Marvel Preview #22

Marvel Preview #22 was published by Marvel Comics in 1980 as part of their black-and-white magazine line, a format designed to bypass the restrictive Comics Code Authority and allow for more mature, experimental storytelling. This specific issue is historically significant as it features the first appearance of Rocket Raccoon, a character who would later become a cornerstone of the modern Marvel Cinematic Universe. The story, titled The Sword in the Star!, was written by Bill Mantlo and illustrated by Keith Giffen, who drew significant inspiration from the Beatles' song Rocky Raccoon and integrated sci-fi tropes common to the late 1970s.

The creative direction for this issue leaned into the space-opera aesthetic that was surging in popularity following the release of Star Wars. Giffen’s art style in this issue is often noted by collectors for its gritty, complex panel layouts, which contrasted sharply with the more traditional, four-color superhero comics of the era. While Marvel Preview was intended to be a platform for anthology-style stories and one-shots, the inclusion of Rocket Raccoon’s debut made this specific volume a highly sought-after piece of comic book history for fans of Marvel’s cosmic mythos.