've liked to know more about the main character and the town though. We are too fast in the middle of the battles and whatnot and it's hard to grasp anything. The past is very interesting as it makes the people who they are, but we don't get to enjoy it.

The art looks good, nothing too fancy, but it works. GAEA-TIMA looks like a cheap monster toy though...The problem is that the setting isn't built well enough for the reader to care yet. Thus the manga is mostly fighting and monsters here and there without any reason. I hope this will get better though.

It's been 10 years since GAEA-TIMA, a giant kaiju, showed up on the coast of Sukuba Town and subsequently wiped the town off the map. This destruction caused a tourism boom and seafood explosion which has led to the rebuilding of Subuka Town. Now a decade later GAEA-TIMA has shown up again and our protagonist Miyako is once again at the place the kaiju emerges.

This manga pleasantly surprised me! While I expected a serious story with some small comedic relief akin to Kaiju no. 8, GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis was way funnier than I had anticipated. It shows some true innovation in the genre. I can see why some people compare this to Go Go Loser Ranger. The combination of combat with humour is also reminiscent of early Jujutsu Kaisen.

This volume starts with an engaging opening sequence, rendered in colour, that immediately gives high stakes to consider and introduces us to our main character. Miyako is a relatable, loveable protagonist and I am already enjoying her interactions with the other characters that get introduced in the second half of the volume.

I appreciate how GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis incorporates typical Japanese aspects like the need for and popularity of mascots, the general idea of kaiju, and the outflux of young people from smaller towns across the country. This first volume sets up a wonderful foundation that subsequent volumes can build upon.

GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis is your next favourite read if you enjoy scifi stories regarding kaiju featuring interesting characters exploring different aspects of Japanese culture. I'd recommend this manga to people that have enjoyed elements of Kaiju no. 8, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Go Go Loser Ranger in the past.

This was another manga that I didn't expect to enjoy as much as I did. Typically I read light fluffy romance or horror, but really glad I read this one! Perfect too since I had already ordered it for my library. The concept of how the kaiju comes back made a bit nostalgic for all those old toys that when put in water, would grow!
Digital copy provided by NetGalley

For the past 10 years Miyako has believed that trouble follows her, even though all she tries is to help. A decade ago her town was attacked by a kaiju, while many see Gaea-tima as a monster many see him as a savior. GAEA-TIMA, makes a sudden appearance after another kaiju descends from the deeps of the ocean. Tatsukuni appears and figures along side his team and miyako that she’s been keeping this kaiju within her and might have imprinted with her eventho all that scares her they’ve noticed that she might be the salvation to all these kaiju’s return. Now she’ll be helping instead of failing she’ll do what she can to help keep everyone safe.

I love kaiju mangas/ comics and this one has got my attention. A girl who thinks that she fails while she’s trying to help and she’ll take this opportunity and do what she can to keep everyone safe even if it’s using a kaiju to defeat other kaijus. I sure do recommend.

I've always been a huge fan of the Kaiju universe and so reading this was super exciting for me This was my first graphic novel about the universe, and I really enjoyed it from start to finish. I liked how there was a time jump from past to present and how Miyako already has a history with a Kaiju. I thought the art style was unique and pleasant to look at/read. Since this is the start to the series there was only a little bit of world building but still nonetheless a solid start.

Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ARC of this manga

This was an interesting read and I can see people who love films based around Godzilla etc liking this because we are dealing with a story around something similar and a girl's journey through it.

This was enjoyable and I might continue the series

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Kodansha Comics, and KENT for providing me with an ARC of GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis 1 in exchange for my honest review.

GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis 1 introduces readers to a town once ravaged by giant monsters. After surviving a devastating attack years earlier, the town has reinvented itself as a bustling tourist destination. Among its residents is Miyako, who makes a living by selling replicas of the very monster that once terrorized the town. But when one of these giants suddenly returns, everything changes.

This manga is an exhilarating ride, with dynamic and visually stunning artwork that captures the sheer scale and terror of the monsters. While it shares similarities with iconic works like Godzilla, GAEA-TIMA offers a fresh perspective with its own unique twist on the genre. The blend of monster action and human drama creates a compelling narrative that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

With its exciting premise and captivating visuals, I’m eagerly looking forward to the next installment in the series.

4 Stars

An intriguing introduction to the infamous kaiju, Gaea-Tima, who came 10 years ago and left in its wake not only destruction but a mysterious essence that allowed the beleaguered port city to rebuild again on the abundant marine life that thrived in the monster's wake.

This also tells the tale of Myako, who, having created tchotchkes of Gaea-Tima, has caught a little fame herself over the years. When another kaiju attacks, it starts a strange chain reaction tying her to Gaea-Tima’s return and ultimately, to its very existence.

Admittedly, for unknown reasons I’ve been drawn to entertainment featuring kaiju, having enjoyed both the Pacific Rim and recent Godzilla movies, not to mention having had a grand ole time reading The Kaiju Preservation Society. This first volume was a nice teaser to the mysterious Gaea-Tima and visually portrayed the tension, emotions, and action in a fun and interesting way. I obviously liked what I got and look forward to the next installment!

Thank you to the creator and Kodansha Comics via NetGalley for a copy to review honestly

I cannot wait for the next installment of this Manga! I read it so fast and had such a great time. The characters are lovable and the story is engaging.

Wow! I loved reading the first Volume of Gaga- Tima. The art in each panel was amazing I went back through and read this one twice.

The story follows a young girl in living in Japan. In the area of when Kaiju appear and attack for unknown reasons. During an attack from Kaiju Miyako couch's up a ball in which said ball transforms I to the Kaiju Gaga- Tima.

Gaga -Tima defeats the Kaiju saving the citizens around.

Miyako meets a group of people who help her realize that she had a connection to Gaga- Tima.

That's where are first volume ends.

I'm really looking forward to the next volume. I think this story would make a great anime adaptation.

GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis is by far one of the most thrilling and unique Kaiju comics/mangas I’ve encountered in ages, and it doesn’t even feature Godzilla! The story centers around Miyako, a young survivor of a devastating Kaiju attack, who miraculously survives the horrors of a rampaging beast known as GaeaTima. Yet, in a mind-bending twist, years later, the very creature that once nearly ended her life is reborn, and in a shocking revelation, its mother is none other than Miyako herself! (No weird Kaiju sex stuff ya pervs!)

This wild, visually stunning manga is an absolute ride from start to finish. The vibrant Kaiju-filled world is a breathtaking feast for the eyes, with towering creatures and epic destruction brought to life in exquisite detail. The quirky, unpredictable characters inject a refreshing sense of fun and unpredictability into the plot, creating a unique dynamic that keeps the story moving at a perfect pace. Whether it’s the action packed sequences or the quieter moments of emotional depth, the manga strikes a fantastic balance throughout.

With its impeccable artwork, captivating narrative, and just the right amount of offbeat charm, GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis is a delightful experience that kept me hooked from cover to cover. The pacing is great, making it a seamless and highly enjoyable read. Without a doubt, I’ll be eagerly picking up volume 2 to see what wild turns this unpredictable Kaiju saga will take next! Godzilla/Gamera fans go pick this bad boy up!

*Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for advanced copy for review*

This was so much fun! If you enjoy kaiju/ Godzilla I would definitely check this out. The story is just getting started, but there was already a kaiju battle. Can't wait for second volume!

I loved this! Great art work! The Kaiju/washer scene had me cracking up. I'm looking forward to reading more of this manga!

Give me Kaiju, give me action and drama and ooh.
This has some real potential around it and I look forward to seeing where the story goes.

Ten years ago, Miyako barely survived a kaiju attack. Now, the creature has become something of a local mascot. Dubbed GAEA-TIMA, the monster brough plentiful seafood and tourism to the town. But, despite designing GAEA-TIMA’s corporate image, Miyako finds herself less enthusiastic about the creature’s influence. When a new kaiju invades, GAEA-TIMA returns… now as an active hero! And it seems that this reborn beast has a very real link to Miyako.

Kaiju films, at their best, can explore difficult and daunting aspects of life. GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis does this in spades, examining the internal conflict that comes when tragedy and benefit go hand-in-hand. The monster designs are fantastic, with many of them bearing similarities to creatures across both the Godzilla and Gamera franchises. And one of those designs is weirdly, surprisingly cute. This is a title with a lot of promise, both in terms of awesome action and its deeper story. If you enjoyed Godzilla Minus One, this is a must-have.