Where in the galaxy are Rocket and Groot?
In recent years we’ve seen solo comics for both Rocket Raccoon and Groot, which mostly begged the question, “Why publish two different books when the characters are practically joined at the hip?”. Well, that’s where Rocket Raccoon and Groot comes in. The creative team behind the previous Rocket Raccoon comic (writer/cover artist Skottie Young and interior artist Felipe Andrade) are back to chronicle the further adventures of this strange spacefaring duo. And while for the most part readers of that earlier series should know what to expect, this debut issue makes enough changes to the familiar status quo to keep things interesting.
Where Rocket is the new leader of the Star-Lord-less Guardians in the core GotG comic, he and Groot find themselves in a far different situation in this book. The galaxy at large and even their own team believe Rocket and Groot to be dead. The mystery of what actually happened to the characters and what they’re up to forms the basis of this first issue. And to fill their void, Young and Andrade introduce a new duo in the form of Pocket the talking squirrel and his partner Shrub. It’s an amusing gag that the creators lean on just long enough that it doesn’t become played out.
In a time when there are more Guardians comics than ever and many are struggling to find their own voice and purpose, Rocket Raccoon and Groot finds its niche easily enough. It certainly helps that the creators have had ample time to become comfortable with this corner of the Marvel U. There’s a well-honed sense of humor to the book – a little dark and sardonic but still managing an all-ages feel. There are enough humor-oriented marvel books that no series can thrive without some level of depth or pathos. This issue achieves that both by playing up the mystery angle and suggesting that the Rocket/Groot bromance isn’t as solid as it once was. That rift could easily form the backbone of this book going forward.
While Andrade can’t quite capture the stylish charm of Young’s cover art, his work is at least in the same ballpark. The frenetic line-work and sketchy quality to his pages ensure that this series doesn’t look like any other cosmic Marvel book on the stands. Andrade’s lithe figures are especially well-suited to the cosmic realm, where traditional superhero physiques make way for bizarre monsters and anthropomorphic creatures. The main area that needs to be addressed is the lack of background details. Too often shadow and color gradients take the place of actual environments.
This new series may not feel terribly “all-new” or “all-different,” but it features a proven creative team exploring the continued misadventures of Rocket and Groot. It’s tough to go wrong with that. Unlike some Guardians comics, this series quickly finds its niche and promises interesting wrinkles to come for both characters.
