Guardians of the Galaxy #25
Now, after reading this issue and viewing this week’s solicits, it almost makes sense as to why Marvel’s two flagship Cosmic U titles will go on hiatus during The Thanos Imperative. For one, Nova has certainly lost much of its luster during the Realm of Kings status quo, baffling the most knowledgeable of time-traveling lovers in the process. His reward? Why, Nova joins Ed Brubaker’s most suddenly infamous group of oddball espionage heroes ever assembled, the Secret Avengers. As for the Guardians of the Galaxy, their run has been a spectacular one. Certainly, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s writing of this title has never suffered during crossover events; rather, the Guardians only became that much more enticing—easily becoming the standout amongst others during a very pedestrian Realm.
With much ado about The Fault, the origin of the Guardians (circa 2008-2010), and the ironic timing of this return for Thanos, the future Guardians of 3010 take their contemplations to the higher council. This sequence is overly talky, overly confusing with several versions of characters (which Starhawk is who?), and downright too reminiscent of the Direct Competitor’s other Corps council system. Once the Guardians meet and greet their temporarily-deceased comrades (not a spoiler, since we most know the leftovers were stuck in time witnessing Phyla scuffling with Magus), they’re instantly thrown into battle with a very disturbed, very feral and very naked Thanos. Some of the fighting sequences are cool, especially those involving Drax—who earned the name Destroyer by last defeating Thanos—and Groot, although it’s not hard to admit that the bantering from this group is getting damp. Even a reunion between Cosmos and Rocket Raccoon goes without a laugh.
The good news is, at least for those who shunned Wes Craig’s cartoony-inspired stylings, is that Brad Walker delivers the touch that many fell in love with this title in the first place.
Before I conclude this review it must be noted that, as a swansong for the title, Guardians of the Galaxy #25 does indeed go out with a…well…”Bang!” Peter Quill, not surprisingly, has all the best lines, and his character remains the star of the show to the very end. But, other than the presence of Star-Lord and the Walker’s pencil legerdemain throughout, this finale isn’t up to par with recent issues of the Guardians. As a loyal follower of Abnett & Lanning’s Cosmic Universe and one with much optimism for the Heroic Age banner, there’s certainly hope for this fun-loving motley crew of celestial heroes in finding their way back into the mix. While a rest for the group, if in fact you call a war with Thanos a breather, is much needed, these characters have simply moved too many hearts and tickled too many bones to be brushed aside.
3.5/5 Cosmic Slops - Enjoyable "end" to the ever-enjoyable Guardians. My guess is that this is the finish to Volume 1.
Home
I love those cosmic expletives!
