He’s a Guardian of the Galaxy, a protector to his best friend Rocket Raccoon — and a sentient alien tree.

Or, as he says, “I am Groot.”

In the last 80+ years, Groot has become a unique character in the Marvel Universe. For one, he’s older than most Marvel superheroes—including Spider-Man, the Hulk, and the Fantastic Four.

Debuting in 1960’s Tales to Astonish #13, Groot appeared on Earth not as an ally, but as an invader.  Groot has since grown (and re-grown) into an essential part of the Marvel Universe. His ability to adapt, regenerate and keep close friends made him a bark-backed, powerhouse of a hero.

Writer / artist Skottie Young had a memorable run on the 10-issue Rocket Raccoon and Groot series in 2016, and remembers Groot fondly. He told me this for the mini book:

“Writing Groot was a unique experience because he seems EASY to write. I mean, he only says three words, ‘I am Groot.’ It was a fun challenge to write two-way conversations when only one of the characters is able to talk out loud,” Young said. “You had to actually think of Groot’s side of it so Rocket’s would make sense. I had a blast with that.”

Young added: “I think he stays in our hearts and minds because we can all feel like he is us. WE ARE GROOT!”