The Good
This is what Free Comic Book Day comics should be about. First off, let's make it clear, the Rocket Raccoon story is not written or drawn by Skottie Young. He will be writing and drawing a series in July but he only did the cover here. What we do get is a really fun story written by Joe Caramagna and drawn by Adam Archer. Having recently read the ROCKET RACCOON: GUARDIAN OF THE KEYSTONE QUADRANT hardcover, this has feels more like the Rocket from back then. Simply put, it's an all ages story. And that's a good thing.
Adam Archer's art creates a fun vibe. When we have Rocket working with Wal Rus and fighting Blackjack O'Hare, things get a little goofy. But Archer's art and Caramagna's writing makes it all work wonderfully. "All Ages" doesn't have to mean "only for kids" but this is a great way for younger readers to get to know and enjoy the character. Older readers should be able to dig it as well. Unless they just don't like having fun when reading comics.
There's also a reprint of a Ultimate Spider-Man story, based off the animated series. It's written by Caramagna with art by Ty Templeton. Featuring the characters from the series, we fittingly see Spider-Man, White Tiger, Sam Alexander, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist on a space mission for SHIELD. It's another fun story I missed the first time around. Templeton's art is pretty groovy.
The Bad
There's nothing to complain about. This is a great Free Comic Book Day book. It's the perfect one you can hand off to a younger reader to help get them started on comics. It's also another way for newer readers to see Rocket Raccoon (and Groot) in action.
The Verdict
Joe Caramagna and Adam Archer deliver a great and fun Rocket Raccoon story. This is your chance to see Rocket in action outside the Guardians of the Galaxy. There is a frantic pace to the story that gives a nice mix with the visuals. Kids will love this story. Adults will too, unless they're too uptight and don't enjoy fun things. There's also a reprint of a Spider-Man story based on the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series also written by Caramagna with art by Ty Templeton. And let's not forget that great Skottie Young cover. Be sure to try to get your hands on this book.