With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 now in theaters across the world, it’s time to start looking ahead at the new composition of the Guardians of the Galaxy team. To do that, we’re going to have to discuss spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. If you do not wish to be spoiled, STOP READING NOW. Still here? Okay, let’s dive in.

Rocket Raccoon and Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3

THE NEW GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

At the end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, Star-Lord goes back to Earth to be with his grandfather, Mantis goes off on a journey of self-discovery, Gamora sticks with her new Ravagers family, and Nebula and Drax stay on Knowhere to lead the new community of former High Evolutionary Ani-Men children. That leaves Rocket Raccoon in charge of a new team of Guardians that consists of Groot, Kraglin, Cosmo the Space Dog, Adam Warlock, and newcomer, Phyla-Vell.

Phyla-Vell

Phyla-Vell from Marvel Comics and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3
Photo: Marvel Comics

The newest member of the Guardians of the Galaxy is also the most mysterious. In the comics, Phyla-Vell is the daughter of Mar-Vell, the original Captain Marvel. She’s taken on the Captain Marvel and Quasar names over the years and is a regular member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. However, the MCU take on the character is already very different from how she is in Marvel comics.

As one of the High Evolutionary’s specimens, we know she has increased stamina and intellect in the MCU. However, beyond that, very little is known. She can memorize anything with relative speed, which means she can be taught various combat skills with ease. However, in the comics, she has powers that rival that of Carol Danvers.

While it’s easy enough to give someone powers in the MCU, there’s no telling which powers she’ll have, or even when she’ll acquire these new powers. At the very least, it’s probably safe to assume she’ll be a powerful character, especially if she’s aged up by the next time we see her, but just how powerful she will become is still a mystery.

Adam Warlock

Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3
Photo: Marvel Studios

Adam Warlock’s general power set is relatively close to his abilities in the comics. It’s not a one-to-one, but close enough for the MCU. What’s changed about the character is his personality. He’s essentially a man-child in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, due to the fact that he was removed from his incubation chamber too soon. It’s easy to rectify that situation with the passage of time, giving us a proper adult Adam Warlock with powers that rival a god. He can fly, has increased strength and durability, and even blasts energy beams from his hands.

The real question is what will happen to Adam Warlock in the future. He’s died and come back more than once in the comics, and straddles the line between good and evil. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see Adam die during his next outing in the MCU, only to return as a villain again, potentially even assisting Thanos, who we’re also predicting will return.

Rocket Raccoon

Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3
Photo: Marvel Studios

The new leader of the Guardians may be someone you’ve known for a while, but this is not the same Rocket Raccoon many people met when the first Guardians of the Galaxy film was released in 2014. Rocket has accepted what he is and who he is, as well as the friends who have helped that evolution along. He’s no longer a hardened lab experiment, which means he’ll make decisions that will help the Guardians move forward, and keep them out of harm’s way whenever possible. Plus, he’s a bit more calculated than Peter ever was.

Groot

Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3
Photo: Marvel Studios

Almost every time Groot shows up, he’s evolved or changed in some way. By the mid-credits scene in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, he’s evolved into what somewhat resembles King Groot from the Marvel Contest of Champions game. Kaiju Groot was seen momentarily during the film, but that was just a temporary form. This new King Groot form seems to be Groot’s default appearance moving forward. This brings Groot back up to the super muscle of the team, a role he fit into quite well during the first Guardians film.

Kraglin

Kraglin in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3
Photo: Marvel Studios

Having finally mastered Yondu’s Yaka Arrow, Kraglin is now more than just emotional support for the Guardians. He’s still one of the more fragile members of the team, but his offensive ability has increased exponentially with the power of the arrow. He’s still not quite as proficient as Yondu was with the weapon, but it’s a huge boost to the team as a whole.

Cosmo the Space Dog

Cosmo
Photo: Marvel Studios

Cosmo is now an extremely important part of the Guardians team. She was integral during the rescue of Phyla-Vell and the rest of the Ani-Men from the High Evolutionary’s ship, and now that Kraglin has once again recognized her as a good dog, she’s happy to help the team with her telekinetic powers.

So what do you think of the new Guardians of the Galaxy lineup?? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, or on Twitter at @ThatHashTagShow.

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