The next Avengers? Guardians of the Galaxy announced

Fresh from the success of ‘The Avengers’, Marvel have announced a new superhero ensemble - 'Guardians of the Galaxy'.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed reports in blog sites that a big screen version of the comic will be their super-secret 2014 release that has been hinted at already. Expect more details when it’s unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con next month.

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So, for the uninitiated, what the hell is 'Guardians of the Galaxy'? And how does it link to 'The Avengers' (which has become one of the most successful movies of all time).

The Guardians of the Galaxy first started as a standalone comic in 1968, though the film will be based on the 2008 incarnation. You might not have heard of any of the characters before; they include:

...a gun-slinging genetically engineered rodent called Rocket Raccoon from a planet used as an insane asylum. He has all the normal attributes of an Earth raccoon, such as an acute set of senses and working as a starship pilot. In some incarnations he has rocket propelled skate shoes.

...a snappily-dressed tree monster called Groot, who can absorb wood as food and is known to ‘sprout’ in order to rebuild himself and enhance his strength. He can control trees, using them to attack others, and appears (rather oddly) to be resistant to fire.

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...and a zombie saxophonist named Drax. He was killed on Earth by villain Thanos but was resurrected as a knife-wielding green warrior. Super powers include: super strength, flight, and the ability to project concussive blasts of cosmic energy from his hands.

They join Star-Lord, Adam Warlock, Gamora, Phyla-Vell and Mantis in the current roster.

Speaking of Thanos (SPOILER ALERT), he is the key to linking ‘The Avengers’ with the mighty Guardians of the Galaxy, according to a report in Latino Review.

As those who have watched film will know, Thanos is briefly seen at the end of ‘The Avengers’ where he is revealed to have been Loki's benefactor and flashes an evil grin at the camera. If true, this link between the two universes hints at a possible movie overlaps further down the road. Iron Man vs. Rocket Raccoon anyone?

According to THR, trademarks have been registered, the script is already written and the movie will be used as a perfect precursor for the ‘Avengers’ sequel.

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