Guardians of the Galaxy Early Appearances

Marvel Comics Group. Before there was Starlord, there was The Guardians of the Galaxy. 1969 Marvel Super-Heroes #18. Giant-size issue. Origin and 1st appearance of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Script by Arnold Drake, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Mike Esposito (as Mickey Demeo). The remainder of the issue contains Golden Age reprints: the Sub-Mariner ("Courage"); and the All Winners Squad featuring Miss America, the Human Torch, and Captain America (from All Winners 21). Letter to the editor from comics writer Steven Grant. Colan cover pencils. Cover price $0.25.
Giant Size Defenders #5 "Eelar Moves in Mysterious Ways!" Guest-starring the Guardians of the Galaxy. Plot by Chris Claremont, Gerry Conway, Scott Edelman, Steve Gerber, Roger Slifer, and Len Wein. Script by Steve Gerber. Pencils by Don Heck. Inks by Jim Mooney, Mike Esposito, and Dave Hunt. Cover by Ron Wilson and Al Milgrom. Somewhere in the middle of New York Harbor, the Master of the Mystic Arts senses a disturbance in the Earth's time-stream! Valkyrie and the Hulk join Dr. Strange's search and discover a bizarre creature called Eelar! However, the slick human-sized eel slips past the Defenders and attacks the Hudson Tunnel! Meanwhile in Upstate New York, Nighthawk investigates the mysterious crash of a spaceship! A spaceship that belongs to the Guardians of the Galaxy Why have the 31st century guardians come to the 20th century? When Vance Astro, Martinex, and Yondu emerge from their ship, Nighthawk presses them for an answer! But speaking of answers, the Defenders are still looking for one against Eelar…now tearing up Times Square! The slippery eel holds off the Green Goliath and the fourth guardian Charlie-27! However, eventually the 20th century and 31st century super-heroes catch-up with Eelar! Will the Badoon-spawned beast finally go down to defeat? Cameo appearance by the adolescent Vance Astro. Flashback cameos by Trish Starr and the Squadron Sinister. Defenders Lineup: Doctor Strange, Hulk, Nighthawk, and Valkyrie. First reprint story: "Quoth the Nighthawk, Nevermore!" Script by Roy Thomas. Art by Gene Colan and Syd Shores. A new costumed vigilante, Nighthawk (aka Kyle Richmond), challenges the Man Without Fear! Flashback cameos by Captain America and the Grandmaster. Story originally published in Daredevil (1st series) 62. Notes: The Guardians of the Galaxy previously appeared in Marvel Two-in-One 5. This issue is their 3rd appearance. They appear next in Defenders 26. This issue includes a full-page ad for Hostess Twinkies featuring Captain Marvel vs. Nitro. First appearance of Justice (young Vance Astrovik) Cover price $0.50.
Marvel Presents #3 Cover pencils by Al Milgrom (sketch) and John Romita (finished pencils), inks by John Romita. "Just Another Planet Story!," script by Steve Gerber, pencils by Al Milgrom, inks by Pablo Marcos; After a long battle against the Badoon, the members of the Guardians of the Galaxy attempt to blend back into post-war earth, with unsatisfying and disillusioning results; Starhawk gives them back the purpose they need in their lives by reforming the Group for a new mission! The letters page contains Marvel Value Stamp series B # 35 (Dr. Strange by Frank Brunner). 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.25.