Comic book film adaptations have seen a huge spike over the past decade. Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Spiderman, Superman, Batman, Batman vs. Superman, The Avengers, The Incredible Hulk... and each character is not just getting one film of airtime but a whole franchise of superhero, kickass plot time.

Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy is Marvel Cinematic Universe's latest offering

But with so many superhero movies, could it be that the comic book adaptations genre is heading for saturation - how can another film of the same basic premise (superhero overcomes personal difficulties to save the world) be expected to satisfy audiences over and over again?

READ MORE: Guardians of the Galaxy character run-down

Guardians of the Galaxy, that’s how.

Guardians of the Galaxy is the tenth instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is being touted as its best yet. The film is set in the outer realms of space and focuses on an American pilot, Peter Quill/Star-Lord, who finds himself travelling around space with no real idea of what he’s doing expect enjoying being a bit of a wide-boy.

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Unfortunately for him, things get a little too real after he steals an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan and becomes the object of a serious manhunt. In order to escape Ranan, Quill reluctantly enlists the help of a ragtag group of misfits, including alien orphan, Gamora, genetically engineered racoon, Rocket, physical brute, Drax and walking flora, Groot.

However, it suddenly becomes clear that there are bigger things at stake than just Quill’s life.

READ MORE: Has Guardians of the Galaxy set up Chris Pratt to be the next big thing in Hollywood?

Critics have praised the film’s look and special effects, its acting ensemble comprising Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista and the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel and the humour and comic play in it that is perhaps unusual for a Marvel superhero film.

Described as a ‘chaotic sci-fi ride that’s punctuated with smart humour’ by The Mirror, Jim Starlin, the comic book creator of villain Thanos, has called it Marvel’s best movie yet according to comicbook.com.

Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt takes the lead as Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy

As it stands, Guardians of the Galaxy has a 100% positive review rating on Rotten Tomatoes and Marvel is so assured of its success that it announced Guardians of the Galaxy 2 at this year’s comic con with a 2017 release date.

It has to be assumed that, eventually, the comic book bubble, perhaps Marvel’s in particular, will pop. But, if it does, it won’t be on Guardians of the Galaxy’s watch.

Guardians of the Galaxy will be released on 31 July in UK cinemas.