Marvel Comics has released the cover for its Silver-level Free Comic Book Day offering, featuring Aaron Kuder and Ive Svorcina artwork. The issue, which arrives as part of the May 6 celebration, is a prelude to "All-New Guardians of the Galaxy" ongoing title from Gerry Duggan, Kuder and Svorcina. The team's first mission not only sends them back into outer space following their current adventure on Earth, it introduces the Marvel Universe's new Nova Corps as well.

The issue will also feature the first tale starring the latest team of Defenders by that series' creative team of Brian Michael Bendis, David Marquez and Justin Ponsor. The team's adventure leads into their ongoing series (slated to arrive in June) with a 10-page story introducing a new "criminal element" to the Marvel Universe.

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“Each year, Free Comic Book Day is an amazing opportunity for publishers to showcase some of their incredible titles and stories,” Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel said in a statement. “It’s an unparalleled opportunity to reach new fans and support our retail partners, so we’re thrilled to provide completely new content for this year’s offerings. These titles are the perfect opportunity for fans to jump into the Marvel Universe with both feet and we’re excited to unveil the contents of this year’s Silver title.”

“When our story picks up, Groot is small and doesn’t seem to be growing large,” Duggan previously revealed about his and Kuder's plans for the new series, a statement supported by mini-griot's appearance on the FCBD cover. “We don’t quite know why. The Guardians don’t know why. The readers won’t have very long to find that will be a problem moving forward, in a fun way, I hope. Drax is done destroying. Something has happened to him to that has made him leave his swords down. Drax is still Drax. He wants to destroy, he’s just holding back for now. It’s a fun turn for him as he struggles with pacifism like an alcoholic might struggle in a bar.”

“All-New Guardians of the Galaxy” debuts May 6 in Marvel Comics' Free Comic Book Day Silver offering; The ongoing series' first issue arrives later in May from the team of Gerry Duggan, Aaron Kuder and Ive Svorcina, and will ship twice-monthly.

"Defenders," featuring Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Daredevil, arrives in June from the creative team of Brian Michael Bendis David Marquez and Justin Ponsor.