Before the Guardians…there was Gamora!

Once upon a time she was Thanos’ heartless pet assassin and favorite daughter. Today, she is the backbone of the Guardians of the Galaxy, putting her life on the line to defend the innocent. What was it that transformed her from being used as a tool of her oppressor, to a champion of the powerless? Embark on a journey of revenge and redemption, and witness how Gamora earned her reputation as the Deadliest Woman in the Galaxy.

There’s something to be said for a really good origin story and Gamora #1 hits all the marks and then some. Nicole Perlman delivers some killer writing to this new series and as a reader, you feel like you’re really getting to know the character. We get to see Thanos’ care for Gamora, the mind games he plays with Nebula that keep their sibling rivalry going, Gamora’s excellent and ruthless skills in battle, and her weak spots when it comes to her feelings and emotions. Nothing feels forced or manufactured and every emotion you have for Gamora is authentic.

In this issue we get to watch her enact revenge as a birthday present from Thanos, we see her sister Nebula’s jealousy and manipulation and murderous rage, and we get to see Thanos expressing what could pass for emotions from him. The first issue gives us an origin story that we can believe in with a story that we can follow and enjoy being invested in.

Marco Checchetto‘s artwork is flawless, full of colors where they’re needed to sell the story, and muted tones when they’re needed to draw the reader in. Even without words, you could get the tone, context, and relevance of what is happening in the story from the panels alone.

Overall this issue was a great read that left me wanting more, even though it ended at a nice closing point. It was pretty to look at and fun to read, and it acts as a nice gateway into the world of the Guardians and I can’t wait to read about how her trip to the planet that no one returns from goes, especially with Thanos going after her to save her and a bounty hunter after the same prize that she wants. It’s a set up for an action-packed second issue.

Story: Nicole Perlman Art: Marco Checchetto
Story: 9.2 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.3 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review