REVIEW: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ Issue #3

Guardians of the Galaxy #3 is published by Marvel Comics, written Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, art by Kev Walker, colors by Matt Hollingsworth and letters by Cory Petit. Still on planetside, Star-Lord and the rest of the Guardians are paid a visit by the Spartax. 

The issue prioritizes staying on theme. This whole run has existed within a Western framework, taking place on a desert planet and with motifs worthy of Clint Eastwood. But Guardians of the Galaxy #3 is the most poignant and impactful issue so far, diving into horrors performed against Native Americans. This issue introduces imperialism and violence with the arrival of the Spartax, not sparing any blemishes. Whilst the issue uses science fiction to craft an allegory for the abhorrent history, the situation in the comic is still tinged with sadness, with danger coming from multiple angles.

For example, there is Grootfall, huge and devastating. But then the backup that is supposed to help is also brutal and catastrophic in its own right. The Grootfall plot takes a perplexing and hopeful turn, before that hope is shattered. That bleak and dry tone that the comic has maintained continues as the action remains loud and significant, with not a punch thrown or laser fired for the sake of it.

The meaningful dialogue in the issue is superbly written, with most of the talking stemmming from the Spartax, intended to manifest hatred towards them. Their lines are filled with bigotry and arrogance, becoming more aggravating as the issue progresses. In terms of the actual Guardians themselves, only Quill and Drax get interaction with the Spartax. As their prince, Star-Lord still can’t hide his derision. This is a formality, a necessity. Then there is Drax, someone with just as much hatred towards what the newcomers are doing, but with less restraint. This issue is the first time that communication is really made with Grootfall, but that discussion makes little progress towards answering any questions. If anything, it just creates more.

The art is fantastic. The arid planet is like a souped-up ghost town with whatever Grootfall did having changed the landscape. The new look for Groot adds a creepy, horror-like aesthetic while the designs of the Spartax soldiers are grandiose but comical. It shows the spectrum of tone within this comic. The scale is small at the beginning of the issue, but that’s the norm for the entire book. Once the devastation starts, the panels show more and more with the details remaining immaculate.

The colors are incredible. When the issue began, the shades were as natural as they can be. There are alien skin tones and vibrant costumes, but it is all presented on a brown, dusty planet. But when energy weapons begin to get fired, there is an imposing, pink glow that spreads across the page. Then there is the plant life, a pretty but unrelenting mixture of green and brown. The lettering is great for most of the issues, but a custom word ballon by the end of the comic could be difficult for some to read.

Guardians of the Galaxy #3 is the best issue of the series so far. It explores the theme of the story in a way that respects the history it is borrowing from whilst making an impactful story. Confusion and mystery remains within Grootfall and the missing time period, with the story landing heavily with each issue. There’s a weight to the story, soaked in sadness and hopelessness. But it is beautifully written and drawn and that discomfort shows that the comic brings an impact with it.

Guardians of the Galaxy #3 is available where comics are sold.