‘All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #3’ Review
Written by Gerry Duggan | Art by Frazer Irving | Published by Marvel Comics
After two issues of stirring adventure issue number three of All-New Guardians of the Galaxy goes in an entirely different direction. It is the type of issue that will catch many of guard with the drastic change in tone and story. What we have is one gigantic dream sequence with little lead in to what exactly is happening. Gerry Duggan is getting these characters back to their roots and making them more than a long combination of jokes and gags. Considering how close this is to the release of the most recent film it is surprising Marvel is giving him so much freedom. Here’s hoping he turns it into something special.
Most of this issue surrounds the character of Gamora as we get a brief rehash of her origin that leads into her current dreamlike state, and again Duggan sticks with the original comic origin rather than referencing the changes that occurred in the film universe. What exactly is happening is unclear but something is up with her as well as the universe. Any time we get an Adam Warlock reference something major is going down that is for sure.
Usually a drastic shift in art style would hurt a book but Frazer Irving’s pencils fit this story perfectly. You need a more atmospheric approach that is not closely tied to reality. His work sets the mood that something is not quite right as what is being witness may not be fully truthful. There is a consistent haze hovering over every event causing the mystery to only grow.
All-New Guardians of the Galaxy is shaping up to be a much better series than expected. Gerry Duggan is out to show the world that he can make these characters his own despite their worldwide popularity. This is a book that could easily be on cruise control. Where you tell a different version of the same story because as long as key characters get their moments most will walk away happy. Instead what we have is a book that is striving on its own merits reminding readers of the majesty of the Marvel cosmic universe.
**** 4/5
All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #3 is out now from Marvel Comics
