Warning: SPOILERS for Guardians of the Galaxy #3
If Marvel fans were shocked to see a whole new crew replace the Guardians of the Galaxy, we can’t wait to see how they react to the news that Star-Lord has been removed as Captain, and leader of the team. And his replacement is the last person we expected… actually, it’s the last person we ever dreamed possible.
When the news first broke that Marvel was rebooting the Guardians of the Galaxy, it seemed a useful twist of fate, since the fate of the Guardians movies (and their director) seemed uncertain. In the end, things worked out for both sides: the new roster of Guardians heroes are filled with fan-favorites, and James Gunn will direct Guardians 3 after all. But if it seemed like a shake-up of this scale was going to need to claim at least one casualty, that day has arrived. Deemed unfit to lead the Guardians on their new mission, Peter Quill has been replaced… making Groot the team’s new leader. It’s about time.
- This Page: Star-Lord Isn’t Fit To Lead (Can You Blame Him?) Page 2: Groot is Named The Guardians’ New Leader
Star-Lord’s New Enemy: Alcohol & Depression
Comic fans already know they’re more likely to see alcoholism and addiction dealt with in the pages of Marvel Comics (Iron Man’s planned, then scrapped bout with alcoholism proved that). But when Guardians of the Galaxy #1 begins, Star-Lord gave the impression of being the only remaining Guardian who survived the Infinity Wars event unscathed. Sure, he had been murdered by Gamora, the woman he loved, then brought back to life to see her defeated and scattered to an unknown corner of the universe. But at least he wasn’t going full punk rock like Groot.
However, the second issue of the rebooted series revealed the truth about his coping methods. Seeing Peter Quill drunk-dialing his old flame Kitty Pryde is good for a chuckle or two… but Kitty isn’t laughing, instead seeing his reliance on alcohol as a problem he needs to address. When the rest of Marvel’s cosmic characters united to form their own team of ‘Dark Guardians’ to hunt Gamora down and kill her, the pressure mounted even further, since Peter and his new Guardians are now Gamora’s best chance at survival. It’s more than any ex-boyfriend should ever have to deal with–which is why Peter hasn’t, dragging his feet instead.
But when your crew consists of killer cosmic warriors and mighty God-like champions, sitting and doing nothing can only go on for so long. So in Guardians of the Galaxy #3, the crew is finally forced to act. They won’t stand by and let Gamora be killed by outlaws in the name of cosmic crime prevention. The new Guardians need a leader who will act. A leader who isn’t drowning in his guilt, trauma, or the drink. A leader who is ready.
A leader who is… Groot? You better believe it.
Page 2 of 2: Groot Becomes Leader of The Guardians of the Galaxy
Groot is Named The Guardians’ New Leader
It truly is a glorious day in the Marvel Universe, as it was always destined to be when Groot finally received the long overdue recognition from his teammates. And while those teammates in question may be completely different now, their unanimous approval and support for ‘Captain Groot, leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy’ proves they have their priorities straight.
Being selected to lead by Gamora, Drax, or Rocket Raccoon may come with a few caveats, considering how questionable their tastes and sensibilities have been over the years. But to be chosen as a fitting commander by Phylla-Vel (daughter of Mar-Vell, and a former Captain Marvel), Moondragon (daughter of Drax), and even the fan-favorite cosmic champion Beta Ray Bill, an honorary Asgardian blessed by Odin himself… well, it’s obviously more of an honor than humble Groot would ever let on. Even if both he and Peter Quill have their reasons to keep their distance from both Gamora and Rocket Raccoon, it’s only Groot who is willing to do what it takes. Although that might be his new punk rock cynicism at work… it’s hard to tell for sure.
Will Captain Groot Lead The Guardians To Victory?
Before fans get to celebrating too much, we should offer the larger context, since Captain Groot is going to be the last person using this promotion as a cause for patting himself on the back. After all, he has been named the new captain and leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy so that the team can actually do something to save Gamora. A move that may end up being a mistake: if the master plan to resurrect Thanos on a new body is more than just a last laugh, and if Gamora actually IS the vessel he has chosen, then Groot and his Guardians are wagering millions of lives that ‘helping their friend’ won’t also doom the galaxy. If they are wrong, then Groot may not only be remembered as the last leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy… but the one that got them all killed.
Since this is the world of comic books we’re talking about, the odds are certainly in Groot’s favor. But even if his Guardians manage to intercept Starfox and his Dark Guardians before they can kill Gamora, and even if Star-Lord finds the guts to fight as part of the team, words aren’t likely to end their standoff. Even with the comic book version of Groot able to speak intelligently, and even with his way more intimidating spiked shoulders and mohawk, he may end up realizing that Star-Lord’s breaking point was a long time coming. It ain’t easy being the captain when you’ve got the Guardians to lead.
Guardians of the Galaxy #3 is available now from your local comic shop, and directly from Marvel Comics.
