Guardians of the Galaxy #14 features three stories that might make you wish for three Guardians books and inspire sequel dreams for the movie that isn’t even out yet.
The double-sized anniversary issue marks the 100th issue starring the cosmic Avengers. In the marquee story by writer Brian Michael Bendis and new artist Nick Bradshaw (Wolverine and the X-Men) with Jason Masters and Todd Nauck, three arcs act like a spiral star converging into a big cliffhanger.
Flash Thompson aka Agent Venom is the new envoy from the Avengers. Drax takes Flash on a rite of passage in a seedy galactic underbelly that Greedo or Han Solo would feel right at home in. I’m intrigued at how the aliens react to seeing the earth man bonded to the infamous symbiote.
Venom is a source of power on earth but the aliens treat it like a pestilence and even feel disgust for the man bonded to it. I’m no precog but I sense a journey to the symbiote homeworld in future!
The Guardians have been separated and nearly neutralized when Peter Quill is captured. As you read Star-Lord’s bitter reunion with his father you’ll hope the Guardians movie is a hit so we can have a sequel with Peter’s arrogant father and we explore the Spartax Empire and corrupted politics of the Marvel Universe.
The third arc centers on Gamora tracked by a bounty hunter Jabba the Hutt may not even be able to afford. Gamora’s storyline will get brutal and painful and she’s delivered to her greatest enemies. But help is on the way – if you’ve been ready the relaunched Captain Marvel – you know the fan favorite Avenger is patrolling deep space and get ready for Carol Danvers to collide with the Guardians.
Rocket Raccoon is getting his own book by Skottie Young this year. Superstars Andy Lanning and Phil Jimenez craft Groot’s Tale in this milestone issue. With a lead character that only says, “I am Groot” you’d think the team would be challenged but they tell an origin story of the treelike alien filled with action, honor and heart. Lanning was part of the DnA (Dan Abnett) creative team that gave us the modern Guardians led by Star-Lord.
The final story is real old-school surprise as the original Guardians of the Galaxy kick Badoon ass and show why they’re the greatest freedom fighters of the 30th century. As much as I enjoy the new Star-Lord led team it was wonderful to see Vance Astro, Yondu, Martinex and Charlie 27 in action saving humans on a future Earth conquered by the Brotherhood of the Badoon. I still remember the first time I saw the Guardians fighting with the Avengers in the Korvac saga and then starring in the Jim Valentino series in the 90’s. Michael Rooker is playing Yondu in the movie but this story will make you beg Marvel Comics for the return of the originals and Marvel Studios to work Vance Astro into the movie sequel.
Guardians of the Galaxy #14 is everything you want and more in an anniversary issue with nostalgia and respect for the classic while making current team exciting, fresh and inspiring casting calls.
By Editor