Rocket Raccoon Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring Rocket Raccoon throughout Marvel Comics. It does not encompass every one of his appearances, but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Jump to: Bronze Age – Modern Age – Marvel NOW!

Bronze Age

These comics detail the first appearances of the Rocket Racoon character. They detail his initial origin and establish his connection to Halfworld, a connection that remains present in many of his future comic appearances. However, many of the facts introduced here are retconned or altered in subsequent comics .

Despite these retcons, many elements from this prototype Star-Lord would go on to influence the modern version of the character. This includes his signature weapon, elements from his costume, and pieces of his history. For these reasons, reading about this version of the character can give fans a better picture of the modern version of the character.

Rocket Raccoon issues are from the Vol. 1 series

Modern Age

Rocket Raccoon makes his first appearances in the Modern Age through the Annihilation: Conquest series and its tie-in chapters (Reading Order). Through this series, he befriends the Guardians of the Galaxy and goes on to have adventures with them in their solo series. Specifically, Rocket ends up making good friends with Groot (Reading Order).

Later on, more direct attention is placed on Rocket Raccoon as a solo character. In the backup chapters of the Annihilators and Annihilators: Earthfall series, Rocket's origin story is explored once again. This is where elements of his past are retconned and altered, establishing a new origin for his character.

Guardians of the Galaxy issues are from the Vol. 2 series

Notes

1. Rocket only has a small role in this comic so it can be skipped if necessary.
2. Only the backup chapters from these issues have appearances from Rocket Raccoon.

Marvel NOW!

Rocket Raccoon's adventures in this era are a direct continuation of his adventures from the previous era. They pick up the story of his character right where it left off and start out by immediately reuniting him with the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Once again, most of Rocket's appearances here are in conjunction with the adventures of the Guardians of the Galaxy. However, later on, he appears in a few comics that have a more specific focus on him as an individual. This leads to him sharing the spotlight in some of Groot's (Reading Order) adventures and even headlining his own comic series.

Avengers Assemble issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Guardians of the Galaxy issues are from the Vol. 3 series
Nova issues are from the Vol. 5 series
All-New X-Men issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Captain Marvel issues are from the Vol. 8 series
Rocket Raccoon issues are from the Vol. 2 series

Notes

1. Rocket and the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy are reintroduced through this series. However, their roles in this comic are rather minor and do not contribute much to their individual stories.
2. Rocket Raccoon ends up playing a supporting role in a couple issues from the Nova series. They do not enhance his character much but do show that he has the potential to make new friends on his own.
3. Rocket and the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy have a rather minor role in these issues. However, it helps establish their relationship with Captain Marvel.
4. Once again, Rocket ends up playing a supporting role in a couple issues from the Nova series. They do not enhance his character much but do show a couple of interesting moments.
5. This issue is not essential to Rocket's character but it does delve into his emotions in a way that may be worthwhile for some readers.
6. These issues explain how Rocket and the rest of the Guardians made it through the Secret Wars (Review) event. However, the continuity altering impacts of Secret Wars makes these issues unnecessary to read.

All Marvel Comics Reading Orders