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.

I really enjoyed this Kaiju centered manga. The twist was fun and really made me care for the Kaiju (usually the opposite happens in this genre). I am thoroughly invested in reading more in this series.

I really enjoyed this. It's just the first volume so I can't really judge it too much but it was a brilliant introduction and I think the premise is cool. The character introductions were also good, I can see myself really liking Miyako and I think she's a great MC. This wouldn't be a priority for me to keep up with but I would definitely keep up with it, albeit a little irregularly.

Ten years ago, a Godzilla-like creature called a Kaiju emerged from the Sea of Japan. Its arrival sent a massive wave inland which destroyed the entire town of Sukuba before it disappeared. Luckily for the town’s surviving inhabitants, the sea became murky which created a breeding ground for seafood, so that the town was rehabilitated and became a tourist destination.
During the Kaiju’s appearance, Miyako had looked it right in its eyes and it changed the course of her life forever. As an adult, she has become notorious for the extremely lifelike figurines of that exact Kaiju. Ten years have passed and another Kaiju has emerged in the Sea of Japan, altering her course once again.

#ThxNetGalley #KENT #GAETIMA

This is a really great first book. I'm always excited to see new and interesting Kaiju stories. The story starts off with very mysterious Kaiju unleashing a title wave on a small fishing village only to disappear. Our main character was front and center during the wave but somehow survived. When a second kaiju appears in their bay she fears she may be doomed only for Gaea-Tima to come to the rescue.

This looks really promising and I hope to see more from this series.

I really liked Kent’s other series, Colorless, but GAEA-TIMA didn’t have nearly the same level of intricate worldbuilding or even level of detail in the art. This seems more like a way to design a bunch of different kaiju and have them fight than it is a story- or character-driven manga.

Probably won’t continue with this series