Bill Mantlo, Rocket Raccoon Co-Creator, Gets Private 'Guardians' Screening In Care Facility

Bill Mantlo, co-creator of Rocket Raccoon, has been living in a care facility ever since a 1992 hit-and-run accident left him suffering from brain damage. But he still had a chance to see his beloved wise-cracking character come to life in the new blockbuster film "Guardians Of The Galaxy."

Marvel arranged a special bedside screening.

"Bill had the HAPPIEST DAY OF HIS LIFE," his brother and legal guardian, Michael Mantlo, wrote on Facebook. "I will NEVER be able to thank them enough for all that they have done for Bill!"

Michael Mantlo also posted some images on Sunday:

"When the credits rolled, his face was locked into the HUGEST SMILE I HAVE EVER SEEN HIM WEAR (along with one or two tears of joy)," Michael Mantlo wrote.

On Twitter, fans were also touched:

Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen created the character in 1976, which first appeared in "The Incredible Hulk" comic, Buzzfeed reports. Then on July 17, 1992, Mantlo was struck by a car while rollerblading. The accident left him brain-damaged.

Mantlo's brother says that the family has an "excellent" relationship with Marvel and Bill has been compensated for his work, according to a Facebook post cited by Comicbook.com.

However, the family still needs help paying for the 62-year-old's care.

Comic book writer Greg Pak wrote on his website that cards, letters and donations toward Bill's care can be sent to:

Mike Mantlo
26364 East Pintail Road
Long Neck, DE 19966

Checks should be made out to “Michael Mantlo." Donations can also be made via PayPal, with more information on Pak's website.