Last month we put the spotlight on Ed Brubaker, we still have some copies of his amazing Immortal Iron Fist-run, so be sure to check that out! This week, we turn our heads towards the group of loveable intergalactic misfits called the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Before there was Groot, they were freedom fighters...
The first thing you need to know, is that the Guardians of the Galaxy we know and love are in fact not the original Guardians of the Galaxy. The original team was a group of freedom fighters, consisting of a number of individuals who are all the last of their race. The founder members were: Vance Astro (later Major Victory), Charlie-27, Yondu (yes, the arrow-wistling blue Merle from the movie)and Martinex
Originating from the 31st century these Guardians fought a war with the evil Badoon, a reptile-based alien society who had conquered the Sol system and the Alpha Centauri system among others. They were the resistance against the Badoon.
They were created by writer, Arnold Drake, and artist, Gene Colan back in de 60's where they had their first appearance in Marvel Super-Heroes vol 1 #18. After their debut, they had numerous cameos and many popular heroes like Captain America, The Thing and The Defenders fought along with them against the Badoon.
These Guardians first got their solo run in the 90's, written by Jim Valentino and ran for 62 issues before getting canceled. Since the creation of the mainstream Guardians of the Galaxy, their have been no indication of the whereabouts of the members...
How they came to be
The current Guardians of the Galaxy-run is a direct result of Annihilation Conquest where a group was formed to battle intergalactic threats. The team at that time existed of Adam Warlock, Drax the Destroyer, Quasar (Phyla), Gamora, Starlord, Mantis, Groot, and Rocket Raccoon.
During their 2nd mission, they discover a time-displaced Vance Astro in a block of ice. It is because of him coining the term Guardians of the Galaxy, the team of warriors took over the name.
Before we get to the current line-up of Guardians, you need to know that raster of members changed a number of time. During the Thanos Imperative-run Star-Lord and Nova sacrifice theirselves to ensure Thanos doesn't escape the destruction of the Cancer-verse. By miracle Peter Quill survives and is able to return and he continues to lead the Guardians of the Galaxy, at this point the members are the exact same group we know from the movies.
Recommended Reads
It wouldn’t be much of a spotlight if we didn’t help you to easily discover the artist. That is why we selected a handful of comics for you guys to read!
Guardians of the Galaxy: Star-Lord
This softcover collects the origin story of Star-Lord. Starting at his first appearance back in de 60's, we learn all about his mother and how he became an astronaut.
Guardians of the Galaxy by Jim Valentino
The best way to discover the original Guardians of the Galaxy! Get to know the colorful characters while riding along their crazy sci-fi adventures! The Senior Vice President of Publishing at Marvel had the following to say regarding this run. “In 1990, Jim Valentino took a hidden corner of the Marvel Universe that really hadn’t been played with in a while and exploded them into the regular Marvel Universe,” We couldn't agree more!
Guardians of the galaxy by Abnett and Lanning Omnibus
The one omnibus to rule them all! This collects the massively popular Guardians of the Galaxy run by Dan Abnett. It collects the origin of the mainstream Guardians of the Galaxy as well as a part of The Thanos Imperative.
Order this omnibus
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Avengers
The first volume of Brian Michael Bendis' run for the Guardians of the Galaxy. A perfect way for catching up with the intergalactic misfits without the need to read everything from back in the 60's. Also: Iron Man is a temporary member in this run. You know when you put Peter Quill and Tony Stqrk in 1 team, you're gonna strike gold.
Order Cosmic Avengers