Guardians of the Galaxy #12 Review

by Nick Devonald on December 18, 2019

Writer: Donny Cates
Pencils: Cory Smith
Inks: Victor Olazaba
Colors: David Curiel
Letters: VC’s Cory Petit
Flashback Artists: Geoff Shaw & David Curiel; Dylan Burnett & Antonio Fabela; Ariel Olivetti & Antonio Fabela; Tradd Moore & Dave Stewart

Wow. Where to begin? There’s some truly great, standout moments here which is sure to get fans talking. This also ends up being the conclusion to all of Donny Cates Cosmic action and it’s got some great nods back to all the work he’s done before. It’s a real challenge leaving spoilers out of this review because I love everything that Donny Cates has done, and the geek in me wants to shout about all the cool references he’s got to previous storylines. Hey, did you see the bit where… etc etc, but I can’t. Only know that if you’ve read his run on Thanos, Cosmic Ghost Rider, Death of the Inhumans, and Silver Surfer Black there are some very cool moments near the end of the issue. And a return to some of the artists he’s worked with in the past which works really well.

This last issue is very much a Rocket story. Having been sorely missed recently it’s nice to let him have his time in the spotlight. Even on his last legs, at the end of the Death of Rocket storyline, he’s still more than capable of kicking ass and saving the day. And he’s got some great lines to boot. I only wish Donny Cates had spent a little more time with Rocket during his run.

The biggest problem I’ve had with Cates’ run on Guardians, especially the second half of his run, is that they haven’t really felt like a team. The guardians are family and that’s been sorely lacking. It’s a shame that it takes until the conclusion to this story to put them back together. I’ve had some concerns about the faithless storyline taking its time to tell the story when reading the issues individually I suspect reading it in a trade will make for some great reading.

Cory Smith and Victor Olazaba have consistently delivered great art throughout their time on Guardians and this issue is no different. Couple that with the colors from David Curiel and fans are in for a real treat. Then we have the return of various other artists Cates has worked with and there are plenty of moments which make for some real stand out art in this issue.

I’m a little disappointed that the reigns will be getting passed onto Al Ewing in the New Year as I would like to see where Donny takes the team next. Nothing against Al Ewing either, since he’s also an incredibly talented writer, I just would have like Donny to spend a little more time on it.

As Donny Cates last issue on Guardians of the Galaxy he really ends it all on a high. Great art, some incredible references back to earlier Cosmic series he’s done, this is going to be a guaranteed fan pleaser. Now all we need is an omnibus containing all of his cosmic work to date.

Our Score:

9/10

A Look Inside