Firstly, before we get to Angela, if the tone and sense of fun and adventure of the Guardians of the Galaxy comic is going to match the tone of the upcoming film, Marvel studios is about to drop something very special on moviegoers. This book is damn near perfect. Bendis is really nailing each character creating some of his most compelling characterization and plots in years. In issue #5, each member of the Guardians gets his or her perfect little moment. Watching Tony Stark not be the smartest, most capable guy in the room is a rare and hilarious treat. When he is getting schooled in space age tech by an anthropomorphic raccoon it’s even funnier.
Bendis continues to explore Stark’s rationalization in bedding down with Gamora. Y’see, Stark is a Star Trek fan, and y’know, Yvonne Craig, green skin, what Trekker hasn’t had those thoughts? As funny as these moments are, it also serves to humanize these characters. It’s hard to relate to Raccoons, space gods, and sentient trees, but through smartly paced dialogue and humor, Bendis brings these characters to life, so when the poop hits the fan, and it does, readers are truly invested in these characters.
The same approach is used to fully realize Peter Quill, building on what Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning did with the character a few years back. In this issue, Quill is reunited with Mantis, so beautifully and heart achingly drafted by the great Sara Pichelli. Mantis explains to Quill the consequences of the time-breaking ending of Age of Ultron, something that many powerful beings in the universe are blaming Earth for, including the enraged and recently arrived Angela.
Angela arrives drawing the attention of Stark, Rocket, Groot, and Gamora, leading to an Angela versus Gamora throw down that is worth the $3.99 cover price alone. Time broke and a being from elsewhere is pulled into our reality, it’s surprisingly seamless and cleverly meta. She is lost, confused, and pissed. There is a long history of different hells in the Marvel Universe, so Angela should be plenty busy, and with the arrival of a certain Titan that loves Death on the last page, things should get pretty darn epic pretty darn soon.
Sara Pichelli is one of the best artists in comics right now. Her design sense and layouts are truly original and a sight to behold. It’s hard to out-awesome Steve McNiven, but Pichelli pulls it off. In lesser hands Angela’s costume would look dated, but not Pichelli’s. Instead it resonates grace and power. Welcome to the Marvel Universe, Angela, may all your appearances be as good as this one.
Story: 8/10
Art: 10/10
Overall: 9/10
Guardians of the Galaxy #5
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Art: Sara Pichelli
Color Art: Justin Ponsor
Consultant: Neil Gaiman