A new Marvel comic book spinoff revealed that "Guardians of the Galaxy" fan favorite Groot has Puerto Rican roots.

According to the comic book's issue #3, Groot's origins came from the Puerto Rican legend Ceiba Tree, which is also known in Guatemala and West Africa. Mayans believed that the Ceiba Tree is "a portal between worlds and Aztecs thought they held up the sky. Puerto Ricans and other modern civilizations believe the Ceiba tree is where the souls of loved ones live on long after death," we are mitú reported.

Inspiration

Groot's Puerto Rican origin was concocted by Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, who said that many Latinos in the United States and in other regions enjoy reading comic books, we are mitú added.

"When I was writing the script for this story, I asked my editor Nick Lowe for permission to have Groot speak Spanish and say 'Yo Soy Groot!' Having those three words for me written into this comic book validated me as a Latino and every Latino that already picks up these books," the writer recounted, as quoted by we are mitú.

The Puerto Rican Groot takes inspiration from Marta Morena Vega, Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute's president who told the legend of Ceiba Tree to Miranda-Rodriguez, we are mitú noted. Vega made such a significant effect on Miranda-Rodriguez that he immortalized her in the comic as Abuela Estela, the only person who reminded comic book Groot of his good nature when he was under the villain Plantman's control.

The writer said Groot's heritage highlights the Puerto Rican community in the United States.

"As a storyteller, I feel a responsibility to try to tell a story that can resonate with a universal audience. I oftentimes draw from my own life as an activist and art director," Miranda-Rodriguez told the news outlet. "In the Lower East Side, or Loisada of Nueva York, the community has a rich history from Puerto Ricans. Cultural institutions like the Nuyorican's Poet's Café, Loisaida, Inc and the Clemente Soto Veléz Cultural and Educational Center were founded by Puerto Ricans in the 1970s. Given that many Marvel characters are from New York City, it only felt right to celebrate the Puerto Rican community of Loisaida."

Groot, who was voiced by actor Vin Diesel on the big screen, will return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in "Guardians of the Galaxy 2." The highly anticipated flick directed by James Gunn also stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista and Bradley Cooper (as Rocket's voice), Screen Rant listed. The sequel bows in theaters in May 2017.