Groot likely has the simplest backstory of any of the modern Guardians of the Galaxy, which makes enjoying Groot comics delightfully straight forward.
Knowing the Groot of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is fascinating to watch the character evolve in Marvel Comics, especially during Groot’s initial appearances in Annihilation: Conquest (that dialogue!).
Below you’ll find a complete reading order for every Marvel Comics fans favorite talking alien tree. Enjoy the comics!
Groot Reading Order
Rocket Raccoon & Groot: The Complete Collection
The best way to get to Groot’s (totally bonkers) true comic book origin is through a shared collection with his blood brother, Rocket Raccoon.
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It’s worth noting that this collection includes a bit more Rocket stories, which makes sense given that Groot essentially goes from “Monster of the Month” during Marvel’s earliest days to full-time Guardians crewmate.
The Rocket and Groot collection also collects their shared backup stories that ran with Marvel’s Annihilators. If you’re going for the true chronology, you’ll want to read these particular stories after Marvel Cosmic Annihilation you read the run through and the Abnett and Lanning Guardians of the Galaxy
.
Collects: Tales to Astonish (1959) #13, Incredible Hulk (1968) 271, Rocket Raccoon 1-4, Marvel Preview 7 (Sword in the Star story ), Annihilators 1-4 (Rocket Raccoon & Groot stories ), Annihilators: Earthfall 1-4 (Rocket Raccoon & Groot stories )
Groot Joins the Guardians of the Galaxy
As mentioned above, Groot joins the Guardians as we know them following Annihilation and the beginning of modern Marvel Cosmic. This modern Marvel Cosmic is particularly fascinating in Groot’s development as a character. If you read Annihilation: Conquest, and in particular the Star-Lord tie-in, you’ll see the modern formation of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and Groots with actual dialogue! He ain’t Groot!
Most readers will want to start with Annihilation, but for pure Groot and the Guardians, I recommend the Abnett and Lanning run.
Guardians of the Galaxy by Abnett & Lanning: The Complete Collection Volume 1
Guardians of the Galaxy by Abnett & Lanning: The Complete Collection Volume 2
Collects: Guardians of the Galaxy #1 to #25
Marvel NOW! Groot
Marvel NOW! finds Groot finally getting his first and only solo series, along with an ongoing series alongside lifelong pal Rocket Raccoon.
You can also complete all of Groot’s appearances with Comic Book Herald’s Guardians of the Galaxy reading order, and the complete Marvel NOW! reading order.
Rocket Raccoon & Groot Vol. 0: Bite and Bark
Collects: Groot #1 to #6, Rocket Raccoon #1 to #11
Rocket Raccoon & Groot Vol. 1: Tricks of the Trade
Collects: Rocket Raccoon #1 to #10
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