The following is an interview with Bram Stoker Award-winning editor and writer James Aquilone on his return to Kickstarter in collaboration with Monstrous Books to crowdfund the oversized magazine, Monstrous: The Kaiju Issue. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Aquilone about why this magazine will serve as a love letter to Godzilla and other Kaiju, the incredibly talented creators involved with the project, the exciting backer rewards available to supporters of the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Monstrous Books recently launched its Kickstarter campaign for the oversized magazine, Monstrous: The Kaiju Issue. As the world celebrates the 70th anniversary of Godzilla, how do you feel that this new issue will honor the legendary monsters from Japan?
James Aquilone: This issue is a love letter to Godzilla and other Kaiju. We’re honoring the classics while also introducing new stories and creatures, including the debut of MegaSquatch. It’s about bridging that history with fresh perspectives for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
BD: As always, the creators involved with Monstrous’ anthologies are a veritable Who’s Who of award-winning genre talent! What can you tell us about the process for selecting the all-star contributors for this issue, as well as your thematic approach to crafting a complementary collection of comics, prose stories, and more?
JA: I look for creators who not only have the talent, but also the passion for monsters and genre storytelling. Each contributor brings their own unique voice, and together they create something larger than the sum of its parts. The goal is always balance—comics, prose, art, and essays that complement each other while celebrating Kaiju from every angle.
We have a Murderers’ Row of Kaiju experts in this book — Patrick Macias (The Essential Anime Guide), Samuel Sattin (Unico: Awakening), Dinosaur Sanctuary mangaka Itaru Kinoshita, Greg Cox, who wrote the official prose adaptation of Godzilla (2014), Ninjago writer and Wandering Planet Toys co-founder Chris “Doc” Wyatt, and Superfan Promotions co-host David Hyde.
BD: At Fanbase Press, we always like to learn more about creators and what drives and inspires them. Are there any specific kaiju stories that have greatly influenced your creative process?
JA: Definitely the original Godzilla (1954). Its mix of spectacle and metaphor showed me how monster stories can carry real emotional and cultural weight. On the other side, films like King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) remind me how much fun Kaiju can be — it’s that balance of depth and delight that drives me creatively.
BD: You have had incredible success through Kickstarter for your previous anthologies, Kolchak: The Night Stalker 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel and Classic Monsters Unleashed. As a publisher and creator, how do you feel that crowdfunding has aided in Monstrous’ continued growth and success?
JA: Crowdfunding has been essential. It not only provides the resources to make these projects possible, but it also creates a direct connection with fans. That sense of community — where backers feel like true partners in the process — is one of the biggest reasons Monstrous has been able to grow.
BD: Are there any specific backer rewards that you would like to highlight for those who contribute to your Kickstarter campaign?
JA: The oversized magazine itself is the star — it’s packed with comics, stories, and art. But we also have variant covers, exclusive prints, and some limited-edition collectibles that fans won’t want to miss. We always try to make sure there’s something special for every level of support.
BD: Are there any projects from Monstrous Books—past or current—that you would like to highlight for our readers?
JA: Kolchak: The Night Stalker was a dream project that really resonated with readers. Those anthologies set the tone for what Monstrous Books is all about: bringing beloved genre icons together with new, exciting voices.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Monstrous Books and support the Kickstarter campaign for Monstrous: The Kaiju Issue?
JA: The best way is to head directly to the Kickstarter page for Monstrous: The Kaiju Issue. You can also follow Monstrous on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and previews of go to our website, MonstrousVerse.com.
