Infinity
N**N
Old-skool Thanos in a contemporary space opera
This OSHC (not an Omnibus) collects Infinity 1-6, New Avengers 7-12, Avengers 12-23 & Infinity Infinite Comic 1-2 and features pages of variant and composite cover art.There are many ways to evaluate and review a book. Perhaps the most telling is how quickly you read through it. At over 600 pages this is a big book, but I read it in just three sittings which for me is the ultimate compliment.After more than a decade of Brian Bendis dominating Marvel, this book feels so utterly diffent. Hickman has already proved his credentials on his substantial, highly original FF run and is clearly the right man to take the Avengers galactic.Although this follows Bendis’ Thanos vs Avengers cash-in, ahem arc, there is no mention of it here. This is old school Thanos, leading a band of accolytes in the way that Jim Starlin used to write him, before he became a self-pholosophising, introspective nihilist. And given the title' Infinity' you might be expecting some remix of Starlin’s Infinity Gauntlet, which this isn’t. In fact it’s far more of a space opera (in the style of D’nA) than a cosmic odyssey (in the style of Starlin or Marz). There are many genre reference points throughout and the inevitable nods to iconic imagery - Hickman is clearly having some fun but the narrative is played straight.I won’t spoil the plot, but you’ll probably want to catch at least a couple the preceding Avengers instalments to be up to speed with this big story. It ties in well with recent marvel events across the MU (and sets the scene for follow-ups) and is written in a mature and straightforward style. Dialogue is in character, without a ‘whoof’ or a ‘boom’ anywhere!Hickman goes for realism throughout, with Hulk pretty much just the very strong human in a spacesuit, while it’s rightly left to the heavy-hitters Thor, Hyperion, Smasher and Captain Universe to engage with the serious stuff. Refreshingly, Hickman clearly views Thor as Marvel's powerhouse as he always was, but bucks the 'nu marvel' trend. Most of the art is great, some small bits not so. Yu has come on since his highly confused layouts but still has a way to go. Artistically, closing Surfer instalment is a treat to behold.Since Marvel updated the OSHC format the pages have got thinner and the covers (underneath the jacket) feature a mono art detail of the interior art. This book has Galdiator and Cap grimly observing a space battle as it unfolds - a perfect summary image of this story. After the run of faintly preposterous, dissapointing ‘events’ Siege, Fear Itself, AoU etc. (most of which smacked of lazy, money-generating cynicism) this feels like a genuine landmark event in the Marvel continuum and sets the scene for many ongoing concepts. Long may Hickman continue.
A**N
Awesome but beware: this is a gateway drug!
A stunningly beautiful graphic novel. As a fan of Marvel Comics growing up in the 80s and 90s, Secret Wars and the Infinity Gauntlet were some of my most cherished comic book memories. After reconnecting with these as an adult, I wanted to see how these characters and ideas had developed in the new millennium. The difference could not be more stark. The artwork is polished, textured and impressive, and the tone is much more mature, with weightier subject matter. There are little to no quips and one-liners, but the underlying theme of a universe slowly dying lends this story real gravitas.Despite Thanos' menacing visage on the cover, he actually plays somewhat of a supporting role here, and I found that what his actions cause others to do is much more interesting than what he is actually up to.There is also a lot to catch up with if you're coming to this as a novice. The book can certainly stand alone as a self-contained story but it really helps to know about the Civil War, Illuminati and The Siege storylines. Indeed, for me this acted as a gateway drug, and I've been voraciously reading up on these storylines and more. I actually came back to this and read it a second time after catching up a bit and it has only improved my experience, so this rewards repeated reads. Now I'm looking forward to the new Secret Wars...somebody stop me!
S**I
Greatly complex yet well broken down into bite size sections
Wow!That has been my initial reaction to this comic book collective.Not having read this era of Marvel comics before, and more so because of the upcoming "Avengers: Infinity War parts 1 & 2" movies, I thought I would do a little bit of research.I read the original "Infinity Gauntlet" crossover when I was younger and I will admit that this is much more complex than that storyline ever was.Featuring what has to be almost every Marvel character, and quite a few new additions to the Avengers team, this is quite a well spun, well crafted story.What helps prevent things from getting too complex is that the action is seperated by chapter pages allowing the action/drama to jump from one group of heroes to the other, and there are many groups of heroes.the artwork is fantastic and suits the storyline well.Lastly I guess I should mention that I went into this thinking that it would be a carbon copy of the original "Infinity Gauntlet" and was very pleasantly surprised that it is not.If you missed this before I would highly recommend that you pick it up and give it a go. It sounds a bit pricey but this book is a good inch and a half of quality comic book storytelling!
I**D
True epic..
Whether or not you find this book worth five stars is a matter of personal opinion. It's a collection of stories weaving together several plots leading to one end. It's a comic book melodrama per se.I have to say, though, you'll require a basic knowledge of Avengers and Marvel/DC crossovers. Otherwise, you'll find the book overwhelming - let alone confusing.For me the book deserves 5 stars. It's a page turner - the storyline is quite intriguing and intelligently written as well as the artwork is first class. Was it worth the money? Absolutely...
I**N
cross polinating mega event of 2013 did not disappoint. Another must have for me in my personal ...
Marvel's expansive, cross polinating mega event of 2013 did not disappoint. Another must have for me in my personal Thanos collection. In a bid to know all there is to know about the evil titan, I bought decades old material earlier. However, I wanted new comics and I had to look no further than Infinity. Featuring more than a hundred characters at least, from varied backgrounds, planets and races, this is a must have.
J**2
Best book ever
I really enjoyed this comic it had amazing artwork.the story was very interesting and I would recommend it to ages nine and over
J**G
Amazing.
Great read that takes you around the whole of the Marvel Universe. Great use of action, stakes, characters, etc. Bravo!
L**A
Mega saga bem feita é assim.
Uma saga pensada desde o primeiro volume de vingadores e aqui executada com praticamente perfeição, tudo começa a se encaixar e abrir espaço pra algo maior ainda por vir.Edição maravilhosa e o Hickman, como sempre, mandando ver.A arte então eu não preciso nem comentar.
C**N
Perfecto
Llegó en perfecto estado. El cómic en sí es fabuloso
M**H
Cosmic!
This is one heck of an event! The TPB is huge, and very in depth reading. You definitely have to get into the right "head space" for this and that term defines this event. Very cosmic, very far reaching story line and very gripping read.
C**N
Alberto Rodríguez
Excelente Libro!!! Puede tener una historia un tanto confusa para quienes no son seguidores constantes de los cómicos, en los últimos años; aún así te transporta a un universo distante con una gran historia narrada. Recomendado!!
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