One of this summer movie season’s most intriguing projects is Legendary Pictures’ new Godzilla film, which is slated to debut nationwide on May 16.  In addition to the original Godzilla graphic novel from Legendary Comics (see "'Godzilla' OGN from Legendary") and Diamond’s deal with Toho to import Japanese Godzilla toys (see "Diamond Deal with Toho for Japanese 'Godzilla Merch'"), there are three mass market Godzilla book releases including a hardcover Godzilla: The Art of Destruction from Insight Editions that features a spectacular image from the film on its cover.
 
Written by Mark Cotta Vaz, who wrote a highly regarded biography of Merian C. Cooper, Godzilla: The Art of Destruction (MSRP $45.00) is a deluxe oversize (11" x 10"), 156-page hardcover filled with concept illustrations, sketches, storyboards, and other pre-production material, as well as plenty of behind-the-scenes stills from the making of the film.  Godzilla: The Art of Destruction is set to be released on May 13.
 
In addition, Titan Books is publishing Godzilla: The Official Movie Novelization (MSRP $7.99), which is due out on May 20.  Running Press has announced an April 29 release date for the intriguing Godzilla: With Light and Sound (MSRP $12.95), an interesting package that includes a figurine of the legendary monster with an "atomic ray" light emanating from its mouth, which also produces the sound of his iconic roar, as well as a sticker book filled with Godzilla illustrations.
 
Godzilla has traditionally been a property that has moved a lot of merchandise.  To get a taste of the new film, check out the two trailers that have been released (see "First Official 'Godzilla' Trailer" and "Second 'Godzilla' Trailer--More Kaiju").