Guardians of the Galaxy #19 (HERE BE SPOILERS!)

Bendis is really dragging out this story.  I mean, it's not like it doesn't deserve it.  I've waited for this story for years.  But, it would be easier knowing how long we should expect it to last, particularly since "Original Sin" wrapped up a few weeks ago.  Plus, it feels like Bendis is engaging in obvious stalling tactics to keep it going.  The Revengers appearing?  It could've been cool, but they don't even speak.  They just serve as a way for the heroes to lose control of the Cosmic Cube, all while they smile menacingly.  Also, could Dead Captain America really cut off Nova's arm while he's blasting?  I know that he's not Cannonball or anything, but it seems odd that it would be so easy.  The only possible reason I could see is that Peter could still be controlling events sub-consciously through the Cosmic Cube, since he had earlier mentioned that he wondered what would happen if one of them lost an arm in a universe where they couldn't die.  Also, I would like to point out the fact that Peter, when he sacrificed himself at the end of "Thanos Imperative" #6, had dark hair and a normal build; he wasn't the blond Flash Thompson clone that he appears to be here.  I'm trying to accept the Bendis/McGuinness version of Peter -- in all his blond pin-up glory -- as the definitive one, but it's moments like this one that make it really difficult.  In other words, this issue made me cranky.

** (two of five stars)