It was bound to happen. With a new movie coming out featuring characters most people know little about, Marvel had to put out miniseries following the characters from Guardians of the Galaxy. Partly to get people jazzed up, but also so folks can get more of the characters they’ll soon learn to love. Problem is, these are miniseries, which can be hit or miss. So how is Rocket Raccoon’s debut? Is it good?
Rocket Raccoon (2014-) #1 (Marvel Comics)
If you’re unfamiliar with writer and artist Skottie Young then do a quick Google search with these terms: “Marvel,” “baby,” and “covers.” You’ll note the insanely cute style this man brings to comics, which is made even more cutesy due to the colors, here done by Jean-Francois Beaulieu. The funny thing is his style doesn’t necessarily fit with the Rocket Raccoon personality. The character swears like a sailor, kills for fun and is generally a cranky character. He’s anything but cute. And that’s why this comic excels, because the look and feel is so against the subject matter. It’s also incredibly fun and colorful and by book’s end you’ll wonder why everyone isn’t drawing space so spectacularly.
Not as kid friendly as it may look…
The issue opens with Rocket Raccoon saving a princess who’s been imprisoned. He does so with comic effect, dressed in a body suit made to look like an average human. He then proceeds to take said woman to a fight, a place no lady should be, because his best pal Groot is one of the fighters in the ring. The story quickly degenerates due to Rocket getting framed, and a much bigger threat which isn’t revealed until the final page. The issue is chock full of humor, action and fun character moments. It also checks in with the rest of the Guardians, who are off on their own adventure, which explains why Rocket is all on his lonesome here.
Cool spaceship.
With the story and characters down, the art is the last hurdle to jump on the way to excellence, and boy does it deliver. There are plenty of beautiful shots to admire, from cool spaceship design to rather amazing crowds detailed to perfection. If you’ve got a sharp eye you’ll note Young must be a Southern Bastards fan, as there’s a person in the crowd who’s donning an SB jacket. Young’s fairy tale style works very well with this material because not only does it make the deep space aliens so much fun, but makes Rocket all the more natural and real. When you’ve got odd creatures all around him, and very odd looking surroundings, Rocket Raccoon is much easier to believe.
She wants Rocket in the bedroom, kids.
Is It Good?
This book was going to look good no matter what, but considering the fun and high stakes story you can’t not love this. This is the epitome of fun when it comes to comics and you’ll be missing out if you don’t give this one a try.
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