I'm sure a good 98% of the world's population is currently thinking, "Who the f$%# are the Guardians of the Galaxy, and why is that raccoon holding a gun?" Slated to hit theaters on August 1st, 2014, this Phase Two title is set to follow one of Marvel's lesser-known crime fighting teams as they fight to save... well, the galaxy. If all goes according to plan and Joss Whedon opts to stick around for Avengers 2 (I mean, he has to at least write it! Avengers without Joss is like Buffy without... well, Joss!), then my money's on Thanos playing some sort of role in this epic tale of renegade space cowboys and -girls trying to save outer space from the clutches of evil. Wait... This sounds kind of familiar...
First introduced to the Marvel Universe in 1969, the original team reigned from an alternate future in the 31st Century (Earth-691, to be exact). After several intergalactic adventures with heroes such as Captain America, Thor, and The Thing, an "error" in the present day timeline caused the Earth-691 future to be completely and utterly obliterated, ending the original Guardians in 1995.
The upcoming movie, however, will focus on the second incarnation of the Guardians. In the aftermath of the Phalanx's attempted takeover of the universe in the 2007-2008 crossover event, Star-Lord sought to form a team of heroes whose sole mission would be to protect all corners of the universe. He recruits Adam Warlock, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Phyla-Vell, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot, but in a shocking turn of events it is revealed that he convinced fellow team-member Mantis to telepathically influence the team to join forces. Disheartened by this revelation, the team disbands, but is almost immediately reformed by Rocket Raccoon.
In what could be labeled the Guardians' most epic battle (The Thanos Imperative), the team comes together to stop the mighty Thanos from bringing the Canverese (an alternate universe where Death is extinct) to our world. It is a widely known fact that Thanos has spent his time within the Marvel Universe trying to impress Lady Death and win her affection, so what better way than to eliminate the notion of death altogether? By eradicating her one true purpose and bringing chaos to our universe, Thanos hopes to finally woo his lady-friend so they can live tragically ever after. Needless to say the Guardians end up kicking Thanos' ass, but the end of the battle also marked the end of the Guardians of the Galaxy title in late 2010.
I'll admit, Guardians has always been at the bottom of my reading list, but I have a distinct feeling this movie will play a major part in Avengers 2. Clues have been leaking out ever since Thor started shooting and it was said that the Infinity Gauntlet could be found in Odin's Trophy Room, arousing suspicion that The Mad Titan himself might play a part in the Marvel Universe sooner rather than later. The Gauntlet, when combined with the 5 infinity gems, is said to make whoever wears it the ultimate master of the universe and life itself. My guess is that the big man will be introduced properly in the Guardians of the Galaxy film, only to fail miserably and have to resort to Plan B.
If today's history lesson wasn't enough, be check out the suggested readings below to better familiarize yourself with the modern Guardians.
Suggested Reading:
Annihilation, Volumes 1 - 3
Annihilation: Conquest, Volumes 1 and 2
Guardians of the Galaxy - Volume 1: Legacy
Guardians of the Galaxy - Volume 2: War of Kings, Book 1
Guardians of the Galaxy - Volume 3: War of Kings, Book 2
War of Kings
Guardians of the Galaxy - Volume 4: Realm of Kings
Realm of Kings
The Thanos Imperative
Annihilators
Annihilators: Earthfall
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