Best Guardians of the Galaxy Comics (Updated: September 2025)

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If you’re used to the Guardians of the Galaxy from the Marvel movies, the original comic book team might surprise you. They first appeared in 1969 as a typical superhero group with different backstories, and didn’t get the look and feel most fans recognize until much later, in the 2000s. You might not even recognize your favorite characters in some classic Guardians of the Galaxy comics!

Best Guardians of the Galaxy comics as of 2025

The Guardians of the Galaxy have had several different beginnings in the comics, so it’s good to be aware of that. Characters like Drax used to be portrayed as Earthlings, and Mantis was one of the very first members of the team. Despite these changes, there are still fantastic stories featuring the original version of the Guardians, and a few of those are listed below.

Earth Shall Overcome

In the 31st century, alien invaders called the Badoon have taken over Earth and the entire solar system. A team of survivors – Vance Astro, Yondu, Martinex, and Charlie-27 – unite to become the Guardians of the Galaxy and fight for their planets’ freedom. Their battle against the Badoon leads them to travel back in time, where they join forces with classic Marvel heroes like Captain America, Doctor Strange, and the Hulk. Together, they work to defeat the Badoon and restore the solar system to its rightful owners. These stories were originally created in comic books by Steve Gerber, Roger Stern, and Arnold Drake.

Don’t expect the Guardians you know from recent movies and comics! This collection features the very first team, who debuted way back in 1969 – long before Star-Lord, Rocket, and Groot. It’s a different take on the Guardians, both in terms of the characters and the overall feel of the stories. Think of it as a historical look at the team’s origins, establishing the cosmic adventures and team relationships that would inspire future Guardians tales. It’s both a thrilling adventure and a fascinating piece of comic book history, with all the stories fitting together seamlessly. While it lacks the humor of the modern Guardians, it’s well worth reading to see classic heroes like Captain America, Doctor Strange, The Thing, and The Hulk team up with the original Guardians to fight a major war.

Quest for the Shield

Set centuries in the future, the classic Guardians of the Galaxy team goes on an adventure to locate Captain America’s shield – a famous relic from the 1900s. Their journey takes them across the galaxy as they search for this symbol of hope and bravery. The shield represents the principles they’re trying to protect in their time. To succeed, the Guardians must rely on each other and combine their unique skills. This collection features the first six issues of Jim Valentino’s work on Guardians of the Galaxy, originally published in the 1990s.

This series marks the beginning of the modern Guardians of the Galaxy, establishing many of the themes and character dynamics you’ll see in later stories, despite some changes to the team over time. Jim Valentino breathed new life into the original Guardians, who hadn’t been used much before, giving him a lot of creative freedom. While it’s not flawless, this run is important because it was the first dedicated Guardians of the Galaxy series. If you enjoy classic comic book style and stories about found families, this is a great pick.

The Final Gauntlet

I’m completely hooked on this new story! It’s amazing because just when you think everything is safe after Thanos is gone, a whole new danger emerges. It’s a race against time as the Guardians of the Galaxy try to find whoever might try to take Thanos’s place and cause even more chaos. What I really love is that they’re not just fighting a new enemy, they’re *still* dealing with everything that happened during the war with Thanos – all the pain and trauma. It makes you wonder if their sacrifices will even matter in the end. Donny Cates is writing it, and Geoff Shaw’s artwork is incredible, so I know it’s going to be a wild ride!

The Final Gauntlet expertly blends exciting space action with deeply personal character stories, offering a unique experience compared to the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Donny Cates continues to deliver strong work for Marvel, successfully reimagining the team while staying true to their history of cosmic adventures. This series offers both thrilling action sequences and meaningful character growth, and it stands out for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of trauma, showing characters grappling with loneliness and emotional pain. Alongside these heavier moments, there are also plenty of fun scenes, like learning the story behind Gamora’s famous title as the ‘Deadliest Woman in the Galaxy.’ The artwork is stunning and perfectly captures the scale and wonder of this galactic story, clearly showcasing the artist’s dedication.

Annihilation: Conquest

The Phalanx, a race of beings blending technology and organic life, swiftly conquered the mighty Kree Empire, seizing their territory and advanced technology. They then began to expand throughout the galaxy, absorbing other planets and adding them to their unified mind. A team of galactic heroes rose to oppose them, facing the difficult task of battling an enemy that could weaponize their own technology and even turn allies against them. Isolated and without reinforcements, these heroes had to find a way to defeat what seemed like an invincible foe. This story was created by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning.

This event is where the Guardians of the Galaxy team as fans know them truly begins. It’s a perfect starting point for those familiar with the movies. Written by acclaimed creators Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning – known for their work on *Annihilation: Nova* – this story revitalized several cosmic characters, making readers connect with Nova, Drax, and Star-Lord. It’s a quick, enjoyable read that captures the spirit of the modern Guardians and breathed new life into the series.

Legacy

The universe is fragile after two terrible galactic wars. As reality weakens, dangerous beings and dark gods start to appear. Recognizing the need for protection, Star-Lord gathers a team of unusual heroes – Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, Phyla-Vell, and Adam Warlock – to form the Guardians of the Galaxy. Operating from the space station Knowhere, this group of outcasts and former rivals must learn to cooperate and defend the universe from cosmic threats, all while overcoming their own personal conflicts. This story is written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning.

This book is the source material for the popular 2014 movie! It’s a thrilling read from beginning to end and shows why the story continues to resonate with fans. The setup, following a major crisis, immediately creates high stakes and a captivating narrative. The unlikely team of characters, brilliantly crafted by Abnett and Lanning, adds to the fun. You’ll find plenty of action, drama, and humor within its pages. The story brings together characters from across decades of Marvel’s cosmic adventures, resulting in a unique sci-fi tale that balances intense moments with lightheartedness. If you enjoy the current Guardians of the Galaxy, you’ll love this original version.

How we chose the best Guardians of the Galaxy comics

As a huge Guardians fan, I’ve been thinking about the comics that *really* matter. I focused on the ones that either started everything or built the mythology into what we know today. The original ’69 run laid the groundwork, of course, but Abnett and Lanning’s run? That’s where the *modern* Guardians team came to life. Seriously, everything – even the MCU movies – owes a debt to those stories. For me, the best Guardians comics nail that team dynamic, letting each character grow, but also keeping things grounded, even with a talking tree and a raccoon! It’s all about finding that sweet spot between humor, heart, and real stakes. What are *your* favorite Guardians runs?

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2025-09-16 04:59