GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1 hits your local comic book shop on April 12, but thanks to Marvel Comics, Monkeys Fighting Robots has an early review for our readers. The book is written by Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing; Kev Walker is the artist, Matt Hollingsworth is the colorist, and you will read the letter work by Cory Petit.
About the new series:
One year ago, the Guardians of the Galaxy were destroyed. Their optimistic future is shattered by the betrayal of one of their own. Now they ride the space lanes of a lawless corner of the galaxy, trying to outrun their tragedy. Can they rediscover their heroism and humanity on the bleakest frontier? Can they forgive the failures of their past? Or will they fade into the dark, eternally unforgiven?
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My first impression of the issue; I have no clue what is going on, the jokes are clunky, but the artwork is amazing. With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 coming out in May, it’s hard not to read the dialogue and add the voices and delivery of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff to the comic. With that said, I can’t wait to read the second issue.
The setup by Kelly and Lanzing is enough to hook me for the first story arc. GROOTFALL is an intriguing concept, and Walker makes it look impressive. The western setting works for the comic, and jumping right into the action gives the book a sense of urgency. It isn’t until you put the book down that you start to ask a million questions. This is good because you are engaging with the story.
Walker’s art and Hollingsworth’s colors are the stars of the show. There are major Mike Mignola and Walt Simonson vibes going on in this book. With his horned jacket, Drax is definitely the “Hellboy” of the Guardians. Hollingsworth’s colors are rich and bold yet maintain the western feel.
Walker’s use of panel structure adds to the chaos of the story and the dysfunction of the Guardians. Angling action panels give the reader the feeling the story will jump into your lap. Also, the chaotic panels almost seem to rattle as the impending doom gets closer.
Cory Petit has to deal with a lot of yelling and action, but the story remains easy to follow and read. In one great example, a word balloon is outlined in red as Star Lord said, “LET’S RIDE!” followed by a “FWOOOSH” and a “THOOM.” The action jumps off the page, and you feel solid movement as the action unfolds.
Overall, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1 is a must-buy in my book. I need to know what happened to Groot and Rocket Racoon!
