'Guardians of the Galaxy' is Marvel’s next big movie?

Marvel Studios is definitely launching a new film franchise in May 2014. Will it be “Guardians of the Galaxy”? That’s been the speculation for months and two sources -The Hollywood Reporter Heat Vision and Latino Review - report Marvel will make an official announcement during Comicon International. Reports also say Nicole Perlman has already turned in a script. An outer space-based franchise would fit with the big cosmic-level reveal at the end of “The Avengers”.

Most fans have been cheering for the “Guardians” team by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning that debuted in the aftermath of their “Annihilation” epic in 2008. The team includes Star-Lord, Drax, Gamora, Groot and Rocket Raccoon. Similar to the “Avengers”, these individual warriors were united against a common threat after several galactic conflicts.

Now I know I’m showing my age here, but I’m fond of the old school Guardians: Vance Astro, Yondu, Martinex, Charlie-27, Nikki and Starhawk. These heroes were from the future fighting against the alien empire of the Badoon. The 31st century team went into the past to team up with the “Avengers” most notably in the classic Korvac saga.

Today’s fans really love Rocket Raccoon and he would work as an action figure and stuffed animal! Maybe Mark Walhberg’s teddy bear in “Ted” will be an indication of how Rocket Raccoon could work on screen. Stay tuned true believers.

As I shared this news with my co-worker (and non-comic reader) Matt Scheck he said “you know, there hasn’t been a sci-fi space epic in while.” Matt, my friend I think Marvel hears you.