Writer Brian Michael Bendis

Art Sara Pichelli & David Marquez

Color Artist Justin Ponsor

Letterer VC’s Cory Petit

Trial of Jean Grey Part Six of Six

Issue opens with Jean confronting Gladiator.  No one present could handle being the host of the Phoenix.  She also talks about how silly this entire trial nonsense business.

Gladiator tries to speak up, big mistake.  Calling attention to himself, opens Jean to confront him about how every member of her family are dead.  Unless they are from an alternate timeline or a superhero.

All of this rage opens Jean to a major power upgrade.  Oracle later explains that it is a combination of her psychic powers and her telekinesis powers.  It takes the form of having Jean appear completely in pink, like a pink light version of herself.

So Pink Jean pink laser blasts Gladiator, off his feet in a gorgeous two page splash page.

Everyone is confused.  Rocket is glad they are winning, as they shouldn’t against the Imperial Guard.

Oracle tries to calm Jean by bringing her into Oracle’s mindscape.  The mindscape has a nice green hue.  It contrasts well with all the pink on the right page.

Starlord catches Jean, as she has passed out.  Gladiator is also out.

The X-Men come running to Jean.  Starlord introduces himself to Jean, which is nice as they don’t know each other.

Oracle tries to calm Gladiator as he gets to his feet.  He is not ready to let the fight end.

Good thing Cyclops is there, as he is ready to end this.  Cyclops really proves himself here.  Cyclops announces that they are leaving.  He goes as far as to threaten to kill Gladiator, if he comes after Jean or even come close to Earth.

If Gladiator is foolish enough to try, Cyclops will bring the entire mutant race, the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Asgardians, Atlanteans and Hulk monsters onto Gladiator.

Cyclops makes a great point with how he was able to bring the Guardians and the Starjammers with no notice.

Gladiator tries to safe face and Jean starts up a speech about how they are creating All New history.  Nice way to work the X-Men title into actual dialogue.

Starlord further states Earth is under the Guardians’ protection.

Oracle keeps mentally telling Gladiator that this is over.

Gladiator flies away, once he is two miles away (in a total wuss move), shouts – How many wars can you Guardians fight at the same time?

Starlord is quick with, seven.

Rocket lifts his gun, Gamora tells him not to shoot, they won today.

We are treated to an excellent two page spread.  I really like the coloring.  The Guardians are bringing the X-Men home.  Kitty is hanging out with Starlord, he talks about how his father is the worst.  Dudes with daddy issues.

Drax likes X23’s toe claw.

Hank checks in with Jean, probably trying to get a second kiss.

Angela is sharpening her sword.

Jean thanks Hank and Warren for their part in the rescue.  Warren awkwardly states they would do the same for him, right?  Is he making a reference to the numerous times Archangel has fowled up his life?

Gamora confers with Angela.  She doesn’t believe this was worth it.  They have the Shi’ar as enemies now.  The Spartax are mad at them.  Thanos is out there.  It is too much.  It seems like Gamora understands Groot.

Angela’s eyes turn red, as she stares at Jean.  Jean gets the final panel on this page, looking remorseful.

Another incredible two page spread.  I really like the first panel, establishing shot of the two spaceships landing.  There is just something about it.

Bobby is quick to start making snow angels, he missed the snow.  Hank is glad to be on Earth.

Gamora makes an awesome statement regarding how confused she is that people keep fighting over this planet.  Rocket seconds the sentiment.

Groot introduces himself to a tree.  Rocket tries to reel him in.

Jean thanks the Guardians for saving her.  Gamora is tired of it already, as Drax states that Jean has thanked them numerous times already.  This must be Jean’s reaction to overhearing Angela and Gamora’s conversation.  Angela states Jean owes them all a blood debt.

Gamora wants Bobby to stop flirting with her, as instead of a blood debt, they make dinner for them.

The bottom row is the true highlight of the comic.  Starlord gives Kitty a means to call the Guardians, any time.  Kitty implies that she will use the device only for emergencies.  Quill explains that it isn’t a distress beacon, it is a phone.  So she can call and say hi.  I’m glad he did explain that, as I also thought it was a beacon in that exact moment.

Starlord further explains that in all if his adventures, he has met seven cool people.  Five are in his team, I figure.  Kitty is one of the other two.  He would like to keep in touch.

Kitty kisses Quill on the cheek.  A moment we all predicted once he told her his name is, Peter.  That lady has a type.

Bendis has found a way to get me to keep buying the Guardians’ title.  I really do hope the covers or solicts clearly state when Kitty is going to appear in that title.  I will have to keep a lookout for any news, on that front.

Kitty runs over to the other heroes, as Starlord rubs his cheek.  I really like the staging of the gathered heroes panel.  We can clearly see Scott talking to his father, Corsair, in the distance.  Setting up the next big moment.

But first, Rocket tries to get Groot away from the trees.  Then two raccoons come out from the bushes.  Groot falls in love these these, which is awkward for Rocket.

Scott draws attention to himself, he announces that he is leaving with his father, for some space time.  I like how he doesn’t ask permission, he is going.  Two days ago, he thought he was an orphan, now he has his dad back.

The X-Men are shocked.  Kitty doesn’t want him to go, but this is an once in a lifetime opportunity.

Scott and Jean have a moment.  He even puts his hand on her face, a thing I never do.  He tells her, that they both know that they don’t end happily ever after.  So maybe this way, they can.

Scott turns, telling them he loves them and to be safe.  He asks X23 to keep them safe.  Poor Laura, no more hugs.  With that, the Starjammers are gone.

Bobby is in disbelief, that was fast.  Warren wants to know what happens if they find a way home, what happens then?

Issue ends with Jean on her knees, with her pink energy coming out of her eyes.  Is this suppose to be tears?

Next issue of Guardians, is their 100th issue.  I had no intentions to buy it, but now I am tempted.

Odd how this issue ends on such an X-Men note, not setting up the Guardians at all besides what Gamora stated earlier.

Overall, not enough trial for my taste.  No real explanation why Gladiator wanted a Jean who clearly never met the Phoenix, to stand trial.

I am interested in seeing where Kitty and Starlord’s relationship goes. Or will it be a simple fling?  Wild space hookups?  What will happen?  I would like to know.