Infinity Wars Prime #2
Recap
As Loki seeks out the God Quarry, the Infinity Watch has been assembled by Doctor Strange, the goal; to keep the infinity stones apart from each other. The intended plans do not go well as tensions increase and alternate agendas places live in jeopardy. Gamora, a warrior scorned with an incomplete soul, not receiving the support from her fellow heroes needed to fill the empty void, and the unstable relationship with Star-Lord placed a heavy toll on her state of mind!
As a response to the emotional abandonment, the raw rage and primitive development of anger have morphed into a villainous identity, now known as Requiem. Infinity Wars Prime #1, we learned that Requiem committed the unthinkable – the MURDER of Marvel’s Titan, THANOS! Using life-long advance skill and “power” of an infinity stone, she swiftly and effortlessly decapitated the great villain. Then last issue, Infinity Wars #1, Requiem threw the head of Thanos at The Infinity Watch and their lackeys. Basically, using body language to express; “Don’t @#$% with me fellas”! Requiem demanded the possession of all the infinity stones, which lead to the revealing of her true identity. Gamora beholds the Power Stone and threatens to fight whoever won’t give up their stone. After periods of emotional volatility, she impulsively kills Star-Lord! Or maybe as Gamora stated; “Nothing Ever Dies”.
Review
As Marvel comic book nerds, we’ve always found Gamora to be one of our favorite characters. A badass, no-nonsense assassin with a gruff attitude and a heart of gold – at least when it suits her – while she strays into “strong female character” cliché territory, she does it with such style that it’s hard not to love her regardless. Thano’s adopted daughter has been portrayed for years as strong and fearless (she’s known as the “most dangerous woman in the galaxy”), willing to sacrifice herself for her friends and unusually sexually confident and liberated. So, how did this once assassin groomed by the mighty Thanos, turned awesome heroine with the Guardians of the Galaxy, and now a triumph murderous villainous without mercy?
Infinity Wars #2 takes us back to the time that Thanos began his journey with Gamora. Molding her through education, goals, and strong will, just as any parent should. However, this Titan is not like any parent, lol…that’s an understatement!
Through the views of Thanos, young Gamora learns a small part to the question that many ponder: “What is the meaning of life”. The immortality of one’s soul is thus; “We create, sustain and help shape the lives of our children, and then we live again in their creations”. Even though in his twisted view, Thanos provides a hard lesson form many. Between the ages of six to twelve years, children are in a developmental period of robust health between childhood illnesses and puberty. This healthiness supports the “intellectual development” of the person. During these years, we are most “receptive” to learning. As we get older, learning requires more effort and concentration. As young Gamora continue to question her adopted father’s methods, Thanos provides a subtle hint that he is preparing for a worthy death. One can only imagine the parental teachings that developed as Gamora became an adult.
Recently, the Power Stone infused to a massive sward is the weapon of choice that leads to the shocking decapitation of Thanos, by the villainous Requiem. However, her other self talks to the fresh be-headedness as she expected more of a challenge. She can hear Thanos’ voice and imagined what his response would be. Requiem continues to hear Thanos’ voice as she continues her battles, which leads to expectant new challenges for the Infinity Watch crew. After some major conflicts and action-packed fighting with members of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Requiem reveals her other self and does the unthinkable!
Thankfully, Doctor Strange is present and the beholder of the Time Stone. The doctor, Strange that is, has saved a valuable life as “time manipulation” is the essence of deliverance. During which time, Turk Barrett, the beholder of the Mind Stone, thinks it’s wise to flee like a coward as the times are getting tough. Doctor Strange uses his mystical energy spells to grab and teleport Barrett to his “office”. Barrett, even with the Mind Stone, his intellect is no match for Strange craftsmanship as a successful gambler. Barrett shows his poker face, folds his hand and Strange is now the beholder of both Time & Mind Infinity Stones. Strange grants a request by Barrett, sending him back to his New York hotel room. Unfortunate for him, Barrett meets his demise.
Meanwhile, the battle continues between Gamora, her fellow Guardians, and the other members of the Infinity Watch. I still don’t see the significance of Turk Barrett’s flunkies in this saga, but maybe I’m missing something. The Avengers arrive on the scene looking for Doctor Strange and gets caught up in Gamora’s drama.
The battle continues with it ending by Captain Marvel defeating Gamora. Oh, wait, what stone does Captain Marvel hold? Blood is shed once more and Gamora’s victory results in the death of ALL of her once fellow heroes. Now as the beholder of all stones, Gamora has used the Infinite power and reclaimed the missing part of her soul. But, this story is far from over…
Infinity Wars #2 aims to explain the symptoms of a person experiencing with borderline personality disorder. I am not sure if this was Gerry Duggan’s intention, but either way, he did an excellent job in articulating how and why Gamora became the villainous Requiem. Duggan continues to provide an outstanding, story that flows quickly without being overzealous on dialog.
This is an action-heavy issue, as the Infinity Watch combining forces with the Avengers and corral Gamora. Mike Deodato Jr. delivers another strong issue with intense artwork. The bloodshed is abundant and horrifically AWESOME, as he illustrates it quite well. Frank Martin contributes an unnerving and dim color palette that adds to the grisliness to this comic.
Final Thoughts
Infinity Wars #2 provides a well written flow of action, drama, and intensity with horrifically awesome artwork that intrigues the mind, “pun intended”. I highly recommend this saga – CHECK IT OUT!
Infinity Wars Prime #2 – Power & Time Outwits the Mind
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10