The heroes and villains of the Marvel Universe reap what they sow as their frantic search for the Infinity Stones leads to cosmic madness like never before. The simmering recent events spiral into something much, much bigger in this colossal story.
INFINITY WARS #1
Writer: Gerry Duggan
Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.
Colorist: Frank Martin
Cover Artist: Mike Deodato Jr. & Frank Martin
Publisher: Marvel Comics
What You Need to Know:
The infinity stones have been resurrected once more, however, they are not as they once were. As the gems continue to cause chaos around the cosmos, the ultimate race for infinite power is fought, blood spilled, lives lost, and insecurities are heightened. Great heroes and villains eager for possession, the beholders of each stone are challenged as their path end lies near and the “Wars” begin anew.
What You’ll Find Out:
The battle over the Infinity Stones begins once more in a new shocking epic issue! A new Infinity Watch is convened by Doctor strange to formulate a plan of protecting the stones, which proves more trouble than they are worth. A major villain is dead by a woman scorned who also kills a hero who stands in her way.
What Just Happened?
A repetitive story, I think not! Infinity Wars #1 will make your eyes pop, mouth drop, and scream like a child who lost their favorite pet. Recently, Doctor Strange used his mystical powers along with the Time Stone to communicate with the beholders of each stone; Adam Warlock, Turk Barrett, Star-Lord, Black Widow, and Captain Marvel in hope to arrange a meeting as imminent danger approaches. Meanwhile, at the end of Infinity Wars Prime #1, there has been a shocking decapitation death of a villain too easily achieved by a mysterious character and not yet known by the heroes. Not to mention the extra folds being wrinkled in like Loki seeking out the God Quarry and the questionable involvement of the nefarious time lord himself, Kang; so there’s sure to be a lot going on in the next few months.
There is a clear sign that this story arc won’t simply recycle the same tropes and conflicts as past Infinity crossovers. This issue continues that trend as the Infinity Wars is an established cosmic event; however, this issue begins on Earth featuring a largely human cast of characters.
As it may seem to defeat the purpose of a cosmic story, there is a certain appeal in seeing characters like Turk Barret, Black Widow and Bullseye dragged way out of their usual element and bumping elbows with the likes of Adam Warlock and Groot.
Garry Duggan provides a smooth romance, well more like a twisted version of Romeo and Juliet. Gamora feels incomplete as a part of her is trapped within the Soul Stone. Star Lord provides some empathy and understanding but holds firm to the decision of not supporting Gamora’s desires. It’s too risky and could get a lot of people killed. Duggan is slick by placing a subtle hint within this conversation. You have to read this issue to find out what I mean. The “end” of this disagreement with a heartfelt goodbye kiss. I am such a sucker for true love, even if it’s not for the best!
Gerry Duggan does a great job at presenting a storyline so that readers don’t need to read every Marvel comic to understand what is going on. You might need some basic knowledge, but casual readers shouldn’t be too lost. Duggan gives us robust, major character dilemmas, and confirmation THANOS’ murder! Doctor Strange uses his mystic arts to activate the combined powers between both the Time Stone and Reality Stone, which leads to the introduction of Requiem who beheaded Thanos!
Duggan could have given more explanation on how and why Turk Barrett chose his team of misfits and the connection between Adam Warlock and Iron Lad. Well, this is only the first issue. We will just have to wait and see. Given the size of this event and the cast, it should be no surprise that certain characters will get more attention than others. Thinking of which, Duggan ends this outstanding issue with the unmasking of Requiem…. And, did Gamora just kill Star Lord? Oh, $#%!
The artwork provided by Deodato and Martin was dark, eerie, and perfect for this issue. I was hooked on page one and as each page turned, the artwork enhanced the storyline. There is not much action, but the emotions of detailed facial expressions, the gangster personas, the magic, and everything in between was well articulated to the story through the skills of Deodato and Martin.
Rating: 8.5 /10
Final Thought: Infinity Wars #1 provides excitement, romance, good vs evil, and death. Duggan, Deodato, and Martin delivered a brilliant opening to the next extension to the Infinity Wars saga. Readers are lead to a whole other level of understanding and encourage anticipation of unanswered questions. We are witnessing Marvel’s next epic storyline!