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From Trash Panda to Space Mercenary: The Explosive History of Rocket Raccoon

Well hello there, my fellow space cadets! Are you ready for an adventure in the cosmos? Then let's talk about one of the most beloved characters from the Guardians of the Galaxy: Rocket Raccoon.


Now, some of you may be thinking, "A raccoon with guns? How is that even possible?" But trust me, Rocket is more than just a cute and cuddly creature. He's a badass mercenary with a sharp wit and a love for explosives.



Rocket first appeared in Marvel Preview #7 in 1976, created by Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen. He was originally a laboratory experiment, genetically engineered to have human-like intelligence and the ability to talk. But don't let his small size fool you, Rocket is a force to be reckoned with.


One of the defining moments for Rocket was in Annihilation: Conquest - Starlord #1, where he teamed up with Star-Lord and the rest of the Guardians to fight off the Phalanx invasion. Rocket was in charge of the explosives, and he made sure to blow things up with style. He even joked about his love for blowing things up, saying "It's not a party until someone loses a limb!"


Rocket's personality is what makes him stand out from the other members of the Guardians. He's quick-witted and sarcastic, always ready with a snarky remark. In Annihilation: Conquest - Quasar #3, he even managed to outsmart the super intelligent Phalanx by tricking them into thinking he had a self-destruct button.


But Rocket is more than just a smart-mouthed raccoon. He's a loyal friend and a fierce protector. In Rocket Raccoon #5, he risked his own life to save Groot from a group of bounty hunters. And in Guardians of the Galaxy #6, he stood up to the Mad Titan Thanos, even though he knew he didn't stand a chance.


Speaking of Groot, Rocket's best friend and partner in crime, the two have an unbreakable bond. They even had a whole series dedicated to their adventures, appropriately titled "Rocket and Groot." Their friendship is a testament to the power of unlikely partnerships.


So why is Rocket Raccoon such a fan favorite? It's because he embodies the spirit of the Guardians of the Galaxy. He's tough, witty, and never backs down from a fight. But he's also a lovable underdog, someone we can root for even when the odds are against him.

And that's why you should tune into That! Comic Podcast. We're a bunch of lovable underdogs, just like Rocket Raccoon. We love talking about all things comics, from the classics to the new releases. And who knows, maybe we'll have some explosive conversations too. So join us every Wednesday and Friday for new issues, and let's blast off into the cosmos together!


Guardians of the Galaxy vol.3 is in theaters now, so what are you waiting for? Go see it and let's show some love for our favorite space raccoon!

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