Writer: Al Ewing

Art: Juann Cabal, Federico Blee, VC’s Corey Petit, and Rafael Albuquerque

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 9th, 2020

Everyone thought he was gone, however, they were mistaken. Now, Peter Quill treks through a mysterious world on the other side of our reality. But is he still Peter Quill. Or, is he the legendary Star-Lord? Let’s dive into GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #9 by Al Ewing while we prepare for a GOTG story unlike any you’ve ever seen before.

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I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to review two Al Ewing books this week, S.W.O.R.D. #1 and this issue of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #9. Truthfully, I was more jazzed for S.W.O.R.D. #1, especially after the recent events that have divulged from X OF SWORDS. And, it’s not that I’m not interested in what’s been going on with Star-Lord. Like all GOTG fans, I’ve wondered what Ewing’s been up to. Is he retconning Peter’s origin? Is he fixing and tying up loose ends? So, my excitement leaned more towards S.W.O.R.D. and less towards GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #9. However, I was wrong. By far, this issue of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY was Ewing’s book of the week!

Thinking more about recent stories at Ewing’s disposal, I feel like he’s had an opportunity to shine more when the focus has been on one main character. It’s as if he can simply dive deeper into the story itself without being pulled in different directions. Take IMMORTAL HULK, for example, almost every week that series is a home run hit! Why… for many reasons. Nonetheless, for this review, it’s because Ewing can focus on one specific character and put readers into the story with them. Now, take EMPYRE as a second example. There was simply too much going on for Ewing to take the reins and make anyone feel apart of that tale. EMPYRE had too many moving parts and I believe it simply stretched Ewing too thin. That’s what happened in S.W.O.R.D. #1, however, that’s not what transpires in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY at all this week.

GOTG wasn’t too wordy and it was easy to follow. Sure, we won’t get many answers in this installment. Nonetheless, Ewing’s focus was solely on Peter, what he’s been up to, and how different he’s become. Furthermore, Ewing’s creative juices were pumping throughout this entire narrative. Currently, there may be a few plot holes. However, it’s early on in the process. So, he’s got time to unravel what’s to come. And readers, from the opening page, Ewing grabs fans and puts them in a headlock of excitement. His passion for Peter was evident on every page. Like the HULK, readers will be able to tell the affection Ewing has for Star-Lord.

Lastly, I’ve only recently (within the past 4 to 5 years) become a GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY fan/ reader. So, in terms of the scope of these characters, I’m still rather new. Therefore, the aspect of the issue that I found the most interesting was Star-Lord and his Element Gun. Ewing provides heavy doses of information about said gun, its functions, and the possible connection to Peter himself that were wildly intriguing. My interest is beyond piqued! And if the story itself isn’t enough to have you hop on board GOTG, look no further than Juann Cabal and Federico Blee’s outstandingly crisp and vibrant illustrations and colors that leap off the page. The panel layouts, action sequences, and story progression can be completely contributed to their amazing work as storytellers. Cabal and Blee capture the conflict perfectly and help to expressively engage the reader almost from page one. The issue is so well balanced and ultimately made sense because of their craftsmanship with Ewing. What a tremendous job from everyone involved!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Readers, I went from not being overly excited to even reading the issue this week to being exceptionally impressed by how much I loved it. Sure, I wanted to know what happened to Star-Lord. But, this issue was just fun, fast, and loose while also exuding its own unique rhythm and charm. Readers won’t get all their questions answered and will frankly leave with even more inquiries. However, fans will not only get Peter back but they’ll also feel the sheer passion Ewing has for GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, as well as Star-Lord himself. If you’ve been on the fence about getting into GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, this could be a fantastic issue to jump into the series. I highly recommend giving this series a shot starting with the story right here. I have no doubt this week’s tale will leave readers with a great deal to think about!

9.1/10

If you’re interested in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #9, click HERE to get a copy! If you’ve been really digging Ewing’s GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, click HERE to get your hands on related trades, volumes, and issues. Lastly, if the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY are your all-time favorite hero team, click HERE to snag some of the very best issues and trades from this dynamic team throughout the years. And finally, if you’re looking for something else to read, check out my Amazon Online Comic Shop by clicking HERE. Thank you all for the read and continued support. Stay safe and stay healthy.

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