Dan Abnett Talks 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' Mobile Game

After a couple years of focusing on non-comics work -- novels and screenplays -- Dan Abnett is returning to write some of the characters that rocketed him and writing partner Andy Lanning into the comics stratosphere a few years ago, the Guardians of the Galaxy, with the new Guardians 3000 series, which comes out in October.

Before that, though, Abnett has another Guardians-themed project coming out. He co-wrote the new mobile game from Disney Interactive, titled Guardians of the Galaxy: The Universal Weapon, and it's more than just a movie tie-in. He told ArcadeSushi, "What we didn't want to do was create a game that tied so tightly to the movie that they strangled each other. The movie has its own story and the game has its own story."

Here are some more highlights from his interview, about the mobile game and more.

On Rocket Raccoon's voice:

"In my head for years, Rocket Raccoon did not have Bradley Cooper’s voice. My Rocket was always inspired by the Beatles’ song 'Rocky Raccoon,' and therefore assumed he should have a Liverpoolian accent. He talked a bit like Ringo Starr in my head, and then I realized that was wrong." [Editor's note: He means Liverpudlian accent.]

On the appeal of the mobile game:

"I hope that there is a surprisingly strong character and personality component, that it’s not just a simple exercise in game dynamics. I hope the characters are interesting and compelling, and most of all, funny. I want this to be a game that makes people laugh with some of the wise cracks."

On the characters taking on a life of their own:

"Guardians in any format have a sort of continuity, a place where all the stories should fit together, but they are now breaking out. You can take these characters and just tell a great story with them. People aren't going to worry exactly how it fits from one thing to the other."

On telling a story in a mobile game:

"Instead of trying to hit five beats, we strived to hit the one that really matters, to bound the story along, and also, to keep players locked into who these people are and why they’re doing what they’re doing. To see his expertise in keeping that focused, that was a huge pleasure. As a result, the game is fast-paced, it moves ahead, but there are character moments all the way through."

Guardians of the Galaxy: The Universal Weapon is available now for $4.99 on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.

Abnett has also written a new novel starring Rocket Raccoon and Groot titled, Rocket Raccon and Groot: Steal the Universe! It's also available now.

Guardians of the Galaxy hits theaters Aug. 1.

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.