Release Date: October 9th, 2013
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Written By: Jonathan Hickman
Art By: Jerome Opena & Dustin Weaver
Price: 3.99
Review:
Infinity #4 is taking this story into new territory and involving the rest of the Marvel Universe like no other crossover event has done. It seamlessly weaves different characters, factions, and plots into one awesome comic book. Even though the Thanos storyline still doesn’t have anything to do with the Builders out in space, I’m beginning to see a connection. Other than waiting for the Earth’s strongest heroes to go off-planet, I’m assuming Thanos knew about the Builders’ plans, I just don’t see why he’s involved.
The storyline keeps getting better and better. The Avengers squad comes up with a last-ditch effort out in space to hurt the Builders and begin a fake negotiation/surrender. We get a heartbreaking reveal of Thanos’ baby boy when Black Bolt activates ALL the Inhumans on Earth. Global terrigenesis. We also see a demonstration of Thanos’ power levels as he pulls a World War Hulk level feat when he face palms Black Bolt in mid-scream. Captain America’s plan folds out exactly as he intends. Just as it always does. But the shock on my face was probably epic when one of the Builders backhanded Thor like a little child. Then the Thunder God actually knelt in front of him. It wasn’t as shocking as it could’ve been though because I knew Mjolnir would return to him. And boy did it. Straight thru one of the Builders. Thor then gives an epic speech, rallying the entire planet of Hala and Ronan and his Accusers to fight back. Beating up on Thor is like the benchmark to show how powerful a villain is. Finally he gets a break. But with a murdered Builder, hostilities are sure to pick up. This event is packed to the brim with epic moments and this issue is no different. From Cap’s dialog concerning Thor’s surrender to Black Bolt screaming Thanos’ face off, Infinity is like Marvel’s love letter to it’s fanboys. It’s everything geeks like me have wanted from most of these characters for years.
The art looks choppy at some points but it’s still nice to look at. I have a hard time noticing when Jerome Opena and Dustin Weaver switch up so I guess that’s a good thing. I usually have to go back thru the issue but I believe Dustin Weaver is the one drawing the Thanos/Black Bolt meeting as well as Thanos Junior’s awakening. Jerome Opena draws the Thor beat down and other pages. The transition is seamless enough for a lifelong geek like myself to barely notice any change in art or pacing. For a minute I thought Dustin Weaver’s pages were Adam Kubert since he did a cover. Both artists pack a ton of action in their poses but the facial expressions suffer and end up looking statuesque. That cheesy grin from Cap on the last page was just silly looking.
Infinity is turning into a fanboy’s dream come true with matchups and moments we’ve all been waiting for for a long time. Thanos is turning into one of the worst villains ever but I don’t believe I’ve hated any more than these Builders. They’re too detached and aloof sitting up in their ships passing judgment without conscience and razing entire worlds just because. My only complaint is the one that Thanos’ motivation or relevance in the overall Builders story seems to be confusing for me. When he kills his son, then what? I don’t get it other than to put him back in the limelight for the movie universe. Overall though, I’m happy with this event. Especially this issue and Thor’s shot heard ‘round the universe.
See below for previews of the covers for the next two issues of Infinity. #6 is my favorite.
Infinity #5 cover.
Infinity #6 cover.