Guardians of the Galaxy 36 was cover dated May 1993 and was on sale in March 1993, sharing the spinner racks with Blood Syndicate #1, Cable #1, Icon #1, Incredible Hulk #405, Supergirl/Team Luthor #1 and Web of Spider-Man #100
Taste the Deathless Life was written by Michael Gallagher, pencilled by Kevin West with Steve Montano on inks. It opens where #35 finished with Drydock being destroyed. Seconds later, Martinex uses the Icarus’ teleport system to beam the crew of Drydock aboard, bringing together the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Galactic Guardians together for the first time and reuniting Martinex with his old team for the first time since #17.
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Whilst Hollywood carries the unconscious Charlie-27, Yellowjacket follows, unsure how Hollywood even knows who she is. Aleta (all of a sudden cold and distant) teleports outside along with Firelord, Phoenix and the Spirit of Vengeance to battle Dormammu. Hollywood is ordered by Martinex to join them as he, Replica, Nikki and Vance replace him in the sick bay, with Nikki showing that she still holds contempt for Replica for her being a Skrull, brushing against Nikki’s hatred of reptilian beings of any stripe. Yellowjacket continues to question Hollywood getting her nowhere, but she is starting to work it out. Unseen Talon also makes an exit in an EVA suit hoping his mystical knowledge will be of use against such a powerful mystical entity.
Back on Earth, Doom and Rancor are becoming friendlier towards one another, causing friction between her and her lieutenants, she viciously punishes Batwing when he brings this to her attention, going as far as to scalp him.
On the Icarus, Charlie-27 has awoken and Hollywood has engaged Dormammu and things are looking up for the collected Guardians. But this isn’t to last, Krugarr the 31st Century’s Sorcerer Supreme has already fallen before Dormammu and the Spirit of Vengeance has his flame extinguished.
As all looks lost, the Ancient One, mentor to Krugarr and the man once known as Doctor Strange, arrives and using the powers of the Guardians currently in space, blasts Dormammu with enough force to destroy him.
But the fact is that Dormammu isn’t alone, the Marvel 616 version of Dormammu escaped the Dark Dimension and merged with the 31st Century Dormammu making himself a self-symbiote and giving him far more power than Strange expected. He points this out as he absorbs the energy from the attack and redirects it at Strange, killing him, leaving the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Galactic Guardians alone against the power of the Dread Dormammu.
Notes: The team is never this strong again with 13 members and still they need help to hold their own against this new All-Powerful Dormammu.
Nikki’s reptile-ism makes an unwelcome return, bringing her into conflict with Martinex.
Charlie-27 is back and will soon return to the team.
Talon sneaks out to help the team in space, despite how outclassed he must be, showing a strong heroic streak in this happy go lucky inhuman.
Aleta becomes cold and practical, but that might simply be the situation they’re in.
I’m glad to see Martinex back as am always a big fan of the original team.
This issue is almost all action, yet some characterisation occurs and subplots move along.
How is Doctor Strange still alive in 3018? Well at least till the end of the issue.
It’s nice to see a high powered mystical threat to showcase all the teams’ members and powers.
Can’t wait for the next issue.
Next Time: The Conclusion
Standing Guard 