Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Steve McNiven, Sarah Pichelli
$24.99, Marvel Comics, 144 pgs.
ISBN 978-0785168287
More star-spanning science fiction epic than superhero slugfest, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY is the story of Peter "Star-Lord" Quill, Earth-born space adventurer, and his companions Drax the Destroyer, Groot, Rocket Raccoon, the assassin Gamora, and guest-star Iron Man. Sworn to protect the Earth from alien invasion, they've got their work cut out for them: an alien race called the Badoon are attacking London, and there are grand schemes afoot deep in space, among them the machinations of Star-Lord's own father, the ruler of a distant empire...
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY is a brisk read, full of expansive SF action sequences and likeable personalities. Writer Brian Bendis is relatively new to these characters, and has a tough act to follow: writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning did a marvelous job with the Guardians for a good long while, elevating them from relative obscurity to cult phenomenon. Bendis is up to the task, though, and delivers a rollicking thrill-ride, complemented by slick, elegant art courtesy of Steve McNiven and Sarah Pichelli, two of Marvel's finest artists.
To be honest, I had very low expectations for this book. I expected it to be so mired in Marvel continuity as to be incomprehensible, but I was pleasantly surprised by the efficient and effective storytelling. In addition to being a good action yarn, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY succeeds at taking superhero comics back to their science fiction roots, but in a very modern, very "widescreen" style. This refreshing change of pace is definitely worth a read.
TIPS FOR LIBRARIANS: With a Guardians film due in theaters this summer (a very popular trailer for which is making the rounds online at the time of this writing), you're certain to need this book in your collection. To be fair, it's a bit spendy: it costs the same as the rest of Marvel's "premier edition" hardcovers, but runs on the short side. You'll get enough circulation out of it to warrant the expense, though.
READERS ADVISORY NOTES: This is an excellent jumping-on point for these characters; though they've been around in the Marvel Universe for years (decades, even), this book is written in such a manner that new readers can dive right in while missing virtually nothing. Sure to be a hit with superhero fans, this volume is also a good way to coax science fiction readers into trying comics for the first time.
CONTENT ADVISORY: Science fiction action/violence, mild adult language
Review©2014, C.
Michael Hall.
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