Cosmic greetings, all! This is Leo Wyld, the Raccoonatic Commander. We Raccoonatics have had much cause for celebration the past couple weeks, with a deluge of all variety of Guardians of the Galaxy related news, from the Toy Fair to the trailer to hearing Rocket speak on the movie for the fist time (and, oh yeah, I won Marvel Fan of the Week). This month will be important to me for another reason, but that is a few weeks off, we are gonna slow down a bit this week and reflect...
Flarkin' Awesome! 009 - That Was... Flarkin' Awesome! (A Retrospective)
What is true today, may not be true tomorrow. In the fast-paced world we live in, where information can be presented and adjusted constantly and continuously, facts can change within hours of expressing them. Even an internet publication, such as a recurring blog segment, say, can suffer from this, especially when such a segment could potentially be read months after it was written. Technically, I could go back and edit past Flarkin' Awesome! issues to make them more accurate, but that would not help those who have already read those issues. So, today, I am gonna take a look back at the past issues of Flarkin' Awesome and see if/how the subjects they address have changed or progressed. (And there is something new discuss at the end, so at least read the closing, I have a request of the community) - (More After the Jump)
My debut issue. This was about Rocket's voice and how it been portrayed in media where we hear Rocket speak. As some are likely aware, Rocket once had something of a subtle Cockney accent. One reason that this topic was decided on was the then-rumored casting of Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon. We now know that rumor was quite true. And, after a Twitter exchange with Agent M, not long after that issue, we learned Marvel's vision for the hero no longer includes that Cockney accent. First heard without the accent on the Ultimate Spider-man cartoon, he later lacked it in the ad for the NYCC exclusive Rocket plushie. And now we have heard Bradley's take on the hero. Do I miss the Cockney, maybe some. But I'll still have it on Marvel Heroes. And, that aside, I think Bradley sounded fantastic in the snippet we heard! So, to summarize, no more Cockney accent for Rocket, and I think I can adapt.
Rocket's costumes for Marvel Heroes. I am happy to report Marvel Heroes is still doing well and still running. Unfortunately, Rocket's costume collection is still pretty much exactly the same. We did get one new costume, Deep Space, but still waiting on some of those wish list costumes. Especially Timely Inc. And I have learned that the name "Timely Inc." was one of the main things making it difficult for Gazillion to get the costume added, I have suggested alternately titling it "Mailroom Clerk" or "Employee Raccoon". The former got a favorite from Gazillion's Community Manager. They really wanna see that costume happen, too, so still hoping. And, another note, the incomplete "mask" on Rocket's Guardians NOW! costume is not a bug, but intentional. I had a response from the artist and they said the look was indicative of the reference picture Marvel had given them for the costume (I think I unintentionally insulted them in the process of the discussion, but I did apologize for the misunderstanding)
September 22nd marked six months from the date I coined "Raccoonatic" as a word for a fan of Rocket Raccoon (might want to think about that for a moment, it will be related to something upcoming). I examined how I became the Raccoonatic Commander and looked at the fandom in general. Now, it is becoming a great time to be a Raccoonatic, with the Guardians of the Galaxy, and thus Rocket himself, slowly beginning to capture the mainstream public's attention. To paraphrase a certain popular movie, though, "We liked Rocket before it was cool."
Rocket's a complex dude with a complex past, and, as such, he has a bunch of question marks surrounding who he is, what he is, and his history. Just a quick summary, nope, still don't have all the answers. If anything, with Bendis continuing to dance around the raccoon/not-a-raccoon retcon concept, I may have more questions now. (Don't get me wrong, though, Rocket issues aside, Bendis is a cool guy and I think volume 3 is entertaining). Will we have solid answers to some of these questions soon, maybe. I think many of them will be resolved in his own series this summer. Remember, as to the what, the official Raccoonatic stance is that we will always consider Rocket to be a genetically modified raccoon, any indications to something else are clearly the work of some illusionist/mind-warping villain working behind the scenes. Hehheh.
If one article had a major, major turnaround in the subject presented... it was this one. Wow. The article was an examination of what merchandise was available for Raccoonatics to purchase. As was the situation at the time, not a whole lot. Part of the article was essentially lamenting the lack of cool stuff Rocket fans had to buy compared to other heroes. Come this summer, we now know that is gonna totally and completely change. Largely because of James Gunn's awesome film, the Raccoonatics are going from drought to flood. Seriously, it looks like it will be quite overwhelming financially, but, hey, I prefer that to the alternative! (Also, for the video games section, Rocket has essentially been confirmed to be coming to the kid-friendly browser based Super Hero Squad Online)
Rocket's moves on Marvel Heroes are examined and compared to comic canon. No real update here. I do not think Rocket has even seen a balance adjustment since that writing, and his large redesign is still likely months off. So, not much to say. I dunno, play Marvel Heroes if you haven't, it's awesome.
Flarkin' Awesome! 007 - Raccoonatics vs. The World
No link, because I am withdrawing my own support of this editorial. I have issues I need to work through, and I am emotional sometimes, maybe became I am artistic sort. Sometimes I get in bad moods, and I was in one when I wrote that. I was also dealing with some bullying in Marvel Heroes and on Twitter at the time, so that did not likely help. Some of the basic concepts of the complaints I stand by. Sly is awesome but not as awesome as Rocket, I stand by that. A genetically modified raccoon is an origin for Rocket that was first presented in the comics, not the movie. I bought the 360 version of LEGO Marvel, love it, and the people who made the game have just been totally cool to me on Twitter, but I still think Rocket should've had some situational powers. And Rocket Raccoon should have absolutely and totally been one of the top 25 heroes of 2013 (you're totally awesome Marvel, but still a little vexed about that). All that said, it was wrong of me to specify the sites involved and attack them in the way I did, so my sincere apologies to superheromoviesnews.com and heyuguys.co.uk. I've asked that the Issue be deleted and I have unlinked it from my home site. I am gonna actively try to be more positive from here on out.
About Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3's portrayal of Rocket Raccoon. This article was only written a couple weeks ago about a console game that had already been out for years before I wrote the article. You may not be surprised to learn, then, there really is not anything to update factually for that issue. Except for one fairly significant thing. Capcom completely lost the Marvel license. Which means that the game can longer be purchased digitally and, also, that the DLC for it is no longer available (which means no 80's costume for Rocket for the Raccoonatic Commander. Not a big deal, if I had really wanted it, I would have bought it before it was pulled)
And Here We Are...
I once proposed the concept of a recurring segment that was specifically about Rocket Raccoon to a friend of mine. That friend said simply the idea would not work, that it was a bad idea. To be fair, this friend skews critical about most things and is not really a Raccoonatic, so I can not blame that opinion. But I think I've done okay with the idea, so, readers, use that as an example of why you should believe in yourself. Ok, mini-PSA over, we need to talk about the future...
I have a request from you, my readers, Galaxians, Raccoonatics, newcomers... I am writing this on the 1st of March, in three weeks from this writing, I have my tenth Flarkin' Awesome. It will be important to me for a particular reason and I am asking for your input. Tell me why you think Rocket Raccoon is awesome. Or if you have any other cool insights into the hero you would like to share. Do so in the Comments section.
Until next time, stay awesome, and I'll see ya Round the 'Raccooniverse.
Great job Leo! I say you've covered most things Rocket Raccoon - related. Just an idea for a FA... How about a breakdown of the evolution of Rocket Raccoon's look in the comics.
ReplyDeleteHmm. That's not a bad idea.
DeleteI really miss the Cockney accent, but I guess Marvel didn't think it would sell as many toys. Oh well!
ReplyDeleteNice work, Leo! I agree with Cam, I think an article about how RR's look has changed would be fantastic.
ReplyDeleteAlso... I've been meaning to ask you: where do YOU stand on his whole "Blam! Murdered you!" catchphrase? I know a lot of people dont care for it, while honestly, I get the biggest kick out of it.
I thought it was amusing at first, but one of my friends pointed out that happily proclaiming you've ended someone's life is a bit disturbing. As I thought about it, I realize that is kinda true. Of course, Rocket has always enjoyed shooting guns, but there is a difference between *having* to kill aliens to protect the galaxy and *enjoying* ending lives, It's kinda making Rocket look like a psychopath, which is really not who he is. He's the team tactician, he is supposed to be the level-headed one of the group, and you saw that a lot more in the v2 era.
DeleteIf Rocket *had* to have a catchphrase (and I really think he is too cunning and witty to rely on a catchphrase), I wish they'd have gone with "Never doubt a raccoon." Of course, I understand why they didn't, but it is a much better line. Still badass, but not Joker-level psychotic.
Delete(Wish we had edit)
DeleteJust wanted to add that, while I think the line is not a good fit, I can *tolerate* it. I am not one of those actively fighting against it or anything. And I also want to add that I think that there are plenty of moments in volume 3 where I feel Bendis has portrayed Rocket very well. So, I am not just hating on him or anything.
I totally get that. And I like that you're trying to see both sides of it. I actually agree that it's not REALLY in-character for him, I think I just like it because it's so ridiculous that it's memorable. I love Bendis' work on the title, but I vastly prefer V2's version of Rocket. Although, that said, Bendis DID give me one of my favorite recent Rocket moments: when he's chiding Gamora for starting a fight with Angela.
DeleteI don't think the phrase is that far fetched, especially when they're playing more on his trigger-happy, love for giant guns and shooting them, aspects to his character. I find myself yelling the phrase while playing first person shooters. I see it more as a defense mechanism for him. In my head, I see him seeing it more like a video game. He HAS to do kill people sometimes, and to keep from going nuts from all the murders he's caused (justified or not, they kill), he has to turn it into a game and have fun with it.
DeleteBut that's just me. I wish we'd get to see more of the other sides to his character, but I think we'll get to that eventually. Bendis has set up so many stories for different characters that I think there's a lot planned we aren't getting to see yet.
That small clip of Bradley Cooper voicing RR, really reminded me of his character from AMERICAN HUSTLE. Cavalier, psychotic, entertaining as hell. I think he'll do just fine as Rocket.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I think Rocket Raccoon is awesome? Because everything about his personality contradicts his (somewhat) cute and fuzzy exterior; he's a battle-hardened space adventurer/one-man-army who packs razor-blade wit and some serious heat. The image of a furry little mammal wielding a colossal weapon blasting away the galaxy's baddies never gets old.
ReplyDeleteI should tell ya why I think Rocket is awesome eh?
ReplyDeleteWell I first learned of the badass little guy a long while back, I wanna say around 2001. When I was sick my mom would buy me comic books, and one day I got the flu and she came back from a thrift store with a bunch of older comics. One of them was Rocket Raccoon #2. I didn't really get what it was all about and at the time I just kinda put it away and read Spider-Man or whatever. Later I gave away all my comics. A long while later I re-discovered Rocket through Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3. I went out and got that compilation book (Guardian of the Keystone Quadrant) and GotG: Legacy. I've been a fan ever since.
So I guess Rocket is awesome to me because of sentimental value. I dunno.
I just really like unusual characters, Rocket, and all of the Guardians for that matter certainly are unusual.
I never understood RR, i mean, he's so silly he's almost dumb. What the hell does he do other than overshadow the other members of the guardians that deserve way more attention than he does! Don't get me wrong, i like him, but he's just too silly to go into my favorite heroes category.
ReplyDeleteUh-oh. Cam? I'm thinking we should restrain Leo before letting him see this... :-)
DeleteHaha Dan, I was just thinking the same thing. Leo, please don't Hulk out on the Hellicarrier.
DeleteHeh. Don't worry. I'm actually totally ok. There are enough awesome other responses to outweigh that one. I think I've learned to cope with this sort of thing a bit better, anyway. Largely because I have found so many other great fans, including the other writers here and my friends on Marvel Heroes, who feel the same way I do (i.e. Rocket *is* awesome).
Deletei don't hate rocket, I just don't UNDERSTAND him and all. I actually play him a ton in MH, so that's your witness.
DeleteAnd what is your name on Marvel Heroes?
DeleteI'm always had a soft spot for talking animals in comics and animation, though when I first find found out about Rocket Raccoon, I really thought the whole concept was dumb and stupid. Reason for that conclusion was probably because at that time (around 2008) I had only read serious, dark and gritty superhero comics, and really thought that was the way the genre was. So having a talking animal in a super serious setting seemed just like a very bad idea.
ReplyDeleteThen I watched the teaser trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy. My teacher is a huge Marvel fan, and he posted it on facebook along with pictures of Rocket Raccoon. I got interested and check out the Abnett & Lannings run on GotG.
I ended up being a great fan of the series, and I think Rocket is my favorite Marvel character. Why do I like him so much? Like Batman, he's has no superpowers and he's not a tank that can take many hits (like Hulk or Thor), so any story where he's in deep trouble get's exciting. He's funny, always has a witty comment, but also takes dangerous situations seriously and he cares for his friends.
Honestly, going into Guardians of the Galaxy I expected Rocket Raccoon to be nothing more than a gag character. I may offend some when I say this, but Bendis Rocket is nothing more than a gag character, as are his appearances in video games. While reading GoTG V2, Rocket's true character shines. Definitely the best moments for his character are whenever he supports Star-Lord. All the uplifting talks they've had in bars or while strategizing helped solidify him as one of the most supportive friends I've seen in comics. The best moment, hands down, is when Star-Lord leaves and Rocket takes it upon himself to lead the broken remnants of the group. while they don't fare too well without many of their members, Rocket truly believed in Star-Lord's idea and fully supported it, even when Star-Lord chose to give up.
ReplyDeleteHe's basically the best friend you could ever ask for. Adorable and vicious, but he always has your back.
Yeah, Bendis kinda screwed up GotG big time. Especially with Star-Lord and Rocket.
DeleteStrongly agree that in V2 both DnA and Keith Giffen understood the characters almost immediately while Bendis (still) does not, even though he says he does. Its not about "hating" Bendis's or any other writer's work. Seems like in this social media age that any disagreement automatically means "hate". I hardly recognize Rocket in this new V3 version. The silly "Blam, murdered you!" catch phrase and other stuff going on seems way out of character and more of a nonsensical attempt to appeal to the masses. Rocket does not need any catch phrase. Star-Lord isn't as commanding and authoritative as he was just 3 years ago. Gamora and Drax do not seem to be themselves. Rocket was the backbone of the team and not some gag character. He is the military strategist, not some cold-blooded killer. There is a big difference. Been a fan since seeing Mike Mignola's 4-issue LS on the spinner racks back in the day. Always thought Rocket was cooler than Howard the Duck.
ReplyDeleteTo expand on Star-Lord there a bit:
DeleteBendis made Star-Lord into some whiny brat with daddy issues. He also decided to redo chunks of Star-Lord's back story that really did not need a change. Not to mention how he just hand waved the whole being-dead-inside-the-cancerverse thing.
In my opinion the Bendis run of guardians is a betrayal to what made the series so great, and I am so happy that James Gunn pretty much ignored it when making the up-coming film.
I think Rocket is awesome because... He's the heart of the Guardians. Whether it's DnA or Bendis, he's the Jimminy Cricket, the Hoban Washburne, the Xander Harris of the group. He's their rock. He's the glue that holds them all together. He's whatever the team needs to him to be. He can take charge when he has to, he can provide counsel to Peter, he gives Groot someone to call family and home, he can be the comic relief when things get too heavy, or the 'bad guy' when tough decisions needs to be made, or when someone needs a good smack in the head. He may be a raccoon, but he's the team's humanity. And that's why I think Rocket is awesome.
ReplyDelete