Aragonés created the character of Groo in the late 1970s. However, at that time no comic book company would allow creators to retain the rights to their characters, and Aragonés did not wish to surrender those rights. In 1981, a comic book, "Destroyer Duck" #1, was published by Eclipse Comics as a benefit to raise money for a legal battle over creator rights; a four-page story contributed by Aragonés featured Groo's first published appearance. A few months later, Groo appeared in a two-page preview ad and the back cover art in "Starslayer" #4, published by Pacific Comics. The second Groo story appearance was in a five-page backup story in "Starslayer" #5.