Titan Comics and Legendary Comics are set to expand the MonsterVerse once again with Return to Skull Island, a new comic book series set in the universe of Netflix’s Skull Island: The Animated Series. The first issue will launch in comic shops on June 4, 2025, with cover art by artist InHyuk Lee.
Set in Legendary’s MonsterVerse, the new comic follows a group of survivors stranded on the perilous island in the South Pacific. As they struggle to navigate the island’s deadly environment, they encounter dangerous creatures—including Kong himself—and uncover the dark secrets that have remained hidden for centuries. The series is written by Simon Furman (Transformers) and illustrated by Christopher Jones (Doctor Who: Once Upon a Time Lord).
You can also see some of the interior pages below.
The Different Versions of Godzilla
While Legendary’s MonsterVerse features its own version of Godzilla, it is important to note that there are multiple versions of the King of the Monsters across different continuities. Toho, the original creator of Godzilla, has produced numerous films since 1954’s Gojira, many existing within separate timelines and reboots. These include the Showa era (1954–1975), Heisei era (1984–1995), Millennium era (1999–2004), Reiwa era (2016–present), and standalone entries like Shin Godzilla (2016) and Godzilla Minus One (2023). There is also the Godzilla: Singular Point TV anime (2021) by BONES, a sci-fi reimagining of Godzilla’s mythology that exists in its own standalone continuity.
Legendary’s MonsterVerse Godzilla, introduced in Godzilla (2014), is a separate interpretation of the character, designed to fit within its own universe. Unlike Toho’s various iterations, which have featured different origins, tones, and timelines, Legendary’s version is part of a more modern mythology that includes Kong and other Titans.
Toho’s Godzilla films operate independently from the MonsterVerse, which is exclusively developed by Legendary Pictures in partnership with Warner Bros. Return to Skull Island is part of Legendary’s vision for Kong and Godzilla, distinct from Toho’s ongoing projects.
Where Does Return to Skull Island Fit in the MonsterVerse?
The MonsterVerse has been expanding across movies, TV, and comics since 2014’s Godzilla, which set the foundation for the shared universe officially named the MonsterVerse in 2015. The cinematic timeline places Kong: Skull Island (2017) in 1973, establishing Skull Island as Kong’s domain. The events of the new Return to Skull Island comic will also take place in 1993, acting as a bridge between the past and modern MonsterVerse events.
In recent years, Skull Island has been an important setting in Legendary’s stories. The Skull Island animated series (2023) introduced new characters and creatures, exploring the island’s ecosystem. The upcoming comic builds directly on the show’s setting while adding new layers to Kong’s lore. Skull Island has a total of 8 episodes, and it is available on Netflix.
On the other hand, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023), the Apple TV+ series, provided further backstory about Monarch, the shadowy organization tracking Titans worldwide. The show was renewed for Season 2 in April 2024.
The MonsterVerse timeline continues with 2024’s Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and the newly announced MonsterVerse film set to release in 2027, meaning the franchise will be going strong for years to come.
You can see where the new comic fits into the timeline on the official graphic below (the years represent when the story takes place, not when the series were released).
Titan & Legendary’s MonsterVerse Expansion
Return to Skull Island joins a growing list of MonsterVerse comics from Legendary Comics. Previous titles like Skull Island: The Birth of Kong (2017) and Kingdom Kong (2021) expanded Kong’s mythology, while Godzilla: Aftershock (2019) provided a deeper look at Titan conflicts. These comics have served as companion pieces to the films, adding new prequel/sequel stories for MonsterVerse.
Louis Yamani, editor at Titan Comics, commented on the new series:
“Skull Island’s shadows hide untold stories, fierce battles, and creatures unlike anything seen before. Marrying brilliant illustrations and epic storytelling, we see a new side to Kong and his kingdom. We can’t wait to share more this June!”
Robert Napton, SVP & Publisher of Legendary Comics, also commented:
“Partnering with Titan Comics on Return to Skull Island allows us to expand the MonsterVerse in exciting new ways. Bringing Skull Island from TV to comics lets us dive deeper into its mysteries, offering fans thrilling new adventures in Kong’s world.”
Return to Skull Island Pre-Orders & Release Details
The first issue of Return to Skull Island will be featured in the April edition of Diamond PREVIEWS, allowing fans to pre-order their copies from local comic shops. In the UK and Europe, it will also be available via Forbidden Planet.
Source: Press Release
© 2025 Legendary Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Published by Titan Comics and Legendary Comics.
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