This week’s throwback goes back to 1982 when the lovable racoon (inspired by a Beatles song) made his debut in Incredible Hulk, dropping the name Rocky, becoming Rocket Raccoon who we all adore now in the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Of course we all know Rocket made his first appearance in Marvel Preview #7 back in 1976.
He didn’t make his next appearance until he shows up in Incredible Hulk #271 8 years later.
I feel is a much better introduction for Rocket. Some claim it’s the first actual comic appearance since Marvel Preview was more of a magazine size preview book.
So yes, he first appeared in Marvel Preview, some still chase his appearance in Incredible Hulk #271 for the very reasons I stated above.
Did you know that Rocket only appeared in a total of 10 total comics in his first 30 years after his first appearance?
Can’t blame them, who would have thought an intelligent wise crack talking raccoon would end up being so popular and a huge hit in blockbuster movies.
Both Marvel Preview and Incredible Hulk are definite key books though any hardcore Marvel fan should own in their collection.
Before Rocket became a Guardian of the Galaxy and soon after his debut in Hulk, he went on to have his own 4 issue limited series in 1985.
Making another appearance in Quasar #15 and then a handful of issues in Sensational She-Hulk
in 1992.
That’s your throw back for this Thursday. Comment here or continue the discussion on our new forums.
I got my VF+ copy of hulk 271 for $20 about 6 years ago. I was thinking of selling it couple of times but never pulled the trigger.
I forgot how much I paid for mine but mines probably a potential 9.6 I think.. that’s why I’m biased about his first appearance, I own Hulk #271 and don’t own a Marvel Preview #7. 🙂
i don’t think that’s necessarily a bias since the MP appearance was basically just a one-page cameo for “Rocky” Raccoon (not Rocket) appearing in a setting that was not really designated as the Marvel Universe by any stretch. Up for interpretation, of course, but I always viewed MP as a prototype for the eventual character.
Mines a cgc 8.0 with a 10 inch diagonal crease in the middle of the cover that was a defect that’s totally pressable to a high 9.4-9.8
My Marvel Preview is damn near mint too