Comic Review: Guardians of the Galaxy (2019-) #10

Guardians of the Galaxy (2019-) #10

Marvel Comics

Writer: Donny Cates

Artists: Cory Smith and David Curiel

Guardians of the Galaxy had an incredible first arc. It was brimming with potential and excitement, and it came from one of the hottest creative teams in comics. This second and final arc, despite some bright spots, is ultimately directionless. This is my least favorite issue of the run so far, and I hate to say that.

If there’s one major failing of this run, it’s the lack of cohesion in the team. After ten issues I’m flipping through the pages asking myself “Wasn’t Beta Ray Bill on this team? Lockjaw? Phyla-Vell?” Even if they appear briefly here and there, their lack of relevance begs the question of why they’re on the team at all. I realize that the very first issue threw them together through circumstance and becoming Guardians was never their intent, but there needs to be some narrative reason for having them around.

If Cates and Smith want to tell a story that’s ultimately about Peter, Groot, and Rocket, that’s fine. My problem is with the missed opportunities and the book’s rapidly deflating potential. A story about BRB, Lockjaw, Moondragon, and a punk-rock Groot is practically begging to be told, and it’s a shame that we’re getting none of that. The characters you were excited to see in the Guardians book are unfortunately non-factors, as this is a story almost entirely about the movie characters.

With all that’s said there, Cates’ handling of the characters he actually has plans for is very strong. The voices of the main characters are a natural blend between the movie versions and the classic comic versions. Rocket’s story is a standout, as the character is entirely recognizable while also putting him somewhere we’ve never seen before. This plotline opens up a lot of depth in a character that could easily have none. Plus, he’s got an Optimus Prime mech suit now, and that’s just delightful.

While Cory Smith’s art is perfectly pleasant and effective, I must admit that it fails to excite me. To Smith and David Curiel’s credit, they do a great job of keeping the book’s visual language consistent. The transition from Shaw to Smith is relatively seamless. It isn’t jarring or much of a departure at all. While I appreciate that dedication to consistency, it’s that familiarity that makes it difficult to fall in love with. The art team has talent, but they play it very safe.

Guardians of the Galaxy #10, despite being well written and drawn, just falls short of what it should be. Many of it’s greatest and most exciting characters are sidelined in favor of the more marketable names, and it feels like a missed opportunity. Despite that, Cates does have a strong handle on Rocket and Peter’s characters, and their voices carry the book. It’s fun, but there’s just not much lurking beneath the surface. With the end drawing ever closer, it’s becoming clear that the team doesn’t have much of a vision for Guardians of the Galaxy.