As the fallout of Infinity continues on Earth, the heroes on the intergalactic fringes are preparing for another problem – namely Jean Grey. Over in the X-Men Universe, Hank McCoy brought Jean Grey from the past into the present, and she’s decided to stay. While the heroes of Earth are not holding Past Jean Grey responsible for crimes she has yet to commit, the rest of the universe is chomping at the bit to get a shot at the Dark Phoenix. “The Trial of Jean Grey” is about to go down, and the Guardians of the Galaxy will be involved somehow.
Bringing us to Guardians of the Galaxy #10, which is a transitional issue. Having ended their part in the Thanos war, the crew have landed on the planet Moord, a planet enslaved by large and nasty alien overlords. Angela, who was recently thrust from one dimension into ours, and Gamora, the Guardians’ resident ass kicker, launch into an all out war against the overlords after exchanging a bit of small talk.
Writer Brian Michael Bendis unleashes a Michael Bay sized action epic in issue #10. Angela and Gamora slash, burn, punch, fight and unleash utter hell against those who enslave Moord. Multiple armies try and fail – even a gigantic alien monster can’t stop the savage swords of Angela and Gamora. Afterward, there is a bit of back and forth between Peter Quill and Angela as he tries to defend our universe to the judgmental queen. There is also a bit of mystery for Gamora, involving her past and her possibly the fate of her people.
How these morsels of mystery unravel will unfold somewhere down the line, but for now, Bendis is aiming the Guardians at “The Trial of Jean Grey.” Being that nothing plot sensitive happens in this issue, Bendis concentrates on the dialogue, which crackles, especially between Gamora and Angela. Tensions have run high between both women, which makes issue #10 almost cathartic. The brief back and forth with Quill is also effective in setting up future problems within the group.
Keeping the action lively is artist Kevin Maguire, who keeps the big fight feeling throughout the issue. Maguire’s style might lean towards standard comic book art, but he knows how to unleash action. The movement leaps off the page, and the looks of delight in both Gamora and Angela ratchet up the enjoyment of watching overlords get slapped down.
Solid issue, with good action. The next arc of Guardians of the Galaxy may not start until issue #11, but as transitional issues go, this is worthwhile read.
(3.5 Story 3.5 Art)
