Warning: The article contains potential SPOILERS for Guardians of the Galaxy

The Guardians of the Galaxy have been given new life in Marvel’s movie universe… just in time for one of them to be killed in the comics.

That’s the shocking twist that Marvel Comics has revealed to be on the way in their Guardians of the Galaxy comic series. The rebooted comic gathered a new team of heroes, but this summer it will be one of the fan-favorite movie Guardians who goes on their last adventure. Time for fans to start preparing themselves for “The Death of Rocket Raccoon.”

What makes the reveal of Rocket Racoon’s approaching death (coming Issue #7 this July) so surprising is that at present, Rocket isn’t even on the team. The story has yet to reveal why Rocket left his teammates behind, but the fallout was bad enough to put Groot into full-on punk rock rebellion. The latest issue ended with the suggestion that Star-Lord, Groot, and their new Guardians of the Galaxy crew would unexpectedly recruit Rocket to keep him out of harm’s way, for old time’s sake. But now that Marvel has released the solicitations for Guardians of the Galaxy #7, it seems the heroes will escape their current predicament only to meet yet another old foe, back with more power than ever before.

Fans would hope that with Groot now leading the Guardians, and with confirmation that the team will survive to see Issue #7, Rocket Raccoon would be just the kind of wild card needed to take on this returned enemy. But take a look at the cover art for yourself to see who ends up getting the worst of the encounter:

  • GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #7 Written by DONNY CATES Art by CORY SMITH Colors by DAVID CURIEL Cover by DAVID MARQUEZ THE DEATH OF ROCKET BEGINS HERE IN ”FAITHLESS” PART 1 In the aftermath of the FINAL GAUNTLET, the Guardians of the Galaxy are taking some well deserved R&R. But their vacation is about to be cut short when a familiar, but radically powerful enemy returns. And what does all of this have to do with the whereabouts of a certain raccoon?

It’s a hauntingly effective cover by artist David Marquez, bringing to mind the image of a (bloody) rendition of Star Trek’s Captain Kirk and Spock’s heartbreaking farewell. In the world of comics things are never as they seem, but at least for now, Marvel is giving fans fair warning that their Guardians reboot may require more than one sacrifice. But we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed all the same.

Guardians of the Galaxy #7 will be available at your local comic book store in July, or direct from Marvel Comics.

MORE: Guardians 3’s Dave Bautista Celebrates James Gunn’s Return

Source: Marvel Comics