Things wrap up quick in Guardians of the Galaxy #2. In what could have been a drawn-out four or five-issue arc, instead, we get things shaken up after just two. And wow, things are shaken up.

Writer Al Ewing keeps things moving at a frenetic pace. This rag-tag version of the Guardians of the Galaxy are up against the gods of Olympus. Things aren’t looking good. They’re outnumbered and outclassed and taking heavy losses. But, these are the Guardians of the Galaxy and that’s what they’re generally up against.

What Ewing delivers though is heart. There’s some events in the comic that are sure to be fake outs. But, there’s emotion on multiple levels. There’s the desperation of the team. There’s the hurt of the battle. Finally, there’s the loss of a team member. Guardians of the Galaxy #2 has a flair for the dramatic and pulls it all off with highs and lows.

The art by Juann Cabal helps a lot. With color by Federico Blee and lettering by Cory Petit the art delivers some of that emotion. There’s shocking horror moments delivered just through visiuals. But, it’s how each character acts and what’s on their faces that really delivers the punches to the gut. Beyond that, there’s some beautiful art with one particular page being absolutely beautiful and had me lingering to take it in.

Guardians of the Galaxy #2 wraps up a quick story arc. In those two issues it delivers a rollercoaster ride of a story. There’s some shocking moments and a true feeling of desperation throughout. It captures that underdog essence that makes Guardians of the Galaxy a great team and series.

Story: Al Ewing Art: Juann Cabal
Color: Federico Blee Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review