The Growth of Groot

by Vince Brusio

You'll typically find him writing jokes and late night comedy bits for television's Jimmy Kimmel. However, writer Jeff Loveness doesn't put his eggs in one basket. He's the writer for Marvel's Groot #1 (APR150862) this June, and we got to talk to the writer of this new series in this PREVIEWSworld Exclusive interview!

Groot #1 (APR150862) is in comic shops June 3.

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PREVIEWSworld: Tell us the circumstances that brought about the idea for you writing this series, which kicks off this June with Groot #1 (APR150862).

Jeff Loveness: I worked with Marvel editors Nick Lowe and Devin Lewis on a 3-part special with Amazing Spider-Man, The Inhumans, and The All-New Captain America. It was a really wonderful project to collaborate on, and from there, Devin asked if I’d like to give Groot a try. I was hesitant at first, as Groot has a few narrative restrictions to him, but then I realized that what I thought were restrictions were actually strengths. Groot is a pure mirror for our best selves, and I hope people are excited to jump on this story with Brian and I.

PREVIEWSworld: How do you go about changing hats from writing on Jimmy Kimmel Live to Groot? Describe for us how you change gears. We'd like a peek inside your mental office space.

Jeff Loveness: It’s the biggest gear shift I can think of. You go from writing monologue jokes and late night comedy sketches to scripting out the adventures of a Space-Tree and his grumpy mercenary raccoon friend. It’s an insane challenge, but a really great opportunity. Comics are so open and imaginative. If you have an idea that’s grounded in truth, you can go as wild as you want. I love the freedom comics provide.

As far as mental office space, I try to start every story with a question. And for this story, I started with the questions: “How did Rocket and Groot become inseparable friends? Why does Groot love Earth and humans so much? And what makes Groot an optimist in such a frustrating universe? All of those will hopefully be answered for you.

PREVIEWSworld: Groot separated from Rocket Raccoon is the foundation of your story, correct? As the character speaks in so few words, how do you go about writing a story about Groot when he has so little to say?

Jeff Loveness: I actually think Groot has a lot to say… the problem is just that we don’t listen. Groot is one of the kindest, noblest, most intelligent characters in the Marvel Universe, and we paint him in this comedic light so often.  Our story is going to have funny moments, but it is not a comedy! We want to be clear about that from the get-go.

When Groot met Rocket, the two were getting arrested. He comes from a planet with a regal history. He’s saved Earth with the Guardians just once or twice. He’s a criminal, he’s an intellectual, and he’s a hero. Groot has a way of taking people by surprise, and that tradition is going to continue.  The trick will be conveying his emotions, motivations, and desires through his body language and expressions. In writing, I tried to treat Groot like Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, or a Pixar character. And I’m unfathomably lucky to be working with Brian Kesinger, who has brought an insane amount of expression and charm to Groot’s face. You’re going to love his work.

Rocket will have a presence in the story, but our focus is  Groot – especially how he affects those around him.

PREVIEWSworld: As the Marvel Universe is being rocked by the Secret Wars, was this an obstacle in learning what you could or could not write about, for fear of mucking up continuity?

Jeff Loveness: Yeah, it seems everyone and everything in the Marvel Universe is being ripped asunder at the moment. I’m still trying to figure out which particular characters are available for cameos or multi-issue appearances. But I’m not too worried.  This is Groot’s book, and I want to build a new world around Groot. Also, there’s a certain amount of fun and freedom in the fact that the ENTIRE universe is being destroyed… and you have this little corner to write a weird story.

PREVIEWSworld: If fans want to reach out to you online, where should they look?

Jeff Loveness: Feel free to tweet cripplingly personal insults to me at my Twitter: @jeffloveness. Or just fire my personal signal-flare into the sky. I’ll find you.