The fan-favorite cosmic hero Groot is officially getting a prequel series showcasing his origins before joining the Guardians of the Galaxy. Groot has become a staple for the most iconic team in Marvel's cosmic landscape. Tagging along with his partner and best friend Rocket, the living tree has won the hearts of fans both in comics and on screen with his kind nature, epic fighting style and adorable Baby Groot form. He's an essential part of the Guardians, serving as the heart of the team that keeps their morals in check. However, who he was before pairing up with Rocket has remained a mystery for most Marvel fans...until now.
In an official press release from Marvel, Groot will be getting his own solo limited series starting this April. The comic will be helmed by writer Dan Abnett and artist Damian Couceiro as they tell the story of Groot's life before the Guardians. The series is expected to depict a young Groot living "a life of tranquility on his serene home world." Things will change though when he "must accept his heroic destiny" after "monstrous invaders attack his planet."
What's really exciting is that he is expected to cross paths with Mar-Vell, one of the original Captain Marvels before Carol Danvers took over.
Groot's New Series Is a Genius Set-Up for Grootfall
The timing of this Groot prequel series is very exciting. Marvel just recently announced that the Guardians are about to embark on their biggest story yet with the upcoming Grootfall storyline. While not much information has been given yet regarding what the story will entail, a small preview hinted that one of the Guardians will betray the team in an upsetting turn of events. With Groot looking to be at the center of the story based on the arc's title, it's a great idea for fans to get to know his past more before he meets "a tragic fate."
What's sure to make fans of the adorable alien happy is that it's being made with passion for the character. Artist Damian Coucerio states he was "thrilled to be working along with Dan [Abnett] on this origin story for Groot." To him, "Groot is a super fun character to work with," and Abnett "came up with a crazy epic story full of action and fun" that he knows will make the series a hit with fans. Abnett promises that the limited run with be a delight for fans of the Guardians of the Galaxy and Marvel's cosmic lore as it also incorporates "some VERY unexpected Marvel characters" as guest stars.
Groot #1 is expected to hit local comic stores this April from Marvel Comics, just in time for the debut of Grootfall. With the third Guardians of the Galaxy film slated to hit theaters this May and two new comic events featuring the lovable space team, 2023 is surely going to be a big year for Guardians fans. However, Groot is looking to be the rising star of the group as Marvel looks to give the fan-favorite Guardians of the Galaxy member a prequel series that explores his rise as a hero before what could be the group's darkest story yet.
Source: Marvel