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Guardians of the Galaxy
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Creation & Design

The Guardians of the Galaxy were created by Arnold Drake and Gene Colan, first appearing in 1969. The modern iteration was redefined by writer Dan Abnett and artist Andy Lanning in the mid-2000s.

Early Years

Initially, the Guardians were a team of heroes from the 31st century. The modern team, consisting of Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot, was formed to protect the galaxy from various threats.

Character Development

Over the years, the Guardians have evolved from a lesser-known team to a prominent part of the Marvel Universe, gaining popularity through comics, animated series, and blockbuster films.

Cultural Reception

The Guardians of the Galaxy have received critical acclaim for their humor, character development, and unique blend of science fiction and adventure.

Character Details

Real Name:
Various
First Appearance:
Tales to Astonish #13
Aliases:
Guardians, GOTG
Species:
Human, Alien, etc.
Gender:
varies
Affiliations:
Avengers, Nova Corps, Annihilators
Abilities:
Superhuman strength, Flight, Energy manipulation, Advanced technology
Equipment:
Spaceships, Weapons, Advanced suits
Weight:
N/A
Height:
6' 10"
Eye Color:
varies
Hair Color:
varies

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Tales to Astonish #13
Marvel ⋅ 1960
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Tales to Astonish #13
 
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Key Facts

1st appearance of Groot, an alien resembling a tree

Marvel Super-Heroes #18
Marvel ⋅ 1969
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Marvel Super-Heroes #18
 
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$50
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$225
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$850

Key Facts

1st team appearance and origin of the Guardians of the Galaxy

1st appearance of Major Vance Astro

1st appearance of Charlie-27

1st appearance of Martinex

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1st appearance of Yondu

Where Monsters Dwell #6
Marvel ⋅ 1970
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Where Monsters Dwell #6
 
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$9
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$25
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Key Facts

Reprint of Tales to Astonish #13, the first appearance of Groot

Marvel Two-In-One #5
Marvel ⋅ 1974
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Marvel Two-In-One #5
 
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$3
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$9
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$30

Key Facts

2nd team appearance of the Guardians of the Galaxy

First meeting of Captain America and the Guardians of the Galaxy

Astonishing Tales #29
Marvel ⋅ 1975
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Astonishing Tales #29
 
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Key Facts

First reprint of the first team appearance of the Guardians of the Galaxy

Giant-Size Defenders #5
Marvel ⋅ 1975
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Giant-Size Defenders #5
 
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Key Facts

3rd team appearance of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Vance Astro aka Major Victory, Charlie-27, Yondu, Martinex

1st appearance of Vance Astrovik, a younger version of the character known as Vance Astro

Later, this version of Vance Astro takes on the codename Marvel Boy with the New Warriors and then takes the name Justice

Marvel Preview #4
Curtis ⋅ 1976
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Marvel Preview #4
 
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$150
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Key Facts

1st appearance of Star-Lord in a magazine

See: Marvel Spotlight Vol. 2 #6 for Star-Lord's first appearance in a standard comic book

1st appearance of Ragnar, Master of the Sun

1st appearance of Prince Wayfinder, later created the Microverse

Marvel Presents #3
Marvel ⋅ 1976
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Marvel Presents #3
 
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$8
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$30

Key Facts

Solo stories begin featuring the Guardians of the Galaxy

Marvel Preview #7
Curtis ⋅ 1976
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Marvel Preview #7
 
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$35
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1st appearance of Rocky Raccoon, later renamed Rocket Raccoon

Avengers, The #167
Marvel ⋅ 1978
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Avengers, The #167
 
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Key Facts

First meeting of the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy

1st appearance of Carina Tivan, daughter of the Collector

Debut of Wonder Man without costume, in red coat

Marvel Team-Up #86
Marvel ⋅ 1979
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Marvel Team-Up #86
 
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Key Facts

First team-up of Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man

Guardians of the Galaxy #1
Marvel ⋅ 1990
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Guardians of the Galaxy #1
 
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$5
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$15

Key Facts

1st team appearance of new Guardians of the Galaxy: Aleta, Charlie-27, Martinex, Nikki, Starhawk and Vance Astro

1st appearance of Taserface

1st appearance of the Stark

Guardians of the Galaxy #1
Marvel ⋅ 2008
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Guardians of the Galaxy #1
 
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$3
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$9
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Key Facts

Origin of the Guardians of the Galaxy, led by Star-Lord: Rocket Raccoon, Quasar, Adam Warlock, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer and Groot who are first introduced as a team in Annihilation Conquest #6

Annihilation: Conquest #6
Marvel ⋅ 2008
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Annihilation: Conquest #6
 
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Key Facts

1st team appearance of the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Quasar, Adam Warlock, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer and Groot

Guardians of the Galaxy #1
Marvel ⋅ 2019
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Guardians of the Galaxy #1
 
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Key Facts

1st appearance of the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Star-Lord, Cosmic Ghost Rider, Phyla-Vell, Moondragon, Beta Ray Bill and Groot

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