Guardians of the Galaxy #5 (Review): The Goddess of Death Has Arrived
Updated: Jan 24, 2020
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #5
Writer: Donny Cates
Artist: Geoff Shaw
Colorist: David Curiel
Publisher: Marvel Comics
9/10
SPOILERS AHEAD
Cates and Shaw continue to kick things up a notch with this latest issue. This series has been nothing short of
great. I know some people say they like Cates' VENOM series better, but I love this new team he's assembled and the story is really good. Having written THANOS previously, which Shaw drew as well, it was only fitting that this first arc was about Thanos. The whole arc has been about the Guardians looking for Gamora, who many think Thanos transferred his consciousness to after he died in INFINTY WARS. This is one of the best series at Marvel right now and Cates and Shaw are killing it.
At the end of the last issue we were left with an insane cliffhanger, Star Lord got shot right in the chest. But hey this is comics, so don't worry guys he made it. As are rag tag team of Guardians are seeking out Gamora, they aren't sure whether she's dead or alive. That doesn't matter to Quill though, they're finding her no matter what. When they're trying to figure out how to go about it, Beta Ray Bill says he has just the friend to do it. Of course Quill thinks he's referring to Thor and asks why he waited so long. Hilariously, he says "What could Thor do that I can't ?". I've always been a fan of Beta Ray Bill and love his addition to the team, genius choice on Cates part. Who did he call for help, none other than Lockjaw from the Inhumans. Cates touches on his DEATH OF THE INHUMANS story by having Bill explain to the team what happened. I haven't read it, but it makes you want to find out more.
As our team goes to find Gamora, we return to the Dark Guardians. Another awesome assemblage of characters, with Cosmic Ghost Rider, Guardian, Nebula, Wraith and Starfox (Thanos' brother Eros). This team already has Gamora captured, with Eros ready to kill Gamora so that Thanos can't return. Who shows up but the Goddess of Death herself, Hela. She dismantles the team and drops the bomb that Gamora isn't the "new" Thanos but Eros. Cates ability to switch gears from the heroic characters to the villainous ones is seamless. His characterization is one of his major strengths. After Hela nd "Thanos" leave, the Guardians are reunited with Gamora. She tells them what transpired. The final page shows Thanos transfer his consciousness into his new body. What another cliffhanger by Cates and Shaw, it leaves the reader anxiously awaiting the next issue.
All I can say is, this book is f***ing epic. This has to be my favorite GOTG book I've ever read. Cates badass script coupled with the grittiness of Shaws art, makes this a must read for any Marvel fan. Finally they broke away from the films and are forging their own path. With the promise of Thanos return, who knows what will happen
next. Plus, when will we find out what happened to Rocket? No matter what happens, it's safe to say this book is safe in Cates and Shaw's hands.