Groot

Biography

I Am Groot

Sentient and ambulatory plant-being Groot left his Flora colossus people behind on their native Planet X to travel out into the galaxy. Both before and after meeting the genetically enhanced creature known as Rocket, Groot racked up an impressive list of criminal charges from the Nova Corps police force while working for crime lords in various capacities.

Together, Groot and Rocket finally concentrated on being bounty hunters, a job that took them to many exotic worlds. Upon tracking Peter Quill, AKA Star-Lord, to Xandar for the bounty on his head, Groot and Rocket ran afoul of the assassin Gamora and wound up arrested by the Nova Corps. They were incarcerated in the Kyln prison complex alongside Quill and Gamora, where they also met the warrior Drax.

They teamed up with their fellow inmates to fence the Orb, a mysterious artifact that Quill claimed could be sold for immense wealth if Groot and the others would help him escape lock-up.

I Am Groot

Composed of matter resembling that of wood and possessing a fully functioning brain system, Groot can “grow” most anything he needs at any given time from his body, such as weapons for fighting, protective barriers for himself or others, and even flowers to give to special someones. Not usually overly talkative, he communicates with what appears to be a single phrase, “I am Groot,” but which can be translated to mean a multitude of things, as if stated in a full language format.

Normally placid and friendly, Groot can handle himself well in combat and use deadly force if he feels the situation warrants it, and most especially if anyone endangers Rocket or his fellow Guardians of the Galaxy. In fact, in those moments, Groot can be called fierce and frightening.

One of his greatest abilities is his ability to survive immense damage or even mortal injury by “regrowing” himself from even a small shard of his former self. During this reformative time, Groot follows a growth cycle similar to humans, from infant to adolescent and finally to adulthood, with each stage bringing with it evolving intelligence and temperament levels.

I Am Groot

When provoked or threatened, Groot transforms from peaceful tree-person into a mighty warrior with a hint of savagery—characteristics he exhibits regardless of what age he appears to be. As a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Groot joins the fight against cosmic threats like Ronan and Ego, and eventually Thanos and his followers.

On a more personal level, the baby incarnation of Groot exacts his vengeance on the Ravager named Retch for abuses delivered by Retch during Groot’s brief tenure as the forced “mascot” of the pirates.

I Am Groot

Rocket stands as Groot’s closest companion and buddy, with all that such a relationship brings with it. Though the almost-raccoon often times seems frustrated or even irritable with the tree-being, they are in fact deeply aware of each other’s needs and feelings.

Groot also apparently treasures his friendship and camaraderie with the other members of the Guardians of the Galaxy, especially Gamora and Peter Quill, the two of them often acting as parental figures after Groot is reborn in a baby-like form.

While at first showing indifference to the Asgardian Thor, Groot ultimately comes to his aid at a crucial point, and fights alongside him and other Avengers and close allies of that Earth-bound team.

Beyond his immediate circle of friends, Groot gravitates to the downtrodden he encounters in his travels, especially children.