In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the story of Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) has come to an end, after it ended nicely in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3. But Doctor Doom's story is just the beginning, when Robert Downey Jr. returns to Marvel playing a very different kind of Iron Man in 2026's Avengers: Judgment Day.

However, Marvel Comics is bringing this unlikely pair together for a 40-page one-shot special: Doctor Doom & Rocket Raccoon #1 - Publisher's Presumably the craziest aliens vs avengers crossover last year — and Marvel shared an exclusive preview of the release with /Film.

Doctor Doom & Rocket Raccoon no. 1 was written by J. Michael Straczynski, creator of The 1994 Babylon 5 space opera TV show and a prolific comic writer; "JMS" (as he is often called) has just finished a performance on "Captain America". (Incidentally, he also wrote The Amazing Spider-Man #36, the oft-derided issue where Doom cries after the 9/11 attacks.)

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The issue is drawn by artist Will Robeson, with a cover by artist Gary Frank.

The synopsis for Doctor Doom & Rocket Raccoon #1 reads:

“JMS brings together THE MOST AMAZING TWOS OF EVERYONE ACROSS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE! J. Michael Straczynski brings his incredible art work to beloved Marvel characters big and small in a series of exciting one-shots! First up: Doctor Doom and Rocket, drawn by the inimitable Will Robeson, do the one thing they never want to do: ask for a favor!

This isn't the first time Doom and Rocket have crossed paths. Back inside Guardians of the Galaxy #14 from 2021 (by Al Ewing and Juan Frigeri), they briefly switched bodies; Doom naturally did not enjoy the indignity of being trapped as a rodent while said rodent walked before him in his proper form. How will their next meeting go? Take a look at the Gary Frank cover, where they share a toast while Rocket hides something behind his back and Doom puts his finger on the bluedobus button that blows up the raccoon, for an idea.

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The issue begins with a recap page, explaining the basics of who both Doom and Rocket are and how they came to be that way.

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Once the actual story begins, it opens on a literal "dark and stormy night" in Doom's castle in Doomstadt, the capital of his personal monarchy of Latveria. From there, however, it becomes clear that the problem will not be taken seriously. Doom does an experiment, only to have his head explode - no worries, though, because that it was just Doombot.

Marvel Comics

Marvel Comics

Doom goes to greet a guest at the door, only to look around and see nothing. When he looks down he sees Rocket outside in the rain, apparently crashed in Latveria after some ship trouble. This page reveals the title text: “Thirteen Days of Doom!” Will Doom deal with the Raccoon that won't go away?

Marvel Comics

Marvel Comics

Doctor Doom & Rocket Raccoon #1 comes out in print and digital on January 22, 2025.