Before Gareth Edwards' Godzilla lands on our shores this May, a new prequel graphic novel will act as a lead-in to the story.  Titled "Godzilla: Awakening", the 72-pager will take a look at the dawn of the atomic age, decades before the events of the film take place, back to a time when monstrous lifeforms were woken from their slumber.  Co-written by Max and Greg Borenstein, "Godzilla: Awakening" features artwork from Eric Battle, Yvel Guichet, Alan Quah and Lee Loughridge, with cover art by Arthur Adams.

Godzilla stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, David Strathairn, Ken Watanabe, and Sally Hawkins, and opens May 16th.  Hit the jump for more on Godzilla and the upcoming graphic novel, "Godzilla: Awakening".

Check out a special announcement from Godzilla director Gareth Edwards below:

In May 2014, audiences will witness the epic rebirth of the King of the Monsters as Legendary and Warner Bros. bring Godzilla to the big screen. To pave the way for the iconic creature's return, Legendary Comics is proud to present the official graphic novel Godzilla: Awakening. This 72-page story, set decades before the film, is co-written by Max Borenstein (screenwriter of the new Godzilla) and Greg Borenstein.

Delve into an incredible mystery, generations in the making. At the dawn of the atomic age, humanity awakens lifeforms beyond imagination, unleashing monumental forces of nature. This explosive, larger-than-life adventure is the perfect way for fans to experience the new Godzilla before seeing it in theaters.

Godzilla: Awakening is illustrated by Eric Battle (X-Men, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman), Yvel Guichet (Pacific Rim: Tales from Year Zero, Superboy Annual, End of Nations), Alan Quah (Rage, The Vampire Diaries, Anywhere) and Lee Loughridge (Batman Adventures, Arkham Asylum: Living Hell, Marvel Zombies Return), and features cover art by Arthur Adams (Godzilla, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Uncanny X-Men).