Groot

File:Gotg 2.jpg #13]]

Groot first appeared in Tales to Astonish #13 (Nov. 1960), and was created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby.{{cite web |url= http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/groottta.htm|title= Groot|first= Jeff|last= Christiansen|date= March 10, 2011|publisher= Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131113231254/http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/groottta.htm|archive-date= November 13, 2013|url-status= live}} He appeared again in The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 Annual #5 (Oct. 1976), alongside five other monsters from Marvel's anthology horror comics of the late 1950s and early 1960s. In The Sensational Spider-Man #−1 (July 1997), Groot was featured in a nightmare of the young Peter Parker.

Groot reappeared in 2006 in the six-issue limited series Nick Fury's Howling Commandos and appeared in the Annihilation: Conquest and Annihilation: Conquest – Star-Lord limited series. Groot went on to join the Guardians of the Galaxy in the series of the same name and remained a fixture of the title until its cancellation with issue #25 in 2010. Groot appeared in its follow-up, the limited series The Thanos Imperative, and, alongside fellow Guardian Rocket Raccoon, Groot starred in backup features in Annihilators #1–4 (March–June 2011) and Annihilators: Earthfall #1–4 (Sept.–Dec. 2011).

Groot appeared in issues #6–8 of Avengers Assemble as a member of the Guardians. Groot is one of the stars of Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3, a part of the Marvel NOW! relaunch.{{cite web |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=41610|title= NYCC: Bendis, McNiven & Wacker Relaunch the Guardians of the Galaxy|last= Richards|first= Dave|work= Comic Book Resources|date= October 14, 2012 |publisher= Comic Book Resources|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131031122838/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=41610|archive-date= October 31, 2013|url-status= live|access-date =October 15, 2012}}

In March 2015, it was announced that Groot would be getting a solo series by writer Jeff Loveness and artist Brian Kesinger.{{cite web|url= http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/comics-newcomers-declare-i-am-groot-with-new-marvel-spinoff-series|title= Comics Newcomers Declare 'I Am Groot' With New Marvel Spinoff Series|first= Kiel|last= Phegley|date= March 7, 2015|publisher= Comic Book Resources|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150905150237/http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/comics-newcomers-declare-i-am-groot-with-new-marvel-spinoff-series|archive-date= September 5, 2015|url-status= live}}

The Groot who appeared in Tales to Astonish and the one introduced in Annihilation: Conquest were retroactively established as being separate members of the same species in the sixth and final issue of the Groot ongoing series that launched in June 2015.{{Cite comic|writer= Loveness, Jeff|penciller= Kesinger, Brian|inker= Kesinger, Brian|title = Groot|issue= #6|date= January 2016}} In Infinity Wars, however, Groot specifically references the fact that during his first visit to the planet Earth, he had promised to "march across the surface of the planet and doom all who dared to oppose Groot."{{Cite comic|writer= Duggan, Gerry|penciller= Deodato Jr., Mike|inker= Deodato Jr., Mike|title = Infinity Wars|issue= #1|date= August 2018}} This seemingly reverted the character's origins to having both eras of Groot referencing the same persona, therefore invalidating the retroactive change from issue six of the Groot series.

Groot is a Flora colossus from Planet X, the capital of the branch worlds. The Flora colossi are tree-like beings whose language is almost impossible to understand due to their stiff larynxes, causing their speech to sound like they are repeating the phrase "I am Groot". Other beings try to be friendly but become angry with the Flora colossi for their apparent inability to speak, though Groot was shown to have been actually speaking not just understandably but eloquently in his language throughout Annihilation: Conquest. The Flora colossi are ruled over by the "Arbor Masters" and teach the children of the species with "Photonic Knowledge", which is the collected knowledge of the Arbor Masters of the generations and is absorbed through photosynthesis; this is a highly advanced education method, making the Flora colossi geniuses.

Groot originated from an "Ennobled Sap-line" and was gifted with a tremendous grasp of quasi-dimensional super-positional engineering. Groot did not get along with fellow saplings but instead preferred the company of the "Maintenance Mammals", against which the other saplings discriminated. Groot was exiled by the "Arbor Masters" in Guardians of the Galaxy #14{{cite web|url=https://news.marvel.com/comics/75383/groot-hardwood-history/|title=I Am Groot: Hardwood History|website= Marvel.com|first= Steffi|last= Feldman|date= September 22, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190517093643/https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/i-am-groot-hardwood-history|archive-date= May 17, 2019|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}} after killing another sapling to defend a maintenance mammal it was brutalizing.

An alternate origin was presented in the Groot ongoing series. In the story, it is revealed that the other Flora colossi had been abducting organisms from other planets, including a young human girl named Hannah. After seeing Hannah, Groot realized that what his people were doing was wrong and managed to save the child and send her back to Earth. However, for his disobedience, Groot was exiled from Planet X and forced to wander the universe until he met Rocket Raccoon many decades later, where this version of Groot later became a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Groot is an extraterrestrial tree monster who initially came to Earth seeking humans to capture and study. Groot was seemingly destroyed by termites used by Leslie Evans.{{cite comic| writer= Lee, Stan|penciller= Kirby, Jack|inker= Ayers, Dick|story= I Challenged... Groot! The Monster from Planet X!|title= Tales to Astonish|issue= #13|date= November 1960}}

Xemnu made a duplicate of Groot by making a human and tree hybrid that was used to fight the Hulk, but it was destroyed in the battle.{{cite comic| writer= Claremont, Chris; Wein, Len|penciller= Buscema, Sal|inker= Abel, Jack|story= And Six Shall Crush the Hulk|title= The Incredible Hulk Annual|volume= 2||issue= #5|date= October 1976}}

Groot was later revealed to have survived, but was a captive of the Collector and held in his zoo in Canada until Groot and the other captive creatures were freed by the Mole Man. Groot and the other creatures rampaged in New York City until they were stopped by a band of superheroes, and were then dumped through a portal to the Negative Zone.{{cite comic| writer= Niles, Steve|penciller= Fegredo, Duncan|inker= Fegredo, Duncan|story= Good Monsters|title= Marvel Monsters: Monsters on the Prowl|issue= #1|date= December 2005}}

Groot was later tracked down and captured by S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Paranormal Containment Unit, nicknamed the Howling Commandos, when his tree scent was detected by Sasquatch and Abominable Snowman.{{cite comic| writer= Giffen, Keith|penciller= Francisco, Eduardo|inker= Campanella, Robert|story= Creature Feature|title= Nick Fury's Howling Commandos|issue= #2|date= January 2006}} While Groot was being held captive, Gorilla-Man talked to Groot about joining the Howling Commandos.{{cite comic| writer= Giffen, Keith|penciller= Aucoin, Derec|inker= Aucoin, Derec|story= Assault on Area 13|title= Nick Fury's Howling Commandos|issue= #4|date= March 2006}} When Merlin and his forces attacked the base, the Howling Commandos let Groot and their other captives free, who proceeded to stampede on Merlin's army; Groot was the only one to turn back, offering to join the Howling Commandos.{{cite comic| writer= Giffen, Keith|penciller= Donovan, Derec|inker= Donovan, Derec|story= Destroy All Monsters!|title= Nick Fury's Howling Commandos|issue= #5|date= April 2006}} Groot aided the Howling Commandos as they assaulted Merlin's forces.{{cite comic| writer= Giffen, Keith|penciller= Norton, Mike|inker= Aucoin, Derec; Lee, Norman|story= I thought you said this was a precision science|title= Nick Fury's Howling Commandos|issue= #6|date= May 2006}}

File:Cosplays Rocket Raccoon and Groot Dragon Con 2013.jpg of Groot and Rocket Raccoon]]

A different Groot played a part in Annihilation: Conquest, at which time it was shown Groot may be the last remaining member of the Flora colossi and was under arrest by the Kree for an unknown reason. Groot earned freedom by joining Star-Lord's strike force, where Groot and Rocket Raccoon formed a bond, Rocket being one of the few beings with the ability to understand Groot's language.{{cite comic| writer= Giffen, Keith|penciller= Green II, Timothy|inker= Olazaba, Victor|story= Starlord Part 1|title= Annihilation: Conquest - Starlord|issue= #1|date= September 2007}} Star-Lord's team fought their way through the Phalanx, but after the death of Deathcry the team decided to escape through a drainage pipe that Groot could not fit into.

As a consequence of the battle, Groot dies, buying the team some time to escape.{{cite comic| writer= Giffen, Keith|penciller= Green II, Timothy|inker= Olazaba, Victor|story= Starlord Part 2|title= Annihilation: Conquest - Starlord|issue= #2|date= October 2007}} A new Groot was created as a sprig offshoot and went on to accompany the team on their continued mission against the Phalanx, but was one of the team members captured by the Phalanx.{{cite comic| writer= Giffen, Keith|penciller= Green II, Timothy|inker= Olazaba, Victor|story= Starlord Part 3|title= Annihilation: Conquest - Starlord|issue= 3|date= November 2007}} Groot and the others were freed by Mantis, and escaped back to the lines of the Kree's resistance. In time, Groot's body regenerated from the twig, growing back to full size. Groot and the others intended to carry on as part of Star-Lord's team.{{cite comic| writer= Giffen, Keith|penciller= Green II, Timothy|inker= Olazaba, Victor|story= Starlord Part 4|title= Annihilation: Conquest - Starlord|issue= #4|date= December 2007}}

Groot and the team returned to Hala to prepare another assault against the Phalanx, but their agent Blastaar was captured by the Phalanx and taken to their Babel Spire as he tried to carry Groot's pollen spores.{{cite comic| writer= Abnett, Dan; Lanning, Andy|penciller= Raney, Tom|inker= Hanna, Scott|story= Together Alone|title= Annihilation: Conquest|issue= #2|date= February 2008}} Groot and Rocket Raccoon continued their mission by sneaking into the sub-basement of the Babel Spire.{{cite comic| writer= Abnett, Dan; Lanning, Andy|penciller= Raney, Tom|inker= Hanna, Scott|story= Together Alone|title= Annihilation: Conquest|issue= #3|date= March 2008}} When Star-Lord was captured by Ultron, the original plan of laying explosives in the Spire failed, so Rocket Raccoon and Groot needed to come up with a new plan.{{cite comic| writer= Abnett, Dan; Lanning, Andy|penciller= Raney, Tom|inker= Hanna, Scott|story= Hopeless|title= Annihilation: Conquest|issue= #4|date= April 2008}} Groot decided to sprout inside the Spire, growing to colossal size and filling a large portion of the building.

Mantis was able to remix Groot's sap in a way as to make it extremely flammable, and again Groot died for the team, this time by purposefully igniting so the resulting fire would destroy the Babel Spire.{{cite comic| writer= Abnett, Dan; Lanning, Andy|penciller= Raney, Tom|inker= Hanna, Scott|story= In the Flesh|title= Annihilation: Conquest|issue= #5|date= May 2008}} A cutting of Groot was kept by Rocket Raccoon, though, and Groot was again able to regrow.{{cite comic| writer= Abnett, Dan; Lanning, Andy|penciller= Raney, Tom; Alves; Wellinton|inker= Hanna, Scott|story= Last Stand|title= Annihilation: Conquest|issue= #6|date= June 2008}} Groot then joined the new Guardians of the Galaxy (or, as Groot would have it, "Groot and Branches"), and began regrowing under the care of Mantis.{{cite comic| writer= Abnett, Dan; Lanning, Andy|penciller= Pelletier, Paul|inker= Magyar, Rick|story= Somebody's Got to Do It|title= Guardians of the Galaxy|volume= 2|issue= #1|date= July 2008}}{{cite web |first=Vaneta |last=Rogers |url= http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=156983 |title= Greeting the Guardians: Rocket Raccoon, Groot|publisher= Newsarama|date=May 14, 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090221174749/http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=156983|archive-date= February 21, 2009|url-status= dead}}

When the Guardians reformed, Groot joined with Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Drax the Destroyer and Gamora, whom Groot counted as friends.{{cite comic| writer= Bendis, Brian Michael|penciller= McNiven, Steve|inker= Dell, John|story= What exactly do you think you're doing, Mister Quill?"|title= Guardians of the Galaxy|volume= 3|issue= #1|date= May 2013}}

During the 2015 Secret Wars storyline, Groot is with the Guardians of the Galaxy when they take part in the incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-1610. Groot and Rocket Raccoon are killed by the Children of Tomorrow.{{cite comic|writer= Hickman, Jonathan|penciller= Ribić, Esad|inker= Ribić, Esad|story= The End Times|title= Secret Wars|issue= #1|date= July 2015}} However, when Peter Quill — one of the few survivors of the incursions from Earth-616 — finds himself confronted by Black Swan in the castle of Emperor Doom, he reveals that he has been carrying a small twig of Groot in his pocket ever since the incursion, slamming it into the roots of the World Tree and causing Groot to transform the giant tree into his body, decimating Doom's castle as the surviving heroes mount their final assault.{{cite comic| writer= Hickman, Jonathan|penciller= Ribić, Esad|inker= Ribić, Esad|story= Under Siege|title= Secret Wars|issue= #8|date= February 2016}}

During the "Civil War II" storyline, Groot and the Guardians of the Galaxy are summoned by Captain Marvel to help her in her fight against Iron Man's side when it came to the fate of the Inhuman Ulysses Cain. The resulting battle damaged the Guardians of the Galaxy's ship stranding them on Earth.{{cite comic|writer= Bendis, Brian Michael|penciller= Schiti, Valerio|inker= Schiti, Valerio|title= Guardians of the Galaxy|volume= 4|issue= 10|date= September 2016}}
{{cite comic|writer= Bendis, Brian Michael|penciller= Schiti, Valerio|inker= Schiti, Valerio|title= Guardians of the Galaxy|volume= 4|issue= 11|date= October 2016}}
{{cite comic|writer= Bendis, Brian Michael|penciller= Schiti, Valerio|inker= Schiti, Valerio|title= Guardians of the Galaxy|volume= 4|issue= #12|date= November 2016}}

During the "Monsters Unleashed" storyline, the Guardians of the Galaxy defend Groot from a snake-headed Leviathon.{{cite comic|writer= Bunn, Cullen|penciller= McNiven, Steve|inker= Leisten, Jay|title= Monsters Unleashed|volume= 2|issue= #1|date= March 2017}}

During the "Secret Empire" storyline, Groot and the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy assist Captain Marvel, the Alpha Flight Space Program, members of the Ultimates, Hyperion, and Quasar in intercepting a fleet of Chitauri that are approaching Earth until a Hydra-aligned Steve Rogers activated the Planetary Defense Shield trapping those fighting the Chitauri outside of Earth's atmosphere.{{cite comic|writer= Spencer, Nick|penciller= Reis, Rod; Acuña, Daniel|inker= Reis, Rod; Acuña, Daniel|title= Secret Empire|issue= 0|date= June 2017}} Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot try to enlist representatives of the Skrulls, Kree, Brood, Shi'ar and Spartax empires that are on the Galactic Council in helping against the Chitauri hordes and to break down the Planetary Defense Shield and get rid of Hydra. Realizing they are now facing a galaxy without human interference, the Galactic Council refuses aid and attempt to kill the three Guardians as they flee.{{cite comic|writer= Spencer, Nick|penciller= Sorrentino, Andrea|inker= Sorrentino, Andrea|title= Secret Empire|issue= #3|date= July 2017}} After the Planetary Defense Shield is shut down, Groot and the Guardians of the Galaxy join the final battle against Hydra.{{cite comic|writer= Spencer, Nick|penciller= Yu, Leinil Francis; Bennett, Joe; Reis, Rod|inker= Alanguilan, Gerry; Yu, Leinil Francis; Pimentel, Joe; Reis, Rod|title= Secret Empire|issue= #9|date= October 2017}}

Rocket Raccoon and Groot are on their way to the Stohlad Ring when they are ambushed by Gardener where he shattered Groot because the Guardians of the Galaxy "corrupted" him and diverted him from his true purpose. Rocket Raccoon escaped with a splinter where Groot grew a new body from it.{{cite comic|writer= Duggan, Gerry|penciller= Hawthorne, Mike|inker= Pallot, Terry|story= Shattered|title=All-New Guardians of the Galaxy|issue= #9|date= November 2017}}

During the "Infinity Countdown" storyline, Groot was with the Guardians of the Galaxy when they notice that the planet Telferina is under attack by the Flora colossi that Gardener grew from Groot's splinters. Groot got close to Gardener and used his healing powers to purge the poison that Loki put in him from his body. Gardener repaid Groot by using his abilities to restore Groot back to his previous size. In addition, Groot can now speak in full sentences and refers to himself in the third person.{{cite comic|writer= Duggan, Gerry|penciller= Kuder, Aaron|inker= Kuder, Aaron|title= Infinity Countdown|issue= #1|date= May 2018}}

Groot can absorb wood as food, and has the ability to regenerate.{{Cite web|url= https://www.marvel.com/characters/groot/on-screen|title= Groot On Screen Powers, Villains, History|website= Marvel Entertainment|date= 2019|archive-url= https://archive.today/20191130010040/https://www.marvel.com/characters/groot/on-screen|archive-date= November 30, 2019|url-status= live|df= mdy-all|access-date= February 21, 2019}} Groot can control trees and plants, using them to attack others, and appears to be resistant to fire. Groot is able to sprout dramatically increasing mass which then severely inhibits movement.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=September 2014}}

Groot has been seemingly killed on multiple occasions, each time regrowing from a sprig.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=September 2014}}

Black Bolt's brother Maximus the Mad asserted that whenever Groot is saying the trademark "I am Groot!" he has actually been saying a number of things, and his varying inflections of the sentence are the equivalent of words and sentences. People who have interacted with Groot are gradually able to decipher the meaning of the inflections and can carry on full conversations with Groot as time goes on.

The meaning of the word 'Groot' comes from the Dutch word 'groot' and translates as 'Tall'. The mature form of Groot's species is robust and heavyweight, which causes the organs of acoustic generation to become stiff and inflexible. It is this nature of Groot's larynx that causes people, who are oblivious to the subtle nuances of Flora colossi speech, to misinterpret Groot as merely repeating his name. It could not be determined whether Maximus' claim was true or merely another manifestation of his madness, though Groot genuinely did seem to be assisting Maximus with highly advanced engineering.{{cite comic|writer=Abnett, Dan; Lanning, Andy|penciller=Walker, Brad|inker=Olazaba, Victor; Hanna, Scott|story=Adam Magus|title=Guardians of the Galaxy|volume=2|issue=#17|date=October 2009}} Later, in All-New X-Men #23, Jean Grey telepathically links with Groot, showing that Groot's thought processes are indeed complex, and the declaration of "I am Groot!" usually represents attempts at highly intelligent communication.{{cite comic|writer=Bendis, Brian Michael|penciller=Immonen, Stuart|inker=Von Grawbadger, Wade|story=The Trial of Jean Grey Part 3 of 5|title=All-New X-Men|issue=#23|date=April 2014}}

File:I'm groot.jpg{{Cite tweet|number=991746635125477376|user=JamesGunn|title=Giant Groots found in Peru. ❤️|date=2 May 2018|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629082728/https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/991746635125477376|archive-date=29 June 2022|url-status=live}}]]

• In 2015, Den of Geek ranked Groot 16th in their "Marvel’s 31 Best Monsters" list.{{Cite web |last=Buxton |first=Marc |date=October 25, 2019 |title=Marvel's 31 Best Monsters |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/marvels-31-best-monsters/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}
• In 2018, CBR.com ranked Groot 7th in their "25 Most Powerful Guardians Of The Galaxy" list.{{Cite web |last=Kantor |first=Jonathan H. |date=June 11, 2018 |title=The 25 Most Powerful Guardians Of The Galaxy, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/strongest-guardians-of-the-galaxy/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=CBR |language=en}}
• In 2018, Vanity Fair included Groot in their "Stan Lee’s Most Iconic Characters" list.{{Cite magazine |last=Bradley |first=Laura |date=November 12, 2018 |title=Stan Lee's Most Iconic Characters |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/photos/2018/11/best-stan-lee-characters |access-date=February 12, 2023 |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}}
• In 2021, Screen Rant ranked Groot 12th in their "20 Most Powerful Guardians Of The Galaxy Members In The Comics" list.{{Cite web |last=Lealos |first=Shawn S. |date=September 1, 2021 |title=15 Most Powerful Guardians Of The Galaxy Members In The Comics, Ranked |url=https://screenrant.com/most-powerful-guardians-galaxy-comics-members-ranked/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}
• In 2022, The A.V Club ranked Groot 37th in their "100 best Marvel characters" list.{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2022 |title=The 100 best Marvel characters ranked |url=https://www.avclub.com/100-greatest-marvel-characters-ranked-1849153215 |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=The A.V. Club |language=en}}
• In 2022, CBR.com ranked Groot 2nd in their "10 Cutest Marvel Heroes" list.{{Cite web |last=Howe |first=Nicholas |date=September 18, 2022 |title=10 Cutest Marvel Heroes, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-heroes-cutest-ranked/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=CBR |language=en}}

Mike Fenn of The Daily Dot asserted, "The success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s latest entry, Guardians of the Galaxy, has resulted in the spread of the Internet’s latest meme: I Am Groot."{{cite web |last=Fenn |first=Mike |date=August 5, 2014 |title=The 'I Am Groot' meme is in good company |url=https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/i-am-groot-and-other-limited-vocabulary-characters/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=The Daily Dot}} C. M Crockford of Looper wrote, "Groot quickly became an Internet meme thanks to his simple vocabulary and pleasant nature, with his catchphrase "I am Groot" spreading into popular culture."{{Cite web |last=Crockford |first=C. M. |date=July 22, 2022 |title=Hear Those Three Magic Words In The Trailer For Disney+'s I Am Groot |url=https://www.looper.com/937863/hear-those-three-magic-words-in-the-trailer-for-disney-s-i-am-groot/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Looper |language=en-US}}

According to Diamond Comic Distributors, Groot #1 was the 10th best selling comic book in June 2015.{{Cite web |title=Top 100 Comics: June 2015 |url=http://www.diamondcomics.com/Article/165842-Top-100-Comics-June-2015 |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=www.diamondcomics.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Comichron: June 2015 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops |url=https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2015/2015-06.html |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=www.comichron.com}}{{Cite web |title=Top 300 Comics Actual--June 2015 |url=https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/31972/top-300-comics-actual-june-2015 |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=icv2.com |language=en}}

According to Diamond Comic Distributors, Rocket Raccoon and Groot #1 was the 15th best-selling comic book in January 2016.{{Cite web |title=Top 100 Comics: January 2016 |url=http://www.diamondcomics.com/Article/174563-Top-100-Comics-January-2016 |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=www.diamondcomics.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Comichron: January 2016 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops |url=https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2016/2016-01.html |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=www.comichron.com}}{{Cite web |title=Top 300 Comics Actual--January 2016 |url=https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/33653/top-300-comics-actual-january-2016 |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=icv2.com |language=en}}

Jesse Schedeen of IGN gave Rocket Raccoon and Groot #1 a grade of 7.8 out of 10, writing, "This new series may not feel terribly "all-new" or "all-different," but it features a proven creative team exploring the continued misadventures of Rocket and Groot. It's tough to go wrong with that. Unlike some Guardians comics, this series quickly finds its niche and promises interesting wrinkles to come for both characters."{{Cite web |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |date=2016-01-05 |title=Rocket Raccoon and Groot #1 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/01/05/rocket-raccoon-and-groot-1-review |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=IGN |language=en}}

According to Diamond Comic Distributors, I Am Groot #1was the 71st best-selling comic book in May 2017.{{Cite web |title=Top 100 Comics: May 2017 |url=http://www.diamondcomics.com/Article/195874-Top-100-Comics-May-2017 |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=www.diamondcomics.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Comichron: May 2017 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops |url=https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2017/2017-05.html |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=www.comichron.com}}{{Cite web |title=Top 300 Comics Actual--May 2017 |url=https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/37771/top-300-comics-actual-may-2017 |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=icv2.com |language=en}}

Alexander Jones of Comics Beat called I Am Groot #1 a "charming, colorful tale," saying, "Thankfully, I Am Groot is the beginning of something good. All the pieces are there story-wise, art-wise, and character-wise. Now the task is the new journey we’re taking with some ink and paper friends. Fans of the movies and fans of the original comics will find much to appreciate with this issue. Time to blast up the jams on your old cassette tape deck and enjoy with a smile."{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Alexander |date=May 25, 2017 |title=The Marvel Rundown: Venom Celebrates a Milestone and Groot is Still Adorable! |url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-marvel-rundown-venom-celebrates-a-milestone-and-groot-is-still-adorable/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=The Beat |language=en-US}} Baltimore Lauren of Bleeding Cool asserted, "Hastings delivers a strong narrative with the small tree creature-slash-assassin. Despite only speaking three words, he does inflect great emotion through Groot. Flaviano's art adds to it, as Groot is given a visible range of emotion to help the reader understand what he's saying. His overtly cartoony Groot stands out wonderfully well against the much more realistic Guardians (even Rocket), drawing the reader's eye to Groot in every panel he's in. This is a great trick, as it does show that Groot is the central focus. At the climax of the book, the art gets downright weird, but it's beautiful. The planet Terminal is presented as an eerie alternate world, with vibrant colors (thanks to Menyz). The colors are stunning throughout the whole book — he uses them well to set up the overall feel of each page. I honestly can't pick a favorite panel, since this whole book is beautiful to look at."{{Cite news |last=Lauren |first=Baltimore |date=May 26, 2017 |title=He's So Cute! I Am Groot #1 Review |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/hes-cute-groot-1-review/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=Bleeding Cool News And Rumors |language=en}}

• Groot makes a cameo appearance in The Super Hero Squad Show episode "This Man-Thing, This Monster! (Six Against Infinity, Part 3)".
• Groot appears in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes episode "Michael Korvac", voiced by Troy Baker.{{cite web |url= http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/57227366/guardians-of-the-galaxy-characters-other-films-tv-shows|title= Other Films and TV Shows Where You Can Find the Guardians of the Galaxy|first= Michael|last= Arbeiter|date= August 1, 2014|publisher= Hollywood.com|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140804161424/http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/57227366/guardians-of-the-galaxy-characters-other-films-tv-shows|archive-date= August 4, 2014|url-status= live}}
• Groot appears in Ultimate Spider-Man, voiced initially by Michael Clarke Duncan and subsequently by Kevin Michael Richardson following Duncan's death.{{cite web |last=Beard |first=Jim |date=September 6, 2012 |title=Marvel Remembers Michael Clarke Duncan |url=http://marvel.com/news/story/19342/marvel_remembers_michael_clarke_duncan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910005551/http://marvel.com/news/story/19342/marvel_remembers_michael_clarke_duncan |archive-date=September 10, 2012 |access-date=September 9, 2012 |publisher=Marvel Comics}}
• Additionally, an alternate reality version of Groot appears in the episode "Return to the Spider-Verse" as Captain Web Beard's sentient pirate ship, the Groot.
• Groot appears in Avengers Assemble, voiced again by Kevin Michael Richardson.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/videos/2014/04/04/marvels-avengers-assemble-clip-teaming-with-the-guardians-of-the-galaxy |title=Marvel's Avengers Assemble Clip: Teaming with the Guardians of the Galaxy|date= April 4, 2014|publisher= IGN|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140413031955/http://www.ign.com/videos/2014/04/04/marvels-avengers-assemble-clip-teaming-with-the-guardians-of-the-galaxy|archive-date= April 13, 2014|url-status= live|access-date= May 7, 2014}}
• Groot appears in Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., voiced again by Kevin Michael Richardson.
• Groot appears in Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers, voiced by Masato Funaki in Japanese and John Eric Bentley in English.
• Groot appears in Guardians of the Galaxy (2015), voiced again by Kevin Michael Richardson.{{cite tweet|user=DisneyChannelPR|author=Disney Channel PR|number=567739506644627456|date=17 February 2015|title=Kevin Michael Richardson @ClevelandJr will voice #Groot on #DisneyXD's #GuardiansOfTheGalaxy #GuardiansVoiceCast}} This version's home planet was invaded by Ronan the Accuser, leaving Groot the last living Flora colossus. Subsequently, he is captured and held on Halfworld before escaping with Rocket Raccoon. In the present, Star-Lord has a vision of the Flora colossi, which eventually leads to them being resurrected.
• Groot appears in Marvel Super Hero Adventures: Frost Fight!, voiced again by Kevin Michael Richardson.
• Groot appears in Rocket & Groot, voiced again by Kevin Michael Richardson.
• Groot appears in Lego Marvel Super Heroes - Guardians of the Galaxy: The Thanos Threat, voiced again by Kevin Michael Richardson.
• Groot appears in Spider-Man, voiced by Connor Andrade.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings/20200421disney10/|title=Amazing Friends|author=The Futon Critic|author-link=The Futon Critic|date=April 21, 2020|access-date=April 21, 2020}}{{Cite web |last=Skonce |first=Joe |date=May 21, 2020 |title=Five Thoughts on Marvel's Spider-Man: Maximum Venom's "Amazing Friends" |url=http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tv/marvels-spider-man-amazing-friends/ |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=Multiversity Comics |language=en}}{{cite episode|title=Amazing Friends|series=Spider-Man|network=Disney XD|season=3|number=2|airdate=May 17, 2020}} In the episode "Amazing Friends", Star-Lord sends him to Earth to warn Earth's heroes of a Klyntar invasion. In the episode "Vengeance of Venom", Groot is possessed by one of the Klyntar, but Max Modell captures him and gives him the Anti-Venom symbiote to cure the Klyntar's victims and fend off the invasion.
• Groot appears in Lego Marvel Avengers: Mission Demolition, voiced again by Kevin Michael Richardson.

{{Main|Groot (Marvel Cinematic Universe)}}

Two distinct incarnations of Groot appear in media set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), both voiced by Vin Diesel, who also provided motion capture for the character and voice work for some foreign dubs.{{cite news |last=Kit |first=Borys |title=Comic-Con 2012: Marvel Names Avengers Follow-Ups; Robert Downey Jr. Makes Surprise Appearance |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/comic-con-2012-marvel-movies-robert-downey-jr-349346 |access-date=July 16, 2012 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=July 14, 2012 |archive-date=August 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805075238/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/comic-con-2012-marvel-movies-robert-downey-jr-349346 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=108243 |title=Vin Diesel Confirms Plans to Do Groot's Motion Capture Work|first= Ryan|last= Turek|date= August 27, 2013|publisher= ComingSoon.net|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131102105546/http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=108243|archive-date= November 2, 2013|url-status= live|access-date= May 7, 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://marvel.com/news/movies_tv/2013/12/21/21680/official_vin_diesel_to_voice_groot_in_marvels_guardians_of_the_galaxy |title=Official: Vin Diesel to Voice Groot in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy |date=December 21, 2013 |publisher=Marvel Comics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208222956/http://marvel.com/news/movies/21680/official_vin_diesel_to_voice_groot_in_marvels_guardians_of_the_galaxy |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=December 21, 2013 }} Additionally, Fred Tatasciore voices an alternate universe variant of Groot in the What If...? episode "What If... Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?".{{Cite web |last=McDonough |first=Jennifer |date=December 23, 2023 |title=Marvel Just Replaced Vin Diesel as Groot |url=https://thedirect.com/article/marvel-vin-diesel-groot-what-if-season-2 |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=The Direct |language=en}}

Baby Groot appears in Ralph Breaks the Internet, voiced again by Vin Diesel.{{cite web |title=Ralph Breaks the Internet - Press Kit |url=http://www.wdsmediafile.com/media/RalphBreaksTheInternet/writen-material/RalphBreaksTheInternet5bdce2c0c0501.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105211421/http://www.wdsmediafile.com/media/RalphBreaksTheInternet/writen-material/RalphBreaksTheInternet5bdce2c0c0501.pdf |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |access-date=November 18, 2018 |website=wdsmediafile.com |publisher=Walt Disney Studios}}

• Groot appears as a playable character in Marvel Avengers Alliance.
• Groot appears as an assist character for Rocket Raccoon and a "team-up hero" in Marvel Heroes.
• Two incarnations of Groot and Rocket Raccoon appear as hybrid playable characters in Marvel Puzzle Quest.
• Groot appears as a playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes,{{cite tweet|user=Marvel|author=Marvel Entertainment|number=390911350513598464|date=October 17, 2013|title=#Groot joins #LEGO #Marvel Super Heroes, and we've got your EXCLUSIVE first look!|archiveurl= https://archive.today/20191130010831/https://twitter.com/Marvel/status/390911350513598464|archivedate= November 30, 2019|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}} voiced again by Troy Baker.{{cite web |title=Groot Voices (Guardians of the Galaxy) |url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Guardians-of-the-Galaxy/Groot/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928224433/http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Guardians-of-the-Galaxy/Groot/ |archive-date=September 28, 2014 |publisher=Behind the Voice Actors |type= A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information}}
• Groot appears as a playable character in Disney Infinity 2.0, voiced again by Kevin Michael Richardson.{{Cite web |last=McMillan |first=Graeme |date=July 23, 2014 |title='Guardians of the Galaxy' Added to 'Disney Infinity' Videogame (Video) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/guardians-galaxy-added-disney-infinity-720653 |access-date=June 18, 2020 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Whittington |first=Joshua |date=April 4, 2016 |title=Marvel Battlegrounds Playset Review |url=https://www.monamiibo.com/marvel-battlegrounds-playset-review/ |access-date=June 18, 2020 |website=Mon Amiibo.com |language=en-AU}}
• An alternate universe variant of Groot named King Groot appears as a playable character in Marvel Contest of Champions.{{Cite web|url= https://playcontestofchampions.com/champion-spotlight-king-groot/|title= CHAMPION SPOTLIGHT – KING GROOT|access-date=25 September 2021|website= Marvel Contest of Champions|date= 20 July 2021}}
• Groot appears as a playable character in Marvel: Future Fight.
• Groot appears as a playable character in Disney Infinity 3.0, voiced again by Kevin Michael Richardson.
• Groot appears in Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series, voiced by Adam Harrington.
• Groot appears as a playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2, voiced by Stefan Ashton Frank. Additionally, Small Groot (based on Baby Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2) and Small Groot with a Ravager uniform appear as different variations.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/15/15640804/lego-marvel-super-heroes-2-pc-ps4-switch-xbox-one|title=Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2 coming to PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One|date=15 May 2017|website=Polygon.com|access-date=16 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516163515/https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/15/15640804/lego-marvel-super-heroes-2-pc-ps4-switch-xbox-one|archive-date=2017-05-16|url-status=live}}
• Groot appears as an assist character for Rocket Raccoon in Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, voiced again by Kevin Michael Richardson.
• Groot appears as a playable character in Marvel Strike Force.
• Groot appears in Marvel Powers United VR, voiced by Kevin Grevioux.
• Groot appears as a playable character in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order, voiced again by Adam Harrington.
• Groot appears in Fortnite Battle Royale, voiced again by Adam Harrington.{{cite web |last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=August 27, 2020 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-27-fortnites-marvel-season-is-live-with-iron-man-and-dr-doom-playable|title=Fortnite's Marvel season is live, with Iron Man and Dr. Doom included|publisher=Eurogamer|access-date=August 28, 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Fillery |first1=Jake |title=Fortnite: How to Get the Guardians of the Galaxy Pack |url=https://gamerant.com/fortnite-how-to-get-guardians-of-the-galaxy-skins/ |website=Game Rant |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401103452/https://gamerant.com/fortnite-how-to-get-guardians-of-the-galaxy-skins/ |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |date=March 29, 2024 |url-status=live}}
• Groot appears in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, voiced by Robert Montcalm.{{Cite web |last=Trumbore |first=Dave |date=June 13, 2021 |title=Everything We Know About the Guardians of the Galaxy Game |url=https://collider.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-2021-game-details/ |website=Collider}}
• Groot appears in Marvel Snap.{{Cite web |last=Adler |first=Kai |date=November 29, 2022 |title=Marvel Snap: All Of The Guardians Of The Galaxy Cards, Ranked |url=https://www.dualshockers.com/marvel-snap-best-guardians-of-the-galaxy-cards/ |access-date=February 12, 2023 |website=DualShockers |language=en}}
• Groot appears as a playable character in Marvel Rivals.{{Cite web |last=Bonthuys |first=Darryn |date=July 24, 2024 |title=Marvel Rivals Characters: Every Superhero And Supervillain Revealed So Far |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/marvel-rivals-characters-every-superhero-and-supervillain/2900-5216/#11 |access-date=March 30, 2024 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}

• A Groot action figure was released in the Marvel Universe toyline as part of a Guardians of the Galaxy pack.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}}
• A Rocket Raccoon and Groot figure set with a "Dancing Baby Groot" was released by Hot Toys.{{when|date=May 2022}}{{cite web |url= http://www.nerdist.com/2014/08/rejoice-because-hot-toys-is-making-that-groot-toy-from-guardians-of-the-galaxy/|title= Rejoice Because Hot Toys Is Making THAT Groot Toy from Guardians of the Galaxy|first= Amy|last= Ratcliffe|date= August 6, 2014|publisher= Nerdist|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140808231742/http://www.nerdist.com/2014/08/rejoice-because-hot-toys-is-making-that-groot-toy-from-guardians-of-the-galaxy/|archive-date= August 8, 2014|url-status= live|quote= The potted Groot is a bonus accessory available exclusively to people who order the Hot Toys Rocket Raccoon and Groot figure set from Sideshow Collectibles.}}
• Funko announced a "Dancing Groot Funko POP" vinyl figure on August 26, 2014 and released it shortly after Christmas 2014.{{cite web |url= http://popvinyl.net/pop-vinyl-news/dancing-baby-groot-pop-incoming/|title= Check out the Baby Groot POP Vinyl release|first= John|last= Dain|date= August 26, 2014|publisher= popvinyl.net|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141128043722/http://popvinyl.net/pop-vinyl-news/dancing-baby-groot-pop-incoming/|archive-date=November 28, 2014 |url-status= live|quote= The Funko Dancing Baby Groot Funko POP Vinyl Figure}}
• Groot received multiple figures in the HeroClix line.{{cite web|url= https://wizkids.com/heroclix/2017/04/04/marvel-heroclix-guardians-of-the-galaxy-v2-movie-groot/|title= Marvel HeroClix: Guardians of the Galaxy v2 Movie – Groot|date= April 4, 2017|website= Wizkids|archive-url= https://archive.today/20191130011241/https://wizkids.com/heroclix/2017/04/04/marvel-heroclix-guardians-of-the-galaxy-v2-movie-groot/|archive-date= November 30, 2019|url-status= live|df= mdy-all|access-date= September 30, 2018}}

• The MCU incarnation of Groot and Baby Groot appear in Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!, with the latter voiced by Fred Tatasciore.{{cite web|last=Glover|first=Erin|title=Experience Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark All Day on October 31 at Disney California Adventure Park|url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/10/experience-guardians-of-the-galaxy-monsters-after-dark-all-day-on-october-31-at-disney-california-adventure-park/|publisher=Disney Parks Blog|date=October 23, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191130011516/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/10/experience-guardians-of-the-galaxy-monsters-after-dark-all-day-on-october-31-at-disney-california-adventure-park/|archive-date=November 30, 2019|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all|access-date=October 29, 2017}}
• Groot appears in Marvel Battleworld: Mystery of the Thanostones, voiced by Brad Swaile.
• In 2014, Twilio employee Ricky Robinett set up a phone number for individuals to text Groot: (866) 740–4531.{{cite web |last=Kumparak |first=Greg |date=September 15, 2014 |title=You Can Now Text Groot |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/09/15/i-am-groot/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023115515/http://techcrunch.com/2014/09/15/i-am-groot/ |archive-date=October 23, 2014 |publisher=TechCrunch}}

• List of Marvel Comics superhero debuts

{{Reflist}}

{{Guardians of the Galaxy |state=collapsed}}

{{Marvel Cosmic}}

{{Stan Lee}}

{{Jack Kirby}}

{{Larry Lieber}}

Category:Characters created by Jack Kirby

Category:Characters created by Stan Lee

Category:Characters created by Larry Lieber

Category:Comics characters introduced in 1960

Category:Fictional characters with plant abilities

Category:Fictional characters who can stretch themselves

Category:Anthropomorphic trees

Category:Guardians of the Galaxy characters

Category:Male characters in film

Category:Marvel Comics aliens

Category:Marvel Comics characters with accelerated healing

Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability

Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength

Category:Marvel Comics extraterrestrial superheroes

Category:Marvel Comics male superheroes

Category:Marvel Comics plant characters