Today's news cycle is extremely difficult to keep up with, but early in the week James Gunn dropped a bombshell of a story with a single tweet. When Groot shields his fellow Guardians in Guardians of the Galaxy, he is killed. The Groot that is planted and what we know as Baby Groot is actually Groot's son. Mind. Blown.
Pick of the Week:
Saga #49 - It has been a while, but I am happy to report that Saga is back, is just as inappropriate as always, and remains amazing. What stood out to me in this issue is how much depth there is in the cast of Robot characters and how their ability to use their monitors to convey their true feelings remains one of their greatest assets/liabilities. Ianthe, who has enslaved The Will and bringing him along for the journey against his...will (sorry), is getting closer and closer to having a confrontation with Marko, Alana, and everyone else on their rocket ship. Meanwhile, on the rocket ship, the writers mention they have the ability to virtually change one's identity and species in exchange for a good story. This would mean living out your remaining days as another species, but a life free of running. Very curious to find out what happens next and very amused every time Ianthe refers to The Will as Bill, Little Willie, or other variations on his name.
The Rest:
Redneck #10 - This issue features Phil speaking with a federal investigator and provides us the opportunity to learn his backstory and how he became involved with the vampires. It was a telling story that makes you appreciate the complex world that Donny Cates has created. We also learn that things are about to get intense for the Landry family, but it remains a bit foggy in terms of who is going to be the first to inflict some damage.
DuckTales #6 - While we didn't get the start of a new arc, Joey Cavalieri and Joe Caramagna delivered two fun self-contained stories that would work well as single episodes of the newly refreshed cartoon. This comic really does capture the feel of the new cartoon and should be must-read material for any Ducktales fan. It is also a great all-ages book that adults will enjoy as well. Nothing mind blowing, but fun simple reads that make a good break from some of the heavier titles.
Darth Vader #12 - Charles Soule demonstrates for us how far down the path of the dark side Vader is going in his pursuit of ultimate power. Using his ability to tap into the dark side of the force, Vader determines who is behind the attempts on his life and learns it is due to a misunderstanding of the role Vader plays alongside Palpatine. Soule doesn't hold back as Vader seeks revenge for these attempts and gets everyone else in order through means of fear. He isn't looking to make any friends or gain the trust of anyone. Just wants everyone else to know the cost of crossing him.
POSTED BY MIKE N. aka Victor Domashev -- comic guy, proudly raising nerdy kids, and Nerds of a Feather contributor since 2012.