Rocket Raccoon: Rocket Rewind #1 – Fun, Chaos, and Growth

What better way to celebrate fifty years of Marvel’s favorite high-octane lab experiment? Rocket Raccoon: Rocket Rewind #1 serves as a wildly entertaining and affectionate tribute to a character who, over time, has evolved from an obscure cosmic character to a household name. This giant-sized anniversary one-shot honors the entire bizarre spectrum of his history. The anthology serves as a victory lap for long-time readers and an accessible and high-energy read for new readers of why the galaxy’s most cantankerous Guardian still holds a place in readers’ hearts.

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn!

Creative Team

Writers: Bill Mantlo, Christo Gage, J.M. DeMatteis, MacKenzie Cadenhead
Artists: Enid Balám, Keith Giffen, Shawn McManus
Color Artist: Guru-eFX
Letterer: Cory Petit
Cover Artist: Ryan Stegman
Cover Color Artist: Arthur Hesli

Writing

The Fight In The Raccoon

Christos Gage opens the issue on a hilarious and chaotic note, featuring Rocket pairing up with Hank Pym. The result is a story featuring space dragons, Rocket changing size, and relentless bravado.

Boomshakalaka

Mackenzie Cadenhead hops right in, delivering a slick, fast-talking heist story to offset the chaos of Gage’s story. She sees Rocket in circumstances he’s not normally used to, but utilizing his mercenary instincts to keep on his toes. The comedy in this one hits just right with unexpected rivals from days past making appearances.

The Sword In The Star (Framing Story)

This short story functions as a sort of connective tissue narratively for the story. It’s a sort of meta-commentary with Rocket getting to see his own first appearance. The result is chaos and a fight between foes you would never expect. J.M. DeMatteis manages to capture sharp comedic timing with an underlying warmth in this one.

The Sword In the Star ( WitchWorld)

This story reproduces the historic 1976 backup feature from Marvel Preview #7 by Bill Mantlo. It provides a fascinating historical lens and a look at classic “Rocky” Raccoon. The story provides a keen look at where the character began providing a stark contrast for how far in these 50 years the character has come.

Art

The Fight In The Raccoon

Todd Nauck goes outside of his normal range for this one and leans on some line heavy and kinetic style art to really sell the chaos of the story. Combined with Rachelle Rosenberg’s vivid colors, the action sequences really hit and pop off the page.

Boomshakalaka

Enid Balám does such a beautiful job of creating expressive characters in this story. The dynamic layouts of the panels give the story an animated, if not cartoony kinda vibe. The colors from Fer Sifuentes-Sujo help carry the vibe forward meshing it with the story. The vibe however works perfectly, suiting Rocket’s chaotic growth impeccably.

The Sword In The Star (Framing Story)

Shawn McManus really helps establish the meta commentary in this story. The colors and the art really bring out a warmth to the character in the story. McManus and Luis Guerrero really help sell the evolution of the character through the art and colors.

The Sword in The Star: Witchworld

The legendary Keith Giffen really stepped up on this story. The linework feels pulled straight from the veins of Kirby, making it a real treat to behold. Giffen’s artwork and lines serve as a great look for fans both new and old of where the character’s long journey began.

Final Thoughts

Rocket Raccoon: Rocket Rewind #1 is everything an anniversary special for a character ought to be. It’s fun, chaotic, varied, and deeply respectful of both the roots and the growth of the character. The story closes with a beautiful, heartfelt editorial from Mark Paniccia to Keith Giffen, making this a must-have pickup for Guardians fans.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Did you know Rocket was fifty years old? Let me know in the comments