Graphic Novel Review: Rocket Raccoon and Groot: Civil War II

ROCKET RACCOON AND GROOT continue their galactic gallivanting in this second collection! A murderer’s row of hilarious writers and artists put Marvel’s two favorite space cases through a cosmic crash course in comedic cacophony. No gun is too big, no Groot is too Groot, and no planet is safe!

(Panini Books)

Less of a Civil War II crossover than you might expect given the title, and instead another offering of the irreverent and amusing adventures of the alien tree and the gun-toting rodent from the Guardians of the Galaxy.

The success of the Guardians franchise has spawned assorted solo spin-off series of varying degrees of quality, but unquestionably this is the best of the bunch, knocking spots off anything Brian Michael Bendis produces in every way, shape and form.

After allying with Captain Marvel’s forces in the divisive second superhero Civil War, Rocket and Groot volunteer to help foil the theft of a vast quantity of baby powder, aware that it can be used as fuel for a particularly rubbish model of spaceship. Their mission brings them to darkest Georgia for an encounter with an alien refugee in hiding, a genetically warped madman intent on revenge, and the unbelievable Gwenpool!

Yes, Gwen Poole’s costumed alter ego joins the fray, one of the more madcap Marvel creations of recent years, and a character who works perfectly alongside the Rocket-Groot double act. Gwen boasts an in-depth knowledge of the Marvel Universe, believing it to be a fictional entity, and took advantage of her understanding of comic book logic to create her own costumed identity as a violent mercenary out to make a few bucks.

If this all sounds pretty insane, then that’s only half the story. This is a romp, make no mistakes, but in between the explosions, action and comedy are some heartfelt scenes of perfectly observed characterisation, some laugh-out-loud post-modern observational critiques, and more plot and narrative structure than you would find in every Avengers, X-Men and Guardians books Bendis has scripted.

Having had a bit of a “meh” feeling towards the earlier Rocket Raccoon solo run and a warm and fuzzy glow about the Groot book, I am shouting from the rooftops about just how good their combined series is, so make sure you pick up a flarking copy!