From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Guardians of the Galaxy are a fictional superhero team active in the 31st century in an alternate timeline that is a version of the Marvel Universe. The Guardians first appear in Marvel Super-Heroes vol. 1. #18 (Jan. 1969).

The original members of the team are:

• Major Vance Astro - an astronaut from the 20th century Earth who spends a thousand years travelling to Alpha Centauri in suspended animation. He is also the future-counterpart of the hero Vance Astrovik, now called Justice.

• Martinex T'Naga - a crystalline being from Pluto.

• Captain Charlie-27 - a soldier from Jupiter.

• Yondu Udonta - a blue-skinned "noble savage" from Beta Centauri IV.

Each is apparently the last of their kind and is forced to unite as a team against the actions of the Badoon, an alien race which attempts to conquer Earth's solar system. During the course of the war against the Badoon, the team recruit two more members - Starhawk and Nikki - and travel back in time and encounter several of the heroes of 20th century Earth, including Captain America, the Thing, ^[1] and the Defenders. ^[2]

The Guardians eventually defeat the Badoon, but soon find themselves facing a new foe called Korvac, who was in fact a creation of the Badoon. After teaming with the Thunder God Thor to defeat Korvac in the 31st century, ^[3] the Guardians then follow Korvac to 20th century Earth, where together with the Avengers they fight a final, massive battle. ^[4] The grateful Avengers make the Guardians honorary Avengers. ^[5] Soon after returning to the 31st century Vance Astro decides to stop himself from becoming an astronaut by meeting his previous self. The feedback caused by Astro meeting him results in the Guardians' timeline separating from the main timeline. The Vance Astrovik from 20th century Earth then goes on to join the New Warriors as Marvel Boy ^[6] and later the Avengers as Justice. ^[7]

The Guardians reappear years later and have a series of adventures in their future, ^[8] which is revealed to be the alternate universe Earth-691. ^[9] Several other beings eventually join the Guardians, such as the Inhuman Talon; Skrull Replica and the second version of Yellowjacket, Rita DeMara.

During the events of Avengers Forever it is revealed that in an alternate future the Avengers become an army and conquer the galaxy, with the Guardians of the Galaxy acting as resistance fighters. ^[10]

1. ^ Marvel Two-In-One vol. 1, #4 -5
2. ^ Defenders Giant Size #5 + Defenders vol. 1, #26 - 29
3. ^ Thor Annual #6
4. ^ Avengers vol. 1, #167 - 177
5. ^ Avengers vol. 1, #181
6. ^ Thor vol. 1, #411
7. ^ Avengers vol. 3, #4
8. ^ Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 1, #1 (1990)
9. ^ Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes (2005)
10. ^ Avengers Forever #1 - 12 (1998 - 1999)

• Jim Valentino comments on his issues, and lays out his plans up to what would have been issue #51
• Marvel Directory entry
• Guardians of the Galaxy Appearances in Publication Order