Writer: Matthew Rosenberg
Artist: Jorge Coelho
Colorist: Antonio Fabela
Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
Rocket Raccoon #1 brings us our first look at the character being stuck on Earth, just as Star-Lord is in Star-Lord #1. While the two issues don’t tie together, they have some similarities. Rocket is not thrilled to be on Earth and this issue takes us on a trip with him through New York City. It starts out at Times Square and involves Rocket quickly wearing out his welcome, if you could even call it a “welcome” to begin with.
Matthew Rosenberg adds some classic Rocket dialogue in here. His disgust with the people on Earth is blatantly obvious and the disgust is mutual. While walking down the streets of New York, people call him Squirrel Girl, a hedgehog, a cheap Mickey, skunk-man, and a rat. And that all happens within the first handful of pages. It’s safe to say that if you’re looking for some snarky comments from Rocket, you’ll find them in this comic no problem.
The art by Jorge Coelho and colors by Antonio Fabela provide for an excellent combination. Coelho brings out a focus on Rocket’s facial expressions and it completely pays off. That alone may be reason enough to check out this comic. It’s pure entertainment. Fabela does a good job with the various scenes, especially since most of them take place in some darker and grungier places.
The last few pages of this issue really set up the story arc going forward. We’re left not knowing what to expect and it’s done well enough to make you come back to find out. Guardians of the Galaxy launched these characters into the mainstream and with the characters receiving their own solo issues, it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
Verdict: Check it out. I wouldn’t call this a buy, but it was a fun issue. It wouldn’t hurt to check it out and see if you find it as enjoyable as I do. Rocket Raccoon is entertaining when part of a team, but with no one to boss him around, who knows what will happen in this solo adventure, especially now that he’s on Earth.
