10 Harmless Comic Book Heroes Who Became Total Badasses

Rocket Racoon has actually been around in Marvel comics for a fair amount of time. But the character managed to make only ten appearances in thirty years following his debut in 1985. In fairness, trying to take a walking-talking racoon anymore seriously at face value would have been a big factor in this.

Although crucial parts of Rocket's character that we know and love him for today were ever-present, he needed to be given more time to shine to be seen as the wise-cracking genius he truly is.

After joining the new Guardians of the Galaxy, the team had to contend with the disappearance of Star-Lord. Rocket keeps the team from breaking up and saves them from several threats before leading the rescue of Star-Lord from the Negative Zone.

Bringing in old pal Groot to join the team and helping save the earth from an alien invasion were some of his other notable achievements during this run. It is here Rocket truly came into his own, proving just how capable he is not only as a pilot - but as an engineer, marksman, and an effective leader.

Rocket also showed what a damn sweetheart he is underneath all the sarcasm and masked pain of his tragic backstory.