Rocket Raccoon #5
Writer: Matthew Rosenberg
Artist: Jorge Coelho
Colors: Rain Beredo and Antonio Fabela
Letters: Jeff Eckleberry
Publisher: Marvel
A review by David Hildebrand
Rocket Raccoon #5 hit the shelves this week and it’s the end of a run I thoroughly enjoyed. As much as I’ve asked Matthew Rosenberg to continue (Kidnapping? I never said that! Prove it!) he is not able to answer my prayers. He’s moving on to other titles that desperately need him, but I will forever be grateful for his run of Rocket Raccoon.
The last issue left our furry hero in what could be described as a concentration camp for aliens. Rocket used his craftiness to build a makeshift flamethrower and attack his captors. Rocket Raccoon #5 picks up right where we left off and Rocket is standing his ground burning up the threat that surrounds him. After being rescued by a surprise saviour, Rocket is back on the warpath in efforts to find a way off of the planet he loathes so much. Tricking Ra’chaun outside by pretending to be a real raccoon and setting his car on fire, he uses the distraction to obtain the teleporter he desperately needs to leave Earth. But things are never that easy for Rocket and Kraven shows up for a final showdown with everyone’s favorite trash panda.
Rosenberg stays sharp with his story and the humor. The back and forth between Rocket and Kraven makes you believe they’ve actually been long time rivals. I’ve never really enjoyed Kraven as a character as much as I have with Rosenberg writing him. Cohelo’s art remains strong and detailed, especially with the New York landscapes. Those really stood out for me, Rocket has a gorgeous city to travel through even though he would disagree. I really liked the first person view as we are Rocket’s eyes ravaging Ra’chaun’s apartment. Fabelo and Beredo’s colors are vibrant and only enhance the artwork on the page. A beautiful book from start to finish!
The Verdict:
Buy It! You know I’m gonna say buy it! I might sound biased because it’s Rocket Raccoon and he’s one of my favorite characters but believe me, I wouldn’t hold back if he was done wrong. This creative team put together an incredible story of Rocket’s time on Earth. I definitely wouldn’t mind to see them collaborate on another Rocket tale some time in the future. Maybe Rocket’s Guide to Earth? That would be interesting!
