Review: Groot #1 (of 4)

Before I sat down to read issue 1 of the new mini-series ‘Groot’, I hadn’t read any other Guardians of the Galaxy stories. So, the full extent of my knowledge of their alien, sentient Tree team member came from the mega-hit Guardians of the Galaxy movie trilogy. And, apart from some clever use of Groot’s regenerative ability and knack for growing his tress limbs into nifty weapons, the lovable and strangely enigmatic alien tree made his way through the trilogy without receiving too much character development or taking up much screen time. Like Chewbacca in the Star Wars franchise, Groot provides quiet animal energy amidst a cast of super serious heroes and wisecracking space pirates, occasionally providing his unique woodland powers to save the day in several crucial moments. But the trait that seems to have endeared him so well with the big screen audience is that his entire vocabulary is made up of three words, used in all forms of verbal communication, ‘I am Groot’.

But as lovable of a character as he is. For those of us who only know Groot from the big screen or have limited experience reading him in the comics, we’re left asking who exactly is Groot?’

If anyone’s able to answer the question, it’s Dan Annett.

Abnett has already spent a good chunk of his career writing Guardians of the Galaxy in legendary epics such as the Annihilation series. His familiarity and clear affection for the character shines through this neat and pleasing story as he sets off a series that promises to explore Groot’s origins. The opening issue begins at Groots home on Planet X, where we see the child-age Groot with his fellow tree children friends, living the good life in the forests. The serenity, however, is quickly shattered by a mysterious force that causes havoc and destruction!

What sets this tale apart from the other recent Groot appearance is that it’s set way, way back in the Marvel timeline. So, removing Groot from the more familiar timeline cast of characters allows the opportunity for this story to go in its own direction and include some classic Marvel charters. And, it’s non-other than the original Captain Marvel’ Mar-Vell’ who swoops in to assist the devastated woodland beings of Planet X and set off the adventure that begins a promising new series.

Before I go any further, I must admit after a lifetime of consuming Sci-Fi stories, seeing Space Rangers, Galactic Patrol, or any form of space-based peacekeeping force involved in a story makes me glaze over slightly. While Abnetts script provides all the usual back-and-forth posturing and urgent messages to star command that comes with this trope, he does an excellent job of slowly building up towards a pleasing clash of worlds as ‘Mar-Vell’ meets the elemental young twig, and the adventure gets going.

The action paces out well, and the dialogue creates the atmosphere of a cool cop drama as the Kree investigate the threat against Planet X and ‘Mar-Vell’ sets his sight on helping Groot and co. Abnetts storytelling and scripting are on point throughout the issue, he even manages to get some fresh gags out of the Groot’s limited range of vocabulary. Overall, the story is nothing new but keeps you turning the pages. Most importantly, Groot is re-established as a fully-fledged solo character in the Marvel roster.

The art’s classic feel makes ‘Mar-Vell’ and the rest of the Kree military officers and fleet look like suave Silver Age heroes. The child-age Groot, his crew and Planet X are drawn with real tenderness and the colours tie everything together beautifully.

With Guardians of the Galaxy 3 currently getting rave reviews and box office success, this story will satisfy anyone who wants to dig deeper into Groot’s background. Groot #1 is a fun, warm-hearted opening issue to a series that promises to be a critical development to the Guardians of The Galaxy and their corner of the Marvel Universe. And, as with all things Groot, it’s another example of how heroes come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes, when it comes to the words they use, less is more.

Writing – 4.5 Stars
Art – 4.5 Stars
Colors – 4 Stars

Overall -4.5 Stars

Writer; Dan Abnett
Artist; Damian Couceiro
Colors; Matt Milla
Published by; Marvel Worldwide Inc.