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

New Avengers #11 Review

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.

This has so far been an amazing series, and the Infinity event has made it even better, and so far has been one of the best events that Marvel has produced in years. The New Avengers and Avengers tie-ins however have also been wonderful, and for the first couple of months the New Avengers parts stood out as the best the event had to offer, though the main event itself has rightfully taken over that spot for now.

Plot

The Illuminati are taken to another universe where they meet a different set of Builders. Meanwhile Proxima Midnight goes to war with Wakanda.

Review

This was an amazing issue, as although it wasn't quite as good as the previous New Avengers Infinity tie-ins, it was still brilliant, being extremely interesting and exciting throughout. Jonathan Hickman so far has done a great job of balancing the three main series involved in this event, as although New Avengers and Avengers style and tone make it obvious that they're tie-ins, they also add more depth to the story as a whole. Hickman would also give some very interesting developments in this issue that played off this weeks Avengers issue perfectly, without spoiling it for anyone who decided to read this issue first. There was also a lot of excitement in this issue, and the end of this story is looking even more interesting.

The artwork in this issue was also fantastic, and Mike Deodato Jr. once again did a phenomenal job. The detail of Deodato Jr.'s art was also outstanding, as it was very consistent throughout, being simply perfect. The layouts of Deodato Jr.'s artwork was also once again brilliant, as it was very dynamic, and added a lot of excitement and depth to the issue. I also felt that Deodato Jr. handled the action in this issue perfectly, with it being very explosive and exciting, having a brilliant tone and atmosphere to it as well. I was however once again not a fan of how he drew Beast, as although he continues to improve with Thanos, I still feel that his version of the Beast is way too big, and too much like a gorilla.

The main development in this issue would be the Illuminati being taken by an Aleph of an other universe to meet with the Builders and Ex Nihili of another universe. This was probably the most interesting sequence in this issue, as although it may have not been the most exciting, it would have the most impact on the event as a whole. The interaction between these Builders and the Illuminati was very interesting and dramatic, and I especially enjoyed the different attitude that these Builders had. I was however not that fond of the different look for the Ex Nihili's though, as I much prefer the normal gold and black colour.

There would also be a big fight sequence as Proxima Midnight would lead an army against Wakanda, with the ultimate goal of finding the location of the missing Infinity Gem. This was easily the most exciting sequence in this issue, as although the Builders appearance had a more interesting development point, the action was simply amazing being very intense and exciting. I also loved the interaction between the Cull Obsidian prior to this, and the dialogue between Proximan Midnight and Black Panther (Shuri) throughout it added a lot of drama and suspense as well.

Thanos would also make an appearance in this issue, showing how he is continuing with his search for both Thane and the remaining Infinity Gem. Now the fight Thanos had with Black Bolt was amazing, so I was slightly surprised to see how calm he was in this issue, though this is Thanos so that fight would have probably been nothing to him. I did however enjoy seeing his interaction with his Cull Obsidian, and the discovery that he made in this issue was also very interesting, though his response to it was slightly disappointing, though worked perfectly with Thanos' characteristics.

Final Verdict

This was yet another fantastic tie-in issue, as although it wasn't quite as good as the previous tie-in issues that New Avengers has produced, it was still a very exciting and enjoyable issue. It also had some brilliant action, as well as having a lot of drama and suspense throughout. On top of that there was some very interesting developments that have me looking forward to Infinity #5 even more than I already was. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, as well as the main Infinity event and the Avengers tie-ins as they are all truly amazing.

Rating: 8/10

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

Marvel's Avengers Alliance Video Game Reveals Thane Son of Thanos

It appears that Playdom's Facebook game Avengers Alliance has revealed the identity of a key character from Infinity. This character is none other than the son of Thanos who's name is Thane.

The character was revealed as one of two unlockable characters for the current Special Op mission, with the other unlockable character being Black Bolt. He is stated to be a mysterious ally of the Inhumans who arrived during Thanos' invasion of earth. Thane can be obtained by collecting lockboxes that contain specific in game items. Once all these items are collected, and Thane is unlocked you're give more information from his bio:

“I used to be just a man. Just another healer, nobody of consequence, plying my trade among my people. And then Thanos arrived. How did I get these horrible powers? Why? Did they come from him? All I know is that just as he came to Earth, I... changed. Suddenly I had the power of life and death in my hands. But I could not control it, and the people around me paid the price. Everyone that I had once healed, everyone I knew... dead. I ran before I could kill again, only to find an even greater murderer in my path. Thanos and his lieutenants were coming... for me. This Thanos creature... what does he want from me? If I give myself up to him, will he stop killing people? Or will he just use my powers to kill even more? I need someone to help me understand what I am... what I've become. Is that you, Agent? Do you think you can control death itself? I doubt it. But the truth is, I have no other choice. I cannot go back to the way I was, and I cannot go to Thanos. That leaves me with you. But I warn you. Try to use my powers for evil, and I'll show you what they can do... in abundance.”

Thane as He Appears in the Game

New Avengers #10 Review

Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.

So far Infinity has been a fantastic event, and one of the best that Marvel has produced in recent years, with the main tie-ins being just as interesting as the main event, as well as slightly better at times. In fact the last issue of this is the best issue that I feel the event has produced so far.

Plot

Black Bolt has informed the rest of the Illuminati members about Thanos' secret son and how they must find him. Also Thanos isn't overall happy with the news that his Cull Obsidian have brought him.

Review

This was a fantastic issue, and although not quite as good as the last still one of the better Infinity has produced so far. Jonathan Hickman has been producing some of his best work on this event, as juggling one story over three series' can't be easy, but Hickman manages to do it brilliantly. This issue continues from where Infinity #2 left off as although some people haven't liked the development being through three series, I personally feel that they work into each other perfectly. This issue itself was very dramatic, and exciting, with amazing dialogue and encounters, though it didn't have too much development which stopped it from being perfect. 

The art in this issue was outstanding, and Mike Deodato, Jr. did a phenomenal job. The detail in his artwork is simply amazing, as everything looks so crisp and neat. I also loved the layout from Deodato Jr. in this issue, as well as the way he showed the characters emotions, as although it can be slightly stiff and awkward looking at times, for the majority of the issue it's amazing. I will however now move onto the small thing that bugged me, and that was how he drew Beast. The artwork itself was nice and brilliantly detailed, but I felt that he looked too much like a gorilla, also being way too big, dwarfing the rest of the Illuminati whilst sitting round a table. I did however prefer his artwork on Thanos this time round.

The last issue of Infinity would show that besides the remaining Infinity Gem, Thanos is also looking for his son, wanting him dead. That was an amazing development from the event, and I loved how it continued in this issue. I also found the discussion between Black Bolt, and his fellow Illuminati members to be very interesting, and their reaction to the news was also very enjoyable. I've also loved in general how Hickman has allowed Black Bolt a chance to speak without destroying everything nearby, and how he's becoming a key part of this story.

Ultimately Black Bolt would task his fellow Illuminati members with finding Thanos son, preventing his death. Now I won't go into too much discussion over how this affected the plot of this issue as to avoid spoilers, but I will say my thoughts on the discussion the remaining Illuminati members had once they left Black Bolt. The sequence itself was very dramatic, with plenty of suspense. It also had a brilliant atmosphere, and overall had a lot of tone to it, showing the different emotions of the Illuminati perfectly.

This issue would also see Thanos' Cull Obsidian return with the information they gathered. Now Thanos being apart of this event has been what I've been most interested in, but up till now I feel that we haven't seen him at his best, as although he's used people to do his work in the past, it's always better when he has a more hands on approach. This issue would however show more of the Thanos I love, as he would show his disgust at Black Dwarf's failure, also adding a lot of excitement to the issue.

Final Verdict

Although not quite as good as the last issue this was yet another brilliant instalment in the Infinity event, following on from Infinity #2 perfectly. The issue itself was very dramatic and exciting, though it did lack in action, being more of a set-up issue. I would however highly recommend this issue, and the event so far, and will be moving straight onto Infinity #3 which was also out this week.

Rating: 9/10