It’s on like popcorn in the latest Monster Unleashed spin-off, this one featuring the Guardians of the Galaxy. Shipless and grounded, this band of unlikely heroes are trying to save the Galaxy from the Leviathons, giant monsters who’ve fallen from the sky to create havoc on Earth.

Chad Bowers and Chris Sims start of with a nice bit of Groot back story to foreshadow the destruction that is coming in this new arc. We’re then transported to present time San Diego where we catch up with the rest of the team already in battle.

David Baldeon gives us some very detailed artwork that is filled with the right amount of pop and style. Marcio Menyz uses an amazing color palette that is dark enough to convey the drama in the story but, bright enough to make it feel like a great cartoon. The artwork adds an extra layer to the story that allows the reader to get caught up in the story. You get swept away in the action and the battles and everything feels real.

Captain Marvel makes an appearance during the initial battle which serves as a nice buffer between Gamora and Quill. We also got to see another side of the lovable Groot, giving him a mixture of fear, courage and anger as he’s nearly burned alive. Luckily the rest of the team is still in battle mode and Rocket , who has always got his back, is ready to come in for the assist even if it means they both die horribly with flames!

This issue is a nice tie-in to Marvel’s mini-event, there’s so much tension and love in the story.

Story: Chad Bowers and Chris Sims Art: David Baldeon Color: Marcio Menyz
Story: 8.9 Art: 8.8 Overall: 8.8 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review