Guardians of the Galaxy #8 Review

Creative Team
Writers: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Artist: Brad Walker
Inker: Victor Olazaba
Colorist: Wil Quintana

Story - Past Mistakes

Review
As we head into "War of Kings" Abnett and Lanning continue to set the ground work for that event in Guardians of the Galaxy. It is amazing how many different plotlines DnA are juggling within GOTG. They are still dealing with the aftermath of the Skrulls failed takeover of Knowhere, the Krees involvement in the matter, Star-Lord in the Negative Zone, the new Guardians of the Galaxy, and Adam Warlock looking to take over The Universal Church of of Truth. All these various plotlines are moving in a quick measured pace that this title has been known for since the first issue.

While all the various events that are going on in this title are moving at a great pace the thing that most stands out about this issue is how DnA have been able to incorporate not only Secret Invasion but also Civil War. While it seems that Civil War happened a long time ago to some Marvel writers and fans but Civil War only ended in January of 2007. I think with events such as World War Hulk, Messiah Complex, One More Day, and Secret Invasion it probably feels that it has been 10 years since Civil War happened when it really has only been 2 years. And it is there were most fans feel the affects of "Event Overload" from both Marvel and DC.

In any case I am going a off topic. It is interesting to see that DnA have incorporated the Negative Zone prison that was build back in Civil War in the Star-Lord subplot. I am glad that DnA remembered that this prison was located in the Negative Zone since most, if not all, Marvel writers have forgotten about the prison and it has while since I last heard this prison mentioned until now. If Blastaar is able to convince all the prisoners to be on his side Blastaar will have one serious army which looks like trouble for Earth and its heroes. I am starting to wonder if DnA are going to be involving some Earth's heroes in War of Kings since before I thought it was only going to involve Marvel's Cosmic characters and not Earth's.

I was also glad to see Ronan the Accuser again and portrayed as a badass member of the Kree. Just seeing how Ronan took care of Star-Lord made the reader remember that he is one character you do not mess with. Even though Star-Lord got in a couple good shots in Ronan looked at Star-Lord as nothing more than a nuisance. I will be interested to see what role the Kree take in the upcoming galactic war since they are a race that doesn't just stand back and do nothing.

I am also interested to see were DnA take the Adam Warlock plot with him trying to take over The Universal Church of Truth and how Gamora will respond to all of this.

On a more lightharded note it was fun seeing the Guardians of the Galaxy that Rocket Raccoon is now the leader of. While Rocket Raccoon is your typical leader it is fun seeing how he is still trying to keep the team together with some of the original members from the old Guardians of the Galaxy. Major Victory acts as a nice straight man to Rocket Raccoon and I love how they bounce of one another well. And Major Victory debriefing log was was a little fun note even though it was suppose to be serious.

Overall DnA did a great job juggling all of these various plotlines they have setup and they had some great help with Brad Walker on the art. Walker's artwork does a great job capturing the cosmic feel of this book. Some of the splash pages Walker provided in this issue were some great images and I love how he drew Ronan the Accuser. Ronan definetely had the intimidating look he should have.

Issue Rating
Story: 8.7/10 - DnA continue to due an impressive job juggling all the various plotlines they have working on this title that are building up to the "War of Kings" event.
Art: 8.4/10 - Walker provides some great looking artwork that gives this book the proper cosmic feel it should have.
Overall: 8.55/10 - This was another impressive issue that is building what looks to be a great event in "War of Kings."