1970's Flashback: Rocket Raccoon

Man, I haven't done one of these posts in quite a while!

Rocket Raccoon #1 (May 1985)

The intelligent, anthropomorphic hero “Rocket Raccoon” originally appeared in Marvel Preview #7 (Summer 1976), which was actually a continuation of a science fiction back-up series called “The Sword in the Star”. The story written by Bill Mantlo and illustrated by Keith Giffen, was inspired by the classic Beatles song "Rocky Raccoon”. Rocket Raccoon possesses the normal attributes of an Earth raccoon, including an acute sense of smell, sight, hearing and touch. He is an accomplished star-ship pilot, an excellent marksman with the two laser pistols he carries, as well as having an affinity for heavy weapons. He's also an excellent military tactician and leader.

 He subsequently appeared in The Incredible Hulk #271 (May 1982), and in 1985 he received his own four-issue limited series penciled by Mike Mignola and inked by Al Gordon (with Al Milgrom). He later appeared in three issues of "She-Hulk" in 1992, after which Rocket Raccoon was not seen again until 2007's “Annihilation: Conquest” event and its eventual spin-off series, a reboot of Guardians of the Galaxy, where he remained a regular member of the team until the title was canceled in 2010. After that, Rocket appeared in the follow-up limited series The Thanos Imperative. Along with fellow Guardian Groot, Rocket Raccoon starred in backup features in Annihilators #1-4 (Mar-Jun 2011) and Annihilators: Earthfall #1-4 (Sept-Dec 2011).