Review: ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ #4 Packs In The Adventure
by Tony Thornley
In only four issues Guardians of the Galaxy has already told more story than other series that have been around six or seven times that length. It’s led to an engrossing status quo with a totally unique character dynamic.
This storytelling style has a great economy of space, while also leading to a story that’s continuously driving forward. Plus, it’s just plain giddy fun. That’s all thanks to the creative team of Al Ewing, Juann Cabal, Federico Blee, Guru-eFx, and Cory Petit.
The Guardians of the Galaxy have a price on their heads. It’s a good thing that the Guardians of the Galaxy have picked up the bounty on their heads. Yes, you read that right- it’s Rocket’s Guardians versus Gamora, and the rest of the team is caught in the crossfire!
Ewing makes this packed issue feel effortless. We get to see more of the characters and their inner worlds. We get a heist. We get crazy high-concept superheroes. There’s not a bit of space wasted, and somehow he’s able to ensure that the issue doesn’t feel rushed. It’s an excellent example of the economy of storytelling while also telling a hell of an action-adventure story.
Cabal continues to grow as a storyteller. He’s able to swing wildly in tone, in one page selling a goofy comedy bit, while wordlessly diving deep into Gamora’s wounded psyche the next. In one of the best sequences of the issue, Ewing and Cabal lock in perfect step to showcase Noh-Varr, experimenting with storytelling and the medium to create an action scene that could only happen in comics.
Blee and Petit both do an excellent job as the supporting players here. Blee brings these alien worlds to vibrant life, adding to the cinematic feel of the lineart. Petit fills the pages with Ewing’s words, all while making the different captions and conversations feel like an art form on their own.
This is quickly becoming one of Marvel’s best series, and a fantastic example of comics as an art form. I cannot recommend it enough.
Guardians of the Galaxy #4 is available now from Marvel Comics.
