Comic Book Tales Issue 9 - 2 Teams One Name - April 17, 2015

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Guardians of the Galaxy

1) First appearance:

Marvel Super-Heroes #18 (January 1969) created by Arnold Drake and Gene Colan -

Guardians of the Galaxy #1 (May 2008) created by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning -

2) Founding Members

1969 Version

Martinex T'Naga, Captain Charlie-27, Yondu Udonta, Starhawk, Aleta, Nikki and Major Vance Astro

2008 Version

Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Quasar, Adam Warlock, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer and Groot

4) Jumping off point:

1969 Version

Avengers vol 1 #167-177 (Jan-Nov 1978) and #181 (March 1979)

2008 Version

Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol 2: War of Kings, Book 1 -

5) Top Villan:

1969 Version

Badoon were first seen in Silver Surfer vol 1, #2 (October 1968) -

2008 Version

Ronan the Accuser of the Kree first appeared in Fantastic Four #65 (Aug 1967) -

6) Movies like comics:

The Movie is much like the 2008 version of the team. The origin story is changed dramatically and some members are not in the movie, but the premise is close enough to count as comic based.

7) Why I like them:

Both versions were sole survivors of other worlds or civilizations. They are outsiders and represent a feeling of loneliness. The original team was united in their fight against and evil empire (ala WWII fight against the Nazis) whereas it was more of an individual conflict with the newer team. There is a connection with Vance Astro between the two teams, but for all intents and purposes these are two completely different teams. They had different goals, purposes, members, and timelines. I enjoy both groups for the battles they are willing to step into. Imagine calling yourself the Guardians of the Galaxy. You are a handful of individuals trying to protect a galaxy. This is daunting when you consider that the Avengers are only Earth's Mightiest Heroes. This group has vastly smaller resources to cover a much vaster area. They still fight the good fight and through shared experiences develop at least a grudging relationship. This parallels how most of us work since we have work relationships for a common purpose that may develop into friendship but may still remain just a work relationship. That is the Guardians. They work together, even if they don't always like each other.

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