Comic Vine Review

49 Comments

Guardians of the Galaxy #3

5

The Guardians of the Galaxy are J-Son's prisoners and it's up to Groot to save the day.

The Good

I know it shouldn't come as much of a surprise, but Marvel is doing quite an awesome job making GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY a super fun sci-fi title. It's understandable they're going all out since they definitely need to build the popularity of these characters before the feature film comes out next summer, and I gotta admit, Brian Michael Bendis is doing a great job with the team -- even if some characters don't get much of an opportunity to shine (*cough* Drax *cough*).

Bendis' signature banter is on top form in this chapter -- fear not, there's no massive dialogue boxes -- and the issue never fails to deliver a smile or build up momentum. Sure, some plot points are formulaic but Bendis has them play out in wildly entertaining ways. For example, seeing Groot slowly grow as goons babble and are totally oblivious to him was terrific and I couldn't wait to see what would come of it. As expected, the end result was cheer-worthy. I mean, we know what'll happen, but it's just so darn fun, especially how Bendis utilizes Groot's limited dialogue. Oh, and there's something particularly hilarious about Tony Stark telling Rocket Raccoon, "Don't be snippy."

There's quite a few hands involved in creating the panels for this issue and I never hit an overly jarring transition. In fact, I thought the entire issue looked really, really good. Everything from a firefight to alien architecture was highly detailed and did a superb job setting the scene. Plus, who doesn't love a solid image of Groot smashing like a boss?

The Bad

Rocket Raccoon's "blam!" banter is walking a fine line between adorable and redundant at this point.

Like I said above, the course of events is a bit predictable, but that hardly matters when sharp dialogue, great visuals and a lot of fun fills the pages.

The Verdict

As of right now, this book is basically Marvel's go-to source for popcorn entertainment. The art team is doing a stellar job, and while there is apparently a lot of gloom and doom lurking in this series' future, Bendis is bringing fantastic pacing which never fails to enthrall. The story is widely by the numbers so far, but it's being done so well that you likely won't care if you can guess what the next scene has in store for you.

49 Comments

Avatar image for tikhunt
tikhunt

896

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By tikhunt

Best issue in the series so far in my opinion glad to see Groot back.

Avatar image for jamdamage
JamDamage

1195

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

very good issue. I'm sick of the whole cosmic thing, but I do love me some Bendis so I'm glad I've been reading this. 5 stars..........no........4 stars............sure.

Avatar image for k4tzm4n
k4tzm4n

41857

Forum Posts

9127

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 16

User Lists: 1

Edited By k4tzm4n  Moderator

@jamdamage said:

very good issue. I'm sick of the whole cosmic thing, but I do love me some Bendis so I'm glad I've been reading this. 5 stars..........no........4 stars............sure.

Well, care to say why?

@tikhunt: Agreed!

Avatar image for novarichrider
NovaRichRider

344

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By NovaRichRider

Love the art.

"I am Groot!"

Avatar image for dreamfall31
dreamfall31

611

Forum Posts

13

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 4

Edited By dreamfall31

Love that the cover is totally homage to that one Wolverine one. Plan on picking this series when it's in trades!

Avatar image for petercsm730
PeterCSM730

13

Forum Posts

31

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Edited By PeterCSM730

I enjoy this website but every review I stumble upon seems to be a perfect five star review. Maybe just skip the rating system if everything gets such high marks.

Avatar image for kid_apollo
kid Apollo

961

Forum Posts

14

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

love this book, love this team. cant wait for trades. the art is sweet, but im still not digging Stark on the team

Avatar image for bunkerbuster05
bunkerbuster05

320

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@k4tzm4n Not sure if the title has a spelling error, or Grood is a new character :P

Been loving the new stuff with Guardians. The DnA run from a few years back is still my favorite comic book run. Let's see if Bendis can rise to the challenge!

Avatar image for wallcrawlercapedcrusader
WallCrawlerCapedCrusader

35

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

I can't wait to pick up my copy. Five stars makes the anticipation unbearable! But why does this cover remind me of something?

No Caption Provided

Avatar image for k4tzm4n
k4tzm4n

41857

Forum Posts

9127

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 16

User Lists: 1

k4tzm4n  Moderator

@k4tzm4n Not sure if the title has a spelling error, or Grood is a new character :P

Been loving the new stuff with Guardians. The DnA run from a few years back is still my favorite comic book run. Let's see if Bendis can rise to the challenge!

I'm sorry but I don't see the typo you're referring to?

Avatar image for the_tree
the_tree

8456

Forum Posts

28513

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 14

@k4tzm4n said:

@bunkerbuster05 said:

@k4tzm4n Not sure if the title has a spelling error, or Grood is a new character :P

Been loving the new stuff with Guardians. The DnA run from a few years back is still my favorite comic book run. Let's see if Bendis can rise to the challenge!

I'm sorry but I don't see the typo you're referring to?

"The Guardians of the Galaxy are J-Son's prisoners and it's up to Grood to save the day."

Avatar image for michael_moran
Michael_Moran

116

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Avatar image for cafeterialoca
Cafeterialoca

1582

Forum Posts

2131

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 14

User Lists: 3

Edited By Cafeterialoca

" Blam! Murder you!" Is the stupest catchprhase ever.

I mean, it's kinda wrong too.

Avatar image for cap10nate
Cap10nate

3629

Forum Posts

164

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 2

Actually thinking about dropping the title after this issue. I was a big fan of DnA's run on GOTG so I gave this a chance. I just feel like Bendis is making everyone completely one dimensional. The combination of I am Groot! and Blam. Murdered You is a little too much. One or the other but both get old quickly.

Avatar image for fenderxx
Fenderxx

441

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 51

User Lists: 0

Maybe im a bad person ... but I love Blam Murdered you !

Avatar image for michael_moran
Michael_Moran

116

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

I'm not feeling tony stark in these stories...he feels really outta place

Avatar image for wavemotioncannon
WaveMotionCannon

7676

Forum Posts

1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

I need an "I am Groot!" T shirt ASAP! Love this book, art and writing are top notch so far. I love Rocket Racoon calling Tony Starks "manparts" into question and "Blam!Murdered you" is hilarious.

Avatar image for clayscarface
clayscarface

123

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Just a comment on reviews overall here, but I feel like all of the scores are inflated. I mean if a book has actual flaws (i.e. being predictable, getting sick of certain banter), especially in a way that's not 100% transient for a given issue, shouldn't that prevent it from hitting a perfect score? Just saying...

Avatar image for herald417
Herald417

137

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

was there a retcon to make Gamora to be thanos's daughter or was that a mistake by bendis

Avatar image for k4tzm4n
k4tzm4n

41857

Forum Posts

9127

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 16

User Lists: 1

Avatar image for hanson724
Hanson724

607

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@fenderxx: Maybe im a bad person ... but I love Blam Murdered you !

Yep

Avatar image for dernman
dernman

35969

Forum Posts

10092

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 9

Edited By dernman

Iron Man shouldn't be in this series. Don't know why Annihilus is part of the group or the Brood. Is this series ignoring the Charter?

Avatar image for majinblackheart
MajinBlackheart

9983

Forum Posts

587389

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 58

User Lists: 7

MajinBlackheart  Moderator

I really don't see how anyone who was a fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy could enjoy this series

Avatar image for sammo21
Sammo21

733

Forum Posts

119

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@dernman: I wouldn't look to see him as a permanent member.

@jloneblackheart:

I have been a Guardians fan for around 15 years and I enjoy this series so...yeah.

@herald417: Gamora has always been Thanos' daughter...

Avatar image for herald417
Herald417

137

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@sammo21: No she was originally the last surviving member of her race who was destroyed by the universal church. She was taken by Thanos and was trained to be able to assassinate magus. If they mean daughter in the sense that he raised/trained her but they are not related

Avatar image for majinblackheart
MajinBlackheart

9983

Forum Posts

587389

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 58

User Lists: 7

MajinBlackheart  Moderator

@sammo21: well then I guess you like when continuity and character are completely ignored.

See above for Gamora info.

Avatar image for sammo21
Sammo21

733

Forum Posts

119

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@herald417: @jloneblackheart: He raised her as his own, aka his daughter. As a person who was adopted I can tell you that you don't need to be of blood birth to be a father, mother, daughter, etc. The only thing that has changed about her origin is the Badoon wiped out her people and not the Church of universal truth.

Avatar image for majinblackheart
MajinBlackheart

9983

Forum Posts

587389

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 58

User Lists: 7

MajinBlackheart  Moderator

@sammo21: I would doubt the love you share with your family is the way Thanos feels for Gamora, although I'm sure he cares for her more than most. Vice versa as well.

It's a reboot. They changed everyone's origin that they have expanded on. Bendis has erased and ignored large parts of character history. What he's doing with Rocket is a travesty. Key members of the team are completely absent. And to add insult to injury, they throw Iron Man in there. This book is for the movie money, not the fans.

Avatar image for sammo21
Sammo21

733

Forum Posts

119

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@jloneblackheart: Your looking at this in the wrong way. You don't have to be a good father or daughter to be a father or daughter. Hell, you don't even need to love your parents for them to be your parents, blood relation or adopted.

Star-Lord's origin is the same. Rocket's origin is the same. Gamora's origin is mostly the same, but honestly its not even like most people know her origin so its been mostly tweaked instead of retconned. I would say this is the same thing that Marvel has done with a lot of their characters over the years: when they start to get popular they "update" or change origins for the reader. Look at Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, etc. All of these characters have had the same thing happen. Look at Hawkeye now. That character is not the same as he was in the Avengers originally or even in the West Coast Avengers. This lineup, outside of Iron Man, is the same as when they debuted in Annihilation. I'm not sure what your problem is really. Are you just wanting Bug and Jack Flagg to come back? Are you just pissed this isn't the Guardians from the 80s instead? You seem to really be taking this book personally for some reason. I am a fan and I am enjoying this book, so please don't use "not the fans" as a general statement as its false.

Avatar image for majinblackheart
MajinBlackheart

9983

Forum Posts

587389

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 58

User Lists: 7

MajinBlackheart  Moderator

@sammo21: Star-Lord's origin is not the same, in fact since it was changed to the Badoon and how he got his weapon, most of his original stories are now pretty much non-existent. The line up isn't the same. We are missing Warlock, Mantis, Bug, Moondragon and Cosmo (and also Jack Flagg who was a later member).

I've been a fan of the Guardians since the original Guardians (who actually debuted in the 60's). I've been reading since the main series of that team (the 90s) and I do love them. But was I angry when they created a new team during Annihilation? No. Different universe, different characters, all handled well. Most were already existing but their histories weren't ignored and destroyed. Sure they tweeked them a bit here and there, but history and character remained intact.

This is not the case this time around. What bothers me about this is that they are only doing it for the movies (and I despise when any comic is changed to cater to movies, specifically because they aren't the ones who will read the books). On top of that, they give it to Bendis to destroy, changing anything and everything he wants about the characters because he either a) doesn't know anything about them or b) is changing them just to make them more like their movie counterparts, which in the end changes the comics for the original fans which the movie audience will never read.

I don't mind tweeks and I don't even mind retcons if they are handled properly. Here they are not. I take this personally because I think it sucks. As a Marvel cosmic reader I am costantly having my face spat in. You don't need to retcon characters that already have minimal appearances as it is. I have to wait years for some good cosmic stories and this is the type of thing I usually get.

If you are a fan for 15 years as you say and you are OK with things like Rocket saying "BLAM! Murdered you!", then by all means keep giving them your money and showing them you have no problem with completely changing character personalities and histories.

Avatar image for tikhunt
tikhunt

896

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@jloneblackheart: Sorry to get involved but you're talking as if they turned Rocket into an elephant, made Groot a mindless brute and turned Gamora into a housewife. The characters aren't exactly the same because it's a different writer but it still stays true to them (mostly).

Avatar image for majinblackheart
MajinBlackheart

9983

Forum Posts

587389

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 58

User Lists: 7

MajinBlackheart  Moderator

@tikhunt: I would disagree. I'd be much cooler with Rocky Elephant than him saying "BLAM! Murdered you!"

Avatar image for sammo21
Sammo21

733

Forum Posts

119

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Sammo21

@jloneblackheart: Rocket saying "Blam! Murdered you!" is funny and doesn't betray the character at all. I'd like to hear your argument as to why even though I know your reply to tikhunt is more rhetorical hyperbole than anything else. Star-Lord's origin is basically the same, they just updated it and filled in the gaps. Most of the "new"/current members are the same founding members of the modern Guardians team minus a couple of people, so...OK. They were: Drax, Groot, Rocket, Gamora, Mantis, Adam Warlock, and Quasar. This book is no doubt to prep for the upcoming movie coming out, which is fine. I am sure that Iron Man is not going to be a permanent fixture on the team and once the initial story arc is finished and the Guardians are done with Earth for a while that we will see the roster expand. I'm not sure why the team needs to be 100% the exact same for you to like it. We're only on issue #3 and you're in full on rage mode.

Avatar image for majinblackheart
MajinBlackheart

9983

Forum Posts

587389

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 58

User Lists: 7

MajinBlackheart  Moderator

@sammo21: I don't know how you could think that statement is true to his character if you've read a lot of books with him. I don't find it funny particularly either. That is something that would be funny if a villain was saying it. While he is a smart ass, Rocket is a honorbale hero. I didn't read the book (I saw some scans and read a description) but that doesn't even sound like an enemy Rocket would use lethal weapons on.

Star-Lord's origin is far from the same. It doesn't fill gaps, it removes them. Based on the new origin, we lose anything with the Master of the Sun, Ship and the Ariguans. The original source of his weapons/power and his original revenge story on those who killed his mother, as well as him defeating the coup on his fathers planet and reuinting with him. Basically, his entire original origin from the time he was introduced until the Thanos mini series.

Avatar image for sammo21
Sammo21

733

Forum Posts

119

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

Edited By Sammo21

@jloneblackheart: We only see him get the gun in issue #0 of the current Guardians series. Where are you getting that all this other stuff didn't happen at all in any fashion?

Avatar image for majinblackheart
MajinBlackheart

9983

Forum Posts

587389

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 58

User Lists: 7

MajinBlackheart  Moderator

@sammo21: Because he didn't get the gun from his father, he got it from the Master of the Sun (how he became Starlord) as well as Ship. Also, when you change the Ariguans to the Badoon, you remove all related stories to that. Without Master of the Sun and Ariguans, all original stories are retconned.

Avatar image for tikhunt
tikhunt

896

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@sammo21: I don't know how you could think that statement is true to his character if you've read a lot of books with him. I don't find it funny particularly either. That is something that would be funny if a villain was saying it. While he is a smart ass, Rocket is a honorbale hero. I didn't read the book (I saw some scans and read a description) but that doesn't even sound like an enemy Rocket would use lethal weapons on.

Star-Lord's origin is far from the same. It doesn't fill gaps, it removes them. Based on the new origin, we lose anything with the Master of the Sun, Ship and the Ariguans. The original source of his weapons/power and his original revenge story on those who killed his mother, as well as him defeating the coup on his fathers planet and reuinting with him. Basically, his entire original origin from the time he was introduced until the Thanos mini series.

There is going to be an online mini which tells the origins of each characters on the team. According to the description of the Star-Lord one it will include the Master of the Sun.

Avatar image for majinblackheart
MajinBlackheart

9983

Forum Posts

587389

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 58

User Lists: 7

MajinBlackheart  Moderator

@tikhunt said:
@jloneblackheart said:

@sammo21: I don't know how you could think that statement is true to his character if you've read a lot of books with him. I don't find it funny particularly either. That is something that would be funny if a villain was saying it. While he is a smart ass, Rocket is a honorbale hero. I didn't read the book (I saw some scans and read a description) but that doesn't even sound like an enemy Rocket would use lethal weapons on.

Star-Lord's origin is far from the same. It doesn't fill gaps, it removes them. Based on the new origin, we lose anything with the Master of the Sun, Ship and the Ariguans. The original source of his weapons/power and his original revenge story on those who killed his mother, as well as him defeating the coup on his fathers planet and reuinting with him. Basically, his entire original origin from the time he was introduced until the Thanos mini series.

There is going to be an online mini which tells the origins of each characters on the team. According to the description of the Star-Lord one it will include the Master of the Sun.

Just to clarify, my main gripe isn't the slight changing of origins or minor tweeks for the purpose of good story telling, it is making these changes to support another media. Pulling off a retcon and keeping integrity is a touch challenge for writers, and this isn't how it's done. Throw in Bendis' awful dialouge and lack of respect to character and continuity and it becomes something I simply won't support.

Avatar image for tikhunt
tikhunt

896

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@jloneblackheart: I can't disagree with you on the changing it for the film aspect however I like the dialogue and think that this is definitely a good book for the style it is meant to be written in.

Avatar image for majinblackheart
MajinBlackheart

9983

Forum Posts

587389

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 58

User Lists: 7

MajinBlackheart  Moderator

@tikhunt: It's bringing in tons of new readers who really seem to enjoy it, but it's just not for me, thus the crabbiness. My only hope is the new fans aren't fair-weather and some day in the future these characters will still have a presence and better writers/stories.

I'm just angry with Marvel in general. First screwing with the Silver Surfer, then what they are doing with Nova and GotG and then giving the Fantastic Four to Fraction. I'm just done with them for the most part after a LONG time of being a reader. The only thing I'm reading is the Thanos mini (obligitory for me) and waiting to see what happens next. It's all just unfortunate for me personally.

Avatar image for tikhunt
tikhunt

896

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

@jloneblackheart: Yh I hear ya, I mean the GOTG are my favorite team in comics so it's possible that I may be missing the flaws in the book.

Avatar image for majinblackheart
MajinBlackheart

9983

Forum Posts

587389

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 58

User Lists: 7

MajinBlackheart  Moderator

@theacidskull: Fraction happened to SS as well in Mighty Thor. He made a Christian pastor the new herald of Galactus and basically tethered the Surfer to Earth. Now the farther he gets from Earth, the weaker he gets. It's cool though. He can leave after the Asgardians all die (because that is going to happen). All so he could be on Fraction's canceled Defenders team.

Avatar image for majinblackheart
MajinBlackheart

9983

Forum Posts

587389

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 58

User Lists: 7

MajinBlackheart  Moderator

@theacidskull: I'm sure he is. That's what he does with previously established characters. I'm not reading. He's not getting my money.

Avatar image for killemall
Killemall

19020

Forum Posts

12398

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Edited By Killemall

I have been a long time fan of Guardian of the Galaxy, and honestly i dont think its better than what the older stories from GOTG have been.

Also I dont like the idea of them potraying Spartex, Shi'ar and Asgard on equal footing as a civilization, the later two are significantly more powerful than Spartex, yet J'son seem to be running around as if the other have things to fear of him. What changed really?

Also we had Supreme Intelligence address Thanos as "Lord Thanos", in last issue, whats up with that. I am a Thanos fan, but i dont see a reason why Supreme Intelligence would have to show so much respect to Thanos, in a gathering that doesnt like Thanos, and a gathering in which Thanos isnt even present.

Personal preference i would put it 3 maybe 4 stars (i am a little stingy on stars)

I am a lot more impressed with Uncanny Avengers , New Avengers and All New X-men (which is just me waiting for Jean Grey go batsh*t crazy and maybe die again, whats the count so far 3 times right??)

@theacidskull: Nova is pretty interesting so far, a good read, but dont buy too much into it. Its just personal preference but i like the idea of young guy having you know, god like powers.

Avatar image for killemall
Killemall

19020

Forum Posts

12398

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

Edited By Killemall

@theacidskull: I am as big fan of Richard Richard as any, but having Sam is not so bad, as long as he isnt meant to eventually replace Richard. Like Remender said in the interview , character, specially popular ones are corporate asset, resurrection of popular character at most times in inevitable. In that like i am hoping Richard comes back, eventually, but story with Sam isnt half bad.

Its just feel more like Richard warrior issues, as opposed to Nova though, where he was young and learning his powers. But its a kid with a lot more powerful learning its place. I want Richard to come back, but that wont stop me from respecting the comics that i am getting now.