Warning: contains spoilers from Guardians of the Galaxy #3 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3!A new codename for Guardians of the Galaxy. To say that this has been a big year for Rocket is an understatement. Not only was he the main focus of the hit film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but the film ended with him becoming the newest leader of the team now that Star-Lord has decided to return to Earth. Now, after a one-year time skip, he's finally returning to the current volume of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy series. However, during that time, Rocket has clearly broken away from the main team, taking on a genius new codename.

At the end of Guardians of the Galaxy #3 by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing and Kev Walker, the final hints at the next issue which is slated to hit shelves in July. It leaves readers hanging with an exciting teaser titled "Enter the Star-Sheriff." The cover for said issue features none other than Rocket Raccoon facing off against the Guardians, reaching for his sci-fi six shooter. Variant covers for issues also show Rocket wearing a sheriff's badge where his Guardians insignia used to be. Having broken away from the Guardians as a solo hero, it seems Rocket has taken on an awesome new identity to match.

Rocket Raccoon Is Now the Star-Sheriff

What's fascinating about this codename change for Rocket is how it fits into Marvel's new take on the Guardians of the Galaxy. This version of the franchise has gone all-in on a space/Western revamp, as the team attempt to help innocents on the edge of explored space. Of course, the threat in question is another former teammate, Groot, who has become a terrifying infestation known as 'Grootfall,' spreading across the galaxy. Losing Groot hurt the Guardians deeply, and they are now more convinced than ever that they have no right to call themselves heroes. It seems Groot's transformation may have led to a schism with Rocket, who is nevertheless still out in the galaxy, fighting the good fight.

Grootfall Has Shattered the Guardians of the Galaxy

Rocket's new codename seems intended to establish him as a leader rather than the second fiddle to Star-Lord. Whether Rocket will re the team is up in the air, but it will be fascinating to see how and why he differs from their mission. Does he feel they've strayed from their heroic remit, or does he disagree with how they're handling the threat of Grootfall? Despite his surface-level cynicism, Rocket has often shown the most belief in the idea of the Guardians, and so it's possible that he's clinging to their former status quo as the "Avengers of Space." Interestingly, this would dovetail with where the MCU left rocket in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Will Rocket Re the Guardians of the Galaxy?

The movie ends with Rocket heading up a new Guardians team, so taking on the name Star-Sheriff would make sense there too - especially as he's on good with Peter Quill, and may want to carry on his legacy. In the comics, mimicking Peter's codename is likely intended as a provocation, but fans will only found out the full story as Guardians of the Galaxy continues.

Guardians of the Galaxy #3 is available now from Marvel Comics! Look for Guardians of the Galaxy #4 on July 19!