Guardians of the Galaxy Trading Cards Coming for Launch Parties

Marvel Comics announced today that their forthcoming Guardians of the Galaxy series by Brian Michael Bendis and Steve McNiven will not only be one of their supported "Launch Party" titles, with retailers allowed to run midnight release parties for the title, but there will be a set of Guardians of the Galaxy collectors' cards made available exclusively to retailers and fans who take part in those parties. There will also be one of the cards that's more rare than the others, making it a collector's item on top of a collector's item, but Marvel won't say which. Who will it be--Star-Lord, who will be the hero of the feature film adaptation (and is it just me, or does he have a real Andy Dwyer smirk in the image at right)? Iron Man, the uncontestedly most popular character on the team? Or Rocket Raccoon, the favorite of the hardcore fans? Check out what Marvel has to say below, along with the rest of the cards.

This March, Guardians of the Galaxy #1 launches in style with special limited edition trading cards, ONLY available at select retail shops hosting a launch party! That's right, one of the biggest launches of the year just got bigger with one of a kind collector's items! Courtesy of blockbuster creators Brian Michael Bendis (All New X-Men, Age Of Ultron) and Steve McNiven (Civil War, Old Man Logan), fans are in for the ride of their life as the Guardians of the Galaxy put their lives on the line for the sake of the Marvel Universe. There's a new rule in the galaxy, and it's put Earth off limits to any outsiders. But why has Earth become so important? That's what Star Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, Groot AND Iron Man are about to discover. But that's not all!  ONE of these trading cards will not be as readily available as the others. But which one? Well you'll have to head on over to a local participating retailer to find out! So what are you waiting for? Go on out and reserve a copy of Guardians of the Galaxy #1 today! Retailers: Time is running out to participate in a Guardians of the Galaxy Launch Party, please check with your Diamond representitve or the Marvel Mailer for details. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1 (JAN130642) Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS Pencils & Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN FOC – 2/18/13, ON SALE 3/27/13