Guardians of the Galaxy #1 Review

| March 26, 2013 | Comics | No Comments

*SPOILER-FREE REVIEW*

Writer:  Brian Michael Bendis
Penciler:  Steve McNiven
Inker:  John Dell
Colors:  Justin Ponsor
Letterer:  VC’s Cory Petit

Guardians of the Galaxy has undergone many transformations over the years.  The last iteration of the title was a cult hit amongst fans of the cosmic Marvel books.  Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (Abnett & Lanning or DnA) crafted a wonderful book featuring everyone’s favorite talking raccoon and tree.

With plans to turn Guardians of the Galaxy into a feature film, Marvel cancelled DnA’s book and decided to hand the reigns over to the premiere Marvel architect, Brian Michael Bendis.  Bendis recently moved from the Avengers franchise over to the X-Men.  He will now be responsible for introducing casual fans to this cosmic team before their movie debuts next year.

So how does issue one stack up as an introduction to the team?  Let’s find out.

What I Liked

Bendis wastes no time establishing what the opening story arc will deal with.  Since this has already been discussed in interviews leading up to issue one, I don’t consider this a spoiler.  A council of the galactic empire has decided that Earth is off limits to everyone.  Too many different groups have messed with Earth, and now the council feels Earth should be left alone so it can properly join the galactic civilization.  Of course this also makes the Earth a giant target.  Not a bad premise to start a book.

I think it’s John Dell’s inking that really made me enjoy Steve McNiven’s artwork.  Very detailed and precise.

What I Didn’t Like

I am not a fan of the new uniforms for the team.  I’m a fan of the original attire worn during the Abnett & Lanning days.  Especially Star-Lord’s helmet.  It was unique and menacing.  Now he just has a generic helmet that looks like he should be playing Safety for the Michigan Wolverines.

Iron Man has been added to the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy, but I don’t think his inclusion is necessary.  Yes I know Marvel did it so there could be a recognizable face for new readers, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.  Plus Tony makes a comment about escaping to space to get away from the ten Avengers teams he’s on.  But now he’s a part of the “space Avengers” for lack of a better term.

Summary

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book as much as I thought I would.  I actually liked Nova #1 more, as far as new Marvel cosmic books go.  Nothing really happened in this issue one, and it made for a quick read.

The initial threat is introduced, along with the team.  How will the Guardians of the Galaxy go about defending the Earth?  Plus why was this rule to leave Earth alone really created?  We have to keep reading to find out.

This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network.  They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE

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