4.5 Razors

• Title: Annihilators #4 (of 4)
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning
• Artists: Tan Eng Huat, Timothy Green II

I’m more than a little sad this series is already over. Sure, I gave up trying to make sense of the main story’s plot sometime during the last issue, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t fun!

In the A story the Annihilators try to prevent the evil Skrull plot to release the Dire Wraiths… or something like that. Like i said, I stopped trying to make sense of this story awhile back. But it’s got hugely powered characters like the Silver Surfer, Ronan, Beta-Ray Bill and Quasar kicking some serious butt. By itself this isn’t enough to recommend but…

The B story also concludes as Rocket Raccoon and Groot attempt to prevent the Star Thief from escaping his prison. Their plan? Let’s just say it involves one of the most humiliating (and adorable) moments of Rocket Raccon’s life. Awesome.

The final panels of each story seem to suggest we’ll be seeing both of these groups again (hopefully at a much-reduced cover price). Even though I love the Silver Surfer, I’m far more interested in a quirky comic about a new Guardians of a Galaxy than further adventures of the Annihilators. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $4.99]

• Title: Annihilators #2 (of 4)
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning
• Artists: Tan Eng Huat, Timothy Green II

The second issue is full of action as Silver Surfer, Beta Ray Bill, Gladiator, Quasar, Ronan the Accuser and the Space Knights battle Doctor Dredd and the Dire Wraiths.

In the B-story Rocket Raccoon rescues his friend Groot from the Isle of Punishment only to discover he’s put every living thing on Planet X in terrible danger. More clown assassins, psycho woodpeckers, some awfully good puns, an annoying computer, and our first glimpses into the secrets of Rocket Raccoon’s past make this one impossible to put down.

Both stories get equal time this time around and both provide great moments. The cosmic level of the Annihilators matched with the craziness of Rocket and Groot is a great combination. The level of adorableness Timothy Green II infuses the art the B-story with (particularly the look of Rocket Raccoon) is just wonderful. If you only bought one comic this week I hope it was this one. It’s rare I’m happy paying $5 for a single issue, but this time I think I got my money’s worth. Must-read.

[Marvel, $4.99]