So Begins The Age Of Fire And Lightning: Guardians Of The Galaxy #1 Reviewed
by Josh Davison
Mild Spoilers Ahead
The Gods of Olympus have returned and they are searing a path of destruction across known space and killing countless. On Halfworld, the Guardians of the Galaxy are enjoying a well-earned rest. They’ve saved all of existence more times than they can count and they’re officially retiring. Unfortunately, Nova Richard Rider has come seeking aid in the battle against the returned Olympians. Phyla and Moondragon are eager to help. However, Gamora, Drax, and Groot are against leaving the peaceful life they’ve built. Star-Lord is torn, but after a sleepless night, he and Rocket return to the fight.
Guardians of the Galaxy #1 finds a universe once again steeped in blood and chaos. The Olympian Gods are killing anything they find and the Kree, Skrull, and Shi’ar seem to be mobilizing for war. No one is left to maintain the peace out in wild space, especially with the Nova Corps all-but wiped out again. That’s why the Guardians of the Galaxy must return.
This first issue focuses acutely on the mental and emotional states of our heroes. Nova is reeling from dying and losing the Corps once again, Heather and Phyla are eager to be heroes again, Groot, Drax, and Gamora want peace, but Peter and Rocket are restless. We learn why the universe is in such a state and why Peter and Rocket feel compelled to pick up their guns again.
We don’t learn much about how the Olympian Gods returned or why they have become genocidal conquerors (yeah, yeah original Greek mythology, I know). We only see what they leave in their wake and an implication of someone else benefiting from the bloodshed.
Juann Cabal’s artwork is downright pristine. Each page is gorgeously detailed, and each character is rendered with loving care. Not a single panel is wasted, and Federico Blee gives it all a brilliant color treatment. This book looks phenomenal.
Guardians of the Galaxy #1 is a brilliant return for the series. Donny Cates and Geoff Shaw knocked it out of the park with the previous run, but Al Ewing and Juann Cabal are making sure that the series doesn’t miss a beat in the transition. This one gets a strong recommendation. Give it a read.
Guardians of the Galaxy #1 comes to us from writer Al Ewing, artist Juann Cabal, color artist Federico Blee, letterer VC’s Cory Petit, cover artist Juann Cabal with Dean White, and variant cover artists Pepe Larraz with Marte Gracia; Belén Ortega with Marte Gracia, Ivan Shavrin; Mike McKone with Rachelle Rosenberg; Ron Lim with Israel Silva; and Skan.
Final Score: 9.5/10