Guardians of the Galaxy #12

Written by: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning

Penciler: Wes Craig

Colorist: Wil Quintana

Cover Artist: Paul Renaud

Warning: Contains Spoilers

We must have been very good boys because we got two issues of Guardians of the Galaxy this month! I thought #11 was mediocre by itself; but when you read #11 and #12 together as one story – it raises both to the stellar heights we have come to expect from GoTG.

This issue picks up where #11 left off with Drax and Phyla stuck in the realm of Oblivion and captured by a Quantum Band wielding Maelstrom who plans to feed them to The Dragon of the Moon. An unconscious Phyla receives a visit from the shade of Moondragon who warns her to make no deals with The Dragon of the Moon. Phyla awakens just in time for Maelstrom to drop her into the gaping maw of the dragon. Before Maelstrom can do the same to Drax, Wendell Vaughn swoops in for a throw down with Maelstrom and Drax is freed. While Maelstrom is preoccupied with Wendell (and apparently gaining the upper hand against Wendell); Drax attacks from behind, slicing Maelstrom’s arms off to separate him from the Quantum Bands. The Quantum Bands immediately return to Wendell; but the joyous reunion with the bands is short-lived asThe Dragon of the Moon has awakened and is preparing to attack Wendell and Drax. As Wendell and Drax prepare to defend themselves, the dragon explodes into numerous smaller versions of itself as a transformed Phyla frees herself from its gut with Moondragon in her arms. Wendell offers the Quantum Bands to Phyla; but she demurs, saying she has her own powers now. Phyla remains vague as to what her new powers are and what she had to promisethe dragon in exchange for her and Moondragon’s freedom. Wendell departs to aid Rich Rider back on Earth (see my review of Nova #23); and Drax, Phyla, and Moondragon (newly cloned) awaken on Titan for a reunion with a very relieved Mentor. Back in the realm of Oblivion, Maelstrom reveals that Phyla is death’s new avatar.

I was never much of a Phlya fan; but that changed with this issue. I now officially like Phyla-Vell. I think DnA may have finally found a way to make Phyla appealing and interesting – regardless of whether she remains a heroine or hereinafter will be written as an anti-hero or even a villainess. Let me be the first to say that Phyla’s new costume is HOT! I thought some of the Phylacover shots were good during her Conquest mini-series; but Renaud’s cover art for GoTG #12 is magnificent – portraying a Phyla we’ve never seen before which I would characterize as a blend of sexy and menacing. Thecover art matches the new attitude she exudes in the last few pages of this issue. Gone is the whimpering damsel in distress from the past. Arrived is a new bad-ass. Look out universe – death has a new avatar and she is PISSED! This cover art is hands down the best portrayal of Phyla ever.

There were lots of great sequences this time around. Whereas Drax was the star last issue, Wendell Vaughn was the star this issue. I loved Wendell’s grand entrance and throw down with Maelstrom. In just a few panels we are reminded of why Wendell is so magnificent as Quasar and of how much we’ve missed him. And wasn’t Drax’s solution for removing the Quantum Bands from Maelstrom just so typically Drax? Moondragon’s resurrection was also cleverly handled. Finally, the reveal at the end of the book is a hauntingly satisfying wrap-up to the Drax-Phyla arc.

I thought the art and coloring this issue were slightly better than last issue. Craig and Quintana deserve high praise for the credits page art where Phyla is portrayed falling into the maw ofthe dragon . That shot is impressive. Nevertheless, I just can’t make myself like Craig’s interpretation of the characters. I look forward to Walker’s return to the book next issue.

In short, GoTG #12 is cosmic storytelling at its best. Pick this issue up and prepare to thoroughly enjoy it.