The Galaxy Faces The Final Gauntlet In Guardians Of The Galaxy #1
by Josh Davison
[*Mild Spoilers Ahead!]
The galaxy is as chaotic and hectic as it’s ever been. Ancient societies are warring with one another, and it seems that all of creation is on the brink. Despite this (or perhaps because of it), Eros, aka the hero Starfox and brother of Thanos, has called a council of the greatest galactic powers, including the Shi’ar Imperial Guard, the Starjammers, the Skrulls, Beta Ray Bill, Silver Surfer, Adam Warlock, Moondragon, and Phyla-Vell. Eros discovered the last will and testament of Thanos, and it claims that Thanos had his consciousness uploaded into a databank so that it may be downloaded into another body in the event of his death. In short, another Thanos is out there, and no one knows what form or identity he will take next.
Guardians of the Galaxy #1 provides the great team shakeup shown in the advertisements leading up to his release. Star-Lord and Groot or the only holdovers from the previous lineup, and it seems that Peter won’t necessarily be the leading force in the team given the other personalities that are joining up.
It is designed to be a treat for fans of the slightly less popular Marvel cosmic lore, as shown through the presence of characters like Starfox, Beta Ray, Phyla, and Moondragon. The story is still hung up on Thanos, which shouldn’t come of that much of a surprise given Avengers: Infinity War and the upcoming Endgame. Thanos has been the recurring archvillain of Marvel’s cosmic tales for some time now, and it doesn’t seem that will change soon despite his apparent death.
Geoff Shaw returns to team up with writer Donny Cates, and Shaw’s artwork proves just as visually grabbing as it was in he and Cates’ Thanos. The galactic council gathering is epic and loaded with classic cosmic heroes. The detailing is very good, and the color art of Marte Gracia maintains an aura of legends.
Guardians of the Galaxy #1 is an interesting and booming first step for the new era of the team. The lineup is changing, the creative team has a confident stride, and the future’s looking bright. This one gets a recommendation. Check it out.
Guardians of the Galaxy #1 comes to us from writer Donny Cates, artist Geoff Shaw, color artist Marte Gracia, letterer VC’s Cory Petit, cover artist David Marquez with Dean White, and variant cover artists Steve Shroce with Jason Keith, Gerald Parel, Geoff Shaw with Dean White, Skottie Young, Ron Lim with Israel Silva, Bernie Wrightson with Richard Isanove, Esad Ribic, and Mike Deodato Jr. with Rain Beredo.
