With the success of the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, and the popularity of Rocket Racoon and Groot shooting through the roof, it was only a matter of time before one of them got their own comic. Rocket has hit it big and now it’s Groot’s time to shine in his all new ongoing. But can a comic where the title character only says three words work? I am Groot!
Writer: Jeff Loveness
Artist: Brian Kesinger
Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
Editor: Devin Lewis
Publisher: Marvel
Cover Price: $3.99
Previously in Groot: I am Groot. I am Groot. I am Groot!? I. Am. Grooooot!!
PLANES, TRAINS AND SPACE SHARKS
I was a little skeptical about a Groot ongoing. How can you write a comic starring a talking tree who only says “I am Groot”? That question will have to go unanswered for now because this issue is a travel buddy comedy, like Planes, Trains and Automobiles, with Rocket and Groot hitchhiking their way to Earth. While I was a bit let down to see Rocket in another book, that quickly subsided once the space sharks appeared. This issue is plain goofy fun and I had a blast reading it. Groot and Rocket bounce from situation to situation trying to make it to Earth in one piece because Groot may have a girlfriend there. Jeff Loveness writes the two friends very well and the humor that spins out of the their interactions is great. There isn’t a joke in the book that doesn’t hit at least a little and it’s light-hearted fun all around. The shining moment comes when a father and mother are about to send their son into space as their planet is being destroyed. The father speaks about how the child will be hope for the people of Earth (sound familiar?). His speech is interrupted by Rocket and Groot stealing the ship the boy is to be sent off in. I nearly died. It’s silly humor but it’s just the kind of fun I want to see from a book starring Groot and Rocket and is a nice change of pace from all the seriousness that is on the racks. My only complaint is that Rocket steals the show from Groot a bit. With Rocket already starring in his own series I would have liked more of Groot front and center. Luckily, the ending suggests this may be the case and Groot will get more of the spotlight.
SATURDAY MORNING FUN
Brian Kesinger’s art looks like it jumped right off the TV from a wonderfully animated Saturday morning cartoon. Like the story’s tone, the art has a light, whimsical nature to it and even when there is a shootout, it still is fun. The facial expressions he puts on Rocket and Groot are perfect and really add to the humor. If seeing Groot’s smiling, happy face doesn’t make you grin, wel I’m sorry, you must be a miserable person. There are some great visual gags, like Groot riding on the back of a tiny space bike, towering over Rocket while he drives. Combined with the bright coloring, it all comes together and really makes a book that adults and kids can enjoy.
BOTTOM LINE: FUN NEW TITLE AWAY FROM SECRET WARS
Groot #1 is a hilariously fun comic and a nice getaway from all the Secret Wars tie-ins that Marvel is chugging out. Jeff Loveness and Brian Kesinger craft an enjoyable story that is suitable for Groot fans of all ages. While Rocket may steal some of the show, there is no doubt that Groot will have his moment int the sun. I’m really happy I gave this a shot and highly suggest this for anyone wanting to have a good time. I can’t wait to read this with my kid.
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