Yondu #1 Review

by Nick Devonald on November 06, 2019

Writers: Zac Thompson & Lonnie Nadler
Artist: John McCrea
Colours: Mike Spicer
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna

Yondu #1 introduces us to two Yondu Udonta's. We have the original one from the comics, Yondu from the year 3000 and member of the original Guardians of the Galaxy. Then there is a modern day Yondu who is, in effect, the Yondu from the MCU. James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy movies combined with Michael Rookers fantastic portrayal of Yondu made it only a matter of time until this Yondu appeared in the comics.

It’s this Yondu we spend the most time with. Used to be a leader in the Ravagers. Even Kraglin makes a brief appearance. Yondu is scum, and he knows it. Yet against the odds we find ourselves rooting for him. There’s a sadness about him which makes us feel for him. The stereotypical criminal who finds himself down a path and has no choice but to continue it.

The art is perfect for this story. It’s grittier than we’re used to. This is a side of Marvels Cosmic universe we don’t often get to see here. This is the seedy underbelly where the dregs of the universe live. And Yondu fits in perfectly.

Then we transition to the future where our other Yondu lives. The art is cleaner and a real contrast to most of the issue. Credit should also be given to Mike Spicer’s colours who really add to the different tones of the comic.

The last couple of pages introduce a villain who is after the artefact Yondu has in his possession. He looks the part but we don’t see enough of him yet to see how good a villain he’ll make. Given how good the rest of the comic is though I have high hopes he’ll make a lasting impression.

Without going into too many details Yondu finds himself in possession of one of the most valuable artefacts in the universe. He wants to sell it to make a quick profit of it. And future Yondu is given a mysterious mission to help him. The story doesn’t progress much further than that in this issue, instead spending a bit of time on present Yondu and setting him on a collision with future Yondu.

The dynamic between the two Yondu’s promises to be quite entertaining. They are polar opposites in every way. One who has turned his back on his Centaurian heritage, the other who lives his life practising the Centaurian way. One is scum, the other a great and honourable warrior. This promises to be a classic buddy film, only in comic form. There shows a lot of promise for the rest of the series and I will be making sure it’s on my pull list.

This Buddy movie shows plenty of promise. Fantastic art helps elevate the good writing and makes this one not to be missed for cosmic fans.

Our Score:

8/10

A Look Inside