As the trilogy comes to a close,Guardians of the Galaxyestablishes itself as the dark horse hit of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the stories of spies and scientists were all well and good, people really want to see what an alien assassin has to say to a sentient tree. Finally, Rocket Raccoon gets to introduce one of the most important figures in his backstory, Lylla the Otter.
Rocket Raccoon has neverbeen a top-tier Marvel Comics character. He was a minor figure among the space-faring roster until James Gunn got his hands on him. Thanks in part to Bradley Cooper’s excellent performance, Rocket became the emotional core ofGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and he’s set to do it again in the sequel.
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When was Lylla Introduced?
Lylla first appeared inThe Incredible Hulk #271, which hit shelves in February 1982. Fans may recall that issue as the first appearance of Rocket Raccoon. The first story featuring Lylla and Rocket startswhen the Hulk issent reeling from a previous battle. The Hulk winds up on Halfworld, where he’s met by Rocket and Wal Russ, a pair of talking animals. Hulk decides he’s fond of the chatty critters, so he’s happy to help them deal with the problems on their planet. Hulk boards Rocket’s ship, theRakk ‘n’ Ruin, and fights against a mole named Judson Jakes. Jakes is working to attain a mysterious item called a Gideon’s Bible, which will enable him to take over the world. He’s also kidnaped Rocket’s girlfriend, Lylla.Thanks to the Hulk, Rocket defeats Jakes and saves Lylla. She doesn’t get a lot of screen time in her debut.
In Rocket Raccoon’s solo series, Lylla continued her presence as the hero’s girlfriend. She does earn more of a personality and a stronger motivation. Lady Lylla is a powerful businesswoman who is destined to inherit a massive toy company. Muchof theRocket Raccoonstory covers the corporate warfare between toy companies. Judson Jakes kills both of Lylla’s parents, planning to marry Lylla to attain full control. That plan falls apart, but a new competitor called Dyvyne enters the battle. It takes the efforts of Rocket, Wal Russ, and almost every living being on Halfworld to prevent both Jakes and Dyvyne from taking over. After their victory, Rocket and Lylla leave Halfworld on a stolen ship to start a new life together.
Where Else Has Lylla Appeared?
Most of Lylla’s coverage outside the comics are brief mentions. ThefirstGuardians of the Galaxyfilmhas a scene in which each member of the team is introduced via police lineup. During that scene, Lylla’s name can be seen among Rocket’s known associates. In the 2021 game, Rocket has a string of dialogue options in which he unpacks his past. He mentions Lylla, but he doesn’t go into detail. The only game that gives Lylla a full appearance is the Telltale Games series. Though it’s arguably the biggest showcase she’s received outside the comics, she’s tragically killed in a flashback. Rocket’s motivation throughout that chapter of the game is bringing Lylla back from the grave. This gives her a chance to interact with the rest of the Guardians, if only for a moment. She’s portrayed by Fryda Wolff, who is best known for portrayingLoba inApex Legends.
Who Is Voicing Lylla InGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
Though she seems to be present in flashback once again,Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3will be most people’s first introduction to Lylla. The voice of this talking otter will be provided by Linda Cardellini. Cardellini has had a long and lustrous career in Hollywood over the past 30 years. Marvel fans may recall her as Laura Barton, Hawkeye’s wife in a few earlier projects. She’s best known for her work in classic TV series likeERandFreaks and Geeks. She starred inDead to MeandBloodline. Her guest role onMad Menearned her an Emmy nomination. She’s also worked with James Gunn in the past. She portrayed Velma in bothlive-actionScooby-Doomovies. She’s returning to the Marvel team to lend her voice to Lylla, and fans have already been enjoying her work in the trailer.
Lylla is a strange character. She’s basically always been a background detail of Rocket’s story. This is not an uncommon fate for the girlfriends of superheroes. Lylla could be an interesting character, but she rarely gets the attention she’d need to develop a personality. Whether she’ll become anyone’s favorite character remains to be seen, but it’s clear that she’ll be the centerpiece of one of the most heartbreaking scenes inthe Marvel Cinematic Universe. Though she’s been in the comics for decades, most people only know her as a wacky side character. Get ready to meet Lylla whenGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3hits the big screen on May 5.
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