Post by goldenfist on Oct 17, 2008 15:41:58 GMT -5
Ign.com reviews Guardians of the Galaxy #6.
Over the last few months I've let my general disdain for Secret Invasion be readily apparent, but even I've got to admit that the prevailing themes from the "event" lend themselves particularly well to Guardians of the Galaxy. Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning manage to tell their obligatory tie-in without sidestepping or delaying their own intentions by using the whole "mistrust" motif to mark a major turning point in their team's short history. In the modern world of company wide events, this arc has created a template of sorts for how to avoid distractions, providing a fun and insightful story in spite of any "mandated" allusions.
Jesse hit the nail on the head last month by pointing out the degree to which the anthropomorphic characters shape Guardian's personality. So it's no coincidence that his particular issue is so much fun, considering the prominent role Cosmo plays in both the major plot twists and the climactic battle. There's no question that he, Rocket Raccoon and Groot add a barefaced sort of fun to the title, but they've usually done so in an ancillary fashion. In this case, Cosmo serves as the fulcrum of the closing chapter, and the book is all the better for it.
But even beyond the superficial fun of seeing a dog kick cosmic ass, the concluding chapter to the Secret Invasion tie-in succeeds by sewing up a number of lingering plotlines. Abnett and Lanning juggle a gaggle of story elements that come to fruition in a maelstrom of baffled allegiances. This arc would have worked without the Skrulls, but by using them as the catalyst to the further destruction of an already unstable political infrastructure aboard Knowhere, the authors paved a path for a hectic and satisfying conclusion.
And while keeping in mind the sheer chaos the closing pages create, the closing panels of this issue provide the best example yet of Pelletier's ability to draw epic battles within the throws of an action title. The large cast involved in the closing battles could have become rather intimidating, but Pelletier tells his story without confusion, seeming to rejoice in the diversity Guardians allows for.
Again, with this story Abnett and Lanning present a perfect model for how a tie-in should be written. Even while fulfilling its required duties, this arc never abandoned the title's quirky disposition. There is not a single better example in the crowded field of mainstream comics of a book that entertains with youthful sensibilities, while maintaining a sharp, chic wit. Hopefully the Secret Invasion bump will help Guardians garner a larger audience; it certainly deserves it.
Review Score: 8.5 Great
Over the last few months I've let my general disdain for Secret Invasion be readily apparent, but even I've got to admit that the prevailing themes from the "event" lend themselves particularly well to Guardians of the Galaxy. Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning manage to tell their obligatory tie-in without sidestepping or delaying their own intentions by using the whole "mistrust" motif to mark a major turning point in their team's short history. In the modern world of company wide events, this arc has created a template of sorts for how to avoid distractions, providing a fun and insightful story in spite of any "mandated" allusions.
Jesse hit the nail on the head last month by pointing out the degree to which the anthropomorphic characters shape Guardian's personality. So it's no coincidence that his particular issue is so much fun, considering the prominent role Cosmo plays in both the major plot twists and the climactic battle. There's no question that he, Rocket Raccoon and Groot add a barefaced sort of fun to the title, but they've usually done so in an ancillary fashion. In this case, Cosmo serves as the fulcrum of the closing chapter, and the book is all the better for it.
But even beyond the superficial fun of seeing a dog kick cosmic ass, the concluding chapter to the Secret Invasion tie-in succeeds by sewing up a number of lingering plotlines. Abnett and Lanning juggle a gaggle of story elements that come to fruition in a maelstrom of baffled allegiances. This arc would have worked without the Skrulls, but by using them as the catalyst to the further destruction of an already unstable political infrastructure aboard Knowhere, the authors paved a path for a hectic and satisfying conclusion.
And while keeping in mind the sheer chaos the closing pages create, the closing panels of this issue provide the best example yet of Pelletier's ability to draw epic battles within the throws of an action title. The large cast involved in the closing battles could have become rather intimidating, but Pelletier tells his story without confusion, seeming to rejoice in the diversity Guardians allows for.
Again, with this story Abnett and Lanning present a perfect model for how a tie-in should be written. Even while fulfilling its required duties, this arc never abandoned the title's quirky disposition. There is not a single better example in the crowded field of mainstream comics of a book that entertains with youthful sensibilities, while maintaining a sharp, chic wit. Hopefully the Secret Invasion bump will help Guardians garner a larger audience; it certainly deserves it.
Review Score: 8.5 Great