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Guardians of the Galaxy by Brian Michael Bendis
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 1
Why has Earth suddenly become the most important planet in the galaxy? The Guardians of the Galaxy plan to find out! Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, Groot - and the invincible Iron Man - embark on an explosive adventure! The secrets they discover will rattle readers for years to come! But while Earth deals with a brutal Badoon invasion, the Guardians' fate has been decided millions of miles away! Then, Heaven's most fearsome angel comes for the Guardians! And when Gamora battles the mysterious Angela, the universe hangs in the balance! The Guardians find themselves at a crossroads when Thanos' master plan takes shape. Can Angela's power help combat INFINITY? And will Star-Lord betray the entire universe? The cosmic blockbuster hit begins here!
Collecting: Guardians of the Galaxy 0.1, 1-10; Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow 's Avengers 1
Collecting: Guardians of the Galaxy 0.1, 1-10; Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow 's Avengers 1
312 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2015
16 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Brian Michael Bendis
4,417 books2,569 followersA comic book writer and erstwhile artist. He has won critical acclaim (including five Eisner Awards) and is one of the most successful writers working in mainstream comics. For over eight years Bendis’s books have consistently sat in the top five best sellers on the nationwide comic and graphic novel sales charts.
Though he started as a writer and artist of independent noir fiction series, he shot to stardom as a writer of Marvel Comics' superhero books, particularly Ultimate Spider-Man.
Bendis first entered the comic world with the "Jinx" line of crime comics in 1995. This line has spawned the graphic novels Goldfish, Fire, Jinx, Torso (with Marc Andreyko), and Total Sell Out. Bendis is writing the film version of Jinx for Universal Pictures with Oscar-winner Charlize Theron attached to star and produce.
Bendis’s other projects include the Harvey, Eisner, and Eagle Award-nominated Powers (with Michael Avon Oeming) originally from Image Comics, now published by Marvel's new creator-owned imprint Icon Comics, and the Hollywood tell-all Fortune and Glory from Oni Press, both of which received an "A" from Entertainment Weekly.
Bendis is one of the premiere architects of Marvel's "Ultimate" line: comics specifically created for the new generation of comic readers. He has written every issue of Ultimate Spider-Man since its best-selling launch, and has also written for Ultimate Fantastic Four and Ultimate X-Men, as well as every issue of Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Ultimate Origin and Ultimate Six.
Brian is currently helming a renaissance for Marvel’s AVENGERS franchise by writing both New Avengers and Mighty Avengers along with the successful ‘event’ projects House Of M, Secret War, and this summer’s Secret Invasion.
He has also previously done work on Daredevil, Alias, and The Pulse.
Though he started as a writer and artist of independent noir fiction series, he shot to stardom as a writer of Marvel Comics' superhero books, particularly Ultimate Spider-Man.
Bendis first entered the comic world with the "Jinx" line of crime comics in 1995. This line has spawned the graphic novels Goldfish, Fire, Jinx, Torso (with Marc Andreyko), and Total Sell Out. Bendis is writing the film version of Jinx for Universal Pictures with Oscar-winner Charlize Theron attached to star and produce.
Bendis’s other projects include the Harvey, Eisner, and Eagle Award-nominated Powers (with Michael Avon Oeming) originally from Image Comics, now published by Marvel's new creator-owned imprint Icon Comics, and the Hollywood tell-all Fortune and Glory from Oni Press, both of which received an "A" from Entertainment Weekly.
Bendis is one of the premiere architects of Marvel's "Ultimate" line: comics specifically created for the new generation of comic readers. He has written every issue of Ultimate Spider-Man since its best-selling launch, and has also written for Ultimate Fantastic Four and Ultimate X-Men, as well as every issue of Ultimate Marvel Team-Up, Ultimate Origin and Ultimate Six.
Brian is currently helming a renaissance for Marvel’s AVENGERS franchise by writing both New Avengers and Mighty Avengers along with the successful ‘event’ projects House Of M, Secret War, and this summer’s Secret Invasion.
He has also previously done work on Daredevil, Alias, and The Pulse.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 25, 2015
Hollywood Buddy Read with my Shallow Comic Readin' pals!
Cosmic comics typically aren’t my bag. I usually prefer my Sci-Fi to be of the live action variety. There have been a few exceptions. Remender’s Fear Agent, Marvel’s Annihilation, Hickman’s Fantastic Four and a few others over the years. I’m really happy to add Bendis’ Guardians of the Galaxy to that short list. I had low expectations for the film and was super-stoked that it ended up kicking ass. Pretty much the same can be said for this book. Bendis has been hit and miss, hard not to be when you’ve written nearly every character in the Marvel Universe. But, he nails the Guardians bunch. The first couple of issues hooked me quick. Bendis is clearly aiming for fans of the film and that’s a good thing. Rocket and Groot do their thing and continue to be my favorites of the crew. How can you not help but fall in love with a crotch-grabbin’, shit talkin’, man-murderin’, genetically altered, space raccoon?
I thought the addition of Tony Stark to the mix was unnecessary at first glance and more of a publicity stunt, but Iron Man actually worked for me here. The Gamora angle was well played and his back and forth with Rocket was spot on. Seeing him interact with someone besides Thor or Cap was actually kind of refreshing.
The later issues focus on the introduction of Angela. They were alright. Never really that into her as a character, even when she was originally introduced in the 90’s comic juggernaut, Spawn. But even this weaker section of the book was entertaining and I’m in to see where this is going.
I loved the art earlier in the book. Steve McNiven and Sara Pichelli nailed it. Their shit POPS. I really wish they’d continued on with the series. Francesco Francavilla took over for about the final third of this collection and I wasn’t as happy with his work. I love Francesco’s Batman, Hawkeye, and other “street-level hero” stuff he’s done. Not sure sci-fi is really his calling. Not horrible mind you, just not as good at the first couple of issues. A few other artist provide a couple of 3 or 4 page shorts focusing on the individual characters that are something of a mixed bag ranging from ok to pretty good. The Gamora/Angela story was pretty bangin with some sweet art.
Overall, I don’t think fans of the film or other Guardian’s stuff will be disappointed. Bendis writes the shit out of the dialogue in this one and is dead on with the characterizations. Easy recommend to the average comic reader whether you’re an old head fan or comic noob. It’s just a fun little read. I’ll be picking up Vol. 2.
This picture's not from the book, but I couldn't help myself. It's so fuckin' bad ass.
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March 30, 2025
I've read other Bendis runs on the Guardians of the Galaxy and I really enjoyed them. This 1st volume of this newer series is pretty good, though not great. The overall story happens to be fairly good throughout the volume but the artwork takes some rather extreme swings in quality.
Starting with a quick background/origin on Peter Quill (Starlord), we find the Guardians running into trouble with Peter's father, the King of Spartaxx who is trying to destroy the Earth. Along the way, the Guardians will be joined by Tony Stark and Angela the Angel.This Guardian team will also face off against the Badoon. That's the main story and I rather liked it.
The quality of the artwork, however, is all over the place. At the start, it is quite good. Then for a few issues, it is pure dreck. Then near the end, it seems to find a sense of shame and reverts back to decent again.
There are some single, one-shot stories of how the Guardians were all roped into joining by Quill and some really good alternate covers. The one shots? The stories are fine but one of the issues has the same putrescent artwork I was bemoaning earlier. The rest vary from decent to quite good.
Overall? A three star volume, but I like where it is headed. I shall likely get the 2nd Volume of this run.
Starting with a quick background/origin on Peter Quill (Starlord), we find the Guardians running into trouble with Peter's father, the King of Spartaxx who is trying to destroy the Earth. Along the way, the Guardians will be joined by Tony Stark and Angela the Angel.This Guardian team will also face off against the Badoon. That's the main story and I rather liked it.
The quality of the artwork, however, is all over the place. At the start, it is quite good. Then for a few issues, it is pure dreck. Then near the end, it seems to find a sense of shame and reverts back to decent again.
There are some single, one-shot stories of how the Guardians were all roped into joining by Quill and some really good alternate covers. The one shots? The stories are fine but one of the issues has the same putrescent artwork I was bemoaning earlier. The rest vary from decent to quite good.
Overall? A three star volume, but I like where it is headed. I shall likely get the 2nd Volume of this run.
December 10, 2015
I never tire of GOTG. While uneven in its compilation, this is so worth it. Rocket alone carries these stories, for me. Blamo--MURDERED YOU! (Such a disturbing statement...yet, such a great iconic phrase!)
July 4, 2019
Je to takové kosmické průměrné čtení. Líbí se mi zasazení Iron Mana, plus kousek kdy mu Gamora provětrá vejce. A kresba je taky takový fajn průměr.
December 27, 2016
I am SO excited to continue reading this series. This has to be the best stuff Bendis has written in years. His characterization of each of the Guardians is pitch perfect, and the inclusion of Iron Man as a connection to the rest of the earthbound Marvel Universe is a stroke of genius. By making Guardians of the Galaxy a book that's both about the cosmic end of Marvel and the earth end of Marvel, he's made it infinitely more accessible, with the stakes feeling much more grounded and immediate than those of previous cosmic storylines. It's got big, crazy, sci-fi stuff for certain, but it also has an accessibility that's been missing from similar stories in the past. I really loved this, as you can tell.
One of the most important things Bendis has included here is the sense of adventure. Everything is big and grand, but shown through the POV of the Guardians themselves, rather than narrated from afar, allowing the reader to feel just as invested as the characters.
The Guardians also have a sense of humor about everything they do, which brings with it a levity that keeps anything in this book from feeling too Capital-O Ominous. It's really very similar to the movie in that regard, and yet still feels like its Bendis doing his own thing, rather than trying to replicate the success of an entirely different medium.
It's truly a joy to see Bendis create something so balls-to-wall fun after so long being the chief architect of Marvel's Big Important Events. This one feels a lot more relaxed, like he's really having a blast writing it, and thus so did I. Here's hoping Guardians continues to be a standout series.
One of the most important things Bendis has included here is the sense of adventure. Everything is big and grand, but shown through the POV of the Guardians themselves, rather than narrated from afar, allowing the reader to feel just as invested as the characters.
The Guardians also have a sense of humor about everything they do, which brings with it a levity that keeps anything in this book from feeling too Capital-O Ominous. It's really very similar to the movie in that regard, and yet still feels like its Bendis doing his own thing, rather than trying to replicate the success of an entirely different medium.
It's truly a joy to see Bendis create something so balls-to-wall fun after so long being the chief architect of Marvel's Big Important Events. This one feels a lot more relaxed, like he's really having a blast writing it, and thus so did I. Here's hoping Guardians continues to be a standout series.
February 9, 2018
The only thing I didn't like was how they made Gamora soft.
November 10, 2016
This was a weird 'jumping on' book for Guardians. Sure all the characters from the movie are there and Iron Man makes a pleasing appearance (only mildly so for Gamora, har de har) but suddenly Thanos and Peter Quill are coming back from the dead, and we are introduced to an awesome (but not movie based) council of the Marvel Realms, led by Quill's Spartax father. Some really cool elements, and the art is awesome, but it doesn't quite hold together- the climax of this arc is just hanging for something else, and it feels tinny on its own.
July 9, 2025
🚀💫📦
“This isn’t the beginning. It’s the trailer.”
🚀💫📦
3.5 out of 5 stars
Best for: MCU fans who want to dip into comics with a familiar cast and tone. Readers who want action, jokes, and emotional bruises—all in one loud, glossy package.
Skip if: You want subtle pacing, long-term character arcs, or a team that acts like they’ve ever heard of therapy.
Let’s be clear: this book is trying to do everything at once.
It’s the Guardians’ origin story—but also a cosmic crossover.
It’s an Earth invasion tale—but also an angelic mystery.
It’s a character study—but also a greatest hits mixtape.
And it mostly works.
Because what Bendis understands better than most is this:
If you keep the voice sharp, the crew lovable, and the stakes just a little ridiculous—readers will follow. Even if they have no idea who the Badoon are.
Guardians Vol. 1 (2015 Edition) collects the splashy, high-budget early issues of the Bendis relaunch, adding a few deeper cuts along the way. You’ll get Star-Lord’s updated backstory. Iron Man in space, being confused but charming. Gamora fighting Angela (who fell out of copyright limbo and into the Marvel universe). And Jean Grey being judged for a crime she hasn't committed yet.
It’s not elegant.
It’s not quiet.
But it’s fun—in that Marvel Studios way where everything sparkles, everyone quips, and the emotional arcs peek through when nobody’s looking.
“You don’t pick family. You just survive with the ones who don’t leave.”
The standout here isn’t Peter Quill. It’s Gamora. She’s tired of being underestimated, and this book finally lets her be more than the “deadliest woman in the galaxy.” Rocket’s close second—funny, feral, and secretly the team’s emotional compass.
The Tomorrow’s Avengers one-shot at the end is a bonus: quick character vignettes that don’t add much plot, but do help anchor the team emotionally. They’re breezy, introspective, and surprisingly sweet.
If this is your first Guardians book, you’ll get action. Banter. A star map’s worth of characters.
If it’s your tenth, you’ll start seeing the blueprint Bendis is building—scene by scene, sarcasm by sarcasm.
“This isn’t the beginning. It’s the trailer.”
🚀💫📦
3.5 out of 5 stars
Best for: MCU fans who want to dip into comics with a familiar cast and tone. Readers who want action, jokes, and emotional bruises—all in one loud, glossy package.
Skip if: You want subtle pacing, long-term character arcs, or a team that acts like they’ve ever heard of therapy.
Let’s be clear: this book is trying to do everything at once.
It’s the Guardians’ origin story—but also a cosmic crossover.
It’s an Earth invasion tale—but also an angelic mystery.
It’s a character study—but also a greatest hits mixtape.
And it mostly works.
Because what Bendis understands better than most is this:
If you keep the voice sharp, the crew lovable, and the stakes just a little ridiculous—readers will follow. Even if they have no idea who the Badoon are.
Guardians Vol. 1 (2015 Edition) collects the splashy, high-budget early issues of the Bendis relaunch, adding a few deeper cuts along the way. You’ll get Star-Lord’s updated backstory. Iron Man in space, being confused but charming. Gamora fighting Angela (who fell out of copyright limbo and into the Marvel universe). And Jean Grey being judged for a crime she hasn't committed yet.
It’s not elegant.
It’s not quiet.
But it’s fun—in that Marvel Studios way where everything sparkles, everyone quips, and the emotional arcs peek through when nobody’s looking.
“You don’t pick family. You just survive with the ones who don’t leave.”
The standout here isn’t Peter Quill. It’s Gamora. She’s tired of being underestimated, and this book finally lets her be more than the “deadliest woman in the galaxy.” Rocket’s close second—funny, feral, and secretly the team’s emotional compass.
The Tomorrow’s Avengers one-shot at the end is a bonus: quick character vignettes that don’t add much plot, but do help anchor the team emotionally. They’re breezy, introspective, and surprisingly sweet.
If this is your first Guardians book, you’ll get action. Banter. A star map’s worth of characters.
If it’s your tenth, you’ll start seeing the blueprint Bendis is building—scene by scene, sarcasm by sarcasm.
TL;DR:
A glossy, high-energy omnibus that delivers spectacle over subtlety—but still finds time to say something about loyalty, legacy, and the chaos of chosen family.
Read if you like:
✦ The MCU but weirder
✦ Space gods and space raccoons sharing panel time
✦ Jean Grey getting cosmic gaslit
✦ Found families duct-taped together by sarcasm
May 24, 2017
So 12 issues in one book. The Guardians of the Galaxy are an interesting bunch with the addition of a visit from Iron Man. The stories are intriguing and well written and enjoyable. Some of it lapses making you wonder what you missed. Other than that a good series.
Mostly... I Am Groot!
Mostly... I Am Groot!
March 30, 2018
Started string for the first half but after that i couldn’t dig it. Not that it’s bad, it’s actually very good, just not for me...
December 18, 2018
More cosmic Bendis fun. A mash up of artwork and covers which ultimately work and complement each other.
April 30, 2019
It was good, with good characters and interesting plot. Yet it didn't grab me like I hoped it would. But I'll re-read it soon enough, maybe I just wasn't in the mood.
March 5, 2021
Fun stuff though not being up to date with my comics news, I was like wtf is Angela doing here lol
May 23, 2021
It is fun.
The characters are pretty much as they are shown in the movies.
But beside fun, there is not a lot of else to it.
Certainly not enough to get me more involved with the characters.
The characters are pretty much as they are shown in the movies.
But beside fun, there is not a lot of else to it.
Certainly not enough to get me more involved with the characters.
January 14, 2023
I have plenty of good things to say about this volume, but it's all overshadowed by the absurdity of Angela's outfit, with all the sensibilities of '90s comics.
August 30, 2024
Very entertaining and in keeping with the movie adaptation feel for the characters; I liked the Iron Man/Rocket interactions a lot.
May 30, 2023
why are we still writing women in comic books like that :) it’s so off putting
April 4, 2025
Really fun to read, story can be a bit confusing at first. But overall a really enjoyable read. I also don't love the artstyle, just not my style!
November 17, 2016
Peter Quill and the Guardians of the Galaxy are back on the case after Peter's father, King J'son of Spartax ,allies with other galactic powers to officially declare the Earth off-limits. By that, of course, he means to say that the Earth is about to be destroyed but why, and what does it have to do with Peter(and Drax)'s surprising return from the dead?
Brian Michael Bendis does a solid bit of storytelling in this collection which features a number of guest stars. The individual moments are generally pretty good but the payoff, if you would call it that, is disappointing and inconclusive. There isn't a full story here and the volume suffers as a consequence. It also doesn't help that I've not been reading comics regularly in over twenty years so, while I know the characters, even the surprising cameo characters, the recent events of the Marvel Comic Universe are unknown to me and this volume leans heavily upon them.
2.5 to 3 stars for those who have read any Guardians/Marvel comic before, 2 stars for those who've only seen the movie, maybe a higher number for those who've been paying attention to the Marvel Comic Universe as a whole.
Brian Michael Bendis does a solid bit of storytelling in this collection which features a number of guest stars. The individual moments are generally pretty good but the payoff, if you would call it that, is disappointing and inconclusive. There isn't a full story here and the volume suffers as a consequence. It also doesn't help that I've not been reading comics regularly in over twenty years so, while I know the characters, even the surprising cameo characters, the recent events of the Marvel Comic Universe are unknown to me and this volume leans heavily upon them.
2.5 to 3 stars for those who have read any Guardians/Marvel comic before, 2 stars for those who've only seen the movie, maybe a higher number for those who've been paying attention to the Marvel Comic Universe as a whole.
May 13, 2015
A fun romp thru the universe. The characters feel very like they did in the movies though Rocket is a bit more violent. We see how Angela joins the Marvel universe (Secret War/Illuminati stuff if you are following Hickman's New Avengers). We see who Star lord's father is very quickly in the book and we see how the Guardians in action during the Infinity event. If you like this team the book is a solid read.
The art changes hands several times but none of it struck me as being bad though I would like more consistency. Francovilla's art was one of my favorites.
The art changes hands several times but none of it struck me as being bad though I would like more consistency. Francovilla's art was one of my favorites.
July 9, 2015
Excellent ark - alternate storyline. Star-Lord witnesses his mother dying, and he knows who he is. Fans of Iron man will love this adventure! Not a violent comic, but definitely recommended for adults.
September 20, 2015
Cohesive extension of stories supporting the movie's storyline. Beautiful variation of illustration styles and variant covers. Some paneling difficult to understand transition.
October 13, 2015
Good stuff! A fun book to read.
May 2, 2017
3.5 stars
September 1, 2018
I thought this graphic novel compilation was exceptionally witty. I loved the dialogue of Rocket, especially times where he would say, “Blam! Murdered you.” And when he told Iron-Man to “Buckle up, Buttercup,” I was laughing out loud. (That’s an inside thing in my family.) I throughly enjoyed all the ways that each character’s personality came out at certain times, like when Drax couldn’t wait to attack Thanos’ fleet, when Groot saves that farmer girl’s family, or whenever Gamora would get mad at Peter. I had previously read Peter’s origin story and I got to relive that surprise again. J-Son seems a twisted man and sometimes it bothers me that his mother died so insignificantly. I like how Gamora and Peter’s daddy issues bond them. What is strange, however, is their undefined relationship. In the movies, they’re obviously dancing around their feelings for one another, but I’m not sure I caught the same vibe from the book. Peter called Gamora his “best friend” and he said that he would kill Thanos just for her , but it’s never defined. Peter hits on random women, Gamora slept with Stark, and Peter seems to have a thing for Angela. Gamora and Iron-Man?! I mean, why even? For one thing, just no. For another thing, even if Peter and Gamora are a thing, what about Pepper? I get that this is a different universe or whatever, but I’m just so confused. I think the rip of the space-time continuum has bonded Angela and Peter, but I don’t ship it. I do admire Angela, though. She’s super badass and she seems like one of the good guys. Heven sounds amazing as well. Despite other things, I really liked Stark’s presence in the book. I thought it was really interesting to have one of the Avengers team up with the Guardians of the Galaxy and he seems to blend well with them. Seeing Mantis was very different because she didn’t have the same timid and awkward presence as she did in the films. Also, she’s apparently green with normal sized eyes, and I’m not gonna lie, that threw me off. I’m excited to find out how the Earthers managed to rip the space-time continuum, even if that kind of becomes their downfall. Out of pure curiosity, I want to know more about the Watchers. They seem cool. I truly do wish that Peter had killed Thanos when given the chance. I appreciated all the different variants between the different issues. It allows me to analyze all the possible art and I do love the art. Tomorrow’s Avengers #1 was weird because it implied that the Guardians were broken up and scattered across the galaxy, giving us no timeframe. You know, I don’t like the Badoon. I’m not quite sure how they know Angela’s “kind,” but I don’t trust them. And what is Infinity? After Angela and Gamora had kind of become friends, it said “Previously in Infinity” and I was just lost. I’m not sure when all of these issues were published, but I liked the appearance of Captain Marvel. I just want to know more. FYI: This collection contained issues #0.1, 1-10 and Tomorrow’s Avengers. In conclusion, I loved this book and recommend it to anyone who appreciates Rocket’s sense of humor. If you do, it’s nonstop laughing.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews