All-new Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 1: Communication Breakdown

by Gerry Duggan

[Quirky Cat]

I’m a little sad that they felt the need to start up a new Guardians of the Galaxy, but if I’m being honest it’s mostly because I loved the artwork of the previous series. It always takes me a little while to adjust to an art change, and this time is no different. This series artwork reminds me a lot of the TV series (which I haven’t watched much of, as of yet, so I don’t have the fondness that comes with that). At first I was concerned that this indicated a change of tone for the series, but thankfully they’re still the Guardians I know and love.



There are some subtle changes from the last series to this one. As mentioned above, the artwork does change; as well as the character designs. Their clothes look a bit more like what we’ve seen in the movies. Meanwhile Gamora’s character looks the most like the TV show (her coloring, especially around the eyes, is much more distinct and stylized than it had been). The Milano (from the movie) also makes its way into the series, though obviously its backstory is different.
The characters themselves have changed a bit too – but that’s because of what they have gone through, not something dramatic and unexplained. Groot is a baby, a state that he doesn’t normally stay in long term, but the reason for that is shown later. Drax has become a pacifist, as he believes all actions have consequences, even small ones like knocking down walls. Gamora is hiding something (ok, that isn’t all that new…), Rocket is still Rocket, and Quill is, as per usual, confused, just a bit more than usual in this case.
There were so many things I loved about this volume; I’m not even sure where to begin. Actually, that’s not true. The Raptors! Yes, I do mean the Fraternity of Raptors that come from the Shi’ar Empire. The ones we see go up against Darkhawk (here’s hoping that means he’s in for a comeback!). Bringing the Ratpors into the Guardians of the Galaxy’s story is a brilliant move on Gerry Duggan’s part. Talonar is an ideal nemesis for the lot of them, and if my memory serves me correctly, he could make a pretty interesting threat for them. I sincerely hope he makes another appearance (though I find it unlikely they’d introduce him and then drop him).
The Baby Groot plot is pretty interesting as well. There’s an actual reason he’s growing so slowly, and I’m not going to lie, I freaked when that reason was revealed. I’m curious to see how much that’ll stunt him in the long run, and what other influences he’ll feel before it’s all said and done.
There’s still quite a lot going on, outside of what I’ve mentioned. The Collector and his brother are involved, as are other Elders of the Universe. You know something big is happening when cosmic beings start to move about like that. I can’t wait to see where it all leads.


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