In a shocking decision, Drax the Destroyer has quit the Guardians of the Galaxy, a team he's been a part of since the group was formed by Star-Lord in 2008. Since Dave Bautista debuted as the character in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, Drax's association with the brand has grown even stronger. As for what Drax will do now, it appears that Marvel is bringing Drax back to familiar territory by making him the protector of the Power Stone, a role he filled in the 1990s as a member of Adam Warlock's Infinity Watch.

Still under the leadership of Star-Lord, the Guardians have a mostly traditional roster, consisting of longtime members such as Rocket Raccoon, Drax, Gamora, and Groot. A change to the team was made when Scott Lang, the current Ant-Man, left Earth to join the group. The latest storyline has seen the Guardians join the Nova Corps to work undercover. Also, Star-Lord has discovered an Infinity Stone, opening the door for the Guardians to get involved in Marvel's next big event, Infinity Countdown.

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In the final issue of the series, Guardians of the Galaxy #150, we see the end of the current storyline as the Guardians wrap up their mission with the Nova Corps. Before they can leave, Drax shocks his teammates with the declaration that he "cannot continue on this journey". Drax doesn't offer the Guardians much of an explanation for his decision. Later, Star-Lord takes Drax to a planet where he can live a quiet life. Star-Lord shows Drax a giant Power Stone, which he has kept secret from the other Guardians. Star-Lord selects Drax to become its protector.

After Star-Lord leaves, Drax seems at peace now that he doesn't have to kill anyone to protect his friends. Drax believes that he's in charge of a treasure that no one is looking for, completely unaware that its location was just sold to Ultron, the Skrulls, and the Chitauri.

Drax's new job is reminiscent of Adam Warlock and the Infinity Watch, a comic book series which saw Warlock entrust Drax, Moondragon, Gamora, Thanos, and Pip the Troll with the Infinity Gems. Drax was given the Power Gem.

Also in Guardians of the Galaxy #150, Adam Warlock made his long-awaited return after emerging from a cocoon while being observed by Kang the Conqueror. Warlock's return combined with Drax's new role could lead fans to believe that Marvel is preparing to reunite the Infinity Watch.

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Guardians of the Galaxy #150 is on sale now.

Source: Marvel