It’s poised to be a big year for Marvel Comics’ cosmic super team the Guardians of the Galaxy, with a sequel to their 2014 blockbuster hitting theaters in May. But it wasn’t that long ago that Guardians of the Galaxy was just a comic book with a small and loyal cult following, known only to hardcore fans. Originally created back in 1969, the first iteration of the Guardians was set in the 30th century, a kind of answer from Marvel to DC Comics‘ own future team, the Legion of Super-Heroes.
This version of the team made sporadic appearances in the ’70s and ’80s, and finally they received their own ongoing series in the ’90s for five years. In 2008, Marvel decided to revive the name Guardians of the Galaxy as a modern day spacefaring team of misfits, made up of an oddball assortment of their various cosmic characters, many of whom hadn’t had a high profile in decades. This was the version of the team that became a hit — and ultimately spawned the movie version that made Star-Lord, Groot, Rocket, Drax, and Gamora household names.
Just in time to celebrate the release of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 2, publisher Insight Editions is releasing Guardians of the Galaxy: Creating Marvel’s Spacefaring Super Heroes -The Complete Comics History, from Eisner-award nominated writer Marc Sumerak. The new deluxe hardover book delves into the creation and evolution of the Guardians through exclusive interviews with the writers and artists who have brought them to life over the years.
Filled with incredible art from nearly fifty years of comics, this deluxe art book reveals the secrets behind the genesis of fan-favorite characters like Star-Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot. The book comes complete with a specially commissioned cover illustration by artist Dale Keown, and this comprehensive collection takes fans on a dynamic journey into the creation of the greatest art from five decades of Guardians of the Galaxy comics.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Creating Marvel’s Spacefaring Super Heroes – The Complete Comics History hit stores on April 4, and you can pre-order your copy on Amazon now. To seen an exclusive preview of several pages from the book, be sure to take a peek at our gallery below.
Are you a big Guardians of the Galaxy fan? Let us know your thought’s on Marvel’s #1 cosmic team in the comments below.
Images: Insight Editions / Marvel Comics
