REVIEW: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ Issue #4

Guardians of the Galaxy #4 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, art by Kev Walker, colors by Matt Hollingsworth, and letters by Travis Lanham. Rocket Raccoon returns to the book as his mission to protect people from Grootfall becomes more difficult.

This issue fits perfectly within the theme of the whole series, whilst doing much to stand out on its own. It is still centred on desert planets and lives within the allegory of a Western, but it chooses to focus on a different part of space. There has been this burning question for a while, “where’s Rocket?” This issue shows where he is in a really heartbreaking way. It’s solemn, with grief and loss eeking through constantly. There is a feeling of futility, with a slow pace that really drives the dark emotions deep. Every new character or thread introduced has power to it. The parameters of Rocket’s task are laid out clearly, leading to a really sad realisation when those are broken. It leads to another tragic ending to a Guardians comic.

The script within Guardians of the Galaxy #4 is achingly heartfelt and beautiful. The narration is expertly crafted, written like a story within a story. It’s almost a solitary adventure, with Rocket driving the whole comic alongside a new robotic pal. It is this relationship that helps define the pain that ripples through this issue. It is one side of a double act trying to establish a friendship that is no longer there. It was going to be clear that Rocket would take what happened with Groot the hardest, but the agony and consequences are brutal. The final part of the issue is proof that Rocket has the ability to be the saddest member of the Guardians, even just by uttering a few words.

The art is fantastic also. What I love about Walker is that the bizarre cosmic surroundings can be superb whilst also telling a heartbreaking story. There are beings and creatures that are unique and wonderfully weird. Rocket’s new buddy is funky and full of personality without necessarily having one. You can go from that Borderlands aesthetic to Rocket looking dejected and mournful on his own and the soul is instantly crushed. Walker’s scrupulous approach to Rocket is phenomenally effective. From his eyes to his ears to the whole shape of his head, everything goes into making the anthropomorphised raccoon exquisitely emotive.

The colors are stunning. The pink tinge that comes from the sky and lingers over everything is pretty and serene, doing a lot to invoke quiet for much of the issue. The lettering largely contains the custom word balloon for Rocket, with a fluctuating outer border. But all of the word balloons and caption boxes are extremely easy to read.

Guardians of the Galaxy #4 shows the aftermath of losing a best friend. It is gorgeously solemn and expressive. Every word and every panel is forlorn and pensive. It is thoughtful, touching, and achingly sad. This Guardians run shows that this team doesn’t have to be chaotic and bonkers, it can be eloquent and heartbreaking too. Trauma and family are thematic pillars for the group, and one of those has been shattered whilst the other is intensified. 

Guardians of the Galaxy #4 is available where comics are sold.