As teased during Marvel’s Next Big Thing panel at NYCC, a new Guardians of the Galaxy ongoing title is set to be released perfectly timed with the third and final installment of the film series from James Gunn. Today the publisher officially announced details for the relaunched Guardians of the Galaxy series from writing duo Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and artist Kev Walker. Also along for the ride are colorist Matt Hollingsworth and Marc Checcetto as cover artist.
Here’s how Marvel describes the new Guardians of the Galaxy ongoing series:
The reason behind this daring journey into unknown? A new phenomenon known as GROOTFALL, an overwhelmingly powerful threat that will force the Guardians on a new mission that will test their limits as a found family. First seen in yesterday’s foreboding teaser, GROOTFALL will not only push the team to their breaking point but will also drive them out to the furthest reaches of space where they’ll encounter strange worlds in desperate need of the Guardians. Yesterday, fans also glimpsed Walker’s inspired new designs for the core cast of the new run: Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Nebula, and Mantis.
One year ago, the Guardians of the Galaxy were destroyed. Their optimistic future shattered by the betrayal of one of their own. Now they ride the space lanes of a lawless corner of the galaxy, trying to outrun their tragedy. Can they rediscover their heroism and humanity on the bleakest frontier? Can they forgive the failures of their past? Or will they fade into the dark, eternally unforgiven?
Lanzing teased what’s to come:
“Welcome to a whole new era for the Guardians of the Galaxy, riding like mad through an endless alien dust storm of sun-soaked tragedy, intense violence, and deeply dysfunctional heroes. The optimistic peacekeepers that defeated the reborn Olympian Gods and overcame ‘The Last Annihilation’ have fallen about as far as they possibly could – and now Peter Quill and what remains of his found family will have to fight like hell in a new western-fueled frontier to find a scrap of forgiveness. After all, the Guardians are a fire – and a fire only ends one way.”
Kelly added:
“Sharing the reins with us is the amazing Kev Walker, our partner from Captain America & the Winter Soldier Special #1. His unique blend of realism and wild imagination brings the alien frontier of the Manifold Territories to windswept life like no one else could,Together, we’re guiding the Guardians on a new trail – one that will make them look inwards, even as they face the threats over the next horizon. Grab your element gun, True Believers – it’s time to go for a brand new ride.”
Artist Kev Walker expressed great excitement to be able to work on the book:
“I honestly can’t believe I’m finally getting a chance to work on Guardians. I’ve been wanting to draw these characters for a long time, (I have some of the first Guardians of the Galaxy comics in my collection). I came close when I did Annihilation: Nova years ago, but never envisaged I’d be doing this kind of all-encompassing relaunch. Pushing existing characters in a new direction is always a daunting challenge, but working with Jackson, Colin and Matt has been a lot of fun and I think we’re producing something a very different to what’s has gone before.”
Noticeably absent from the team’s lineup is fan-favorite Rocket Raccoon, who’s set to play a major role in the aforementioned summer film. Readers will have to wait and see what’s become of the furry Guardian.
Look for Guardians of the Galaxy #1 to arrive in stores and digitally on Wednesday, April 12th.
