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Gamora #5 Review

Comic Books

Gamora #5 Review

Serving as one of the more refreshing superhero science fiction stories in some time, I just had to finish this series out and see how Gamora could possibly get revenge on her enemies and escape a black hole. You know, no big deal!

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Gamora #5 Review
Gamora #5
Writer: Nicole Perlman
Artist: Marco Checchetto
Publisher: Marvel Comics


So what’s it about? Read the preview here.

Why does this book matter?

As co-writer of Guardians of the Galaxy I’d like to think there aren’t many humans better suited to writing Gamora than Nicole Perlman. So far that’s been correct (and Nebula ends up being a hit in this issue). Marco Checchetto is on art and he’s managed to create some wildly entertaining science fiction visuals.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

If you’ve ever wanted to see what a planet being torn to shreds by a black hole looks like look no further. Checchetto draws the opening scenes–with Gamora literally being pulled into a black hole–incredibly well with an attention to detail that pulls off a tricky thing indeed. Vehicles and the world in general continue to look spot on and I’m not sure there is a better artist to handle sci-fi comics today. Later in the issue there’s a fantastic chase to get away from the black hole that’s flat out cool. Captured in a double page spread, there’s energy floating about, bits of planets breaking up, and just an awesome display of what the universe can throw at you. It’s a showstopper and worth a look for this page alone.

Gamora #5 Review
Someone play “Float On” by Modest Mouse.

Perlman has been toying with Gamora quite a bit in this series and she continues to do so here. She’s conflicted, wants to kill an innocent girl because of her heritage, but also doesn’t want to be the cold hearted killer Thanos made her into. The internal conflicts manifest well into action and it’s nice to see how Perlman has made Gamora turn things around in this issue.

A showstopper of sorts is a confrontation between Nebula and Gamora. It’s a surprise that adds an additional threat to the confusion and gets wrapped up in its own right in a satisfying way. What’s also rather striking is how close the showdown follows a scene in the recent Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 film, though I highly doubt Perlman saw it before writing this.

Gamora #5 Review
I’d like to see this scene in a movie.

It can’t be perfect can it?

This issue has moments that feel rushed, which are inherently part of the shorter comic book format. Assuming we needed an answer of sorts for everything, Gamora ends up taking out a large group of characters who may not be good, but also hold a connection to Gamora that makes her actions seem suspect. This scene also manages to fast forward those feelings by making her do the right thing–the heroic thing–and it doesn’t ring quite as true as one might like. The final page also has quite a super happy ending feel that reduces the complexity of what was built up before it in an unsatisfying way.

Is It Good?

Gamora #5 wraps everything up in a climactic and satisfying way. The issue may rush to its ending in some ways, but it remains true to the character and does so with some dramatic art that’s not to be missed. Gamora is science fiction to the nth degree and worth a look if you’re a fan of the genre.

Gamora #5 Review
Gamora #5
Is It Good?
A solid conclusion--though a bit rushed--with amazing science fiction visuals.
Some truly gorgeous science fiction visuals in this issue
Dramatic conclusion made more dramatic by Nebula
Gamora learns something and develops well by the end
Seems to rush some key character elements
8.5
Great

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