ALL-NEW GUARDIANS #4
Writer: Gerry Duggan
Penciler: Aaron Kuder
Colorist: Ive Svorcina
Letterer: VC’S Cory Petit
Release Date: 06/21/17
Price: $3.99
The Guardians tried and failed to steal from the Collector. What happens when the Guardians are at the mercy of their enemy in this universe? A deal with the devil, that’s what!
Plot
The Collector is extremely pissed off at the Guardians, as they have been caught at their game of trying to steal from him. Now, the Collector has to decide exactly how he will kill the Guardians. Before he could do so, Rocket shoots the Collector’s brains (and head) out. Yet, the Collector is an Elder so the death does not happen and Rocket’s gun gets taken away as a reminder of the rez.
Thankfully Rocket knows what he’s doing and places a bomb on the gun, allowing the Guardians to escape. A chase ensues. Gamora breaks through to make a deal with the Collector and Groot lashes out, which causes Rocket to have a breakdown. The Guardians seem to be slowly falling apart. Uh oh.
Story
Gerry Duggan does an incredible job pacing this issue. A lot happens action wise, which often can overshadow the dialogue and character moments. However, Duggan manages to keep readers engaged. The Guardians are getting on each other’s nerves, lying and hurting each other. It’s a risky thing to do with a group of characters that are so loved together as a whole, but Duggan has the toe stepping occur in such a fun and believable way that it creates a great story.
What’s nice about Duggan’s take on the Guardians is that it feels just connected enough to the characters of the movie while maintaining its own feel. It is a story that feels energetic throughout the chase and the character moments. Duggan keeps the mysteries of the story going for just the right amount of time. No mystery ever feels too long, from Gamora to Groot, it is all coming together at the perfect pace. Overall, Duggan knows how to get and keep a story moving!
Art
The team of this series works phenomenally together. The line work by Aaron Kuder captures the characters in a light similar to the film but, just like Duggan, it still remains new. The Guardians never look exactly like their movie counterparts, with only a few similarities here and there. The facial expressions and mannerisms also feel exactly right for who each character is.
Each character is reacting exactly how you would expect and Kuder captures that wonderfully. Likewise, it’s the colors of Ive Svorcina that makes sure readers never look away. Svorcina makes each color pop in the exact way you want. It is always a joy to look at and fits in with the Guardians world.
Svorcina also is able to play with darker colors. The shadows of the above panel highlight the darkness of what Gamora is going through and about to do. The backdrops are also darker to contrast the other scenes and highlight the darkness of the situation. This is a team to be reckoned with.
Verdict
All New Guardians of the Galaxy remains one of the most enjoyable issues around right now. It is fun for old Guardians fans, film fans and new fans alike. The story by Duggan is moving at a pace that is flowing nicely, readers consistently pulled in and never bored. The colors and linework done by Kuder and Svorcina are putting on a show! It is a joy to read and the mystery remains engaging. A must read.
Star Rating
5/5