Groot #1: Come for the Adorable Tree Baby, Stay for Private Mar-vell!

Baby Groot is back! If Baby Groot was your favorite part of the second Guardians of the Galaxy movie, then you are in for a treat. He’s here and adorable, but…this issue is really the origin story of Captain Marvel (Mar-vell) of the Kree. Our Private Mar-vell, in true origin story fashion, begins his Kree military career as a brash, reckless, and empathetic screw-up. All of the qualities are eventually tempered by the burdens of leadership. When he discovers baby Groot abandoned in a world recently ravaged by a mysterious raiding faction, it’s rewarding to see his nobler instincts kick in and as he defies the wishes of his superiors to see the little guy home. Marvel continuity enthusiasts will enjoy experiencing the humble origins of the eventual intergalactic war hero and champion. Cosmic Marvel is writer Dan Abnett’s domain, and if you loved his writing in Annihilation and Nova (not to mention Guardians of the Galaxy), this is the book for you.

If you were worried that Groot #1 is a cash grab slated to coincide with the impending movie release, then have no fear. This story combines zany sci-fi (think chainsaw dinosaurs!) with subtle but emotional character moments that will charm fans of this cosmic facet of the Marvel Universe.

Domain Couceiro’s artwork is always highly detailed and meticulously crafted – focusing on dynamic action scenes and intricate panel layouts that draw the reader’s eye across the page. This can be a rarity these days when many superhero comics seem rushed with sparse panel backgrounds. In Groot #1, you’ll appreciate how his strong sense of composition and use of perspective and foreshortening create a sense of depth and movement in this issue. Even when drawing chainsaw dinosaurs and tree babies – his characters are always highly expressive, with a range of emotions conveyed through their facial expressions and body language that supports the narrative. 

Special mention must be made of Lee Garbett’s cover for Groot #1. It’s poster-worthy and exciting in a way that will grab new fans who are nervously stepping into their local comic book store because they enjoyed the most recent MCU film.