REVIEW: ‘Groot,’ #2

Groot #2 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Dan Abnett, art by Damian Couceiro, colours by Matt Milla, and letters by Travis Lanham. Mar-Vell and his captain have taken Groot and his little friends back to Planet X. But the trees have gone quiet and danger lurks in the canopies.

The plot of this issue wastes no time before kicking into high gear. A brief period of pondering and confusion is obliterated by the Spoilers and their mechanical Chainsaurs. The fight is quick and intense, ending with a shock. A new character is brought in, but whether they are a friend or foe remains to be seen. The adventurous aspect of the book means that we never stay still for long, always trying to find answers or to get the little trees to safety. Abbnett does not even allow for dwelling on the extreme events in this issue, Things have to move on quickly or they get slaughtered in the woods Groot once called home. The place becomes even more dangerous as the Kree continue venturing deeper into the planet. They are concerningly unable to escape or communicate off-world, so are left with no choice but to face what is there. What the Kree encounter is slightly teed up for us, mentioned by name, but is still exhilarating when it appears.

Groot #2 still focuses heavily on Mar-Vell, but more elements are being integrated. Another alien is brought into the fold, a familiar race if you are aware of the classic Guardians of the Galaxy. It provides another understandable voice in the issue, and someone new for Mar-Vell to bounce off of. This issue features a huge moment for the young Kree soldier, something that has ramifications for years after the events of this book. But actually, the little trees have more of an involvement in the issue. Their dialogue doesn’t change, but the new figure can translate for them. So for the first time a conversation can be had between them and Mar-Vell. This is an issue featuring small victories and progress.

The art continues to be exceedingly fun. Different from the first chapter given that there is less movement in space, the forests of Planet X become the home for these characters. And whilst it was presented as idyllic before, now the tight angles and low visibility make it frightening. Couceiro makes sure the location is pretty but unsettling. That is captured by the heartbreakingly expressive trees. They are so defenseless and sad throughout the book, often panicking and running. But it is their dejected moods that are most devastating because it is like their spirits have been dampened. Then there are the Chainsaurs. Swirling, mechanical beasts, they launch themselves into the page filled with noise and attitude. They are huge and out of place in such a natural world. The level of detail on them is insane, the thick line weights intensifying their gnarly exterior.

The colors are crucial to the storytelling of Groot #2. They help denote the contrast between the nature of Planet X and the cold metal of the Chainsaurs. Not only that, but one of the changes Mar-Vell goes through is only really noticeable due to the colors, and when it happens it made me smile. The lettering is easy to read and the SFX is dynamic and effective.

 Groot #2 shows a distinct change in its characters. The book is thrilling and emotional, as I found myself getting attached to the little tree and those that have chosen to try and keep them safe. The fight scenes are always huge in their magnitude and the ferocity of the situations always gets the heart going. But that heart is also being touched by little tree creatures, due to how immaculate their designs are. And those little pieces of progression are hugely important as the communication between the characters gets better, their connection is getting stronger too.

Groot #2 is available where comics are sold.