Marvel Comics is known for delivering epic storylines that captivate readers and push the boundaries of superhero storytelling. One such storyline is "Infinity," a comic book crossover event that took place in 2013. Written by Jonathan Hickman and featuring artwork by a talented team including Jim Cheung, Jerome Opeña, and Dustin Weaver, "Infinity" took readers on a thrilling journey through multiple Marvel comic books.
A Threat to the Universe
The storyline of "Infinity" is built upon the events happening in various Marvel comic books as part of the Marvel NOW! initiative, with a primary focus on the Avengers and New Avengers series. The story revolves around three main issues: a threat to the universe by an ancient race of aliens called the Builders, mysterious ailments affecting the universe centered around Earth, and the political consequences of these events on Earth's relationship with the rest of the galaxy.
Thanos Attacks Earth
The main plot of "Infinity" involves the villainous Thanos launching an attack on Earth while the Avengers are in space, uniting the universe against the Builders. This attack is prompted by the events of the 2013 "Age of Ultron" storyline, which acts as a catalyst for the rest of the universe to target Earth. Various tie-ins to the main storyline provide different perspectives on Thanos's attack from the viewpoint of different Marvel characters.
The Aftermath
The aftermath of the "Infinity" event leads directly into the "Inhumanity" storyline, where the Terrigen Mist is released on Earth, activating the latent abilities of dormant Inhumans. This event sets the stage for a new Infinity-based event titled "Infinity Countdown," which debuted in February 2018 as part of the Marvel Legacy initiative.
Critical Reception and Impact
"Infinity" received widespread acclaim from both critics and readers, with many hailing it as one of Marvel's strongest event series in years. The storyline was praised for its vast scope, compelling character development, and epic action sequences. Jonathan Hickman's writing was particularly lauded for its intricate plotting and profound exploration of themes. The success of "Infinity" inspired adaptations in other media, including video games, television, and literature.
Overall, "Infinity" stands as a testament to Marvel's ability to deliver grand, engaging storylines that continue to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of the superhero genre. With its combination of thrilling action, deep storytelling, and memorable characters, "Infinity" remains a significant entry in Marvel's comic book legacy.
