Warning: Contains potential spoilers for Marvel Zombies: Dawn of Decay #1!As a Groot accidentally causes a biological nightmare in Marvel Zombies: Dawn of Decay, threatening the planet. Although it was unintentional, Groot’s flub makes a case for the intergalactic team to be banned from Earth - or at least to learn to properly cover their coughs and sneezes.

The latest of many Marvel Zombies miniseries puts the Guardians of the Galaxy’s heroic tree-creature at the center of plant-based pandemonium. An unfortunate sneeze from Groot into Captain America’s face sets the next viral infection into motion in the preview for Marvel Zombies: Dawn of Decay #1 by Tom Krajewski and Jason Muhr.

Groot’s virus perhaps could have been avoided but quickly infects the heroes in a devastating turn of events that Earth is clearly unprepared to handle. Though Groot may have just triggered a zombie apocalypse, it’s also hard not to feel bad for the lovable hero.

Groot Accidentally Spreads a Brand-New Zombie Virus

And He Teams Up with Hulk!

As the strange cosmic virus spreads from Groot’s single sneeze in the wrong direction, many of the world’s mightiest Avengers fall to this mysterious zombie infection in Dawn of Decay. Steve Rogers’ Captain America may have the worst luck here, as he’s the first to be infected after getting blasted in the face with Groot’s otherworldly snot. Cap will quickly spread the zombie virus to Black Widow and Thor, and potentially more of the world’s population as the series unfolds. To stop the problem that he unfortunately created, Groot s forces with Bruce Banner to find a cure.

The Guardians are proving to be a bit of a detriment to society.

This iteration of Marvel Zombies seems to take some cues from the MCU, sharing a similar cast of characters in at least the first preview. With the God of Thunder zombified and Bruce Banner still fighting on the side of humanity, the series will feature a rematch between the Hulk and Thor, determining the strongest Avenger. Since the preview for Marvel Zombies: Dawn of Decay #1 kicks off with the Avengers having to stop Rocket Raccoon and Groot from stealing a laser and then starting a potential zombie apocalypse, the Guardians are proving to be a bit of a detriment to society.

Marvel Zombies Return with a Petrifying Plant-Based Twist

Similar to The Last of Us

The infection that starts with a sick Groot seems to be some sort of new power being unlocked for the character, as his germs being spread create plant-like zombies. People with trypophobia, or the fear of clusters of small holes or bumps, would have a major problem with the gross spore-like symptoms of the virus' victims. The Dawn of Decay brand of zombie is sort of similar to the creatures in the video game and television series The Last of Us, with the infected individuals growing vegetation out of their bodies as they terrorize the world.

With the development of Groot’s sickness being able to create a potentially world-ending event, there clearly need to be restrictions in place for him and the other Guardians, so this kind of thing doesn’t happen again. Although this one raises concerns about cosmic viruses that could spread, Groot obviously regrets the whole situation, and it’s also sad to see him accidentally put in this unfortunate position. There’s a strong argument for the Guardians of the Galaxy to be banned from Earth to prevent future intergalactic apocalyptic atrocities, but Groot is almost too cherished and endearing for others to really harbor any resentment.

Marvel Zombies: Dawn of Decay #1 is available September 4th, 2024 from Marvel Comics.