The Good

Although the series and its characters have been involved in some stories that have really changed the status quo for the team, this is actually a pretty decent place to jump on for new readers, especially ones who enjoyed the film. The opening page updates new readers on what's going on and it's mainly about Flash Thompson, the current Venom. There is a bit of a learning curve with what's going on with Venom, but it's still very accessible to new readers.

Artist Valerio Schiti and colorist Jason Keith are an exceptional team on this book. The art in this book is beautiful and vibrant. When it comes to the big two, this is the art of the week here. The way Schiti draws Venom here is pure awesome. The line work is amazing and highly detailed and Keith's colors really bring this character to life. I would buy this issue just for the art, especially since the panel to panel story telling, with all these nice beats, is so brilliantly executed.

While there are some problems with the issue overall, the issue is a lot of fun. We get some great fight scenes and there's still that sense of fun and a bit of humor to make this series stand out. One of the best moments in the issue isn't an action sequence. The opening page has a man describing why Earth is a problem for the galaxy. It puts Marvel's Earth into a new perspective. There are folks in the galaxy who see Earth as more of a threat than anything else. Plus, the dialogue is really solid. It's a great opening page.

The Bad

Here's the thing with "Planet of the Symbiotes." The first issue doesn't leave us at said planet or the Guardians on the hunt for said planet. It's actually a huge letdown, considering that so many people are looking forward to this story, since it's that's never been told. Further issues will provide a much better reading experience than this one, at least we hope, but Bendis has, for the most part, done well with this team, so while this issue wasn't a home run, there's hope the rest of the issues will be.

The issue starts off really cool but ultimately, it's pretty directionless. Great art and cool fight scenes aside, this issue leaves the reader almost at the exact same place it started, except the symbiote has another host.

The Verdict

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #21 does not get off to a good start, but on the bright side, there's a ton of promise and potential to this story. This isn't a bad issue, but it is a big disappointment. Bendis isn't a bad writer, but this issue leaves readers feeling like they missed out on something. Luckily, the art on this book is worth the price of admission alone. "Planet of the Symbiotes" will hopefully be a great story, since it's a story that should be told.

Bendis decompresses everything wayyyy too much.

Man this series has been so mediocre the past few months. I'm still buying and reading it, but there hasn't been one super compelling arc in what seems to be quite a while.

Definitely agree on the art. Pretty accurate review IMO.

I wish Bendis would leave this series.

No indication of them going to Symbiote homeworld and there's only 2 issues left in the arc? Yikes.

Bendis, I know this bogus, phoned-in romance between Star-Lord and Kitty is your doing, but please leave it to wallow in Humphries' series so that there's only one book I don't have to read.

While you're at it, don't bother adding more characters to the roster because it's clear you don't give a flying frig about anyone other than the core 5 members. It's now been 5 issues since Carol showed up, and the first you've done anything at all with Venom since bringing him on.

@drellassassin: I stopped buying it after the last issue.

OMG, main Guardians of the galaxy book not getting positive but they still give Bendis job to write Guardians of the Galaxy team up ?

I'm not surprised by the review, it seems like this is becoming Bendis calling card. Glad I jumped ship to Guardians 3000.

yep same.

everyone else displeased with this series, I would highly suggest checking out Guardians 3000 instead. Much better.

I wish Bendis would retire.

Yep

I thought it was good, 4 stars in my opinion

If this arc doesnt pick up I'm dropping this book, Guardians 3000 much better IMO

There are some cool moments but yeah, its a meh.

A typical Bendis letdown. The issue apart from being entertaining had nothing good on itself. I really though that it wouldn't be this disappointing but I guess I was really wrong.

Didn't galactus destroy the symbiote homeworld

"I am Venom!" Oh sh!t! I'd give this issue 3 and 1/2 stars. The art is SO good, I was actually creeped out by the symbiotes interrogation of the loudmouth Kree and the Drax and Gamorra scenes were awesome. This issue didn't really advance the story but it was still good enough to give it a pass.

You lost me at the Bendis has mostly done good with this series.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #21 does not get off to a good start, but on the bright side, there's a ton of promise and potential to this story. This isn't a bad issue, but it is a big disappointment. Bendis isn't a bad writer, but this issue leaves readers feeling like they missed out on something.

And this quote from the review above pretty much summaries what's wrong with Bendis' GOTG-run. Most of them start great and *splat* its back to status quo. Man at times I almost get (script) flashbacks to 80-90's episodicTV-series from reading this.

@theacidskull: I think they mentioned this in an interview and pointed out that the actual homeworld had never been shown; the world in question was overrun but not the actual source of the symbiotes, when the interviewer noted that "didn't spider-man issues already cover it at some point?"

Only reason i bought this issue and decide to get into the story is because of the symbiotes.... this issue is vague, and the only thing we know is flash thompson can't control the symbiote out in space. i'll continue this story until it ends, hopefully it leaves me with a mindset of this was a good story rather then i " I wasted money on this? "" feeling

On a side note i think it's time Eddie Brock comes back for HIS symbiote. i realize they killed him off and he also became anti venom, but still.

Thank god for Gaurdians 3000 is all I've got to say.