Infinity Comic by Hickman: Is It Worth It? Honest Review
Infinity Comic by Hickman: Is It Worth It? Honest Review – Are you ready to dive into one of Marvel’s most ambitious cosmic sagas? Jonathan Hickman’s Infinity is more than just a crossover event; it’s a meticulously crafted narrative that redefined the Avengers and the cosmic landscape of the Marvel Universe. If you’ve been wondering whether to add this epic to your collection, you’re in the right place.
This isn’t just a story; it’s an experience. Infinity challenges your perceptions of heroism, sacrifice, and the sheer scale of cosmic warfare. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves grand narratives and intricate world-building.
What is Infinity by Jonathan Hickman?
Infinity is a 2013 Marvel Comics crossover storyline written by Jonathan Hickman, with art by a host of incredible talents including Jim Cheung, Jerome Opeña, and Dustin Weaver. It serves as a pivotal moment in Hickman’s acclaimed runs on Avengers and New Avengers.
The event sees the Avengers launch into deep space to confront the Builders, an ancient and powerful alien race bent on galactic conquest. Simultaneously, Earth faces its greatest threat yet: the arrival of Thanos and his Black Order, who seek to exploit the Avengers’ absence.
This duality of conflict – an intergalactic war and an invasion of Earth – creates a narrative tension that is almost unbearable. You’ll find yourself constantly flipping pages, eager to see how these two colossal struggles intertwine and resolve.
The Grand Scope of Galactic War
Hickman masterfully weaves together several plot threads, presenting a universe on the brink. The conflict with the Builders isn’t just a simple battle; it’s a war of ideologies, a struggle for the very definition of civilization. The scale is truly breathtaking.
Imagine entire fleets clashing, cosmic powers unleashed, and the fate of countless worlds hanging in the balance. This is the stage upon which Infinity plays out, making every victory hard-won and every loss deeply impactful.
It’s a testament to Hickman’s writing that he can make such a vast conflict feel personal and immediate. The stakes are always clear, and the characters’ struggles resonate deeply.
Thanos’s Earthly Invasion
While the Avengers are away, Thanos sees an opportunity. His invasion of Earth is a brutal, calculated assault, driven by a deeply personal and terrifying agenda. The Black Order, his elite lieutenants, are introduced here, immediately establishing themselves as formidable threats.
These villains are not mere cannon fodder; they are distinct, powerful, and utterly ruthless. Their presence elevates the threat level on Earth to an unprecedented degree. The heroes left behind, including the Inhumans, must rise to the occasion against overwhelming odds.
The invasion storyline is packed with suspense, action, and moments of genuine heroism. It’s a stark reminder of why Thanos is one of Marvel’s most iconic and terrifying villains.
Simplified Technical Analysis: A Symphony of Storytelling
Jonathan Hickman is renowned for his intricate, long-form storytelling, and Infinity is a prime example. The event requires familiarity with his Avengers and New Avengers runs, as it serves as a culmination of many ongoing plot points.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Writing | Dense, cerebral, epic scope, character-driven moments within grand narrative. |
| Art | Stellar and consistent across multiple artists, capturing both cosmic grandeur and brutal combat. |
| Pacing | Fast-paced, with constant escalation and high stakes. |
| Themes | Sacrifice, survival, responsibility, the nature of power, cosmic order vs. chaos. |
The narrative structure is complex, moving between various fronts of the galactic war and the Earth invasion. Hickman’s signature use of infographics and character charts enhances the world-building, making the intricate plot digestible.
He doesn’t shy away from big ideas, often exploring philosophical questions amidst the explosions and punch-ups. This intellectual depth is what truly sets Infinity apart from many other comic events.
“Jonathan Hickman’s work on Infinity isn’t just a comic; it’s a masterclass in event storytelling, balancing cosmic warfare with intimate character moments.” – ComicBookWire.com
The artwork across the series is consistently spectacular. Jim Cheung, Jerome Opeña, and Dustin Weaver bring their A-game, delivering breathtaking splash pages and dynamic action sequences that perfectly complement Hickman’s ambitious script. Each panel feels weighty and important, contributing to the overall grandeur.
Usage Experience: Reading Infinity
Reading Infinity is an immersive experience. It’s not a casual read; it demands your attention and rewards it generously. You’ll find yourself fully engrossed in the fate of the Marvel Universe, rooting for heroes across multiple fronts.
From the desperate last stands on alien worlds to the fierce defense of Earth, the emotional stakes are incredibly high. Hickman makes you care about the characters and their impossible choices.
Key Aspects of the Reading Experience:
- Epic Scale: You genuinely feel the immense scope of the conflict. This isn’t just a localized skirmish; it’s a cosmic event that impacts everyone.
- Character Focus: Despite the vastness, key characters like Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and Black Panther get their moments to shine, showcasing their leadership and resolve.
- Pacing: The story never lets up. Each issue builds on the last, pushing the narrative forward with relentless momentum. There are no filler issues here.
- Re-readability: The intricate plotting and subtle foreshadowing make Infinity a comic you’ll want to revisit, discovering new layers with each read.
This is a story that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the final page. It’s a cornerstone of modern Marvel cosmic storytelling, setting up many future events and character developments.
WHAT USERS ARE SAYING: Sentiment Analysis
Across Amazon USA reviews, Reddit threads, and various comic book forums, the sentiment around Jonathan Hickman’s Infinity is overwhelmingly positive. Readers consistently praise its ambitious scope and intellectual depth.
Pros:
- Grand Narrative: Many users highlight the epic, sweeping story that feels truly significant to the Marvel Universe. It’s often described as a “game-changer.”
- Hickman’s Vision: Fans of Hickman’s long-form storytelling appreciate how Infinity ties together his Avengers and New Avengers runs, providing a satisfying climax to many plot threads.
- Stellar Artwork: The art receives high praise, with multiple artists maintaining a high level of quality throughout the event. Users frequently mention the “gorgeous” and “dynamic” visuals.
- Thanos and the Black Order: The portrayal of Thanos and the introduction of the Black Order are frequently cited as major highlights, making them formidable and memorable villains.
- High Stakes: Readers appreciate the genuine sense of danger and consequence, noting that the story feels like it truly matters.
Cons:
- Requires Prior Reading: A common critique is that Infinity is not a standalone event. New readers often feel lost without having read Hickman’s preceding Avengers and New Avengers issues, which can be a barrier to entry.
- Dense Storytelling: Some find Hickman’s writing style too dense or complex, requiring multiple reads to fully grasp every nuance. It’s not a “light” comic book experience.
- Pacing Issues for Some: While generally praised, a few readers felt the pacing could be uneven, especially with the constant shifting between the two main conflicts.
Overall, the consensus is that Infinity is a monumental achievement, a must-read for serious Marvel fans willing to invest in its intricate narrative. The minor criticisms are often outweighed by the sheer ambition and quality of the storytelling.
Verdict: Should You Buy Infinity?
Absolutely. If you are a fan of cosmic Marvel, intricate plotting, and stories with genuine gravitas, then Infinity is an essential addition to your comic book collection. It’s a narrative that elevates the superhero genre, proving that comics can tackle profound themes on an epic scale.
This isn’t just another crossover; it’s a defining moment for the Marvel Universe, showcasing the best of what modern comic book storytelling can achieve. The collected edition is a treasure trove of art and story.
It’s highly recommended to read Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers and New Avengers runs leading up to Infinity for the best possible experience. This will provide all the necessary context and make the payoff even more satisfying. You can find more about Jonathan Hickman’s impact on comics on Wikipedia and learn about the broader Marvel Comics Universe context.
Conclusion: Infinity Comic by Hickman: Is It Worth It? Honest Review
Jonathan Hickman’s Infinity is a masterpiece of modern comic book storytelling. It’s a sprawling, intelligent, and visually stunning event that delivers on every front.
From galactic warfare to Earth’s desperate defense, it’s a story packed with action, emotion, and profound implications for the Marvel Universe. If you’re looking for an epic read that will stay with you, look no further.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Infinity is not recommended as a starting point. It’s a culmination of Jonathan Hickman’s prior Avengers and New Avengers runs, and new readers might find themselves lost without that context.
While not strictly mandatory, reading Hickman’s Avengers (Vol. 5) and New Avengers (Vol. 3) leading up to the event will significantly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Infinity.
The main antagonists are the ancient alien race known as the Builders, and on Earth, Thanos along with his formidable Black Order.
Infinity stands out due to Jonathan Hickman’s complex, long-form narrative style, its massive cosmic scale, the introduction of compelling new villains, and its lasting impact on the Marvel Universe.
You can purchase the collected edition of Infinity through various retailers. CHECK BEST PRICE on Amazon for the best deals.
