The wheel of time has spun inexorably onward and we once again find ourselves here, my friends, in San Diego Exclusive season. This year we're starting off with the cutest little wooden push puppet ever—a flexible wooden Groot.

Last night, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn did a Facebook Q&A with fans where he talked about Groot, his relationship with Marvel, and the need for Gamora merchandise (duh). Check out the full Q&A after the jump!

It's pretty amazing, when you think about it. Groot managed to find his way into all our hearts in Guardians of the Galaxy, becoming a favorite character for many of us, despite the fact that he only said three words the entire time. Much of that can be attributed to Vin Diesel's nuanced voice performance. But what helped Diesel deliver that lovely performance? Director James Gunn explains.

Josh Dunlap's son, Sawyer, has a condition known as dyspraxia. But after watching Guardians, he began to notice a few positive changes in his son's behavior.

The animated Guardians of the Galaxy: Origins show has been revealing the bittersweet beginnings of each of the team's heroes, one by one. So far, we've seen a young Peter Quill, and now we have a look at a sapling-sized Groot (and, in part two, a brief glimpse of baby Rocket Raccoon).

Not to be confused with the X-Men: Origins stuff. Nope. Nopenopenope.

On August 1st, James Gunn reflected on the success of Guardians of the Galaxy, exactly a year after its US release. He talks about reactions to the film exceeded all expectations and thanked all the movie fans for loving the film as a much as he does.

Groot Groot Groot Groot, Groot Groot Groot. Groot.

I mean, these are totally legitimate products every person can own!

Check out this amazingness - a Hodor/Groot rap battle FOR THE AGES. Thank you, The Warp Zone. It's no Disney Princess rap battle, but it'll do.

Finally, after several official versions of dancing baby Groot, somebody got it right. This adorable little guy's sweet dance moves are powered by the same thing that presumably powers the real Groot: pure, unadulterated awesome. Oh, and sunlight.

"Either a piece of bark looked too cheesy and fig leaf like or a root was in just the wrong place that looked like an ingrown penis. There were more iterations of Groot's crotch than any part of his body."

Vin Diesel set the world of Marvel movie speculation on fire yesterday when he posted this image to his Facebook timeline, featuring the name and logo of Marvel's upcoming Inhumans film.

This bunny is named Benjamin Linus (yes, like that Ben Linus), and he is the best bunny cosplayer in the biz. He even has his own 2015 calendar. We're also partial to the Walter White cosplay. (via Fashionably Geek)

Hot Toys' Little Groot is a mere $44.99 (well, mere compared to their Star-Lord figurine), with expected shipment in January.

James Covenant delighted the galaxy with Captain Picard's rendition of "Let It Snow" last year, and now he's spreading more Holiday cheer with this Avengers/Groot Christmas team-up. I think my heart just grew two sizes.

Finally subjugate those dangerous alien murder machines and make them help walk your adorable pet with the Facehugger leash. Just... make sure it's securely fashioned, OK? Don't take any chances.