ALL-NEW GUARDIANS #6
Writer: Gerry Duggan
Penciler: Aaron Kuder
Colorist: Ive Svorcina
Letterer: VC’S Cory Petit
Release Date: 07/19/17
Price: $3.99
The All New Guardians have enough trouble keeping the Nova Corps off their back and now they have to deal with the Fraternity of Raptors plus Gamora’s secrets!
Plot
The All New Guardians are full of tension within each other. Peter is furious at Gamora for hiding the true intentions behind her role in their missions. Gamora, in turn, reveals some secrets about her history. The biggest shocker comes from Gamora revealing that Drax was part of that history!
As if that wasn’t enough, the Raptors board the ship to retake the Milano. What ensues is a hectic fight. When the fight ends they find a Nega-Band and attempt to go off and find the other band. However, Rocket is poisoned!
Then, of course, they make their way to a planet only to have the Groots waiting for them….
Story
All New Guardians has been on a streak of fantastic issues. Sadly, this issue is mostly a dud. Gerry Duggan wanted to approach the story this issue with a highlight on the Marvel history of the Guardians. Bringing forward history of Gamora was a smart move as it adds a lot to the stakes of her journey and decision making, but it is overshadowed by a complicated plot.
The reveal that Drax was there when Gamora died was fabulous. It shows that Duggan knows about the original Guardians history and appreciates it. Once again he is weaving the original history and the film history together in a smooth way.
With all this being said, however, the problem with this issue is that it does not focus nearly enough on the history. The addition of the Raptors plot was extremely convoluted. Starting an issue out with a primary focus on history, only to shift it over to fight scenes and set up, is messy! There is interesting content in the Raptor plot but, again, it is all set up for the upcoming issues.
Art
The art by Aaron Kuder this issue remains pretty much the same. This is not a bad thing! What makes it feel kind of dull is how unique the issue felt in issue 5 with the guest artist of Chris Samnee. Having guest artists is a great thing to experience in comics, sadly it does give the original artists something to live up to in order to keep it unique.
The coloring of Ive Svorcina was what saved the art this issue. The coloring of Gamora’s flashback scenes was a joy to look at. There was a great mixture of brights and darks that melted beautifully together. It was nice to see Svorcina’s colors bringing the art of this issue forward despite having a guest artist last issue.
Verdict
Every week All New Guardians brings something forward for new and old fans of the Guardians. However, this issue only brought something forward for older fans. While the history touches were nice and a great nod to the characters, the usual humor was completely lacking. Then, throw in a weird fight scene and it ends up even more boring. After the creative and unique art of the last issue, being met with the same lines despite opportunity with great flashback scenes was disappointing. Overall, I would say this issue is full of set up for what is to come. Sadly, that means this issue ends up with the short end of the stick and becomes a dud.
Star Rating
3/5