Traversing Guardians of the Galaxy #1 (twice)

So, after reading the first issue of the new Guardians series by Brian Michael Bendis and Steve McNiven, I've gotta admit that I'm in two minds, despite having read it twice.
Basically, Guardians of the Galaxy, much like the previous volumes, tells the story of a rag-tag group of heroes; Star-Lord, Rocket Raccon, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora and Groot, facing down the big bads that threaten to destroy the galaxy. This time round though, this small group are joined by Avenger mainstay Iron Man, who has gone out into space to do a bit of old fashioned prospecting (or so it's implied) and the big bad they have to face down; Star-Lord's estranged dad (apparently).
Now, I read the 0.1 issue and thought it was a beautiful book and that Bendis made the right decision focusing on the origin of Peter Quill (A.k.a Star-Lord). With this issue however, I'm kind of torn on simply because none of the characters are written how I imagine them to be. Both Drax and Gamora, historically somewhat selfish bad-asses, seem much more selfless and heroic while Quill makes the biggest change, with much of his personality and appearance radically altered from the previous volume, especially concerning his helmet (which had a more Darth Vader look) and his Element gun (which he supposedly lost years ago).
The art, on the other hand is lovely (which you kind of expect from McNiven), with the little touch on the first page of the space bar looking like the space bar from Star Wars having a real nice touch. In fact, a lot of the early pages look like they were ripped from the Star Wars movies in this way (yes, I'm having a Star Wars day) which does give the book a pleasant, almost reminiscent, feel. The only complaint is Star-Lord's costume, which just doesn't have the same iconic look as previous incarnations.
In the end, this book isn't a bad book, but it just feels so radically different from the previous series that despite the same character names, it doesn't feel like the same team. This, probably, has something to do with the Guardians of the Galaxy movie that is due to come out, and so Marvel wanted to make something a little more new reader friendly that relates. However, for me, this has had the opposite effect, leaving me struggling to get engrossed. I probably won't be back for issue 2 which, given how much I like issue 0.1, is a real disappointment.

Comic Book Reviews: 06/02/2013 - Snapshot #1

Finally! After putting off reading this for other (domestic) activities, I've eventually been able to read Snapshot #1, the long-awaited mini-series (well, by me anyway) by The creators of the Losers, Andy Diggle and Jock.
The first issue introduced Jake Dobson, a shop assistant in a comic book shop (how apt) who, upon finding a Mobile phone, has his life turned upside down when he finds pictures of a murder on said phone, and the hitman apparently wanting it back.
After reading this, the only word that sprung to mind was 'WOW'. This story was so tense and exciting from start to finish that I couldn't have stopped myself reading it even if I'd wanted to. With a devilishly compelling plot and terrifically interesting characters (the opening sequence of banter in the comic book shop was so much fun, it reminded me of every time I've ever picked up my comic stash) this book was cover to cover awesome
And this was only made more so by the art. I've gotta admit, I've not seen much of the legend that is Jock's work, but after reading this I'm gonna! The work was so visceral and full of energy I had trouble believing the panels didn't literally jump from the page.
In the last six months I've read a lot of good books; from Punk Rock Jesus to Point of Impact, Think Tank to Where is Jake Ellis?, but this one takes the biscuit. I'll deffo be back for issue two, hell, I'll fight anyone to make sure I get an issue.

Comic Book Reviews: 06/02/2013 - Think Tank #5

Finally, going away for a few days has allowed me to catch up on my comics and so I can get through the books that were released a week ago. The first book from this outstanding pile was the one that I had been looking forward to for two months; Think Tank #5.
This issue had skipped ahead in the story as we saw David back in the lab after his successful escape in issue 4, now having given in to his dark side and ignoring his prior misgivings about the weapons he creates, he had chosen to focus on creating a weapon that attacked people by what makes them all different; their genetics.
Before getting this issue I wondered where the title was going to go after the previous arc and the protagonists escape, so returning him to the lab is interesting and really makes me need the next issues immediately just to see why he's back. Has he been captured? Blackmailed? It's certainly a serious 180 in the story by Matt Hawkins, but its highly compelling, with me now wondering if the change in views on genocidal weapons is a way for David to attack his rather nasty boss in some way. This thought is certainly supported by the extra focus on Harrison who has grown from one note villain in the first arc to someone who is a little more layered, and may not be as single minded as previously implied.
The first arc of this book was one of my favourite things to come out of last year and, judging from this issues, that isn't going to change. The story is intriguing, the art beautifully crisp and the scientific notes added in the back are icing on a very full cake. One month can't go by soon enough.