GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #11
by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Sara Pichelli and Justin Ponsor
Last week, we reviewed All-New X-Men #22, which was the beginning of the X-Men / Guardians of the Galaxy crossover event, "The Trial of Jean Grey", as seen from the X-Men's perspective. While that issue was very well crafted, it did not feature much of the Guardians. Issue #11 of Guardians of the Galaxy, however, makes up for that.
The issue starts off in a place that should be familiar to many Galaxians. It's a little place called Knowhere (although it looks more like Mos Eisley). The coolest part about this first scene is the callbacks to the Abnett and Lanning run, including an easter egg cameo from our favorite space canine (look for it). We also observe a conversation between Peter Quill and Gamora, which features "the most dangerous woman in the galaxy" in her old garb.
Once we catch up with the old galactic council, from the first few issues of this series, we begin to realize how this connects to All New X-Men. Apparently, the Shi'ar want to capture Jean Grey and hold a trial (no surprise there), while other galactic leaders disagree with their decision.
Halfway through the issue, there is a little scene that neatly wraps up Iron Man's brief journey with The Guardians, and I must say, it's pretty funny. Bendis' knack for humor was still very apparent in this issue.
The artwork was done by the very talented Sara Pichelli, who drew a few Guardians of the Galaxy issues last year. She has such a talent for drawing complex expressions on the characters' faces, that you feel the pages come to life and can almost hear the voices in your head. Major props to Pichelli, Ponsor, and Bendis for this issue.
Overall Rating: 5/5