Infinity Wars #5: Fate by Deception

The Infinity Wars cosmic crossover event continues with cool mashed-up Marvel heroes and the chaotic stones to match. Gerry Duggan is a talented comic book creator whose imagination reaches infinite paths. Infinity Wars #5 is a prime example of Duggan’s powerful techniques and brilliantly crafted package of food for the minds of “What If” readers often crave.

In this alternate reality within Soul World, Adam Warlock and the mashed-up heroes continue to fight the universe-eating Devondra. Marvel has been putting out an overabundance of tie-in issues with the mashed-up heroes lately, but each has been uniquely enjoyable in their own storyline. They really don’t play much a role in the main event concept. Infinity Wars #5, Adam Warlok’s realizes that the remaining mashed-up heroes may not provide the “consent” to be undone and this greatly complicates matters.

Meanwhile outside of Soul World, Ant-Man, Emma Frost, Kang, Hulk, Ms. Marvel, Hulk and the mischievous Loki seek out a way to stop Gamora. Emma and Ms. Marvel finds an opportunity towards their goal; through a young Gamora. At first, this area is a little confusing; however, Duggan provides an action packed story that describes Gamora’s motivation. Don’t worry; this only enhances this emotional rollercoaster.

Duggan provides an awesome story articulating the main team of heroes in this issue as they figure out how the young Gamora’s “duplicated” infinity stones work. The artwork on this page by Mike Deodato Jr. is outstanding as Loki divvy up these stones. Deodato’s details on Loki’s face really speaks and enhances Duggan’s “why” who was matched up with which stone.

Loki has gotten a lot of attention lately with Duggan and Deodato exploit him in an appeal that fans never get tired of. Loki screws everyone over, which is something we all saw coming. Deodato and colorist Frank Martin steps up the game as the stones are used on Gamora; aka “Requiem”. As a Hulk fan, Deodato’s talent shines through his ability to sculpt big, bulky characters, which enhances the Hulk’s action scenes. Lastly, I just say that the cover by Deodato and Rain Beredo is outstanding with each character, especially the Hulk. And, I am a huge HULK fan!

Infinity wars #5 takes a major leap forward in this cosmic storytelling. The alternate universe-building for Marvel articulates historical genre to a new level and creating a fresh perspective with plenty of emotional twists. The final pages of this issue are game-changers, as the chaos begins anew for the ending chapter. As questions are answered, more arrive. Why have the Watchers arrived if not for Gamora? Will the mashed-up characters be as they once were? What will happen to reality of Marvel’s universe with a new beholder of the Infinity Stones? Will there be a new team formed at the close of this main event? Wherever Gerry Duggan and his artistic team are taking us, the fate of the universe hangs in the balance.