The final film in the Guardians Trilogy has been filmed, edited, and is about to flood theaters around the world. When it comes to Marvel films three is an interesting number. Thankfully due to crossover films and shorts courtesy of Disney+, we have gotten four additional films with the Guardians on top of the three.
Marvel has also taken more obscure heroes and brought them to the forefront. Guardians of the Galaxy have never been primary leaders of comic sales, and has regularly shifted characters out of thier roster. That being said though, their lack of knowledge in the main world, and their eclectic style makes them not only perfect for a film, but also for the styling of James Gunn.
Now with the characters stories having been fully flushed out, and Gunn moving on to the DC films, it’s time to close out the world of the Guardians. Quill’s story regarding Gamora needs to be resolved, Rocket needs to find closure in his frustrations due to his creation, and Drax having gone through so many changes, is ready to ride off into the sunset.
That being said, this is the perfect time to reminisce over the formation of the group, and the stories of the characters of the series. These are the comics I would suggest reading before jumping into the movie.
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Guardians of the Galaxy #1 (2008) After the events of Annihilation: Conquest, Peter Quill decides it would be a good idea to form a group of warriors to combat threats around the galaxy, instead of trying to stomp out evil once it’s already causing galactic troubles. For this team he recruits a lot of the people you would recognize from the Guardian of the Galaxy movie including Gamora, Drax, Mantis, Rocket, and Groot. That isn’t all though as the roster is actually quite large! If you want to get a good understanding of the basis for James Gunn’s film then you need to read this series. |
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Annihilation: Conquest – Starlord #1 (2007) After having been affected by the Phalanx, and having his implants corrupted, Peter Quill recovers on Kree. While on the planet, the government give him a quest to attack a Phalanx manufacturing facility with a group of other expendible warriors. While this is the first meeting of Rocket Raccoon and Quill, more importantly this is the first meeting between Rocket and Groot. Immediately the two strongly connect with one another, which is only made more tragic by the events that continue in the next issue. |
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The Incredible Hulk #271 (1982) The first actual comic book appearance of Rocket Raccoon. Hulk wakes up on Halfworld, a planet full of sentient talking animals. Discovered by Rocket and his friend Wal Rus, three take a shining to one another, and decide to work together to keep Halfworld safe from the evil Jakes. However, while Rocket was filling in the Hulk, Jakes was kidnaping Rocket’s girlfriend and stealing an item of importance. Now with the help of the Hulk, Rocket is able to save the day and reset the balance on the planet. This one feels like some of the elements of Halfworld will play into the events of this final Guardians film, so it might be a good read before watching the film. |
What are your favorite comic book stories focusing on the Guardians of the Galaxy?
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