By Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (writers), Brad Walker (pencils), Victor Olazaba and Livesay (inks) Jay David Ramos (colorist)
The Story: All hell breaks loose as the Guardians find themselves sandwiched between invading forces of Inhuman and Shi’ar while one of their own teammates holds Crystal the Inhuman captive. The team tears out of the malay and separates into a couple different groups, one of which will not return. The excitement really cranks up as Rocky Raccoon and his crew return from their rescue mission of Illandra to face the Shi’ar attackers as they try to steal Knowhere.
What’s Good: As always this is a series that doesn’t take itself all that to seriously, even the characters are always braking form to do something funny, and there are a lot of funny moments in this book. This levity allows the book to go full barrel at times and pick up some kinetic energy that is truly unique in comics today.
The other great thing about this book in general and this issue in particular is the art. Brad Walker can draw just about anything here and with all these character colliding from all areas of the Marvel U, he has a lot to work with. His detail is brazen and clear; tree-men and talking animals look like they could be sitting right next to you.
The thing I liked most about this issue was that it went deep into the heart of War of the Kings, played a major role there, and then stepped back into its original mythos. The writers handled all of this nicely and all the developments seemed natural. Also, any series that has Adam Warlock in it is good with me, but especially when they have such a great take on this unique character. Although he has been downsized from his god-like past as a near invincible and indestructible being (Vulcan took him to town last issue after all), there is more to like about this incarnation of Warlock. It was interesting to see his viciousness as he took apart (literally) some enemies this issue.
What’s Not So Good: I was expecting to see the Guardians foray into the WOK to be a little longer and I was looking for them to be part of the final throw down. Alas, that doesn’t seem to be the case. My other complaint is that the cast has gotten a little too crowded. I’m not sure how many is too many personalities before the cast starts to weigh down a comic, but I think Guardians of the Galaxy has reached that threshold. There are too many comedic foils, too many cunning and ruthless warriors, and too many altitudes. Especially when taken into account that there is a great secondary cast of characters that live on Knowhere.
Conclusion: All in all this is another solid installment in Guardians of the Galaxy. If you were expecting major revelations here for WOK, then you will be let down, but shame on you for thinking that a tie-in series would be seriously revealing. However, if you are a fan of this series and are excited for the lingering and building plot threads of past installments, than you will be psyched for things to come.
Personally, I am not a regular reader to this series although I am just on the cusp of adding it to my stack. If more elements of the Starlin’esque take on Marvel cosmos like the Death and Chaos and all that, or if the creative team brought in the Eternals, than I would be sold on this title. For some reason, these second stringers don’t call out to me, regardless of how excellent their story is being told.
Grade: B
-Rob G.
Filed under: Marvel Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Andy Lanning, Brad Walker, Comic Book Reviews, comic books, Dan Abnett, Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy #15, Guardians of the Galaxy #15 - Review, Jay David Ramos, Livesay, Marvel Reviews, Victor Olazaba, War of Kings, Weekly Comic Book Review
