It’s fitting that Marvel’s giving Gamora her own series due to her primo involvement in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies and how little we know of her. This series aims to reveal more of the character, but is it good?
Gamora #1 (Marvel Comics)
So what’s it about? Read our preview to find out!
Why does this book matter?
I for one, have very little knowledge of Gamora; why she put up with Thanos for so long, or how her relationship with Nebula was like are things I want answered. Based on this issue we’ll get those details and more. Add in writer Nicole Perlman, who co-wrote the Guardians of the Galaxy film and this is sure to be a definitive look at the character.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Check out those speed lines!
This issue puts into motion a few moving parts that all coexist and fit nicely togethe: Gamora’s troubled relationship to her “sister” Nebula and the way Thanos uses and treats them both, to Gamora’s wish for revenge. Perlman does a good job showing the internal anguish Gamora is going through which is essentially clouding her ability to do the right thing and not murder with impunity. Though Gamora murders, Perlman makes the smart choice of having those die at her hands be the same politicians who committed genocide on her people. This action kicks the story off and sets up Thanos’ true mission.
Gamora is written well enough. She’s more sad and lost than anything else. Given how manipulative Thanos is – and you get to see plenty of that here – it’s understandable. It’s the cliffhanger and new information brought to Gamora that set her on the journey in this issue and ultimately may bring her redemption. Given these factors I’m interested in following this series to see how Perlman will develop the hero’s journey Gamora is set on.
Artist Marco Checchetto keeps the action tight and fast with plenty of detail in the characters. The colors by Andres Mossa add a less rich tone that gives the issue a darker feel that’s gritty. Thanos is downright god-like in his appearance, which helps sell the fact that Gamora and Nebula are practically slaves under him. The space scenes, especially the final page, are truly awesome.
It can’t be perfect can it?
Though this is Gamora’s series, I never felt like I knew her motivations very well. Her being lost makes the character somewhat boring and uninteresting and her ability to murder with seemingly no guilt or remorse further confuses things. As if she’s asleep in her own story, the plot pushes forward with very little in the way of character work.
You are here…
Is It Good?
This story kicks off a hero’s journey you won’t want to miss. The art is sharp and darker in tone like something out of Star Wars and the action exciting too. Still, I wish there was more in the way of character work.
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