In the ever-evolving landscape of the Monsterverse, the spotlight is shifting towards Rodan, the fiery Titan with a rich yet enigmatic history. As the season 2 finale of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters sets the stage for his prominence in the upcoming third season, it's time to explore the myriad possibilities and intriguing angles that Rodan brings to the table. From his ancient origins to his potential role in a Titan War, Rodan is poised to become a pivotal figure in the Monsterverse's narrative. But what makes him so compelling, and how can we anticipate his journey in the upcoming episodes?
Unraveling Rodan's Ancient History
One of the most intriguing aspects of Rodan is his ancient history, which has been largely shrouded in mystery. The Monsterverse has begun to shed light on the backstories of Godzilla, Kong, Mothra, and King Ghidorah, but Rodan's past has remained largely unexplored. We know him as the Fire Demon, a creature feared by the locals of Isla de Mara, Mexico, and hinted at through murals in Godzilla's underwater city. These murals suggest that Rodan's species once teamed up with Godzilla and Mothra against Ghidorah, and there are even hints of the existence of two Rodans at the same time.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for Rodan to have a complex and nuanced history, one that could be explored in depth in the upcoming season. By delving into his past, the show can reveal the circumstances that led to his egg being laid inside the volcano where he resides in the modern era. This could provide a deeper understanding of his relationship with other Titans and his place in the world balance.
Rodan's First One-On-One Win
In the Monsterverse, Rodan has yet to secure a one-on-one victory. In Godzilla: King of the Monsters, he was defeated by both Ghidorah and Mothra, despite being responsible for Mothra's death. This has left fans wondering if Rodan will ever get his chance to shine in a fair fight. However, the upcoming season could provide the perfect opportunity for Rodan to showcase his battle prowess.
One thing that immediately stands out is the potential for Rodan to face off against another Titan, whether it's a brand-new creature or an existing one from the Monsterverse. This could be a great way to build on his story and showcase his strengths and weaknesses. By pitting him against a rival, the show can create a compelling contrast and explore the dynamics between these two powerful beings.
A Titan Rival for Rodan
Rodan's lack of a rogues' gallery in Godzilla's universe presents an interesting opportunity for the Monsterverse. By introducing a rival Titan, the show can create a compelling conflict and explore the complexities of Rodan's character. For instance, his enemy could be another flying monster, but with ice powers, creating a unique and intriguing dynamic.
This raises a deeper question: what makes a good rival for Rodan? In my opinion, the key is to create a character that complements his strengths and weaknesses, and provides a compelling contrast. By doing so, the show can create a rich and nuanced conflict that will keep fans engaged and eager to see how it unfolds.
Rodan vs. Kong
Given the nature of the series and the expectations it's set for Rodan's role in season 3, a monster battle involving the Titan seems all but guaranteed. One possible option is a Kong vs. Rodan fight, a scenario that has long been debated by fans of the franchise. Kong may seem like the favorite, but Rodan can make it interesting by flying around, especially since Kong doesn't have any immediate way of shooting him down, whereas Godzilla has his atomic breath.
The Monsterverse already has a reason to arrange such a showdown. As the series explained in the season 2 finale, Skull Island is essentially 'Grand Central Station' for Axis Mundi. This means that if there is indeed a rift within Rodan's volcano in Thailand, he could accidentally or intentionally wind up in Skull Island for a battle with Kong in season 3. This would be a thrilling and unexpected turn of events, and could provide a compelling reason for the battle to take place.
A Godzilla & Rodan Monsterverse Team-Up
Rodan's bowing down to Godzilla in Godzilla: King of the Monsters's ending laid the foundation for an exciting Monsterverse moment: a team-up between Godzilla and Rodan. Rodan is arguably Godzilla's greatest ally, having been on his side in four different Godzilla films. For that reason, not pairing the two felt like a missed opportunity for King of the Monsters, but also something that could be easily rectified later since Rodan has accepted Godzilla as the alpha of the Titans.
Sadly for Rodan, the Titan didn't appear in either Godzilla vs. Kong or Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. But a team-up can still happen, as it could be revealed in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters that Rodan joined forces with Godzilla to defeat a new Titan in 2017. It would mark their first onscreen team-up since Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II in 1993. This would be a thrilling and unexpected turn of events, and could provide a compelling reason for the team-up to take place.
Rodan Joins the Fight Against SpaceGodzilla
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season 3 doesn't have to be the extent of Rodan's future in the Monsterverse. Legendary has been gradually upping the stakes in recent Monsterverse movies, which could pave the way for a full-on Titan War to finally occur in Godzilla x Kong: Supernova. If that happens, the movie could bring back Rodan yet again.
All indications point to SpaceGodzilla being the villain of Godzilla x Kong: Supernova. Given he has a history of being one of Godzilla's most formidable villains, it's possible that Godzilla and Kong will need help to defeat him. And that could be especially true if he has help. This could lead to Godzilla calling up Monsterverse Titans who had previously acknowledged him as the alpha to join him in the final battle. Rodan, with his fiery powers and loyal alliance with Godzilla, could be a key player in this epic showdown.
In conclusion, Rodan is poised to become a pivotal figure in the Monsterverse's narrative, with his ancient history, potential for one-on-one victories, and role in a Titan War all providing compelling reasons for his prominence. As the show continues to explore the complexities of his character and his relationships with other Titans, fans can expect a thrilling and unexpected journey that will keep them engaged and eager to see what unfolds next.
