Issue four as we near the end of writer Cullen Bunn's post apocalyptic Godzilla: Cataclysm. Much of the curtain on the mystery is revealed in this issue, although much of it could have been guessed by this stage. Still, the dread filled mood is solid, the art good... although the comic is a very quick read and feels like it will play better in trade format.

In terms of the story, the issue begins showing that Arata's grandfather had been part of a program that attempted to psychically influence the monsters (think Miki Saegusa in Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla). The program eventually failed, and some of the kaiju were left in a berserk like rage that resulted in the current cataclysm. Fast forward to present time, and Mothra is facing a desperate battle against Godzilla to protect the young Biollante...

Although we still wait to see the importance of Biollante to the story, or why she attracts kaiju, a lot of the mystery was revealed with this comic. Granted, we already assumed that Arata's grandfather was part of this program and also assumed it was a program with the intent to control the monsters. So no huge shocker there. Godzilla is still proving to be the monster to beat as well. Of the IDW stuff, this is his most villainous and unforgiving Godzilla has been since the launch of the early Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters stuff when all the monsters were, for a lack of better words, jerks.

Sadly, this issue is a brisk read. There isn't a ton of dialogue, leaving the images to tell the story at times or to convey the battle with Mothra and Godzilla. The issue can be read very quickly. Thankfully, artist Dave Watcher turns in another solid performance here. While not as stunning as Godzilla: Cataclysm #3, with Kiryu and others looking a bit off, the overall art is great and the continued use of red for the flashbacks does wonders for setting the mood and conveying the difference between modern day. I would like to, in particular, give credit to Watcher for his Manda, which is great especially with the detail placed into the rows and rows of scales.

As for the covers, the main one by interior artist Watcher is the winner. It's a simple view of Arata's grandfather getting in the head of Godzilla, but the attention to detail really sells it. The alternate is by Bob Eggleton and sadly one of the lesser covers the artist has done, and below his normal high caliber work. Godzilla looks pretty good in the foreground, but Mothra is a miss, lacking detail and looking a little off in the proportion department. It's a rare moment when the Eggleton cover isn't stunning.

Overall, the issue doesn't really stand on its own, even if enjoyable. It's over too quickly and the big mystery it shows off had already been assumed in full, this just feels like confirmation. Still, the art is solid and the comic will fit in well when all five issues are read in one sprint.