Infinity #6 Review

Writer: Jonathan Hickman

Artists: Jim Cheung & Dustin Weaver

Infinity has been an outstanding event and much better than I originally expected it to be, which is saying a lot considering I always expected it to be amazing. It is however sad to see it come to an end, but it is this shorter series length that I feel has ultimately made it a huge success and it will be interesting to see the fall out after this.

Plot

The Avengers finally make it back to Earth where they face Thanos and his Cull Obsidian.

Review

This was an amazing issue and a terrific ending to the event. Jonathan Hickman has done a phenomenal job with this event, and although there was the odd minor thing that I questioned during this finale, overall it was very fitting and entertaining to read. The tension and drama throughout was simply outstanding with the tone being simply astonishing. I did however feel that a couple of things happened rather suddenly, with the ending itself being very sudden. The narrative of the issue as well as the way it was developed was also outstanding, with the dialogue throughout adding more depth and drama as well as more excitement and intensity.

The artwork throughout this issue would also be phenomenal with both Jim Cheung and Dustin Weaver doing a spectacular job. The detail of both artists work would also be very consistent throughout, as although it was easy to tell both artists work apart, they worked very well of each other, with very few imperfections between them. I did however overall prefer Cheung's artwork, though that is nothing against Weaver's, it's just that Cheung's is more smoother and impactful. I did however find the lack of hair on Cheung's Hulk to be slightly frustrating, though the beautiful and explosive action sequences and character emotion more than made up for that.

We'd finally get to see the Avengers vs. Thanos and his Cull Obsidian in this issue with the Avengers wasting no time in taking the fight to the mad Titan after landing on Earth. Now what I loved most about this would be getting to see the likes of Captain America, Hulk and Thor all go toe-to-toe with Thanos, as although they've done it before, it is always nice to see it time and time again. During the fight I also loved the dialogue and how the Cull Obsidian's involvement would make this much more exciting and intense, with this easily being the fight of the event.

Whilst this is happening that other Avengers would continue battling Black Dwarf and his army on the Peak, finishing the fight that was set-up and started during Avengers #22 and 23. Now I personally felt that this sequences was developed for too long, and could have finished during the Avengers issues themselves. In saying that it would add yet more suspense and excitement to this issue, as well as yet more suspense as well, with some of the dialogue once again being outstanding.

Thanos' son Thane would have a huge role in the way that this event ended. Now I won't go into details but I will say what I thought of the ending as well as Thane's role in the event as a whole. Now Thane's involvement overall hasn't been quite as impactful as I hoped, though the way that he was involved in this issue made up for that. I also found the ending to be very clever, as although it wasn't as exciting as I hoped it would be, as well extremely sudden, it would be very dramatic and intense.

Final Verdict

This was a terrific ending to a outstanding event and it will be a while before Marvel top this. The issue wasn't quite perfect, feeling slightly too quick a pace, though the action and tension throughout would make it a extraordinarily great issue as well as one of the best from the crossover. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue as well as the event as a whole.

Rating: 9/10

Infinity #5 Review

Writer: Jonathan Hickman

Artists: Jerome Opeña & Dustin Weaver

So far Infinity has been an amazing event, and easily one of the best that Marvel has produced in a while. It has especially been brilliant in the last couple of issues, having some phenomenal moments, and if Jonathan Hickman keeps this quality up it could become one of the best events ever.

Plot

The Avengers continue to save world after world from the Builders whilst Thanos tries to make the Illuminati's Antimatter Projection Systems work.

Review

This was a brilliant issue and although it wasn't quite as good as the last couple of issues, it was still a fantastic issue and did a fantastic job of setting up the conclusion. Now it isn't a terrible thing that Jonathan Hickman has slowed the pace down in this issue, as after all the explosive events in the last couple of issues it needed to slow down slightly, and with this being the penultimate issue it is better to do all the building up in this issue, leaving more room for excitement in the conclusion. Besides this however Hickman would also manage to add a lot of drama and suspense, as although the transition between sequences wasn't quite as smooth as it's been up till now, it wouldn't hurt the quality of the issue that much.

The art on this issue was also amazing, as although it wasn't quite as good as it has been up till now, it was still brilliant, and Jerome Opeña and Dustin Weaver did a tremendous job. I did however feel that the detail in this issue wasn't as good as it has been up till now, as although the detail was brilliant throughout most of the issue, there were quite a few imperfections, which is something that we haven't seen too much from Opeña and Weaver so far. The layouts were however once again outstanding, adding a lot of depth and tone to the issue. The small bit of action and character emotion would also be fantastic, with one sequence featuring the Hulk smashing being truly phenomenal.

This issue would start by showing the aftermath of Infinity #4 and Avengers #21 with the Avengers wiping out any remaining Builders, making many Avengers Worlds. Now this wouldn't do much for the story as a whole, setting up the Avengers return to Earth. It was however still very entertaining and interesting, and I found the interaction between Thor and Captain America to be very entertaining. The conversation between Cap and Oracle was also very interesting, and I loved Cap's shock to the appreciation of the planets they're saving.

We'd also get to see the first encounter between Thane and a member of the Cull Obsidian as Ebony Maw would find Thane in this issue. Now I won't go into much detail about this sequence as the major development during it was extremely interesting, even if it was also mainly set-up work. The interaction between Thane and Ebony Maw however was very interesting, and I especially enjoyed the emotion on Thane when he realises that he's a killer just like his father (even though he didn't mean to). 

Thanos would also have an impact on this issue, with him and his Cull Obsidian trying to get the Antimatter Projection Systems to work. This would be the continuation of a development that happened in New Avengers #11, and although this issue wouldn't see a lot of development happen, it would still be very interesting to read. I especially enjoyed how much intensity Thanos showed in this sequence, as although he wouldn't be as angry or intense as he was during his fight with Black Bolt, he would still show his disapproval of failure, expecting his Cull Obsidian to find the answer quicker than they are. I also loved seeing the malice in Thanos' facial expressions, as it would add a lot of depth to the sequence.

Final Verdict

This was yet another amazing issue in the Infinity crossover, as although it wasn't quite as good as the last couple of issues, being a bit slower, it did do a brilliant job of setting up the conclusion. The would also be some interesting developments, as well as some explosive artwork, and the issue as a whole has me very excited for the conclusion. Due to this I'd highly recommend this issue as although not quite as good as the last couple of issues it was still an amazing addition to the event.

Rating: 9/10

Infinity #4 Review

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Jerome Opeña & Dustin Weaver

This has been a phenomenal crossover event so far, and although it took a while to become phenomenal, it has been brilliant since the start, with the main event as well as the Avengers and New Avengers tie-ins also being amazing. It did however jump to another level with the last issue, and I just hope that it continues to be great, as so far it has been the event that Marvel has needed for years.

Plot

As Captain America goes over his final plans with the Council, he sends Thor to negotiate their surrender. Meanwhile Thanos battles Blackbolt over the location of his son, Thane.

Review

This was yet another phenomenal issue, and this series has certainly moved up a level over the last couple of issues. Jonathan Hickman once again does a fantastic job of following on from both the last issue as well as the Avenger tie-in. Hickman also added a lot of drama and suspense in this issue, and although the start of the issue was slightly slow, it made up for that quickly, being very exciting for most of the issue. The dialogue in this issue was also terrific, and especially during the Thanos/Black Bolt fight, helping to add depth, as well as in this case tension. Hickman also once again did a brilliant job of balancing the two stories involved in this issue, allowing each to compliment the other.

The artwork in this issue was also fantastic, and Jerome Opeña and Dustin Weaver once again did an amazing job. The detail from both artists was spectacular as usual, being very consistent throughout. Both artists also compliment each other perfectly, as although I've always preferred Opeña's art slightly, Weaver's works perfectly alongside it, with both having very similar styles and tones. I also really enjoy how Weaver handled the Thanos/Black Bolt fight, as it was very exciting and explosive, and along with the layouts both artists produced for this issue, it was easily the best thing about the artwork. On top of all that both artists also did a fantastic job of showing the emotion in this issue, adding a lot of tone with it.

This issue would give us a deeper looking into Thanos' son, Thane, showing him as a healer in the Hidden City of Orollan. Now I won't go into too much detail as to avoid any spoilers, but this issue would give us a very good look at the character that has caused Thanos' wrath, also giving him some sort of origin as well. This was something that I really enjoyed, as after it was revealed that Thanos was looking for his son I was wondering what sort of role his son would play. Now this issue doesn't actually answer that question, but it would give a lot of development for the character, as well as hint at what his future may be.

Cause of Thane, Thanos and Black Bolt would become involved in a huge battle, that sees Thanos pushed to his very limits. This was a fight that I was looking forward to since the start of the series, and although I was expecting it to come a little later in the series, I'm going to complain, as it was a brilliant fight. I also liked that  due to Black Bolt battling Thanos in this fight it allowed him to use his full powers, not  back. I also loved the carnage that would come due to this fight, and the development that would come out of it. The fight itself was also very intense and exciting, adding a lot of entertainment to the issue.

The other part of this issue would see the Avengers try and negotiate some form of peaceful surrender with the Builders, with Captain America sending Thor to do the negotiating. Now the moment that it was revealed that Thor would be the negotiator I was very happy, as due to the cover I expected him to have a big involvement in this issue, and was glad that he did. Without going into any details I also really enjoyed the form of negotiation that Thor took, and this sequence turned out exactly as I expected, but in a very unique way, and overall this has been some of Hickman's smartest work on the event.

Final Verdict

This was an amazing issue, and so far this has easily been the best crossover event that Marvel has done in a long time. This issue itself had plenty of suspense and drama, with tons of excitement, and brilliant character depth. It also had a fantastic fight between Thanos and Black Bolt, and has really shaken up the development of the event. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, as well as the rest of the series so far.

Rating: 10/10

Infinity #3 Review

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artists: Jerome Opeña & Dustin Weave

I have really been enjoying Infinity so far, and after a couple of poor events I'm happy that Marvel have finally gotten their act together. The story has progressed brilliant so far, and the Avengers and New Avengers issues work as brilliant tie-ins, being crucial to the story.

Plot

The Avengers prepare for battle against the Builders whilst Black Bolt prepares to be confronted by Thanos.

Review

This was a phenomenal issue, and my favourite of the event so far. Jonathan Hickman has been doing an amazing job with this event as a whole, but what stood out for me in this issue was that it took the recent events in Avengers and New Avengers and expanded on them in a very explosive, and exciting way. I also loved how Hickman managed to keep some mystery in the event, as although he's revealing something shocking every now and then, he seems to still have some stuff kept up his sleeve. I also felt that this issue was very dramatic, and suspenseful, also having some brilliant dialogue, and interactions. I also loved how it's taken the story a major step forward, whilst leaving some fuel in the tank for the second half.

The art on this issue was once again done by Jerome Opeña and Dustin Weaver. Both artists once again did a fantastic job, and although I probably still preferred Opeña's artwork slightly there isn't a huge lot between the two artists. The detail by both artists was simply outstanding, with each sequence being stunning, and especially the ones centred around the Avengers in space. The action in this issue was also handled perfectly between both artists, literally being very explosive, as well as exciting, adding a lot more drama, and tone to the issue. Justin Ponsor also once again did an outstanding job of colouring this issue, and it's his colours that help keep the artwork more consistent.

The last issue of the Avengers would see the Builders learn the location of the Avengers, and the Galactic Council, making the planets in their way surrender to them. I found this to be a very interesting development, showing just how powerful the Builders were. I also enjoyed how it allowed for differences of priorities of the Council members, with some seeing surrender as the wise option, and others not wanting to be controlled, preferring to fight like a warrior, even if that means dying like one.

Even though some of the Council would leave, this didn't stop Captain America and his Avengers come up with a plan, taking the fight to the Builders. Now I won't go into much detail over what happens, but it was a very exciting development point, having some explosive moments. I also loved how suspenseful the sequence was, and how it made the event a bit more lively, as although there has been plenty of action so far, there hasn't been anything quite like this, also being a genius decision.

This issue would also see Thanos make his way to Attilan to confront Black Bolt. Now I won't go into any details over this sequence, as it happens quite a bit into the issue, and I'd prefer to avoid any spoilers anyway. As you would probably guess however, the encounter isn't too friendly, being extremely exciting, and suspenseful. It wasn't however quite as exciting as the Avengers doing battle with the Builders, but still exciting in it own way. It also ended on a brilliant note, leaving me extremely excited for the next part of this marvellous event.

Final Verdict

This was an amazing issue, and my personal favourite of the event so far. It had so much excitement, and suspense, as well as plenty of drama. The developments were also very dramatic, adding some energy to the event. It also had some brilliant action sequences, and has me hooked for the next part. Due to this it's easy to recommend this issue, and I'd also recommend the rest of the event as well.

Rating: 10/10

Infinity #2 Review

Writer: Jonathan Hickman

Artists: Jerome Opeña & Dustin Weaver

So far Infinity has been amazing, but theAvengers, and New Avengerstie-ins has been what's stolen the show so far, being extremely entertaining, as well as developing the story in a perfect, but subtle way. Now Infinity continues and hopefully this is shaping up to be the Marvel event we deserve.

Plot

Following Thanos invasion of Earth, Corvus Glaive heads to Attilan in search of the remaining Infinity Gem. Meanwhile the Avengers continue their fight against the Builders.

Review

This was an amazing issue, and although it wasn't quite as good as the first issue, being slightly disappointing considering the phenomenal Avengers/ New Avengers tie-in issues, overall this was a very good issue, and a terrific continuation of the storyline. Jonathan Hickman has done a great job of allowing this storyline to flow throughout the three series' he works on whilst allowing them to re-root back to this issue, meaning that people who don't get the Avengers and New Avengers won't miss much, also adding a quick recap of both issues to help with that. The drama, and suspense in this issue was also outstanding, and Hickman has added the right tone to this story, also being exciting, and entertaining.

The art on this issue was divided between Jerome Opeña, and Dustin Weaver, both who have worked on the Avengers series prior. I have to say that although I love both artists work I have to give the edge to Opeña as his art is simply phenomenal. Weaver did however do a brilliant job as well, with both artists artwork being very highly detailed. I especially loved the emotion that both artists added to the characters, as it really allowed the story to come alive, and given the drastic events so far, this is really needed. The action was also handled perfectly by both artists, being very explosive, and exciting. I also loved the colouring from Justin Ponsor, and feel that it helps keep the same tone to the story.

This issue would see Corvus Glaive finally head to Attilan, where he gives Thanos' ultimatum. I found this to be very suspenseful, and exciting, as given the fact that Black Bolt was one of the few Illuminati members not to be personally targeted I expected something to happen here. The ultimatum itself was also very interesting, and typical of Thanos. There was however still a bit of mystery surrounding it, and the revelation that happened surrounding this later on in the issue was mind blowing.

It looked as if this issue was mainly going to centre around the events from New Avengers #9, and although it mostly did there was a continuation from last issue, and the developments Avengers #18 added. I initially was disappointed to see the Avengers retreating, as although this was probably the smart move, it just didn't feel right. I was however very happy when they returned to battle the Builders, and this sequence was simply amazing, also adding some interesting, and shocking developments to the story.

Gladiator also had a brilliant role in this issue, as with him being a part of this war against the Builders it was interesting to see his take on the situation. This itself was typical of Gladiator, and that's what I loved about it, as it was so true to the character, with his passion, and determination being above anyone else's (which is saying a lot when Captain America is nearby). I also loved that we got to see Gladiator in action alongside the Avengers, as it was simply astonishing.

Final Verdict

Although not quite as good as the last issue, this was still a tremendous continuation to the event, and it has certainly kept me excited about the series. The suspense, and drama throughout was simply outstanding, having some brilliant interactions, and leading to some shocking developments. Due to all this, added the brilliant action I would highly recommend this issue, and am looking forward to the next Avengers tie-in, and ultimately the next issue of this series.

Rating: 8/10