Definitely dated, but still entertaining. ( )

Rocket Raccoon has always been my favorite under-utilized Marvel character. He had a four issue mini-seires in the 80s and that was about it. I'm so glad he's had a chance for a revival through the new Guardians of the Galaxy series and upcoming movie.

This hardcover collection includes his very first appearance from The Incredible Hulk #271, the aforementioned four issue series, and his appearance in a Marvel Premiere back-up story that I'd never read before (and, as it turns out, ties heavily into the origins of Marvel's Microverse). Also, I now know why Marvel vs. Capcom cast him as British. His dialogue in the Sword in the Star storyline is very Brit. ("old bean," "I say!"), but that's the only place this ever happened.

What I like about Rocket is that the storylines are completely mental. He lives in a world inhabited by robots, other anthropomorphic animals such as himself, and human lunatics. His job is to protect the lunatics, known as "Loonies" and keep them entertained. Meanwhile, he's got to deal with a mad mole named Judson Jakes who wants to control the toy market to the Loonies and is constantly trying to destroy Rocket and friends with his deadly Killer Clowns and hired mercenary Blackjack O'Hare and his Black Bunny Brigade.

The whole thing is completely mental, but absolutely brilliant.

Also, the mini-series features some great early pencil work from Mike Mignola. Always interesting to see an artist's work before his signature style comes through.

If you want to know a little more about Rocket Raccoon before the GotG movie comes out, this is a great introductory collection for you. ( )