Highlights
- Rocket Raccoon is named after the Beatles song "Rocky Raccoon" and shares many parallels with the character in the song.
- In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Rocket's identity and connection to his namesake are heavily explored, showcasing his strength and resilience.
- The introduction of Lylla, another character created by Bill Mantlo and inspired by the Beatles song, further associates Rocket with his original inspiration.
Since making his debut in the MCU back in 2014, Rocket Raccoon has become a fan-favorite character. Voiced by Bradley Cooper, Rocket is renowned for appearing in all three Guardians of the Galaxy movies, as well as his features in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Over the years, he has become an iconic part of the MCU, but the character’s history extends far beyond Guardians of the Galaxy.
Created by Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen, Rocket Raccoon first made his appearance in the Marvel comics in 1976. Following his initial appearance, the character starred in various Marvel creations, including The Incredible Hulk comics. However, the character didn’t become widely known until the mid-2000s, when he starred in the Guardians of the Galaxy’s original comics. It’s safe to say that the character has been around for a long time – but what was the inspiration behind Rocket’s character, and how does it connect him to the most famous band in history?
Is Rocket Racoon named after a Beatles song?
Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen were both huge fans of the Beatles – a fact which is reflected via their creation of Rocket Raccoon. The Marvel character earnt his namesake from a Beatles song, entitled ‘Rocky Raccoon’. The song appeared on the Beatles’ infamous 1968 self-titled album, which is widely known as The White Album.
The White Album is renowned for its experimentation with a wide variety of musical genres – something which is reflected via ‘Rocky Raccoon’ being inspired by the country western genre.
Marvel’s comics often make humorous references about Rocket’s namesake. The Incredible Hulk #271 begins with the lines: “Now Somewhere in The Black Holes of Sirius Major There Lived a Young Boy, Name of Rocket Raccoon” – something which directly parallels Rocky Raccoon’s opening lyrics: “Now somewhere in the Black Mountain Hills of Dakota, There lived a young boy named Rocky Raccoon”. The same comic also incorporates Gideon’s Bible as a focal plot point, paying tribute to its presence in the Beatles’ song: “Rocky Raccoon, Checked into his room, Only to find Gideon's Bible”. In fact, Rocky Raccoon’s lyrics are hugely representative of Rocket’s character in Guardians of the Galaxy.
How do the lyrics relate to Rocket Raccoon?
The Beatles’ ‘Rocky Raccoon’ narrates an old-fashioned showdown between Rocky and his rival, ‘Dan’. After discovering that Dan had stolen ‘the girl of his dreams’, Rocky challenges him to a duel. However, much to the raccoon’s surprise, Dan produced his pistol first and shot Rocky, causing him to collapse. When the doctor offers Rocky medical assistance, the raccoon stubbornly tells him that: “Doc it’s only a scratch, And I’ll be better, I’ll be better, Doc, as soon as I am able”.
Rocket has many parallels with the Beatles’ song. Both Rocket and Rocky are stubborn creatures, but they are also courageous in the face of danger. Neither of them would shy away from a fight, even if it results in harm – which is where Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 exemplifies Rocket’s connection to the Beatles’ song.
How did Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Honor Rocket’s Namesake?
Warning! The following contains spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 heavily focuses on Rocket’s identity. In a touching moment, Rocket finally accepts himself as a raccoon, honouring his namesake and history. By placing Rocket in the spotlight, the similarities between him and Rocky become even more abundant.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 begins with tragedy when Rocket is shot by Adam Warlock (Will Poulter). Rocket’s wound is deadly, causing him to fall unconscious. It’s a race against time for the Guardians to save Rocket, but in an incredibly emotional scene, audiences were certain that the beloved character was going to meet his end. However, against all odds, the character regains consciousness. This poignant plotline is hugely representative of Rocky Raccoon’s narrative. Although they were shot, both creatures defied the odds and pushed on – a true testament to Rocket’s renowned strength.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 also introduced audiences to Lylla, the otter. In a tragic series of flashbacks, viewers see Lylla’s story unfold. Both Lylla and Rocket were horrifically experimented on by the High Evolutionary, but the pair formed an unbreakable bond during their time in captivity. The heart-breaking relationship between Lylla and Rocket was one of the most memorable and tragic parts of the movie. However, their connection further associates Rocket alongside his original namesake.
Back in 1982, Lylla made her first appearance in The Incredible Hulk #271. Just like Rocket, Lylla was also created by Bill Mantlo – so it’s likely that her name was loosely inspired by ‘Rocky Raccoon’. In the song, it’s revealed that Rocky’s girlfriend “called herself Lil”, which is an interesting resemblance between the two names. Just like Rocket, Rocky also lost the love of his life (although in two very different situations), causing him to become heartbroken and in search of revenge. This means that Rocket’s tragic backstory further associates him alongside the Beatles’ song.
The Guardians of the Galaxy movies have become infamously known for their focus on music, so it’s incredibly fitting for Rocket to share so many similarities with a character from a Beatles song.