The Guardians of the Galaxy Post-Credits Sequence is Getting a Spin-Off Sequel

By  · Published on January 19th, 2015

Marvel Studios

If you’re hoping we’re here to tell you that a new Howard the Duck movie is in the works, I’m sorry to say that’s not the case. And if you’re suddenly spoiled by that immediate revelation that Howard the Duck appears in the post-credits sequence of Guardians of the Galaxy, I’m not that sorry because I don’t know why else you clicked on a post about a spin-off to the most popular movie of last year.

Anyway, here’s the deal: Howard the Duck has a new comic book series from Marvel, and the second issue is going to explain how the character (voiced by Seth Green) wound up sharing that drink with The Collector (Benicio del Toro). That makes it more of a prequel or sidequel or something other than a sequel, but the latter terminology is what Marvel is going with in this description of “Howard the Duck” #2, via The Hollywood Reporter:

“Howard’s first big case has taken him across the universe and landed him in the clutches of The Collector! But he’s not alone as the very popular Rocket Raccoon is a prisoner as well! Have you ever seen a comic book sequel to a post-credits scene in a movie? Well, you will now!”

Marvel Studios

Regarding the Rocket Raccoon part of that synopsis, I guess that could explain why he and Cosmo the dog appear to have some beef. I guess it also means that the comic provides some back story for one of the main characters of Guardians, too. This certainly isn’t the first time a movie had a comic book tie-in providing back or forward story material, though in addition to being the first to focus on a post-credits scene, it may also be the first where the tie-in is an issue of a regular run of an ongoing comic title.

As if the Marvel Cinematic Universe wasn’t already too bogged down in its interconnectivity. Now there’s definite crossing over between the print and movie versions of these characters. I’m a little annoyed by it, but if the scheme brings more interest to Howard and that gives us a new Howard the Duck movie down the line, then so be it. I love the 1986 one, so I can’t wait to see what a “good” treatment of the character looks like.

Here’s the artwork by Joe Quinones for the cover of “Howard the Duck” #2, which comes out in April, featuring Howard with the gang from the movie:

Marvel Comics

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Christopher Campbell began writing film criticism and covering film festivals for a zine called Read, back when a zine could actually get you Sundance press credentials. He's now a Senior Editor at FSR and the founding editor of our sister site Nonfics. He also regularly contributes to Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes and is the President of the Critics Choice Association's Documentary Branch.