After five years of working on Marvel's adaptations of Frank L. Baum's Oz books, Skottie Young is jumping back into the Marvel Universe feet-first with a new series about a character who's primed to become a breakout movie star, Rocket Raccoon.

Young has been working on the series for months now, so he isn't basing his version of the character on the one that will be appearing in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie coming to theaters in August. But Young says the version in his comic, the first issue of which will hit stands July 2, is pretty well in line with the Rocket Raccoon people have seen in the trailer.

Here's what he told MTV News about his take:

Even though it was just a sliver of Rocket [in the trailer], I couldn't wait to work on this guy even more. I think it's going to have a connection to that nostalgic feeling for Looney Tunes, that old animated flavor where everything wasn't squeaky clean, you know? Daffy Duck would get his bill blasted off with double barrel shotguns... That's what I grew up watching, and being able to play around with that in this hyper-superhero intergalactic universe will be a lot of fun.

Though the new title is named for Rocket, he's not the only Guardians of the Galaxy character who will be a regular. Rocket's tree-bodied companion Groot will be along for the ride, occasionally participating in intergalactic MMA bouts, Young said.

Young doesn't have any plans for an immediate crossover with the regular Guardians of the Galaxy title just yet, though he said it's possible he and Brian Michael Bendis, the writer of that title, could team up for a story in the future.

Here's the solicit for Rocket Racoon #1:

Rocket Raccoon
Written & drawn by Skottie Young

As defenders of the cosmos go, Rocket Raccoon has faced his fair share of galactic battles. He's been a hero to the weak, a champion of good, a protector of the innocent, a heartthrob to the many intergalactic female species and now--a raccoon on the run?! ( I'm sorry, I'm sorry, a "formidable-and-expert-Guardian" on the run. Rocket is NOT a raccoon, okay?) Rocket's high-flying life of adventure and heroism may soon be a thing of the past when he becomes a wanted man--and the authorities are not the only one on his TAIL! (We'll definitely be overusing that pun!) Superstar creator Skottie Young brings his A-game as writer and artist on the series we've been waiting decades for.

 

 

Rocket_Raccoon_1_Cover
loading...
Rocket_Raccoon_1_BW_Preview_1
loading...
Rocket_Raccoon_1_BW_Preview_2
loading...
Rocket_Raccoon_1_BW_Preview_3
loading...

 

About Rocket Racoon Co-Creator Bill Mantlo

If you enjoy the Guardians of the Galaxy comic books and plan to see the movie, consider making a donation to the continued healthcare costs of disabled Rocket Raccoon co-creator Bill Mantlo, whose insurance provides only the most minimal level of care for someone with his needs. You can read more about Mr. Mantlo’s life and plight in this in-depth article by Bill Coffin.

Mantlo is just one of numerous veteran comic book creators in need. You can learn more about artists like him and their lives at the Hero Initiative, the comic book industry’s non-profit organization that offers aid to the men and women who created the industry and work which now fuels Hollywood’s biggest success.

 

More From ComicsAlliance