GROOT #1
Written by Jeff Loveness
Art by Brian Kesinger
Published by Marvel Comics
Release Date: June 3, 2015

A cute buddy romp with the best duo in the galaxy awaits you in Loveness & Kesinger’s Groot #1.

To be noted: if Groot saying “I AM GROOT” is something that annoys you, this is not the book for you. If, like me, you’ve been charmed by the wonderful phrase “I AM GROOT” since Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning unleashed it upon comic book-dom in their mighty Guardians of the Galaxy run, then this will be one of your favourite books this week.

Loveness taps into what makes the Rocket & Groot relationship work, with Groot’s fantastic outlook on life tempered by Rocket’s cynicism, rage and trigger-happy style. The two characters are dynamic when together, and Rocket acting as Groot’s interpreter is just…right. This first issue is cute as can be, with Loveness telling a story that is somewhat linear, but much more about the characters than the plot. This is a comic about Groot and his good buddy Rocket, and the events within are just plain fun.

Brian Kesinger’s art is a huge star of this issue and his animation style is very well suited to this sort of tale. Groot and Rocket are visually charming, cute as can be, but still pack a wallop. Kesinger’s work is strong and he conveys what Groot is saying well with he drops his signature “I AM GROOT” lines, and at times we don’t even need Rocket as an interpreter. His artwork is, in a word, fun and that’s exactly what this comic is.

Groot #1 is exactly what I want to see in a comic headlined by the best damn tree in comics, and Loveness and Kesinger have a fun issue ready for fans to pick up. This creative team will have fun with this character and this charming comic is definitely worth giving a shot.

The Verdict: 8.0/10