For other uses, see Guardians of the Galaxy (disambiguation)

For alternate versions of the Guardians of the Galaxy, see the Guardians of the Galaxy's Organization Hub

The Guardians of the Galaxy are a team of intergalactic mercenaries who primarily defend the Andromeda galaxy. The team was founded in 2014 when Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Groot and Drax the Destroyer assembled to save Xandar from being decimated by Ronan the Accuser. Recognized by the Nova Empire, the Guardians were hired shortly after by the Sovereign's leader Ayesha to defeat an Abilisk, but became their enemies when Rocket stole from them. They gained three new members in Mantis, Nebula and Yondu Udonta when they banded together to defeat Ego, which resulted in Udonta's death. Nebula then left the team as the remaining Guardians resumed their adventures.

Four years later, the Guardians joined forces with the Avengers to stop Thanos from collecting the Infinity Stones. However, Gamora was taken by Thanos who later sacrificed her for the Soul Stone. Despite their best efforts to stop him, they were defeated on Titan and Wakanda as Thanos completed the Infinity Gauntlet, using it to murder half the universe's population. The Guardians of the Galaxy then ceased to exist as most of its members were now dead, with the only survivors, Rocket and Nebula, officially joining the Avengers.

The Guardians of the Galaxy were reassembled in 2023 when most of their members, with the sole exception of Gamora, were resurrected by the Avengers. They participated in the battle against another Thanos alongside an alternate Gamora, both of whom had come from another timeline. Following their victory, the Guardians departed Earth with Thor, who joined the group, with Kraglin Obfonteri joining them shortly after.

As they returned to defend the cosmos, the Guardians undertook several missions, culminating in the Battle of Indigarr. After the battle, the team learned of the rampage of Gorr the God Butcher, prompting Thor to leave the group. The Guardians then purchased Knowhere from the Collector, where they found Cosmo, who became their new member. They worked to transform Knowhere into their official headquarters and celebrated Christmas with Kevin Bacon, whom they had kidnapped.

In 2026, the Guardians were attacked on Knowhere by Adam Warlock, which resulted in Rocket being severely wounded. In order to save his life, the Guardians allied with the Ravagers, which included the alternate Gamora, to infiltrate OrgoCorp. Joined by Gamora, the Guardians of the Galaxy traveled to Counter-Earth to revive Rocket, after which they assembled to defeat High Evolutionary and liberate his test subjects, including a young girl named Phyla. Returning back to Knowhere, Gamora, Star-Lord, Mantis, Drax and Nebula elected to leave the team to live individual lives. Rocket Raccoon was then appointed as the new leader and led a new iteration of the team comprised of himself, Groot, Obfonteri and Cosmo along with new members Blurp, Phyla and Adam Warlock.

History[]

Preliminary[]

Quest for the Orb[]

When Peter Quill stole the Orb, Sakaarans troops led by Korath hunted for Quill but he escaped in the Milano. Yondu Udonta and his Ravager clan went to Morag after the Orb but discovered Quill's treachery and set a bounty on him. Elsewhere in the galaxy, Ronan the Accuser was informed of Quill stealing the Orb, so he sent Gamora to retrieve it. On Xandar, Quill tried to sell the Orb to the Broker and was later attacked by Gamora, only to be intercepted by Rocket and Groot after the bounty on Quill. None were successful as they were soon apprehended and arrested by the Nova Corps.^[1]

Escape from the Kyln[]

The group was sentenced to Kyln Prison Facility, and when they arrived, the group discussed Peter Quill's bounty, as well as the Orb, which Gamora revealed she was going to betray Ronan the Accuser with. They were each then processed by the Nova Corps as he was stripped down and washed, humiliating them. They were then given their uniforms and sent into the prison.

Gamora found herself endangered by inmates whose families were victims of Ronan and after being threatened, Rocket claimed Quill as his bounty. That night, some of the inmates attempted to kill Gamora, but Drax the Destroyer stopped them, desiring to kill her himself for the death of his family. Quill intervened and convinced Drax to let Gamora live, which would allow him to exact his vengeance on Ronan. Afterward, Quill, Gamora, Rocket and Groot all decided to work together to escape and sell the Orb, sharing the profit.

The next day, Rocket plotted an intricate plan to escape, which he informed the others on, however, Groot caused it to occur sooner than he wanted. Now under a lot of pressure, the proceeded with the rest of the plan, Gamora obtaining a security band and Quill stealing an inmate's false leg, while Drax assisted them in the fight that broke out. They all grouped up at the watchtower, which they took control of, turning off the artificial gravity in the prison, allowing them to escape and get to the Milano, departing from the Kyln.^[1]

Tension within the Team[]

As they flew to Knowhere to meet with the Collector, tension developed between the five as they clashed over the lack of trust. However, when an argument broke out about the Orb, Peter Quill cooled things down and told them that they're partners until they get the money.

They eventually made it to Knowhere and made their way to where they were requested to wait for the Collector. While they waited, Drax the Destroyer, Rocket and Groot went to the Boot of Jemiah, and Quill and Gamora talked outside. When a drunken fight between Drax and Rocket and Groot broke out, Quill and Gamora rushed to them to break it up. Quill tried to calm Rocket down from shooting Drax by reminding him that he will be rich soon and then proceeded to address how none of them have any friends due to their hostility.

After Drax walked off, Carina chooses to finally greet and bring them to the Collector, who they presented the Orb to. Meanwhile, Drax wandered around Knowhere until he came across the Tivan Dispatch Center and called Ronan the Accuser to their location. The Collector then explained that the Orb contained an Infinity Stone, which he went on to inform them of the stone's history. When the Collector went to pay them, Carina grabbed the Power Stone, destroying the Collector's Museum.

Managing to survive the explosion, they then grabbed the Orb and left the Museum. They then discussed what to do with the Orb, now knowing its true power. Gamora believed they should give it to the Nova Corps so it would be safe, but Rocket suggested just giving it to Ronan as they were wanted by the Nova Corps. Quill agreed with both of their points, proposing that they find someone else to take the Orb, who will keep it safe, but also pay them.^[1]

Skirmish on Knowhere[]

Suddenly, they discovered Drax the Destroyer standing before a fleet of Necrocraft ships, realizing that he had called Ronan the Accuser. At the same time, Yondu Udonta arrived and called out to Peter Quill, having tracked him down. As Drax fought Ronan, Quill, Gamora and Rocket attempted to escape from Nebula in the Mining Pods.

Despite their best attempts to evade the fleet and escape, after she flew out into space, Nebula destroyed Gamora's pod, leaving her to die while stealing the Orb. Back on Knowhere, Drax was brutally beaten by Ronan and thrown into a tank full of spinal fluid. Quill exited his pod to save Gamora and called Udonta to pick them up, while Rocket returned to Knowhere. With the Orb gone and Quill and Gamora captured, Rocket, Drax and Groot argued about what happened, however, they ultimately decided to help their only friends.^[1]

Uniting as a Team[]

While Star-Lord and Gamora attempted to convince Yondu Udonta to help them stop Ronan the Accuser, Rocket, Drax the Destroyer and Groot came to their friends rescue, threatening to blow up the Eclector. After clearing everything up, the group all regrouped on board the Eclector to come up with a plan.

However, this proved to not be easy as the group argued amongst themselves, failing to come up with a plan to stop Ronan. Star-Lord then gave a speech to them, entailing how they have all experienced loss in their lives but they were finally being given a chance to do something good for once. Star-Lord stood strongly with his desire to no longer run from problems and face Ronan, which inspired the rest of the group to stand with him.

With the group united, they developed a plan to save Xandar, in which Rocket would attack the Dark Aster, allowing the rest of them to enter, find Ronan, and kill him with the Hadron Enforcer. The group shared the plan with Udonta and his Ravagers clan, and they all geared up and prepared for battle, also sending a message out to the Nova Corps for assistance. With everything prepared, the group all walked together, successfully becoming a team.^[1]

Guardians[]

Battle of Xandar[]

The Guardians and the Ravagers then began their attack on the Dark Aster, distracting them and flying under where Rocket opened fire, breaking a hole in the side. As Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer and Groot tried to make their way to the entrance, they came under heavy attack, but were saved by the Nova Corps.

When they infiltrated the Dark Aster, they discovered it was too dark to see, so Groot created bio-luminous spores to light the way, much to the rest of the team's wonder. As they made their way, Drax thanked the other Guardians for their acceptance, although, they were interrupted when Nebula confronted them. When she started insulting Gamora, Drax shot her with his rocket launcher, sending her flying away. Gamora then went to disable the security doors protecting Ronan the Accuser while the others battled Korath and the Sakaarans.

Meanwhile, Rocket along with other Ravagers were destroying the Necrocrafts that were trying to dive-bomb Xandar. As Gamora tried to complete her task, she was stopped by Nebula, and a duel broke out between them, resulting in Nebula falling out of the Dark Aster. Star-Lord, Drax and Groot were able to defeat Korath and the Sakaarans as Gamora opened the security door, and then rejoined them as they went to confront Ronan.

The Guardians then stood before Ronan, as Star-Lord activated the Hadron Enforcer, firing a direct shot at him, causing a massive blast. However, they were not successful, as Ronan quickly got back up, barely being injured at all, and then retaliated, knocking them away. While Drax and Ronan fought, Rocket crashed his ship through the Dark Aster, severely damaging both ships and knocking himself unconscious.

With the Dark Aster falling apart inside and crashing towards the surface, Groot decided to save his allies from the wreckage by forming a large branch to protect them. After the Dark Aster crashed to the surface, the Guardians slowly recovered as they lay on the ground in pain while Rocket mourned the recent loss of his best friend.

Their recovery and mourning were cut short when Ronan reappeared from the wreckage, much to their distress. Ronan stood before the Guardians and onlooking Xandarians, giving a speech before he would decimate the planet. But before he could act, the Guardians made one last attempt to stop Ronan, with Rocket repairing the Hadron Enforcer as Star-Lord distracted the Accuser with a dance-off. Drax then used the Hadron Enforcer to destroy the Universal Weapon, exposing the Power Stone which Star-Lord and Ronan reached for.

Star-Lord was able to grab the stone, but its power began to rip his body apart. Star-Lord continued to hold the stone, sacrificing himself, but Gamora reached out to grab his hand, sharing the power of the stone between them. Drax then grabbed onto Star-Lord, with Rocket holding onto his finger, allowing them to absorb and control the stone's power. Star-Lord then declared themselves the "Guardians of the Galaxy" and used the stone to obliterate Ronan.

Immediately after the conflict was resolved, Udonta and his clan approached the Guardians reminding them he was promised the Orb. They tried to convince him to let them hand it over to the Nova Corps, but he demanded they comply to his request. Star-Lord, knowing he couldn't say no to Udonta, but couldn't give him the stone either, handed him a fake orb without the stone.^[1]

New Life[]

The Guardians then met with the Nova Corps to hand over the Orb, who out of thanks for saving Xandar, cleaned their slates and repaired the Milano for them. After informing Peter Quill of his unknown lineage, Irani Rael expressed her gratitude to the Guardians, and Rhomann Dey showed them the repaired Milano and warned them of committing any crimes in the future.

The Guardians, along with a twig from Groot that Rocket had planted, then boarded the Milano and departed from Xandar. After Quill played his new mixtape, he manned the pilot's seat and asked what they should do next, ultimately deciding upon doing good and bad. During their time flying through space as a new family with a reborn Groot, they decided to take jobs, marketing themselves as "galaxy savers".^[1]

Battle on Sovereign[]

A few months after the Battle of Xandar, the Guardians were hired by the Sovereign Priestess, Ayesha to kill an Abilisk, a beast who was slowly devouring the planet's power source. In exchange, Ayesha promised to hand Nebula, who they had arrested, over into their custody.

When the Abilisk arrived, the Guardians charged at the beast and were thrown around by it while Groot plugged in Star-Lord's music and danced. After Drax the Destroyer jumped inside the Abilisk's mouth, the other Guardians made a plan to attack the cut on its neck. As Star-Lord and Rocket distracted the Abilisk by getting it to look up, Gamora used her sword to pierce its skin. Gamora was successful in killing the beast, although when Drax was released, he took the credit.

With the job done, the Guardians then cleaned themselves off and got changed before going to see Ayesha. As they did, Quill informed the others about the Anulax Batteries, as well as warning them about how they behave in front of the Sovereign, as they are easily offended, which leads to executions. Meanwhile, unknown to the other Guardians, Rocket stole some of the batteries because of their high value.

The Guardians then met with Ayesha, who thanked them for their efforts. After a brief conversation, Gamora asked Ayesha to give them Nebula as promised, and she complied, concluding the arrangement. After some more conversations between them, ended with Rocket insulting them, the Guardians then left the temple and headed to Xandar in the Milano.^[2]

Escape from the Sovereign Fleet[]

As Rocket piloted the Milano, they heard an alert go off, so they joined at the cockpit to find a Sovereign fleet of Omnicrafts approaching them. Drax the Destroyer revealed that Rocket stole some of the Anulax Batteries, and that was why the Sovereign were chasing and firing at them.

The Guardians then argued with Rocket about his actions as they tried to evade the attacks. To make it to the nearest Jump Point to escape, the Guardians then flew through a Quantum Asteroid Field, where Peter Quill and Rocket argued over who was the better pilot. However, this petty rivalry caused the Milano to take serious damage, disabling their weapons. Drax went to take care of the remaining Omnicraft from outside the ship, as the Guardians got closer to the jump point.

However, after destroying the last drone and clearing the asteroid field, the Guardians found themselves surrounded by hundreds of Omnicrafts. The Milano proceeded to take even more damage by the Omnicrafts, and were going to be destroyed, when out of nowhere, all the Omnicrafts blew up. As they headed towards the jump point, Rocket noticed a mysterious figure on another spacecraft.^[2]

Meeting Ego[]

The Guardians flew through the jump point, arriving at the planet Berhert, but due to the damage the Milano took, they crash-landed. The Guardians then argued over Rocket's actions and fight with Peter Quill, which caused the Milano to now be destroyed.

Rocket informed them of how they were saved by a man on a ship, when suddenly the very ship that saved them, landed on the planet, causing the Guardians to stop their fighting and be prepared for any unknown danger that could arise. When the two figures stepped out of the ship, one of them introduced themselves as Ego, and revealed himself to be Quill's father, much to their surprise.

Ego informed Quill of how he hired Yondu Udonta to deliver him from Earth, which Quill filled in that Udonta kept him to help with his thieving. Ego told him that he had been searching for him ever since, and was able to find them due to the reputation of "Star-Lord. Ego then invited the Guardians to accompany him to his planet, where he could explain Quill's heritage to him. Quill discussed Ego with Gamora, not believing he was telling the truth, but she convinced him to give him a chance.^[2]

Separated[]

The next day, Peter Quill, Gamora and Drax decided to go with Ego while Rocket and Groot stayed on Berhert to fix the Milano and watch Nebula. The departing Guardians said their goodbyes and boarded Ego's Ship to visit his planet.

During the flight to Ego's Planet, the Guardians got to know Mantis, learning about her powers, which she used on the Guardians, reading their emotions. When they arrived at the planet, Ego explained to them that he was a Celestial and also the planet, in which he created. Ego then spent time with Quill, telling him of his origins and abilities, which Quill also possessed, while Drax bonded with Mantis.

Meanwhile, Udonta and his Ravager clan arrived at Berhert to capture the Guardians and to hand them over the Sovereign. However, Rocket had prepared for any threats that may come after them and ambushed the Ravagers with multiple traps. However, Rocket soon found himself surrounded by the Ravagers, defeated. When Groot freed Nebula, she helped the Ravagers capture the two Guardians, along with Udonta, who they turned against.

Rocket and Groot were brought onto the Eclector, where the Ravagers planned on handing them over to Ayesha, as well as Udonta to the Kree. While Rocket and Udonta were locked up, they devised an escape plan, being assisted by Groot, as well as Kraglin Obfonteri, who decided to help them. As Rocket, Groot and Udonta made their escape, they decided to kill every Ravager that betrayed Udonta as well as destroy the Eclector, escaping in the Quadrant, where they headed for Ego's Planet.

Back on Ego's Planet, Nebula arrived to kill Gamora, but they resolved their issues and discovered thousands of skeletons in a cave. Mantis revealed to the Guardians that the skeletons were Ego's children, causing them to plan to escape from the planet. Meanwhile, Ego revealed to Quill his true purpose was to be the universe, but Quill turned against him when he revealed he killed Meredith Quill. The Guardians were reunited with Rocket, Groot and Udonta as they saved Quill from Ego, who was executing his plan.^[2]

Battle on Ego's Planet[]

The reunited Guardians all boarded the Laser Drill, where Peter Quill informed them that to kill Ego, they had to go to his core and destroy it. They then flew below the planet's surface, where Rocket noted that they could raise their prices if they've saved the galaxy twice.

When the Guardians reached the core, they began to drill into it, but were interrupted when the Sovereign fleet arrived, attacking them. Trying to evade the Sovereign's barrage, Gamora, Drax and Mantis fell out of the ship, landing on the ground. Due to the lasers being disabled, Rocket crafted a bomb out of the Anulax Batteries, and he, Quill and Groot headed towards the core to destroy it.

Back on the ground, to help keep Ego at bay, Drax motivated Mantis to use her abilities to put the Celestial to sleep. Mantis was able to hold Ego back, but it would not be permanent due to his strength. Meanwhile, Rocket was attempting to instruct Groot how to correctly plant the bomb, with much frustration. To help Rocket, Quill asked each Guardian if they had tape, but Groot had run away with the bomb.

Yondu Udonta and Nebula were able to destroy all Omnicrafts, but it resulted in their ship to be destroyed as well. With all the Guardians on the ground, absent of Groot, they then made a plan to escape off the planet before it would be blown up by the bomb. After Drax took an unconscious Mantis to the surface, Gamora and Nebula were separated from Quill, Rocket and Udonta, who battled the awakened Ego.

The Guardians all then attempted to make their way to the surface, where Kraglin Obfonteri was waiting for them in the Quadrant. However, all the Guardians were incapacitated by Ego, allowing him to continue using Quill to achieve his goal. But, Quill was able to break free from Ego, freeing the other Guardians, and proceeded to fight him with his Celestial powers. While Quill kept Ego distracted, Groot successfully activated the bomb and regrouped with Rocket, as the other Guardians boarded the Quadrant to escape.

When Rocket and Groot returned to the Quadrant, the other Guardians discovered that Quill was still on the planet, but Rocket stopped Gamora from saving him, having already left Udonta down there. When the bomb exploded, Ego was killed, causing the planet to disintegrate. Quill was saved by Udonta, who sacrificed himself, giving his son the last Space Suit.^[2]

Yondu Udonta's Funeral[]

The Guardians retrieved Peter Quill with Yondu Udonta's lifeless body from space and brought them on board. The Guardians then held a funeral for Udonta where Quill gave a eulogy. After the funeral, Nebula departed from the Guardians.

When they cremated the body, the Guardians witnessed the Ravagers arrive to give Udonta a Ravager Funeral. As the Guardians watched, they each had deep conversations: Rocket reflecting upon himself, Gamora accepting her feelings for Peter Quill, and Drax admitting to Mantis' beauty. After the recent battle, Mantis permanently joined the Guardians, while Kraglin Obfonteri stayed onboard temporarily.^[2]

In addition to the Quadrant, the Guardians acquired a new ship with an auxiliary pod ship attached, which they dubbed the Benatar, leaving the destroyed Milano on Berhert.^[3]. During several missions, the Guardians flew to several different planets, including Grundar,^[4] Gangalor^[5] and Falligar.^[6]

Infinity War[]

Meeting Thor[]

Four years later, the Guardians responded to an Asgardian distress call, although the team's intentions for doing so were mixed. As they traveled to the location of the distress call, they listened to "The Rubberband Man" and discussed why the reason was they were helping.

When they arrived, they were greeted by the shocking aftermath of a massacre that had occurred. After discovering Thor to still be alive, the Guardians brought him on board, discussing him amongst themselves. When Mantis woke up Thor, he explained to the Guardians that Thanos had destroyed his ship and killed his people. Gamora then told them about Thanos' mission to bring balance to the universe.

When Thor attempted to take their space pod, he informed the Guardians that Thanos was heading to Knowhere to collect the Reality Stone, as he already obtained the Power and Space Stone. Thor stated that he was going to go to Nidavellir to create a weapon to kill Thanos. The Guardians decided to split up, with Rocket and Groot joining Thor as Peter Quill, Gamora, Drax, and Mantis went to Knowhere to stop Thanos from retrieving the Reality Stone.^[3]

Ambush in Knowhere[]

When the Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax and Mantis arrived on Knowhere, and entered the Collector's Museum, they found Thanos interrogating the Collector, asking the whereabouts of the Reality Stone. Angered over the deaths of his wife and daughter, Drax went to attack, but was put to sleep by Mantis.

However, the sound alerted Thanos of their presence, so the Guardians hid as Star-Lord created a plan of attack. Gamora decided to act and ambushed her father, managing to kill him, much to the other Guardians' surprise. However, Thanos revealed that it was all just an illusion, having already obtained the Reality Stone, and decided to trick the Guardians. Thanos then captured Gamora and incapacitated Drax and Mantis with the Reality Stone.

Star-Lord then threatened Thanos to release Gamora, but she reminded him of the promise to kill her if Thanos was able to capture her. Although reluctant to do so, Star-Lord shot at Gamora, but Thanos turned the blaster into bubbles. Having obtained the Reality Stone and Gamora, Thanos teleported away, leaving the Guardians defeated.^[3] While they sat in the Benatar, the Guardians received several messages from Nebula informing them to go to Titan, where Thanos would be going with Gamora.^[7]

Forging Stormbreaker[]

Meanwhile, Rocket flew Groot and Thor to Nidavellir, as the Asgardian explained its history. After having a deep conversation with Thor and providing him with a prosthetic eye, the three arrived at Nidavellir. However, upon their arrival, they discovered that the star forge had gone out.

As the three explored the place, they were suddenly attacked by Eitri until he recognized Thor. Eitri then explained how Thanos killed all the Dwarves and cut off his hands after forcing him to forge the Infinity Gauntlet. Thor was able to convince Eitri to help them forge the weapon, which was revealed to be Asgard's greatest weapon. However, to do so, they were required to restart the forge.

Rocket piloted the space pod and flew Thor out to the mechanism, where they were able to reignite the star. After Thor held open the iris doors, in which he was nearly killed by the power, they were able to forge Stormbreaker. Unfortunately, the handle was misplaced, so Groot used his arm as a customized handle. With Stormbreaker completed, Thor was revived and they proceeded to go fight Thanos.^[3]

Battle of Titan[]

Star-Lord, Drax and Mantis arrived on Titan to rescue Gamora from Thanos, where they infiltrated the Q-Ship that had just landed. Believing Iron Man, Doctor Strange and Spider-Man to be working with Thanos, they ambushed them, resulted in a heated fight. Star-Lord demanded to know where Gamora was, but they discovered that the other party was also enemies of Thanos and they decided to work together.

Exiting the ship, Iron Man began to create a plan but became annoyed by the unprofessional attitudes of the Guardians. As the two leaders bickered, Mantis alerted them of Doctor Strange, who was using the Time Stone, which he revealed that he looked into fourteen million, six hundred and five possible timelines, only seeing one in which they win. After they formulated a plan, they all got into position and waited for Thanos to ambush him.

When Thanos arrived, after talking to Doctor Strange, the Guardians and the Avengers attacked the Mad Titan. An intense battle then proceeded, where Thanos proved himself too strong for the heroes, as he easily overwhelmed them with the Infinity Stones he had already obtained. Nebula soon joined the battle, and with their combined efforts, they were able to restrain Thanos, trying to steal the Infinity Gauntlet.

Although seeming victorious, with the gauntlet almost removed, Mantis' hold on Thanos was disrupted when Star-Lord learned that he had killed Gamora, attacking the Mad Titan. Now free, Thanos fought back, throwing Mantis and using the Soul Stone to remove the other Guardians' souls from their bodies. Thanos then threw a moon at the heroes, so Spider-Man saved the unconscious Guardians as they fell.^[3]

When Mantis and Spider-Man got to safety, Doctor Strange informed them of the other Guardians' status, telling Mantis that she needs to save them. As the fight with Thanos continued, Mantis was able to restore the Drax, Star-Lord and Nebula's souls to their bodies.^[8] When the Guardians attempted to rejoin the battle, Thanos had received what he came for and teleported to Earth to obtain the Mind Stone. The Guardians and the Avengers were then left on Titan, defeated.^[3]

Battle of Wakanda[]

Rocket and Groot were transported by Thor, by use of the Bifrost Bridge, to Earth in Wakanda, joining the ongoing battle. Rocket and Groot helped fight off hordes of Outriders. However, when Thanos arrived seeking the Mind Stone, he effortlessly defeated Groot.^[3]

Snap[]

Thanos completed the Infinity Gauntlet and snapped his fingers, initiating his genocide. As a result of the Snap, Mantis, Drax, and Peter Quill disintegrated on Titan, while Groot disintegrated on Earth, leaving Rocket and Nebula as the only Guardians to survive.^[3]

Following this, Rocket remained with the Avengers at the Avengers Compound and three weeks later, reunited with Nebula. They both mourned together over the loss of the other Guardians. When the two located Thanos, they, along with the Avengers and Carol Danvers, decided to ambush Thanos, using the Benatar to travel to the Garden. However, when they confronted Thanos, they discovered that he had destroyed the Infinity Stones, forcing them to accept the devastating loss. With everyone they loved gone, Rocket and Nebula joined the Avengers, led by Natasha Romanoff, while still operating in space.^[9]

Battle of Earth[]

Five years later, as a result of the Blip, Peter Quill, Mantis, and Drax were restored to life on Titan and were transported by Doctor Strange via Inter-Dimensional Portal to Earth to the ruins of the Avengers Compound to join the battle against an alternate Thanos and his army. Groot was restored to life in Wakanda and was transported by other Masters of the Mystic Arts via portal as well.

During the battle, Quill encountered an alternate version of Gamora. Confused by her presence, Quill went to reunite with her, only to be kicked to the ground by her, having never met him before. Nebula joined them, informing her alternate sister that Quill was with who she had a romantic relationship. Later, alternate Thanos and his army were eventually defeated when Iron Man used the Infinity Stones to snap them out of existence, sacrificing his own life.^[9] To honor the fallen hero, the Guardians joined everyone else in kneeling before him.^[10]

Reassembled[]

Afterwards, the Guardians reunited with each other, with Rocket and Nebula rejoining the team. A week later, they attended Tony Stark's funeral at Stark's home in rural New York. Afterwards, the Guardians decided to return to space and let Thor join them.

The Guardians flew to New Asgard, Norway, and began their search for the Gamora variant while waiting to pick up Thor. When Thor boarded the Benatar, he dubbed them the "Asgardians of the Galaxy" and asked about their next destination. Peter Quill and Thor then began to argue about who was the leader, with Thor subtly challenging Quill's role. The other Guardians suggested that they fight for the role, but they both shut the idea down, leaving the role of leader unclear.^[9]

Answering the Galaxy's Calls[]

Classic Adventures[]

For months, the Guardians along with newest member Thor would go on to respond to numerous distress calls across the universe. During this time, Kraglin Obfonteri would officially join the Guardians while Thor would get back into shape. However, Thor still found himself discontent with where he was in life and decided to accept that he was only good for a fight, and waited for the Guardians to request his help win a battle. The Guardians were also joined by Korg on their adventures.^[11]

Battle of Indigarr[]

When Indigarr fell under attack from invaders, King Yakan requested the assistance of the Guardians. Under Thor's recommendation, saying that it would be like a relaxing holiday, the Guardians arrived on the planet and joined in the battle while Thor waited on a mountain and meditated.

Once the Guardians became overwhelmed, Star-Lord and Mantis went to ask Thor to help them win. Thor flew to the battlefield and asked how the Guardians were doing, with Drax the Destroyer reporting that they were all going to die. and Rocket getting angry that it was not the holiday experience that Thor had promised them. King Yakan spoke with Thor, revealing that their gods were killed. After giving a speech, Thor single-handedly defeated the invaders, destroying the sacred temple in the process as the Guardians watched on.^[11]

Thor's Departure[]

In return for their services, King Yakan provided the Guardians with two goats, Toothgnasher and Toothgrinder, which was received with split feelings from the team, with Thor, Drax the Destroyer and Korg loving the goats and Peter Quill, Rocket, Mantis and Nebula wanting to get rid of them.

Suddenly, they were alerted by a massive number of distress calls, all with the people revealing that their gods were slaughtered by someone known as the "God Butcher." Thor noticed one of the messages for help was from Sif, an Asgardian friend of his, so he decided that they must immediately hurry to go help her. However, Quill suggested that the Guardians all split up so that they could better deal with all of the distress calls.

Noticing that Thor was clearly bothered, Quill went to speak with him outside while the rest of the Guardians got the Benatar prepared. Thor expressed his admiration for the commitment the Guardians all had for each other, thinking he would never have that. Understanding that Thor was struggling with who he was, Quill told him that he needed to find meaning in love. Thor then declared his departure from the Guardians, and the team went off to save those that were in need of their help.^[11]

Operating from Knowhere[]

Buying Knowhere[]

In 2025, the Guardians went to Knowhere and bought it from the Collector to use as their headquarters. They decided to rebuild it so that it was liveable again after the attack it had faced. They also acquired a new ship as their main source of transportation, and took in Cosmo, who became a new member of the team.^[12]

Celebrating Christmas[]

As Christmas got closer, Kraglin Obfonteri told the Guardians about how Yondu Udonta ruined Peter Quill's Christmas spirit. After hearing this story, Mantis decided to do something to cheer up Quill, as he was still sad over Gamora's death. So she and Drax went to Earth and took Kevin Bacon as a present, while the rest of the Guardians continued fixing Knowhere.

Mantis and Drax returned with Bacon, and they employed the help of the other Guardians to decorate Knowhere with Christmas decorations. Quill saw what the Guardians did for him and was overwhelmed with happiness, but it was soon killed when he discovered that they kidnapped Bacon. After Bacon decided to stay on Knowhere longer, he sang for the Guardians as they gave each other presents. They then said goodbye to Bacon, who was flown back to Earth, and Mantis revealed to Quill that she was his sister.^[12]

A Fully Established Headquarters[]

Over the next few months, the Guardians had succeeded in the rebuilding of Knowhere, fully developing it into their own personal headquarters, as well as a habitable home for many. Still hurting from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill fell into a state of depression, often resorting to drinking until he passed out, which forced Nebula to take charge of Knowhere.

While the Guardians worked on the final touches to their headquarters, including Nebula and Groot putting up a "Guardians of the Galaxy" sign outside, Quill was drinking in the bar, where he passed out drunk and was found by Rocket. Nebula picked him up and the other Guardians gathered as he was carried to his room, concerned about their friend's wellbeing. They later discussed it amongst themselves, suggesting ways to help, such as Mantis using her powers to make Quill happy, but she did not think it was right to manipulate his emotions.^[13]

Saving Rocket Raccoon[]

Attacked by Adam Warlock[]

That night, Rocket was attacked by Adam Warlock, but he managed to get away. The Guardians each took turns fighting Warlock, but were all greatly overpowered by him. Warlock found Rocket and shot him in the chest, critically injuring him, so Peter Quill and Mantis put a med pack on him but it malfunctioned. Nebula managed to stab Warlock, forcing him to retreat, and she told the Guardians to take Rocket to the medbay on the Bowie.

On board, they discovered that Rocket had a kill switch attached to his heart, which had been triggered by the med pack and would kill him in two days. Learning that Rocket could only be saved by accessing the override, which was in the possession of OrgoCorp, the Guardians headed there straight away, leaving Kraglin Obfonteri and Cosmo in charge of Knowhere. They soon arrived at the Orgoscope and bypassed the security shields to meet up with Nebula's contact.^[13]

Reunited with Gamora[]

The Bowie was stopped and surrounded by the United Ravagers, who entered the Guardians' ship, demanding them to hand over their valuables. However, Nebula revealed that she had an appointment with Gamora, who the other Guardians who surprised had joined the Ravagers.

With the confusion sorted out, Stakar Ogord had the Guardians supplied with OrgoCorp uniform's to wear while he explained how they would be infiltrating the Orgoscope, along with Gamora. The Guardians and Gamora put on the uniforms, as well as spacesuits, and descended to the surface of the Orgoscope, landing at the decompression chamber. As Nebula worked on getting them inside, Peter Quill took a moment to talk to Gamora, asking if she remembered anything about her time with the Guardians, which she did not. As Quill appealed to her, the other Guardians revealed they were listening the whole time and found it awkward.^[13]

Infiltration into the Orgoscope[]

The Guardians managed to make their way inside the Orgoscope, and once inside they quickly removed their spacesuits and hid them away. They were confronted by the Orgosentries, led by Master Karja, but the Guardians managed to bluff their way out of the situation, pretending to be mechanics.

Gamora laid out the plan, splitting the Guardians up into two teams, with herself, Peter Quill and Nebula finding the records and retrieving the passkey, while Mantis and Drax the Destroyer went to find a way for Groot to land the Bowie in the facility so they could escape, having lost their spacesuits. As Mantis and Drax made their way to the spaceport, Quill, Nebula and Gamora forced Ura to take them to where the records were stored, with Quill and Gamora arguing about each other's methods.

Once the file was successfully retrieved, the alarms went off, as the Guardians' presence had been noticed by Administrator Kwol. The two groups found themselves immediately surrounded, so Mantis and Drax fought off the Orgosentries, while Gamora threatened to kill Ura, allowing them to make it to the elevator and contact Groot. Quill, Nebula and Gamora regrouped with Mantis and Drax, and Quill managed to hack into the Orgosentries' suits, causing them to float around the facility. Groot crashed the Bowie into the facility, and the Guardians escaped on board.^[13]

Arriving at Counter-Earth[]

The Guardians accessed Rocket's file, and they witnessed in horror the experiments he endured by the High Evolutionary. They discovered that the passkey had been deleted from the file and downloaded by Theel, a recorder for the High Evolutionary. They located the High Evolutionary's coordinates, and the Guardians set course, much to Gamora's frustration.

As Rocket was nearing death, the Guardians arrived at Counter-Earth and landed in what resembled a suburban neighborhood from Earth. The Guardians exited the Bowie and greeted the Humanimals, but were immediately attacked, so Groot scared them away. One of the Humanimals invited the Guardians into her home, and they told her about their mission to save Rocket. The Guardians were able to figure out that Theel was located at Arête Laboratories. Peter Quill, Nebula and Groot headed there, while Drax the Destroyer and Mantis stayed to watch Rocket.^[13]

Battle of Counter-Earth[]

Peter Quill, Nebula and Groot arrived at Arête Laboratories, and upon walking up to two guards, Nebula was forced to stay outside, due to her arm being a weapon, while the others went inside. Unbeknownst to the guards, Groot had concealed several guns inside his body. Quill and Groot were brought to the High Evolutionary, who explained his mission to them.

Drax the Destroyer grew tired of waiting around, so he tricked Mantis into going with him to Arête Laboratories to help the rest of the Guardians, leaving Gamora in the Bowie with Rocket. Gamora caught War Pig in the ship in the process of kidnapping Rocket, and the two fought. Gamora did her best to stop War Pig, but she was overpowered. However, War Pig was stopped from escaping with Rocket and killed when Adam Warlock arrived, which allowed Gamora to grab Rocket and run away.

Arête Laboratories began to rise out of the ground, as the High Evolutionary had decided to leave Counter-Earth and bomb it. Gamora got back into the Bowie and took off with Rocket, and was joined by Blurp, the pet of Adam, who was also on the ship and had fell unconscious. Drax and Mantis arrived at Nebula's location and they all rushed to get inside the ascending ship before it left Counter-Earth. The three managed to climb onto the outside, and eventually got inside after nearly dying in space.

After being dismissed by the High Evolutionary, Groot threw a grenade he had hidden, allowing him to pull out the guns, which he and Star-Lord used to shoot all of the enemies, except for Theel. Star-Lord tackled Theel and they both plummeted towards the surface of Counter-Earth, followed by Groot, who was able to save them both being gliding with wings. Theel was killed upon impact, so Star-Lord began extracting the passkey from his head. Due to Gamora struggling to pilot the Bowie, she was about to crash into them, but they were able to get the passkey and get to safety.^[13]

Stopping the High Evolutionary[]

After successfully flying the Bowie out to space, Peter Quill, Gamora and Groot rushed to Rocket and began uploading the passkey to remove the kill switch. However, it didn't initially work, and Rocket flatlined, but Quill was able to revive him, and they hugged.

Inside the Arête Laboratories, Nebula, Mantis and Drax the Destroyer found a cages filled with children. Nebula got angry with Drax for acting without thinking, so Mantis stood up for him, and the two Guardians argued. Nebula contacted Quill to inform him they were there to rescue him, but he revealed they were back on the Bowie and that Rocket was alive and well. They were interrupted when the High Evolutionary arrived and knocked out Nebula, Mantis and Drax, and he demanded Quill to hand over Rocket, or they would be killed.

To save Nebula, Mantis and Drax, Quill contacted Kraglin Obfonteri and instructed him with bringing Knowhere to the coordinates of Arête Laboratories to back them up in the fight against the High Evolutionary. Nebula, Mantis and Drax were thrown in a cell, and when they were joined by the children, Nebula and Mantis tried to warn them about the upcoming fight, but they ended up arguing with each other. Drax was able to get through to the children, telling them to stay clear of the starboard wall.^[13]

Attack on Arête Laboratories[]

Star-Lord, Rocket, Groot and Gamora geared up and headed to the coordinates the High Evolutionary gave them. After coming out of the Jump Point in the Bowie, the Guardians split off into three ships and made their approach towards Arête Laboratories.

Soon after, Knowhere arrived, being controlled by Kraglin Obfonteri, who successfully used its weaponry to blow open the starboard side so the Guardians could get in. As Rocket and Groot made their way to the opening, they were swarmed by Hell Spawn. Having broken out of his restraints, Adam Warlock, carrying Blurp, went after Star-Lord and Gamora's ship, crashing straight into it. On Knowhere, the Hell Spawn managed to get inside, so Obfonteri used the Yaka Arrow to them all, while Cosmo killed Behemoth, saving the citizens.

In Arête Laboratories, Nebula, Mantis and Drax were lowered from their cell and surrounded by three Abilisks. However, Mantis was able to calm the beasts down, which allowed the Guardians to ride on them. Star-Lord and Gamora's ship crashed into Arête Laboratories, followed by Rocket and Groot, and they went to rescue Nebula, Mantis and Drax. However, this was no longer necessary, as the Guardians were all reunited when Nebula, Mantis and Drax reached the starboard, riding on the Abilisks. Instead of leaving, the Guardians decided to rescue the children and creatures.

The Guardians approached a door, which Drax opened, and on the other side was a hallway filled with multiple OrgoCorp warriors. Working as a team, the Guardians managed to swiftly clear the entire hallway of enemies, each using their own unique abilities to do so. The Guardians continued to make their way through the ship, discussing the plan as they went, with Star-Lord suggesting connecting Knowhere to the opening so they could escape. Rocket and Nebula went to pilot the ship, as Star-Lord, Drax, Mantis, Groot and Gamora went to save the children on board.

Rocket and Nebula reached the control center, but found it destroyed. Nebula told Rocket she would deal with it, so he went back to help the other Guardians with the evacuation. Using her cybernetic arm, Nebula was able to pilot Arête Laboratories and lined it up with Knowhere, which was being piloted by Obfonteri, and Cosmo used her telekinesis to secure the two together. Once safe to do so, the children the Guardians rescued jumped onto Knowhere. Groot carried Adam to Knowhere, despite his attempts to kill them, stating that everyone deserves a second chance.

All of the children made it safely to Knowhere, but Star-Lord noticed that Rocket was not with them, as he had found cages filled with animals and went to help them. However, Rocket was found and attacked by the High Evolutionary. Rocket was able to get free of the High Evolutionary's powers and shot him. The rest of the Guardians arrived, and each of them landed a hit on the High Evolutionary, ending with Gamora stabbing him and peeling his face off. Rocket chose not to kill the High Evolutionary, claiming it was because he was a Guardian.

With Arête Laboratories about to explode, the Guardians went to leave, but Rocket told them that they had to save all of the animals. The Guardians freed all of the animals and directed them towards Knowhere. At this moment, Cosmo started to lose her hold on the two ships, causing them to disconnect. The Guardians ran to make it off Arête Laboratories before it was destroyed, but Star-Lord dropped his Zune and went back for it, resulting in him being stuck in space, where the Guardians watched helplessly as he died. Fortunately, Adam saved him and brought him on board Knowhere, and they all hugged.^[13]

Rocket Raccoon's Leadership[]

Parting Ways[]

After Gamora went back with the Ravagers, Peter Quill summoned the Guardians, as he wanted to reveal to them that he was going to be leaving the team, having made the decision to return to Earth, no longer wanting to run from his trauma and see his grandfather.

Mantis then revealed that she was also leaving, stating that her whole life she had just been doing what others had wanted and that she now wanted go on her own to figure out what she wants. Drax the Destroyer told Mantis that he would come with her, but she declined his gesture. Nebula told Drax that she needed him staying on Knowhere to help her care for all of the children. Rocket asked if Nebula would lead the Guardians, but she said she was also leaving to focus on leading Knowhere. Rocket was upset that the Guardians were ending, but Quill told Rocket that he would now be the leader, as the galaxy still needed the team, and they all saluted him.

Afterwards, Quill departed immediately and reunited with his grandfather on Earth. He gifted Rocket with his Zune, and he played it on the Knowhere speakers, and danced with Groot. Soon, everyone else was dancing, including Nebula, Kraglin Obfonteri and Cosmo. Mantis waved goodbye to Drax and went off with the Abilisks. Drax returned to everyone else and joined in on the dancing. With all of the Guardians' troubles over, they danced and shouted together in celebration.^[13]

A New Era[]

Following the fight with the High Evolutionary and the team splitting up, Rocket led a new group of Guardians, which contained previous members Groot, Kraglin Obfonteri and Cosmo, as well as new additions Adam Warlock, his pet Blurp, and Phyla, one of the Star Children the Guardians rescued.

Under Rocket's leadership, the Guardians would continue to help out those in need across the galaxy, all while growing close with each other as a family, particularly bonding over the music on the Zune. While on a mission on Krylor to save a town from a stampede of creatures, the team discussed their favourite music artists from the Zune. When the stampede arrived, the Guardians prepared for the upcoming fight, and on Rocket's signal, the Guardians charged into battle.^[14]

Members[]

Current Members[]

Rocket Raccoon[]

• Name: Rocket
• Species: Raccoon
• Activity: August 2014 - 2018; 2023 - present
• Status: Alive
• Description: Born a simple raccoon on Earth, he was taken to Counter-Earth by the High Evolutionary, who genetically-altered the young rodent to have enhanced intelligence and other cybernetics. Naming himself Rocket, he befriended the other rejected experiments of Batch 89. When his creator discovered Rocket's extreme intelligence, he revealed to him that Batch 89 were to be incinerated. Horrifed, Rocket attempted to escape with his friends, but they were all killed in the chaos. This event scarred Rocket forever, causing him to develop a cynical and vain personality, to insure no one ever got too close to him again. He became a mercenary into his adulthood and eventually befriended Groot. By 2014, the pair had been imprisoned in the Kyln, where they met Star-Lord, Drax and Gamora, the group formed the Guardians of the Galaxy, and worked to save the planet Xandar from Ronan the Accuser. Now galactic heroes, the Guardians were hired to help the Sovereign, however, the job went sour when Rocket stole the Anulax Batteries, sparking war with the Sovereign. After crashlanding on Berhert, Rocket and Groot were captured by Taserface's rouge Ravager faction. Rocket, Groot, and Yondu worked together to escape from the Ravagers and join the Guardians for the Battle on Ego's Planet. In 2018, Rocket and Groot met Thor and accompanied him to Nidavellir to create Stormbreaker. The trio then used it to travel to Wakanda to battle Thanos. However, Thanos snapped, wiping out all members of the Guardians besides Rocket and Nebula. He and Nebula joined forces with the Avengers and in 2023, they participated in the Time Heist. Rocket retrieved the Aether from 2013 Asgard, allowing Hulk to enact the Blip, resurrecting the Guardians, who participated in the Battle of Earth. In 2026, Adam Warlock mortally wounded Rocket, and the Guardians raced to save his life. After narrowly saving his life, Rocket led the Guardians in the Attack on Arête Laboratories, ultimately choosing to spare his creator's life and rescue all his test subjects. Following the battle, Mantis, Nebula, Drax, and Star-Lord retired from the team, leaving Rocket to lead the team.

Groot[]

• Name: Groot
• Species: Flora colossus
• Activity: August 2014 (original); August 2014 - 2018; 2023 - present (offspring)
• Status: Deceased (original); Alive (offspring)
• Description: A sentient tree-like individual from Planet X, Groot eventually befriended the intergalactic criminal Rocket. Groot's physiology renders the limits of his speech to the phrase, "I am Groot.", and "We are Groot.", due to having a wooden larynx. Though Groot's vocabulary is only limited, those who know him well can understand his speech. In 2014, Groot and Rocket met Star-Lord, Gamora and Drax while imprisoned in the Kyln. The group formed the Guardians of the Galaxy and learned of Ronan the Accuser's plan to destroy Xandar, Groot aided his allies during the Battle of Xandar and gave his life to protect his teammates when the Dark Aster crashed into the planet's surface. Rocket planted some of Groot's remains, which grew into a new version of Groot, who accompanied the Guardians during their intergalactic escapades, including the Battle on Ego's Planet, where Groot played a key role, by planting the bomb that killed Ego. In 2018, a now teenage Groot helped Rocket and Thor to create a weapon designed to kill Thanos, called Stormbreaker. The trio arrived on Earth to participate in the Battle of Wakanda, but they were unsuccessful at preventing the Snap, which Groot fell victim to. In 2023, Groot was resurrected and participated in the Battle of Earth before returning to space with the Guardians and continuing thier adventures. In 2026, a now young adult Groot aided his team in finding the passkey to save Rocket's life after Adam Warlock mortally wounded him.

Kraglin Obfonteri[]

• Name: Kraglin Obfonteri
• Species: Xandarian
• Activity: 2024 - present
• Status: Alive
• Description: The former first mate of Yondu Udonta's Ravager clan. Obfonteri later helped both Udonta and Rocket escape from Taserface's mutinous faction, before assisting in the Battle on Ego's Planet. In 2023 Obfonteri helped the Avengers and the other Guardians in the Battle of Earth. Afterwards, Kraglin left the Ravagers and became a full-fledged member of the Guardians and accompanied them on further adventures. In 2026, Obfonteri was left in charge of the Guardians' home base, Knowhere while the other Guardians traveled to the Orgoscope to save Rocket's life. Obfonteri later answered a call from Star-Lord asking for backup during the Attack on Arête Laboratories, and assisted in rescuing all of the High Evolutionary's experiments.

Cosmo the Spacedog[]

• Name: Cosmo
• Species: Dog
• Activity: 2025 - present
• Status: Alive
• Description: Cosmo is a telepathic and telekinetic Labrador-breed dog who was sent into space in 1966 as part of the Soviet Union's space program. She was found by the Collector, and kept as a specimen in his museum on the Knowhere mining colony until the Power Stone destroyed the museum, freeing Cosmo. Several years later, Cosmo would join the Guardians of the Galaxy and help the other members restore Knowhere. Cosmo played a crutial role in rescuing the High Evolutionary's experiments during the Attack on Arête Laboratories, as she telepathically held Knowhere and Arête Laboratories together, allowing safe passage away from the laboratory.

Adam Warlock[]

• Name: Adam
• Species: Sovereign
• Activity: 2026 - present
• Status: Alive
• Description: Adam Warlock is a Sovereign created in a special Birthing Chamber by the Sovereign high priestess Ayesha with the purpose of killing the Guardians of the Galaxy. In 2026, he was prematurely awakened by the High Evolutionary, who tasked him with capturing Rocket, only to be defeated by the Guardians. After meeting Blurp, Warlock joined his mother Ayesha on a trip to Counter-Earth to retrieve Rocket but the High Evolutionary destroyed the planet, killing his mother. Warlock eventually tried to attack Arête Laboratories but failed yet again and was rescued by Groot. Thankful towards the Guardians for saving his life, Warlock joined a new lineup of the Guardians, led by Rocket Raccoon.

Phyla[]

• Name: Phyla
• Species: Star Child
• Activity: 2026 - present
• Status: Alive
• Description: Born as a fish on her homeworld, Phyla was taken to Arête Laboratories by the High Evolutionary to be genetically engineered into one of his Star Children. During their imprisonment, Phyla and the other children befriended Drax, who, along with the other Guardians of the Galaxy, saved all the captured test subject and gave them a home on Knowhere. To learn how to use her powers, Phyla joined a new lineup of the Guardians, led by Rocket Raccoon.

Blurp[]

• Name: Blurp
• Species: F'saki
• Activity: 2026 - present
• Status: Alive
• Description: Blurp is a furry F'saki and the former pet of Fitz-Gibbonok, a deceased Ravager, who was captured and killed by Adam Warlock in the Orgoscope. Blurp then befriended Adam Warlock, and accompanied him to Counter-Earth. However, after the destruction of Counter-Earth, Blurp was taken by Gamora and the other Guardians of the Galaxy in the Attack on Arête Laboratories, which resulted in the defeat of the High Evolutionary. Blurp then joined a new lineup of the Guardians, led by Rocket Raccoon, alongside his owner Adam Warlock.

Former Members[]

Thor[]

• Name: Thor Odinson
• Species: Asgardian
• Activity: 2023 - 2025
• Status: Alive
• Description: The former king of New Asgard as well as a former and founding member of the Avengers. After the Battle of Earth and Tony Stark's funeral, Thor renounced his position of royalty to join adventures with the Guardians, passing on the responsibility of New Asgard to Valkyrie. After around two years with the Guardians, Thor remained distant from them, never really opening himself up and allowing himself to grow close to them. In 2025, Thor and the Guardians responded to a distress call from the people of Indigarr, and after a battle against Habooska the Horrible, Thor decided to leave the team so that he could go find Sif and get to the bottom of Gorr the God Butcher's massacres, while the Guardians answered other calls.

Gamora[]

• Name: Gamora Zen Whoberi Ben Titan
• Species: Zehoberei
• Activity: 2026
• Status: Alive
• Description: In her reality, the Time Heist orchestrated by the Avengers who had come from a different timeline enabled Gamora to learn how the future could unfold, causing a major divergence. Later, Thanos successfully brought his armies through the Multiverse from his reality to the Avengers' prime timeline. Gamora then turned against him, helping the Avengers and their allies to defeat him. After watching Thanos and his army turn to dust, Gamora, now stranded in a different universe than her own, left Earth and joined the Ravagers. In 2026, Gamora helped the Guardians of the Galaxy infiltrate the Orgoscope, but she joined the team temporarily to save Nebula after she was captured by the High Evolutionary. Later, after fighting the High Evolutionary and saving Rocket, Gamora left the team and returned to the Ravagers.

Star-Lord[]

• Name: Peter Jason Quill
• Species: Human/Celestial Hybrid
• Activity: August 2014 - 2018; 2023 - 2026
• Status: Alive
• Description: A human-Celestial hybrid who was kidnapped from Earth by the Yondu Ravager Clan in 1988 after his mother's death. Living in space for nearly thirty years, Quill became wrapped up in an intergalactic conspiracy that caused him and his fellow inmates in the Kyln to form the Guardians of the Galaxy, with him becoming their leader. Learning of Ronan the Accuser's plans, the team decided to fight for the people of Xandar, and became famous intergalactic heroes. Months later, word of the Guardians' heroics reached Quill's long-lost father Ego, who connected with his son and taught him about his Celestial heritage and his plans. Horrified by Ego's plan, the Guardians teamed up to kill Ego and save the universe, Quill used his celestial powers to subdue his father long enough for his team to detonate a bomb inside Ego's core, killing him and severing his connection to his powers. Quill's surrogate father, Yondu, sacrificed his life to save Quill's life as Ego's planet was destroyed. In 2018, Quill joined the other Guardians to Knowhere and later Titan to battle Thanos, however they were unsuccessful, and Quill was killed by the Snap. He was resurected in 2023 and joined his allies in the Battle of Earth. In 2026 the Guardians came into conflict with the High Evolutionary after Adam Warlock mortally wounded Rocket, so Quill confronted the High Evolutionary on Counter-Earth. Learning how to save Rocket, Quill resuscitated his friend and allowed Rocket to take lead in the Attack on Arête Laboratories. Afterwards, Quill chose to retire from the team, and return to his remaining family in Missouri, dubbing Rocket as the team's new leader.

Mantis[]

• Name: Mantis
• Species: Celestial Hybrid
• Activity: October 2014 - 2018; 2023 - 2026
• Status: Alive
• Description: A hybrid of a Celestial and a race of empathic insectoids, Mantis was raised by her father Ego. Since she was a child, Mantis helped ease Ego's neurotic behavior with her powers until 2014, when the Guardians of the Galaxy came to his planet. After bonding with Drax, she came to care for the Guardians and allied with them to help to prevent Ego from conquering the Galaxy. With her servitude to Ego ended, she became a full-fledged member of the Guardians and accompanied them on further adventures. Mantis was one of the many killed after being disintegrated when Thanos snapped his fingers, wiping out half of the universe. She was resurrected five years later along with most of her teammates, and soon after aided the Avengers in the Battle of Earth. The Guardians continued their intergalactic adventures, now joined by Thor, until 2025 when Gorr the God Butcher's vow against Gods led Thor to leave the team. The Guardians then bought Knowhere and made it their homebase, and that Christmas, Mantis devised a plan to gift a greif stricken Star-Lord his childhood idol Kevin Bacon. Although Quill appreciated the gesture, he wished for Bacon to be returned home, and Mantis revealed that she was Quill's sister, which delighted him. In 2026, after saving Rocket's life and fighting the High Evolutionary, Mantis decided to leave the team, wishing to peruse her own path on life for the first time. After Rocket was elected as the new leader, she left Knowhere with the Abilisks to focus more on herself.

Drax the Destroyer[]

• Name: Drax
• Activity: August 2014 - 2018; 2023 - 2026
• Status: Alive
• Description: An humble alien man who's life was destroyed when Ronan the Accuser killed his wife Ovette and daughter Kamaria. Blinded by grief and driven only by a burning desire to obtain vengeance, Drax became a killing machine, known throughout the galaxy as "The Destroyer." His crimes led to him be arrested by the Nova Corps and incarcerated in the Kyln, where he met Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket and Groot. The five became a reluctant team and faught against Ronan, managing to save Xandar from his destruction. With Ronan gone, Drax realized that Thanos is the true perpetrator of his family's demise and vows to kill the Titan when the time comes. With his criminal record now cleared, Drax became an intergalactic hero with his fellow Guardians and in 2018, Drax was one of the many killed after Thanos snapped his fingers, wiping out half of the universe. He was resurrected five years later along with most of his teammates, and joined the Avengers in Battle of Earth, finally putting an end to Thanos and avenging his family. In 2026, after saving Rocket's life, Drax joined the Guardians in the Attack on Arête Laboratories, where he encountered the Star Children, who he befriended by making funny noises that once made his daughter laugh. After the High Evolutionary's defeat, Drax decided to retire from the team, being given a chance to be a father once again to the Star Children.

Nebula[]

• Name: Nebula
• Species: Luphomoid
• Activity: October 2014; 2018; 2023 - 2026
• Status: Alive
• Description: A Luphomoid assassin who was adopted by Thanos at a young age. Throughout their childhoods, Thanos would force Nebula and his other adopted daughter Gamora to fight, and every time one of them would lose, Thanos would replace a part of their body with cybernetics. In her adulthood, she served under Ronan the Accuser's command during the quest for the Orb and battled the Guardians during the Battle of Xandar. Later that year, Nebula was captured by the Sovereign and was used as payment for the Guardians' defeat of the Abilisk. However, Nebula escaped and teamed up with Taserface's rouge Ravager faction, using Rocket and yondu as payment to get a ship. She flew to Ego's planet and ambush her sister, finally being able to get the upper hand. The two sisters reconciled, and Nebula joined them in the Battle on Ego's Planet. She then left the team to attempt to kill Thanos, and she nearly succeeded but ended up getting captured. During the Infinity War, Thanos used Nebula's life to bargain with Gamora for the location of the Soul Stone. After Thanos left for Vormir, she was able to escape and rejoined Guardians on Titan. She was one of the few survivors after her father wiped out half of the universe. After the Snap, she joined the Avengers and aided them in an Ambush on Thanos, ending with Thor chopping his head of. In 2023, Nebula participated in the Time Heist, going to 2014 Morag with War Machine to reclaim the Power Stone, however, the Thanos of this universe captured Nebula and used her Time-Space GPS and Pym Particles to bring his army to the present day. She reunited with the Guardians after their resurrection, and joined them in the Battle of Earth, ending with Thanos' death. In 2026, after saving Rocket's life and defeating the High Evolutionary, Nebula chose to retire from the team and instead wanted to raise the Star Children and turn Knowhere into the home she always wish she had growing up.

Deceased Members[]

Yondu[]

• Name: Yondu Udonta
• Species: Centaurian
• Activity: October 2014
• Status: Deceased
• Description: Leader of his own clan of the Ravagers and father figure to Peter Quill. When Quill betrayed the Ravagers and stole an Orb for himself, Udonta led the hunt for his former ally. Eventually, Udonta caught up with Quill but was convinced to help in winning the war against Ronan the Accuser, who was threatening to use the Orb's power to destroy the planet Xandar. Udonta eventually joined the Guardians after Taserface led a mutiny against him before he gave his life to save Quill during Ego's destruction.

Gamora[]

• Name: Gamora Zen Whoberi Ben Titan
• Species: Zehoberei
• Activity: August 2014 - 2018
• Status: Deceased
• Description: One of the last survivors of the Zehoberei race and an adopted daughter of Thanos, his harsh and brutal parenting turned her into a brutal killing machine, renowned as the galaxy's deadliest assassin. In 2014 Gamora had a falling out with her father that caused her to rebel against him, thereby making her an enemy of Thanos and his associates. Her fugitive status led to her being arrested on Xandar and imprisoned in the Kyln, where she met and begrudgingly teamed up with Star-Lord, Drax, Rocket and Groot. The group would become the Guardians of the Galaxy, and fueled by her hatred of her father and Ronan's methods, she encouraged the team to save the people of Xandar from Ronan's destruction. Now intergalactic heroes, Gamora joined the Guardians on a mission for the Sovereign, which led to Star-Lord's father, Ego encountering the team. Gamora remained suspicious of Ego, and turned out to be correct when Ego's true motives were revealed. Gamora reconciled with her sister, Nebula and joined her in the Battle on Ego's Planet. In 2018, the Guardians discovered Thor, who told them of Thanos' plan, knowing her father, Gamora urged Star-Lord to kill her if Thanos captured her during their conflict with him. However Thanos prevented this, captured his daughter, and showed her a newly captured Nebula, who would be killed if Gamora didn't give up the location of the Soul Stone. Refusing to be the cause of her sisters death, she revealed the stone's location. There, Thanos learned that the Soul Stone requires a sacrifice, so he, with tears in his eyes, threw Gamora off of the cliff, killing her and acquiring the Stone.

Appearances[]

Appearance for the Guardians of the Galaxy

Chronological Narrative In chronological order: Avengers: Endgame (mentioned; alternate universe) Guardians of the Galaxy Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Prelude, Issue 2 Avengers: Infinity War Prelude, Issue 2 (flashbacks) Guardians of the Galaxy: The Junior Novel Guardians of the Galaxy Read-Along Storybook and CD Avengers: Infinity War: The Heroes' Journey (flashbacks; concurrent events) The Hero's Journey: Guardians of the Galaxy (flashbacks; concurrent events) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Guardians Save the Day Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Meet the Team! Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Revenge of the Ravagers Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: The Return of Rocket and Groot Phase Three: Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Avengers: Infinity War: The Heroes' Journey (flashbacks; concurrent events) The Hero's Journey: Guardians of the Galaxy (flashbacks; concurrent events) Avengers: Infinity War - Gamora I Am Groot | Episode 1.05: Magnum Opus (drawing) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Rocket's Rules Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Avengers: Infinity War Avengers: Endgame Prelude, Issue 1 Avengers: Endgame Prelude, Issue 2 Avengers: Endgame Prelude, Issue 3 Avengers: Endgame: The Pirate Angel, The Talking Tree, and Captain Rabbit (concurrent events) Avengers: Endgame Thor: Love and Thunder She-Hulk: Attorney at Law | Episode 1.09: Whose Show is This? (photo) The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 In narrative order: Guardians of the Galaxy Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Prelude, Issue 2 Avengers: Infinity War Prelude, Issue 2 (flashbacks) Guardians of the Galaxy: The Junior Novel Guardians of the Galaxy Read-Along Storybook and CD Avengers: Infinity War: The Heroes' Journey (flashbacks; concurrent events) The Hero's Journey: Guardians of the Galaxy (flashbacks; concurrent events) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Guardians Save the Day Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Meet the Team! Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Revenge of the Ravagers Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: The Return of Rocket and Groot Phase Three: Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Avengers: Infinity War: The Heroes' Journey (flashbacks; concurrent events) The Hero's Journey: Guardians of the Galaxy (flashbacks; concurrent events) Avengers: Infinity War - Gamora I Am Groot | Episode 1.05: Magnum Opus (drawing) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Rocket's Rules Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Avengers: Infinity War Avengers: Endgame Prelude, Issue 1 Avengers: Endgame Prelude, Issue 2 Avengers: Endgame Prelude, Issue 3 Avengers: Endgame: The Pirate Angel, The Talking Tree, and Captain Rabbit (concurrent events) Avengers: Endgame Thor: Love and Thunder She-Hulk: Attorney at Law | Episode 1.09: Whose Show is This? (photo) The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Trivia[]

• In the comics, the Guardians of the Galaxy are a collective of interstellar heroes assembled by Star-Lord to prevent cosmic threats, and located on Knowhere. They took the name from another group of cosmic heroes, based in an alternate future on Earth-691.
• Following the success of the first film, every media incarnation of the Guardians of the Galaxy has been specifically based on the MCU version of the team.
• Thor, Cosmo, Adam Warlock and Phyla are the only members of the Guardians of the Galaxy who have no official criminal records whatsoever.

References[]

External Links[]

• Guardians of the Galaxy on Marvel Database
• Asgardians of the Galaxy on Marvel Database
• Guardians of the Galaxy on Wikipedia
• Guardians of the Galaxy on Wikipedia
• Asgardians of the Galaxy on Wikipedia

Guardians of the Galaxy
Current Members
Rocket Raccoon • Groot • Kraglin Obfonteri • Cosmo the Spacedog • Adam Warlock • Phyla • Blurp
Former Members
Yondu • Gamora • Thor • Gamora • Star-Lord • Mantis • Drax the Destroyer • Nebula