Guardians of the Galaxy #3
Marvel Comics
Writer: Donny Cates
Artist: Geoff Shaw
The hunt for Gamora and Thanos’ head continues with a brand new chapter of Guardians of the Galaxy. The Dark Guardians have ambushed Nova (Richard Rider) in hopes of getting Gamora’s location, while Hela and the Black Order visit Annihilus who has Thanos’ head. Meanwhile, Groot, Bill and the rest of the Guardians try to get Peter to help them look for Gamora and protect her from the incoming attack. Peter isn’t really interested, especially since she killed him (and half of the galaxy), but his ‘family’ sure knows how to be persuasive. Oh yeah, Gamora is also hunting *REDACTED*, so that’s a pretty neat twist. ‘Hunt’ is the keyword of this issue, I guess.
Geoff Shaw continues to put out some spectacular work. The action sequences are dynamic and fun, and the characters look so damn good. There are a couple of splash pages that are magnificent to look at. Especially the last page, it’s a work of beauty. I also have to give credit (as always) to the colorist. Marte Gracia is ‘guilty’ of some fantastic coloring that greatly enhances Shaw’s artwork. Every page pops and the sci-fi aesthetic is flashed even more. They’ve both done a wonderful job.
Cramming three different storylines into a single 20-page book might seem like a stretch, but Cates handles them all really well. Granted, the three factions are bound to cross paths really soon, but for now, they are each on their own journeys. It’s also worth noting that all of the Guardians members – be they regular or dark – get at least one moment to shine. And they really do. We’re talking about 13 different characters (all the Guardians plus Hela, Nova, and Annihilus) that get their chance to interact with each other and affect the book, without feeling forced.
Speaking of character interaction – the newest incarnation of the Guardians is shaping up to be a really cool and fun little family of misfits. The talking Groot is great, especially when he’s imitating fart noises. ‘Plap-plap’ is not something you associate with farting. Also, the dynamic between Quill and the rest of the Guardians (especially Asgardian Horse) is a delight to read.
Actually, it’s 14 characters. Can’t forget about Groot’s totally adorable Stabs.
Cates’ Guardians of the Galaxy are still a really fresh series, with only three issues in. But I can easily see it being one of the best Marvel books on the shelves. Right up there with Immortal Hulk and Venom.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2019-) #3
The team has an eight-foot Asgardian Horse carrying a hammer. What more can you ask for?
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