As more promos kick off for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, we've been taking a more in-depth look at several of the characters. We're already shined the spotlight on Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, and Rocket Raccoon. Today, we take a look at Groot.

Groot is the Monarch of Planet X, Guardian of the Galaxy, and faithful companion to Rocket Raccoon. In the Guardians of the Galaxy film, Groot will be brought to life with CG animation and voiced by Vin Diesel. Groot will become a member of Star-Lord’s outlaw Guardians as they go on the run from the agents of Thanos, searching for orb in Star-Lord’s possession. Guardians of the Galaxy comes to theaters August 1.

Groot was created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Dick Ayers and his creation actually predates the creation of the Marvel Comics Universe as we know it, first appearing in Tales to Astonish #13 in 1960 (months before Fantastic Four #1 would really kick off Marvel’s superhero universe). Groot would appear a couple of times over the years, but didn’t really find his place in the Marvel Universe until 2006, when he became part of Nick Fury’s Howling Commandos and then played a role in the Annihilation saga before joining the Guardians of the Galaxy.

In the Marvel Comics Universe, Groot is a member of an alien species long believed extinct that look like living trees. The Kree refer to the species as “Floral Colossus.” Groot travelled to earth seeking humans for test subjects, but was defeated and taken captive by S.H.I.E.L.D. He was later made a member of Nick Fury’s Howling Commandos.

Groot eventually returned to space and was selected by the Kree to join Star-Lord and Rocket Raccoon in the battle against Ultron and the Phalanx. The team succeeded, but Groot sacrificed his life in the process. Rocket Raccoon managed to save one of his branches and planted it, allowing Groot to regrow himself. He only speaks the words “I am Groot.”

After Ultron’s defeat, Groot joined Rocket Raccoon in becoming a member of Star-Lord’s new Guardians of the Galaxy. Together, the team proactively keeps the galaxy safe from control of invaders and emperors.