The definitive, chronological, and up-to-date guide to collecting Guardians of the Galaxy comic books via omnibuses, hardcovers, and trade paperback graphic novels. A part of Crushing Krisis’s Collecting Avengers Graphic Novels: A Definitive Guide. Last updated November 2018 with titles scheduled for release through January 2019.
Collecting Guardians of the Galaxy
In 2014 Marvel introduced the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise to the entire planet with their movie version of the team consisting of Starlord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot.
However, the Guardians have only existed in that configuration since 2008! The only similar team was the 1990s cosmic group The Infinity Watch, which included Gamora and Drax. Historically, Guardians of the Galaxy referred to a very different, specific group of characters from Marvel’s far flung future with little overlap to the 2008 version of the team.
What both groups have in common is that they are a set of space-faring heroes who stand against the forces of destruction in the universe. They are, in effect, the Cosmic Avengers.
With that mandate in mind, this guide looks at more than just the titles named “Guardians of the Galaxy.” It also follows all of the core members of the various incarnations of that team, most of whom have never maintained an ongoing title. It also covers prominent cosmic hero Adam Warlock, who lead the Infinity Watch.
If you are interested in the cinematic incarnation of the team, this is your path:
- Rocket Raccoon & Groot: The Complete Collection has all of the significant appearances of this whimsical pair of characters prior to Annihilation.
- Avengers vs. Thanos covers the origins of Gamora an Drax. (Optionally, pick up Death of Captain Marvel to complete this story.)
- Star-Lord: Guardian of the Galaxy collects the earliest adventures of the title character, when he was a pulp sci-fi character with no ties to the Marvel Universe.
- Jump to Annihilation: Conquest, below and proceed from there. Though Drax played a role in the prior Annihilation event, this is where the team really begins to form. Their first series spins out of this.
If you want to pick up every issue featuring every Guardians character, just keep scrolling down – they’re all covered here.
- Incarnations & Members
- The 60s and 70s
- The 80s
- Guardians of the Galaxy (1990) & Guardians in the 90s
- The early 2000s
- Annihilation Era (2006-2007)
- Annihilation: Conquest Era (2007-2008)
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) Vol. 2 & War/Realm of Kings (2008-2010)
- The Heroic Age (2010-2012)
- Marvel Now (2012 – 2015)
- All-New, All-Different Marvel (2015 – 2017)
- All-New Guardians of the Galaxy (2017 – Present)
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Guardians and Infinity Watch Incarnations & Members
The future Guardians of the Galaxy debuted in 1969, and after a relatively contained set of appearances (listed below) debuted in their own series in 1990. The original members were Vance Astro, Yondu, Martinex, and Charlie-27.
Over time, this future team featured the members Aleta, Charlie-27 , Cuchulain the Irish Wolfhound, Firelord, Hollywood, Mainframe, Major Victory, Martinex, Nikki, Phoenix (Giruad), Replica, Spirit Of Vengeance (Wileaydus Auctolycus), Starhawk, Talon, Vance Astro, Yellowjacket (Rita DeMara), and Yondu.
The Infinity Watch was spawned from the Infinity Gauntlet crossover. Members included Adam Warlock, Drax The Destroyer, Gamora, Maxam, Moondragon, Pip The Troll, and Thanos.
Maxam appears mainly in the Infinity Watch series, and never since then (so far). Pip the Troll’s appearances mostly overlapped with Warlock’s prior to this time – he would later appear in Thanos, She-Hulk, and X-Factor. Moondragon is primarily an Avengers character, so this guide does not track all of her appearances prior to Annihilators. Thanos has his own guide.
The modern Guardians of the Galaxy were created out of the Annihilation event, and have included the following members: Adam Warlock, Angela, Bug, Drax The Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Jack Flag, Major Victory, Mantis, Martyr AKA Quasar AKA Phyla-Vell, Moondragon, Rocket Raccoon, and Star-Lord AKA Peter Quill.
Mantis and Moondragon are primarily Avengers characters and are not tracked in this guide until Annihilation. The team has also featured a rotating cast of core Avengers, including Iron Man, Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers), Venom (Flash Thompson), and Thing. Their historical appearances are tracked in their own guides.
Guardians of the Galaxy in the 60s and 70s
Guardians of the Galaxy Solo Classic Omnibus
This edition contains the majority of the stories of the modern movie team of Guardians from this section: Incredible Hulk (1968) #271, Annual 5; Iron Man (1968) #55; Captain Marvel (1968) #27-33, 43-44, 58-62; Strange Tales (1951) #180-181; Warlock (1972) #9-11, 15; Avengers (1963) #219-220, Annual 7; Marvel Two-in-one Annual 2; Marvel Preview #11; Marvel Spotlight (1979) #1-2, 6-7; Marvel Premiere #61; Rocket Raccoon (1985) #1-4; Star-lord Special Edition, and more. (You’ll note Tales to Astonish is conspicuously absent from that list!)
Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow’s Heroes Omnibus (2019 oversize hardcover)
This edition contains the majority of the stories of the original time-traveling Guardians from this section: Marvel Super-Heroes (1967) #18; Marvel Two-in-One (1974) #4-5, 61-63, & 69; Giant-size Defenders #5; Defenders (1972) #26-29; Marvel Presents #3-12; Thor Annual #6; Avengers (1963) #167-168, 170-177, & 181; Ms. Marvel (1977) #23; and Marvel Team-Up (1972) #86.
1960
Tales to Astonish #13: Debut of Groot, collected in:
Rocket Raccoon & Groot: The Complete Collection
Collects Tales to Astonish (1959) #13 (Groot story), Incredible Hulk (1968) #271, Rocket Raccoon #1-4 (1985), Marvel Preview #7 (Sword in the Star story), Annihilators #1-4 (Rocket Raccoon & Groot stories), Annihilators : Earthfall #1-4 (Rocket Raccoon & Groot stories).
Rocket Raccoon: Guardian of the Keystone Quadrant
Contains a subset of only Rocket Raccoon issues. Collects Incredible Hulk (1968) #271, Rocket Raccoon #1-4 (1985), Marvel Preview #7 (Sword in the Star story)
Annihilation Classic
Collects the first major stories of a number of players in 2008’s Annihilation, including Adam Warlock, Nova, Quasar, and Rocket Raccoon. Collects Bug #1, Tales to Astonish #13, Nova #1, Quasar #1, Rocket Raccoon #1-4, Marvel Spotlight #6, Logan’s Run #6, and Marvel Premiere #1. Available in hardcover.
1967
Fantastic Four #66-67: Issue #67 is the debut of Adam Warlock, although he is implied as “Him” throughout #66 without appearing in full on panel.. See Fantastic Four. Note that this does not appear in Warlock’s Masterworks.
1969
Thor #163-166: A second Adam Warlock story. See Thor. Note that this does not appear in Warlock’s Masterworks.
Marvel Super-Heroes #18: The debut of the future Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691), including Vance Astro and Yondu. Collected in:
Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow’s Avengers – Volume 1
Collects Marvel Super Heroes (1967) #18, Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #4-5, Giant-Size Defenders #5, Defenders (1972) #26-29, Marvel Presents #3-12. The previous Earth Shall Overcome hardcover omitted Marvel Presents, which was subsequently collected in The Power of Starhawk hardcover.
1970
Where Monsters Dwell #6: Groot’s second appearance. Reprinted in the 1989’s Monster Masterworks alongside other 50s through 70s monster stories. Its omission from the Complete Collection (above) indicates it may be considered not in-continuity.
1972
Marvel Premiere #1-2: A third Adam Warlock story, and the beginning of his prominence in the early- and mid-70s. Collected in the following:
Marvel Visionaries: Gil Kane
The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #99 & #123, Captain Marvel (1968) #17, Daredevil (1964) #146, Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #116, Marvel Premiere (1972) #1 & 15, Tales of Suspense (1959) #88-91, Tales to Astonish (1959) #76, What If? (1977) #3
Essential Warlock, Vol. 1
Marvel Premiere (1972) #1-2, Warlock (1972) #1-15, Marvel Team-Up (1972) #55, Marvel Two-In-One (1974) Annual 02, Strange Tales (1951) #178-181, The Avengers (1963) Annual 07, The Incredible Hulk (1968) #176-178,
Marvel Masterworks: Warlock, Vol. 1
Hardcover (ISBN 078512411X) / Paperback TBA – Collects Marvel Premiere (1972) #1-2, Warlock (1972) #1-8, and The Incredible Hulk (1968) #176-178
Warlock #1-3: Collected in Masterworks and Essentials, above.
Incredible Hulk #158: Warlock appears. See Hulk.
1973
Warlock #4-8: Collected in Masterworks and Essentials, above. Warlock goes on a two-year hiatus after #8.
Avengers #112: Debut of Mantis. See Avengers.
Avengers #118: Warlock appears. See Avengers.
Iron Man #54: Debut of Moondragon (as “Madam MacEvil.” Thanks to Joshua for pointing this out!). See Iron Man. She appears next in Daredevil #105-108, collected in Avengers vs. Thanos, below. See Avengers and Defenders (from #125) for further Moondragon appearances.
Iron Man #55: Debut of Drax the Destroyer and Thanos! See Iron Man. Collected in:
Avengers vs. Thanos
Collects Iron Man (1968) #55; Captain Marvel (1968) #25-33; Marvel Feature (1971) #12; Daredevil (1964) #105-107; Avengers (1963) #125; Warlock (1972) #9-11, 15; Avengers Annual (1967) 7; Marvel Two -In-One Annual 2; material from Logan’s Run #6
Drax: Guardian of the Galaxy
Collects Iron Man #55, Captain Marvel #27-33, 43-44, 58-62, Warlock #15, Marvel Spotlight #1-2, Avengers #219-220, and material from Logan’s Run 6, Thor #314, and Marvel Graphic Novel 1.
Captain Marvel #27-29: Drax appears. See Captain Marvel. Also collected in Avengers vs. Thanos and Drax, above.
Marvel Feature #12: Drax appears. Widely collected as part of Death of Captain Marvel. See Captain Marvel. Also collected in Avengers vs. Thanos, above.
1974
Captain Marvel #30-34: Drax appears. See Captain Marvel. Also collected in Avengers vs. Thanos and Drax,
Avengers #125: Drax appears. See Avengers. Also collected in Avengers vs. Thanos, above.
Marvel Two-in-One #5: The second appearance of Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691). Collected in Tomorrow’s Avengers, above (along with #4, from which the story continues).
Incredible Hulk #176-178: Warlock appears. Collected in Masterworks and Essentials, above.
1975
Strange Tales #178-181: Warlock appears. #179-181 are the debut of Pip the Troll. #180-181 are the debut of Gamora. Collected in Essentials, above, as well as in:
Marvel Masterworks: Warlock, Vol. 2
Hardcover (ISBN 0785135111) / Paperback TBA – The Avengers (1963) Annual 07, Marvel Team-Up (1972) #55, Marvel Two-In-One (1974) Annual 02, Strange Tales (1951) #178-181, Warlock (1972) #9-15
Warlock by Jim Starlin: The Complete Collection
The Avengers (1963) Annual 07, Marvel Two-In-One (1974) Annual 02, Strange Tales (1951) #178-181, Warlock (1972) #9-15, and additional content from MMW Vol. 2 (but, not Marvel Team-Up #55!)
Gamora: Guardian of the Galaxy
Collects Strange Tales (1951) #180-181, Warlock (1972) #9-11 & 15, Avengers Annual 7, and Marvel Two-in-One Annual 2.
Warlock #9-10: Gamora appears. Drax appears in #10. Collected in Masterworks and Essentials, above. Also collected in Avengers vs. Thanos and Gamora, above.
Astonishing Tales #29: Direct reprint of Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) debut in Marvel Super-Heroes #18.
The Defenders #27-29 & Giant-Size #5: Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) appear. Collected in Tomorrow’s Avengers, above. Giant-Size is the first issue in this run.
1976
Marvel Preview #4: Debut of Peter Quill as Star-Lord, collected in:
Star-Lord: Guardian of the Galaxy
Marvel Preview #4, 11, 14-15, 18 (only Star-Lord Stories); Marvel Super Special #10 (STAR-LORD STORY); Marvel Spotlight (1979) 6-7; Marvel Premiere #61; and Star-Lord (1996) #1-3
Marvel Preview #7: Debut of Rocket Raccoon, collected in Rocket Raccoon & Groot, Rocket Raccoon, and Annihilation Classic, all above.
Defenders #36: Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) appear. Needs a check – they aren’t featured on the cover.
Marvel Presents #3-8: Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) appear. Collected in Tomorrow’s Avengers, above. Run continues, below.
Captain Marvel #42-44 & 46: Drax appears. See Captain Marvel.
Iron Man #88: Drax appears. See Iron Man.
Warlock #11-15: Gamora appears in #11 & 15. Drax appears in #15 (see Drax, above). See Warlock collections, above. Issue #11 also collected in Avengers vs. Thanos and Gamora, above.
Fantastic Four #172: Warlock appears. See Fantastic Four.
Incredible Hulk Annual 5: Groot’s third appearance, and his last until 1998! See Hulk for collection information. This is not collected with other Groot stories.
1977
Marvel Presents #9-12: Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691). Collected in Tomorrow’s Avengers, above.
Thor Annual 6: Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) appear. See Thor. Collected in:
Thor: Gods, Gladiators, and Guardians of the Galaxy (ISBN 078518435X)
Collects Thor #267-271 & Annual 5-6
Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow’s Avengers, Vol. 2
Thor Annual #6; Avengers (1963) #167-168, #170-177, and #181; Ms. Marvel (1977) #23; Marvel Team-Up (1972) #86; Marvel Two-In-One #61-63, and #69
Logan’s Run #6: Drax appears. Collected in Annihilation Classic, above.
Marvel Team-Up #55: Warlock appears. Collected in Warlock Masterworks, Vol. 2, above.
Avengers Annual 7: Drax, Gamora, and Warlock appear. See Avengers. Also collected in Warlock Masterworks, Vol. 2 and Avengers vs. Thanos and Gamora, all above.
Marvel Two-in-One Annual 2: Gamora and Warlock. Also collected in Warlock Masterworks, Vol. 2 and Avengers vs. Thanos and Gamora, all above.
Incredible Hulk Annual 6: Warlock appears. See Hulk.
Captain Marvel #58-59: Drax appears. See Captain Marvel.
Marvel Preview #11: Star-Lord’s second appearance. Collected in Star-Lord, above.
1978
Avengers #167-168 & 170-177: Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) appear. Collected in Tomorrow’s Avengers, Vol. 2, above.
Marvel Preview #14-15: Star-Lord appears. Collected in Star-Lord, above.
Adam Warlock appears in flashback in Dr. Strange #27
Spectacular Spider-Man #15: Adam Warlock appears. See Spider-Man.
1979
Avengers #181: Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) appear. Collected in Tomorrow’s Avengers, Vol. 2, above.
Captain Marvel #60-62: Drax appears. See Captain Marvel.
Incredible Hulk #294: Debut of Quasar named as such, though the character debuted in Captain America #217. See Hulk.
Ms. Marvel #23: Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) appear. Collected in Tomorrow’s Avengers, Vol. 2, above
Marvel Spotlight #1-2: Drax appears. Collected in The Death of Captain Marvel paperback and premiere classic hardcover. Also, see Drax, above.
Marvel Preview #18: Collected in Star-Lord, above.
Marvel Super-Special #10: Collected in Star-Lord, above.
Marvel Team-Up #86: Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) appear. Collected in Tomorrow’s Avengers, Vol. 2, above.
Guardians of the Galaxy in the 80s
1980
Marvel Two-in-One #61-63: Adam Warlock and Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) appear. Collected in Tomorrow’s Avengers, Vol. 2, above.
Super-Villain Team-Up #17: Drax appears. Collected in black and white in Essential Super-Villain Team-Up.
Marvel Spotlight #6-7: Star-Lord, collected in Star-Lord and Annihilation Classic (#6 only), above.
Marvel Two-in-One #69: Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) appear. Collected in Tomorrow’s Avengers, Vol. 2, above.
1981
Thor #314: Drax appears. See Thor.
Marvel Premiere #61: Star-Lord appears. Collected in Star-Lord, above
1982
Thor #317: Adam Warlock appears. See Thor.
Incredible Hulk #271: Rocket Raccoon’s second appearance. See Hulk. Also collected in Rocket Raccoon & Groot and Rocket Raccoon, both above.
Avengers #219-221: Drax appears. See Avengers, as well as various collections above.
The Death of Captain Marvel: Adam Warlock and Gamora appear. Collected in The Death of Captain Marvel paperback and premiere classic hardcover. See Captain Marvel for further information. This is Gamora’s last appearance until 1991!
Star-Lord, The Special Edition: Reprints Marvel Preview #11 with additional pages of art and story.
1984
Hercules #3: Hercules: Prince of Power
Collects both the 1982 and 1984 mini-series. Warlock appears. Also available in a 1997 paperback.
1985
Marvel Age #25: Preview of Rocket Raccoon mini-series.
Rocket Raccoon #1-4: Collected in Rocket Raccoon & Groot and Rocket Raccoon, both above
Avengers #262-263: See Avengers. Adam Warlock appears.
1987
Avengers Annual 16: See Marvel Universe Events: Contest of Champions. This issue is widely collected – also see Avengers. Drax appears.
1988
Spectacular Spider-Man Annual 8: The Original Clone Saga
Warlock appears. See also Marvel Universe Events: Evolutionary War
1989
The Sensational She-Hulk #6: Sensational She-Hulk, Vol. 1
Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) appear.
Guardians of the Galaxy (1990) & Guardians in the 90s
Guardians of the Galaxy Classic by Jim Valentino Omnibus
Collects Guardians Of The Galaxy (1990) #1-29 & Annual 1-2; Marvel Super-Heroes (1967) #18; and material from Fantastic Four Annual 24, Thor Annual 16, and Silver Surfer Annual 4
1990
Quasar #15: Not collected. Rocket Raccoon appears.
Silver Surfer #35-37, 40-44: See Marvel Universe Events: Infinity Gauntlet. Drax appears in all but #36, which includes Warlock.
Guardians of the Galaxy (GotG) #1-7 & Annual 1: Guardians of the Galaxy by Jim Valentino Volume 1
This series is set in the future. Also in Omnibus, above.
1991
Silver Surfer #44-49: See Marvel Universe Events: Infinity Gauntlet. Drax appears. Adam Warlock and Gamora appear in #46-48.
New Warriors #11-13: New Warriors Classic, Vol. 3
Adam Warlock appears. Also collected in New Warriors Omnibus.
GotG #8-20: Guardians of the Galaxy by Jim Valentino, Vol. 2
#20 is the first appearance of Major Victory, who continues to star in the series through its end. Also in Omnibus, above.
Infinity Gauntlet: See Marvel Universe Events: Infinity Gauntlet. Adam Warlock is effectively the lead character of this series. He appears throughout the main story and all of its tie-ins. Drax appears in the main story and in Dr. Strange tie-ins. Gamora appears only in #1 & 6 and Dr. Strange #36.
1992
GotG #21-29 & Annual 2: Guardians of the Galaxy by Jim Valentino, Vol. 3
Includes material from Marvel Super-Heroes (1967) #18. Also in Omnibus, above. Issues #27-29 are collected along with Infinity War; see Marvel Universe Events: Infinity War.
Warlock and the Infinity Watch #1-6: Infinity Gauntlet Aftermath
Collects Silver Surfer (1987) #60-66, Dr. Strange Sorcerer Supreme #36 (stars Gamora), Warlock & the Infinity Watch 1-6, material from Silver Surfer Annual 5. Warlock, Gamora, and Drax throughout the run of Infinity Watch. This book is included in hardcover in the Infinity Gauntlet Box Set.
Warlock & The Infinity Watch #7-11: See Marvel Universe Events: Infinity War. Adam Warlock is effectively the lead character of this event. He appears throughout the main story and all of its tie-ins. Drax and Gamora appear in limited tie-ins. Major Victory appears in Infinity War #5.
Warlock & The Infinity Watch #1-11: Contained in Infinity Watch, Vol. 1
Sensational She-Hulk #44-46: Guardians of the Galaxy: Road to Annihilation, Vol. 2
Rocket Raccoon appears. This is his final appearance until 2005! Collects Sensational She-Hulk #44-46; Thanos #7-12; Marvel Monsters: Monsters on the Prowl; Nick Fury’s Howling Commandos #1-6 and 1 Director’s Cut
1993
GotG #30-39 & Annual 3: Guardians of the Galaxy Classic: In the Year 3000 Vol. 1
Includes material from Marvel Comics Presents #134
GotG #40-43: Guardians of the Galaxy Classic: In the Year 3000 Vol. 2
Also collects #44-50, Galactic Guardians #1-4, and material from Guardians of the Galaxy Annual 4.
Warlock and the Infinity Watch #12-17: See Marvel Universe Events: Infinity War. Contained in Infinity Watch, Vol. 1
New Warriors #36: Not collected. A Major Victory appearance.
Marvel Comics Presents #13: Not collected. A Major Victory short story.
Silver Surfer / Warlock: Resurrection #1-4: Infinity War Aftermath
A sequel to Silver Surfer: Homecoming Also stars Drax and Gamora. This volume collects Warlock & The Infinity Watch #11-17, Silver Surfer/Warlock: Resurrection #1-4, Quasar #41-43; material from Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #112, Marvel Holiday Special #2, Marvel Swimsuit Special #2. This book is included in hardcover in the Infinity Gauntlet Box Set.
Thor Corps #2-3: Not collected. Four-issue limited series. Major Victory appears.
Warlock and the Infinity Watch #18-22 & Warlock Chronicles #1-5: See Marvel Universe Events: Infinity Crusade. Contained in Infinity Watch, Vol. 1. Adam Warlock is effectively the lead character of this event. He appears throughout the main story and all of its tie-ins. Drax and Gamora also appear in Warlock Chronicles #1-5.
Spider-Man Halloween Special Edition (1993) #1: Not collected. Unclear if this is simply a reprint of Spider-Man #26 or its own story, but it includes Warlock.
Starblast: Not collected. Includes Warlock. Fantastic Four (1961) #385-386, Namor The Sub-Mariner (1990) #46-48, Quasar (1989) #54-56, Secret Defenders (1993) #11, Starblast (1994) #1-4
1994
GotG #44-50: Guardians of the Galaxy Classic: In the Year 3000 Vol. 2
Also collects #40-43, Galactic Guardians #1-4, and material from Guardians of the Galaxy Annual 4.
Warlock and the Infinity Watch #23-25 & Warlock Chronicles #6-8: Thor: Blood & Thunder
Stars Warlock, along with Gamora and Drax. Collects Silver Surfer (1987) #86-88, Thor (1966) #468-471, Warlock and the Infinity Watch (1992) #23-25, Warlock Chronicles (1993) #6-8
Warlock and the Infinity Watch #26-35: contained in Infinity Watch, Vol. 2
Silver Surfer #92-94: Not collected. Drax appears.
Guardians of the Galaxy #51-55: Guardians of the Galaxy Classic: In the Year 3000 Vol. 3
Also collects #56-62 and material from Annual 4. Drax appears.
1995
Guardians of the Galaxy #56-62: Guardians of the Galaxy Classic: In the Year 3000 Vol. 3
Also collects #51-55
Captain America #434-443: Debut of Jack Flag. See Captain America.
Secret Defenders #22-25: Drax appears. See Defenders.
Warlock and the Infinity Watch #36-42: contained in Infinity Watch, Vol. 2
Incredible Hulk #418: Warlock appears in Hulk’s wedding issue. See Hulk.
Silver Surfer #94: Not collected. Warlock and Gamora appear.
Cosmic Powers Unlimited #1: Not collected. Warlock and Gamora appear.
1996
New Warriors #68: Not collected. Includes Major Victory, Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691)
Cosmic Powers Unlimited #4: Not collected. Drax appears.
Cable #38-39: Bug appears. See Cable.
Note: Bug had not appeared for a decade, since his run as a Micronaut. Micronauts was a licensed property not likely to see comprehensive reprint. This guide treats this as his first appearance.
Star-Lord #1-3: Not collected. Features Star-Lord Sinjin Quarrel.
1997
Bug #1: Collected in Annihilation Classic, above.
1998
Alpha Flight, Vol. 2 #10-11: Not collected. Bug appears
Warlock #1-4: Guardians of the Galaxy: Road to Annihilation, Vol. 1
Collects Warlock (1998) #1-4; Captain Marvel (2000) #4-6 & 15-16; Infinity Abyss #1-6; She-Hulk (2004) #7-8. Drax and Gamora appear throughout this four-issue series; continues to 1999
Groot appears in The Supernaturals #4. May not be strictly in Marvel-616 continuity.
1999
Avengers Forever #9
Warlock appears in this time travel tale. Available in oversize hardcover.
Guardians of the Galaxy in the early 2000’s
2000
Captain Marvel #3-7: Drax appears. Bug appears in #6. Captain Marvel.
Inhumans #4 includes a Star-Lord cameo
2001
Captain Marvel #12-16: Drax appears. Bug appears in #12 & 15-16. See Road to Annihilation Vol. 1, above, for #15-16. Also, see Captain Marvel.
2002
Avengers: Celestial Quest #8
Warlock in #8
Infinity Abyss #1-6
Warlock and Gamora, Moondragon appear throughout. Also collected in full in Road to Annihilation Vol. 1, above.
2004
Captain Marvel #16-25: Phyla-Vell takes over as Captain Marvel in 316. Phyla-Vell AKA Martyr in #21-22, Moondragon in #19-25. See Captain Marvel.
Thanos #1-6: Redemption
Warlock appear. Drax in #1 and 4. Gamora in #2
Thanos #7-12: Guardians of the Galaxy: Road to Annihilation Vol. 2 TPB
Collects Sensational She-Hulk #44-46; Thanos #7-12; Marvel Monsters: Monsters on the Prowl; Nick Fury’s Howling Commandos #1-6 and 1 Director’s Cut
Thanos #8-12: Redemption
Peter Quill appears (not as Star-Lord)
Warlock appears in flashback in Avengers Finale
She-Hulk #7-8: Vol. 2: Superhuman Law & Road to Annihilation Vol. 1
Warlock and Gamora appear. Drax appears in #8.
Warlock #1-4: Warlock: Second Coming(2018 paperback)
Continues to 2005
2005
She-Hulk #11: Vol. 2: Superhuman Law
Drax appears.
Annihilation Era Guardians (2006-2007)
See Marvel Universe Events: Annihilation for collection information for the entire event.
Drax the Destroyer #1-4: Earthfall
Starts in 2005. A prologue to Annihilation. Moondragon appears. Available in Annihilaton, Vol. 1 paperback and oversized hardcover and in Annihilation Omnibus.
Nick Fury’s Howling Commandos #2-6: Guardians of the Galaxy: Road to Annihilation Vol. 2
Groot appears throughout. Collects Sensational She-Hulk #44-46; Thanos #7-12; Marvel Monsters: Monsters on the Prowl; Nick Fury’s Howling Commandos #1-6 and 1 Director’s Cut
She-Hulk #1 & 3: Vol. 3: Time Trials
Rocket Raccoon appears.
She-Hulk #12-13: Vol. 4: Laws of Attraction
Phyla-Vell and MoonDragon appear. Adam Warlock appears in #13
Annihilation: Prologue: Annihilation, Vol. 1
Drax appears. Available in oversized hardcover of Vol. 1 and in Annihilation Omnibus.
Annihilation: Nova #1-4: Annihilation, Vol. 1
Drax, Phyla-Vell in #3, Moondragon in #2. Available in oversized hardcover of Vol. 1 and in Annihilation Omnibus.
Annihilation: Ronan #1-4: Annihilation, Vol. 2
Gamora appears. Available in oversized hardcover of Vol. 2 and in Annihilation Omnibus.
Annihilation #1-6: Annihilation, Vol. 3
Peter Quill (not as Star-Lord), Gamora, Drax, Phyla-Vell, Moondragon. Available in oversized hardcover of Vol. 3 and in Annihilation Omnibus.
Thunderbolts #110-111: Vol. 1: Faith in Monsters
Jack Flag appears as an antagonist – effectively being resurrected from obscurity.
Civil War: Battle Damage Report: See Marvel Universe Events: Civil War. Jack Flag appears only in a data file.
Annihilation: Conquest Era Guardians (2007-2008)
See Marvel Universe Events: Annihilation: Conquest for collection information for the entire event.
Annihilation Conquest – Prologue: Annihilation: Conquest, Vol. 1
Star-Lord, Rocket, Drax Quasar (Phyla-Vell). Available in oversize hardcover.
Annihilation: Conquest – Starlord #1-4: Annihilation: Conquest, Vol. 1
Includes Rocket, Groot, Drax, Mantis. Available in oversize hardcover.
Annihilation: Conquest – Quasar #1-4: Annihilation: Conquest, Vol. 1
Quasar (Phyla-Vell), Moondragon, Warlock in #4. Available in oversize hardcover.
Nova #1-7: Vol. 1: Annihilation: Conquest
Co-stars Gamora starting in #4 and Drax starting in #6. # 4-7 also collected in Annihilation: Conquest. Vol. 2, below. Also available in oversize hardcover combining Volumes 1-2.
Annihilation: Conquest #1-6: Annihilation: Conquest, Vol. 2
Includes Star-Lord, Rocket, Groot, Drax, Bug, Warlock, Quasar (Phyla-Vell), Mantis, Moondragon. Available in oversize hardcover.
Nova #8-12 & Annual 1: Vol. 2: Nowhere
Quasar (Phyla-Vell) in Annual 1. Also available in oversize hardcover combining Volumes 1-2.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2008) Vol. 2 & War/Realm of Kings (2008-2010)
Includes Star-Lord, Rocket, Groot, Gamora, Drax, Major Victory, Mantis, and Quasar (Phyla-Vell) through #12, Warlock through #19, Bug starting in #7, Jack Flag starting in #9, Martyr (Phyla-Vell) and Moondragon starting in #12. Vance Astro guests in #7, 16, and 25. Yondu, Charlie-27, and Martinex guest in #7, 16, 18, 25.
in oversized hardcover…
#1-25: Guardians of the Galaxy by Abnett & Lanning Omnibus oversize hardcover
This collections goes way past just amassing the main series – it also includes Thanos Imperative: Ignition #1, #1-6, and Devastation #1; and material From Annihilators #1-4 and Annihilators: Earthfall #1-4 (which has never before appeared in oversized format).
#1-12: War of Kings Prelude: Road to War of Kings Omnibus (ISBN 978-1-302-90446-3)
Collects the many threads of the full lead-in story to War of Kings – Son of M #1-6, X-Men: Deadly Genesis #1-6, Silent War #1-6, Secret Invasion: Inhumans #1-4, Guardians Of The Galaxy (2008) #1-12, Nova #13-22, Nova: The Origin Of Richard Rider, War Of Kings Saga
#13-19: Inhumans / X-Men: War of Kings Omnibus
Collects the majority of the War of Kings storyline – Uncanny X-Men #475-486, X-Men: Emperor Vulcan #1-5, Secret Invasion: War Of Kings, X-Men: Kingbreaker #1-4, War Of Kings: Darkhawk #1-2, War Of Kings: Warriors #1-2, War Of Kings #1-6, War Of Kings: Ascension #1-4, War Of Kings: Savage World Of Sakaar, Nova #23-28, Guardians Of The Galaxy #13-19, War Of Kings: Who Will Rule?, and Marvel Spotlight: War Of Kings.
#20-25: War of Kings Aftermath: Realm of Kings Omnibus oversize hardcover (ISBN 978-1-302-90447-0)
Collects all of the Realm of King storyline, its tie-ins, and subsequent Annihilators stories – Realm Of Kings #1, Realm Of Kings: Inhumans #1-5, Realm Of Kings: Imperial Guard #1-5, Realm Of Kings: Son of Hulk #1-4, Nova (2007) #29-36, Guardians Of The Galaxy (2008) #20-25, Thanos Imperative #1-6, Ignition, & Devastation, Annihilators #1-4, Annihilators: Earthfall #1-4, Thanos Sourcebook, and material From I Am An Avenger #3
in paperback collections…
Drax appears in Eternals #1 (need to check)
#1-12: Guardians of the Galaxy by Abnett & Lanning: Complete Collection, Vol. 1
#1-6: Vol. 1: Legacy
Available in hardcover.
She-Hulk: Cosmic Collision #1: Vol. 7: Here Today
Gamora appears.
Warlock appears in Mighty Avengers #19 (need to check)
War of Kings: See Marvel Universe Events: War of Kings. Brief appearance by Rocket, Groot, Drax, Major Victory
#7-12: Vol. 2: War of Kings, Book 1
Available in hardcover.
#13-25: Guardians of the Galaxy by Abnett & Lanning: Complete Collection, Vol. 2
#13-19: Vol. 3: War of Kings, Book 2
Available in hardcover.
Realm of Kings: See Marvel Universe Events: Realm of Kings. Brief appearances by Star-Lord and Rocket, Groot, Drax, Bug in #1
Mantis appears in New Avengers Annual 3 (need to check)
#20-25: Vol. 4: Realm of Kings
Available in hardcover.
Guardians in the Heroic Age (2010-2012)
2010
The Thanos Imperative: Ignition
Collected with Thanos Imperative, below and in Realm of Kings Omnibus, above. Includes Star-Lord, Rocket, Warlock, Major Victory, Mantis
The Thanos Imperative #1-6
Includes Star-Lord, Rocket, Groot, Drax, Bug, Major Victory, Mantis, Moondragon. Jack Flag briefly in #1. Available in oversized hardcover, and contained in both the Guardians Omnibus and the Realm of Kings Omnibus, above.
Incredible Hulks: Enigma Force #1-3
Bug appears throughout.
Herioc Age: Heroes #1: Origins of Marvel comics
This is a history of Marvel heroes as told by Steve Rogers. Jack Flag appears.
Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) and Major Victory cameo in Avengers #2. Moondragon cameos in Avengers #4. Quasar (Phyla-Vell) cameos in Avengers #6.
2011
The Thanos Imperative: Devastation
Collected with Thanos Imperative, above – from which it follows directly. Includes Star-Lord, Rocket, Gamora, Drax. Collected with Thanos imperactive, above, and in Realm of Kings Omnibus, above
Groot and Mantis cameo in New Avengers #7 (check this)
Warlock and Quasar (Phyla-Vell) cameo in Iron Man / Thor: God Complex #3 – may just be a flashback
Annihilators #1-4
Includes Rocket, Groot, and brief appearances in #1 from Star-Lord and Gamora and Drax, Warlock, Martyr (Phyla-Vell), Mantis. Available in oversize hardcover. Included in the Realm of Kings Omnibus, above. Back-ups appear in the Guardians Omnibus, above.
Mantis cameos in Avengers #11
2012
Moondragon cameos in X-Club #2
Annihilators: Earthfall #1-4
Includes Rocket, Groot.Included in the Realm of Kings Omnibus, above. Back-ups appear in the Guardians Omnibus, above.
Avengers Assemble #4-8: Avengers Assemble
Costarts the newly-defined core quintet of Guardians – Star-Lord, Rocket, Groot, Gamora, Drax, Bug – plus Bug. Available in oversize hardcover. See Avengers & New Avengers for more information.
Minimum Carnage
Bug is back in the Microverse and appears throughout this crossover between Venom and Scarlet Spider.
Guardians in Marvel Now (2012 – 2015)
See the Thanos guide for the Mad Titan’s chronology in Marvel Now.
In oversize format…
Guardians of the Galaxy by Brian Michael Bendis Omnibus, Vol. 1
A massive catch-all of Bendis’s Guardians material from The Heroic Age through Secret Wars! Collects Avengers Assemble #1-8; Guardians of the Galaxy #0.1, 1-27, Annual 1; Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow’s Avengers #1; All-New X-Men #22-24; Free Comic Book Day 2014 (Guardians of the Galaxy) #1; Guardians of Knowhere #1-4 (part of Secret Wars).
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 1 Oversized Hardcover
Guardians of the Galaxy #0.1, 1-10; Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow ‘s Avengers #1
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 Oversized Hardcover
Guardians Of The Galaxy #11-17, All-New X Men #22-24, Free Comic Book Day 2014
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 Oversized Hardcover
Guardians Of The Galaxy #18-27 & Annual 1
As originally collected…
#.1-3: Vol. 1: Cosmic Avengers
Launches with the team of Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot. Iron Man is a regular star of this new title. Includes Guardians of the Galaxy Infinite Comic Available in hardcover.
#4-10: Vol. 2: Angela
Mantis appears in #5. Available in hardcover.
#11-13: All-New X-Men & Guardians of the Galaxy: The Trial of Jean Grey
Crossover with All-New X-Men #22-24. Available in hardcover.
#14-16: Vol. 3: Guardians Disassembled
Captain Marvel and Venom join the team. Major Victory and Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) appears in #14. Also includes FCBD. Available in hardcover.
#18-23: Vol. 4: Original Sin
Concludes the story of the Cancerverse from Thanos Imperative. Available in hardcover.
#24-27 & Annual 1: Vol. 5: Through the Looking Glass
Available in hardcover.
By chronological appearance…
Guardians appear in Cammy’s flashback in Avengers Arena #3
Nova #1-5: Nova, Vol. 1: Origin
Also contains material from Marvel .1. Includes Rocket, Gamora. Also available in hardcover.
GotG #.1-3: Vol. 1: Cosmic Avengers
Launches with the team of Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot. Iron Man is a regular star of this new title. Includes Guardians of the Galaxy Infinite Comic Available in hardcover.
Age of Ultron: See Marvel Universe Events: Age of Ultron. Iron Man plays only a minor role in this event, and Angela is introduced in the final pages (where the Guardians also appear, glancingly).
The full quintet of Guardians – Star-Lord, Rocket, Groot, Gamora, and Drax – appear in Iron Man #16.
Moondragon cameos in Fearless Defenders #6.
Nova #6-10: Nova, Vol. 2: Rookie Season
Contains only the A-story from #10. Gamora and Drax appear in #10
GotG #4-10: Vol. 2: Angela
Mantis appears in #5. Available in hardcover.
Infinity: See Marvel Universe Events: Infinity. The Guardians only appear int he final issue of the event itself, but their tie-in issue provide the explanation for a major plot-point.
The classic Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) make a cameo in Uncanny Avengers #16
GotG #11-13: All-New X-Men & Guardians of the Galaxy: The Trial of Jean Grey
Crossover with All-New X-Men #22-24. Available in hardcover.
Moondragon appears in All-New Invaders #3
Free Comic Book Day: Guardians of the Galaxy. Collected in Guardians Disassembled, below.
Free Comic Book Day: Rocket Raccoon, includes Groot. Likely collected with the Rocket Raccoon series, below.
Revolutionary War: A Marvel UK event told in a series of one-shots. Star-Lord and Rocket, Groot, Gamora, appear in Omega.
GotG #14-16: Vol. 3: Guardians Disassembled
Captain Marvel and Venom join the team. Major Victory and Guardians of the Galaxy (Earth 691) appears in #14. Also includes FCBD from above. Available in hardcover.
Captain Marvel #2-3: Gamora and Drax appear in #2. Star-Lord, Rocket, Groot, Drax appear in #3. See Captain Marvel.
Original Sin: See Marvel Universe Events: Original Sin. The team appears in #0, possibly as a vision or flashback. Gamora appears in #1. Rocket makes further appearances.
GotG #18-23: Vol. 4: Original Sin
Concludes the story of the Cancerverse from Thanos Imperative. Available in hardcover.
Legendary Star-Lord #1-5: Vol. 1: Face It, I Rule
Rocker Raccoon #1-11 & Groot #1-6: Rocket Raccoon & Groot Vol. 0: Bite & Bark
Also collects material from Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow’s Avengers #1
Rocket Raccoon #1-6: Vol. 1: A Chasing Tale
Available in hardcover
Guardians Team-Up #1-5: Vol. 1: Guardians Assemble
Also includes Tales of the Pet Avengers #1
Rocket Racoon #7-11: Vol. 2: Storytailer
Available in hardcover
Legendary Star-Lord #6-12: Vol. 2: Rise of the Black Vortex
This absolutely includes 11-12, despite the solicit omitting them.
GotG #24-27 & Annual 1: Vol. 5: Through the Looking Glass
Available in hardcover.
Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: Black Vortex
A terrible cosmic crossover that also sucks in the All-New X-Men. This crosses every Guardians title except for Rocket Raccoon and Guardians 3000, yet each title also includes the covered issues in their individual books. That means the only issues unique to this book are the Alpha and Omega issues. Guardians Of The Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Alpha & Omega, Guardians Of The Galaxy #24-25, Legendary Star-lord #9-11, All-New X-Men #38-39, Guardians Team-Up #3, Nova #28, Cyclops #12, Captain Marvel #14. Available in oversize hardcover.
Guardians Team-Up #6-10: Vol. 2 Unlikely Story
Also includes Deadpool Team-Up #883
Guardians 3000 #1-5: Vol. 1: Time After Time
This was surprisingly awesome. Includes a prequel story from Guardians of the Galaxy (2013) #14. Does not include #6.
Guardians 3000 #6-8: See Korvac, below.
Secret Wars begins here.
Warzones: Guardians of Knowhere #1-5
Warzones: Korvac Saga
Collects Guardians 3000 #6-8 and Secret Wars: Korvac Saga
Battleworld: Star-Lord & Kitty Pryde
Collects Star-Lord & Kitty Pryde #1-3, Generation Next #1, Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex Omega #1. Note that the primary Kitty Pryde in this title is from Age of Apocalypse.
Groot #1-6: Vol. 1
This may not actually be a Secret Wars series – it doesn’t carry the banner. Available in hardcover and in Bite and Bark, above.
All-New, All-Different Marvel: Guardians of the Galaxy (2015 – 2017)
Guardians rivals The Avengers for the size of their franchise in this new era of Marvel! The core Guardians team now includes Gamora, Drax, Rocket, Groot, Thing, Agent Venom, and Kitty Pryde standing in for Star-Lord, while Guardians of Infinity includes a subset of that team and a mash-up of other time-strewn guardians. Meanwhile, Star-Lord’s title is retelling his origin.
Guardians of the Galaxy
in oversize format…
#1-10: Guardians Of The Galaxy, Vol. 4
#11-19: Guardians Of The Galaxy, Vol. 5 (ISBN 9781302908966)
Also collects material from Free Comic Book Day 2016
as originally released…
Guardians of Infinity #1-6: New Guard, Vol. 1 (ISBN 978-0-7851-9518-4)
Guardians of the Galaxy: Tales of the Cosmos!
TBA if this is in continuity or a young readers title.
#1-5: New Guard, Vol. 1: Emperor Quill
Available in hardcover
#6-10: New Guard, Vol. 2: Wanted
Star-Lord is back! Available in hardcover.
#11-14: New Guard, Vol. 3: Civil War II (ISBN 978-1-302-90301-5)
Also collects Free Comic Book Day 2016. Available in hardcover
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mother Entropy #1-5
A Jim Starlin / Alan Davis mini-series. It must take place either entirely before or entirety after Grounded.
#15-19: New Guard, Vol. 4: Grounded
Available in hardcover
Thus ends Bendis’s run on Guardians of the Galaxy! See below for the team’s solo series
Drax (2016) #1-11
This series occurs prior to the Bendis ANAD run.
#1-5: Vol. 1: The Galaxy’s Best Detective
#6-11: Vol. 2: The Children’s Crusade
Gamora (2017) by Nicole Perlman
This is an origin story that does not fit into current continuity.
#1-5: Vol. 1: Momento Mori
Rocket and/or Groot
Vol. 0: Bite and Bark
Collects the full Marvel Now runs of these two characters from above – Rocket Raccoon (2014) #1-11, Groot (2015) #1-6, and material from Guardians Of The Galaxy: Tomorrow’s Avengers #1
#1-6: Vol. 1: Tricks of the Trade
#7-11: Vol. 2
Rocket Raccoon (2016) by Matthew Rosenberg
#1-5: Grounded
Star-Lord (2016) by Sam Humphries
This title occurs in and around the first arc of Bendis’s title. This title is often referred to with the “Legendary” adjective, but it’s not in the indicia.
#1-5: Vol. 3: First Flight
#6-8: Vol. 4: Out of Orbit
Also collects Avengers #28, 51, & 174
Star-Lord (2017) by Chip Zdarsky
This occurs entirely during the “grounded” period of Bendis’s run.
#1-6 & Annual: Vol. 1: Grounded
Venom: Space Knight (2016)
This title occurs in and around the first arc of Bendis’s title.
#1-6: Vol. 1: Agent of the Cosmos
While he isn’t a traditional guardian, Venom’s adventures in this book are entirely in space.
#7-12: Vol. 2: Enemies & Allies
Venom ends his time as a space-faring hero at the end of this series; he’s next seen in New York with a different host in Venom (2017) #1-6: Vol. 1: Homecoming
All-New Guardians of the Galaxy (2017 – Present)
All-New Guardians of the Galaxy by Gerry Duggan, Aaron Kuder, and Ive Svorcina
Guardians of the Galaxy by Gerry Duggan Omnibus
Collects this period in its entirety – All-new Guardians of the Galaxy #1-12, Guardians Of The Galaxy (2017) #146-150, and material from Free Comic Book Day 2017.
#1-2, 4, 6, 8, 10 & FCBD 2017: Vol. 1: Communication Breakdown
#3, 5, 7, 9, 11-12: Vol. 2: Riders in the Sky
#146-151: Vol. 3: Infinity Quest
This volume’s story continued directly into Infinity Countdown and Infinity Wars. See Marvel Universe Events.
I Am Groot (2017) starring Baby Groot, by Christopher Hastings
#1-5: I Am Groot
Rocket! (2017) by Al Ewing
#1-5: The Blue River Score
Fantastic Four: Prodigal Sun
Collects a trilogy of 2019 one-shots by Peter David from Fantastic Four: Prodigal Sun, Guardians of the Galaxy: Prodigal Sun, and Silver Surfer: Prodigal Sun. They form a self-contained story that is not required reading for this FF run.
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As having read the gamora series myself, i can confirm its a stand alone origin-ish story set before any of the guardians stuff