Review: ROCKET RACCOON #3

Words and Art:  Skottie Young
Color Art:  Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Lettering:  Jeff Eckleberry
Publisher:  Marvel Comics

Rocket always believed he was the last of his race.  Now there is someone out there in the galaxy that looks exactly like him, committing crimes and murders.  With the help of his best friend Groot and Macho Gomez, they are off to search for answers from a kingpin named Funtzel.  Now if only they can make it to Funtzel in one piece.

Rocket Raccoon #3 interior art

What I Liked

There is so much to love about this series visually.  I’ve said it before, but before now, I was only aware of Skottie Young from his baby variant covers for Marvel.  Seeing him cut loose on a series with double duty (art and writing) has been fun.  Since every character is either an animal or alien, Young’s over-exaggeration of postures is more acceptable.  It really feels like you are reading an actual cartoon.    Colors by Jean-Francois Beaulieu help to accentuate that cartoon-feel.  It takes a lot to fill backgrounds so you feel like the action is taking place in space, and Beaulieu does this masterfully.

The story of Rocket chasing down his doppleganger allows the adventures to jump from location to location.  We get to meet many characters along the way, while keeping with the buddy dynamic of Rocket and Groot.

What I enjoyed the most was Rocket and Funtzel going back and forth.  Each using their best poker face to try and outsmart the other.

What I Didn’t Like

This is a fun series that isn’t tied to any previous continuity.  A new reader can pick it up, understand who Rocket and Groot are, what the goal of the story is, and go from there.  This is what every new series should involve.  While some may look at Rocket as a lovable raccoon and assume this is an all-ages book, there are some PG-13 jokes and innuendo.  Nothing overt, but it is there.  Just something to keep in mind.

Rocket Raccoon #3 cover art

Summary

As the issue comes to a close, Rocket is finally confronted by the raccoon impersonating him.  Will we find out this impostors’ origin?  What is his end goal?  And what does he have against Rocket?

Rating:  4 out of 5

This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network.  They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE