There are a few core tenets that everu Guardians of the Galaxy series needs to get right. One is that this isn’t just a team, but a kind of reluctant family. Another is the eclectic personalities that shouldn’t gel but somehow do. The third and maybe most important is that the team actually needs to guard and help save people in the galaxy. After reading an advance copy of Guardians of the Galaxy #1, I can safely say Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, and Kev Walker nail all three.
Not much is known about this new series save for the western vibe in the new costumes and that Grootfall approaches. Even the cover of the third issue gives away little, though it appears Groot is having a bad day and taking it out on his friends. We do know something is wrong with Groot based on the trailer, and judging by that, the team is likely trying to help others.
It’s quite clear after reading the first issue the western vibe works for this team, complete with Star-Lord wearing a poncho and Mantis wearing underwear and putting on a burlesque show. This is a team that doesn’t play by the rules, nor are they all smiling and welcoming when they bring aid to people. Even between them, there’s infighting, but for whatever reason, the team works thanks to their singular parts.
The first issue does well to utilize all of their abilities, which is saying something when many Guardians of the Galaxy comics have no idea what to do with Mantis. The function of each team member, be it Star-Lord leading, Gamora acting as a solo operative as needed, and Drax being the heavy works to the betterment of their plans. Nebula is also useful, acting like a computer or droid you’d find in a Star Wars narrative.
Some creative work is done on the aliens in this issue.
Credit: Marvel
Speaking of character, Kelly and Lanzing don’t let you forget this family is on the edge of screaming at one another. They’re clearly run ragged at this point in the story and ready to snap at a moment’s notice, but they still help each other to achieve their goal. Much of the first issue is focused on the team on one mission, but all the snipping at one another clearly shows much more going on under the surface.
Kev Walker’s art brings a whole lot of chaos and kinetic energy to the mix. The layout design is twisty, with panels off-center or exploding at odd angles. The character designs of the aliens are quite good, capturing the western vibe while also bringing a level of danger and/or weirdness to the characters. Walker’s art can look a little too cartoony at times, though it suits Drax and Nebula’s look. There’s a roundness to the thicker lines on everything that gives it that cel-shaded feel.
Matt Hollingsworth’s letters also add a lot of life and excitement to the narrative. This is fun, loud coloring that makes it feel like a comic book. Add in Cory Petit’s lettering, which is fantastic at emphasis and tone, and you have some great reading on this one. Gamora says something at one point in a way that’ll have you cackling simply because of the word balloon dripping literally with her annoyance.
Guardians of the Galaxy #1 proves this creative team understands the team and knows there’s a hard road to bring them some peace. They’re not in the best place, possibly because of what’s going on with Groot, and while they’re not necessarily each other’s best friend, they’re in it for the long haul to save as many people as possible. Throw in a Western vibe, and Guardians of the Galaxy #1 works on many levels bringing the sci-fi wham-pow only comics can achieve.
Guardians of the Galaxy #1 arrives in comic shops on April 12th.
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