I will be quick here. First allow me to be clear. I enjoy the direction and ideas introduced in the book so far. Beefing up the roster and allowing the Avengers to expand their universe has been great to see. To me The Avengers were not meant to struggle against the likes of Norman Osborne and a dude in a red Hood and a wife beater lol
All that being said, I find the book enjoyable, and a fun read. Great concepts, sure but not exactly giving you the bang of character devolpment that you like to see in your team books. With such a large roster with such a expansive power set, it is understandable that you can't showcase everyone all the time. You have Captain Universe, and Starbrand on a team with Falcon and Black Widow, so I do respect the juggling act that is needed to pull this off.
But my issue is I just don't see the "epicness" of this run as I am reading in the forums. by most accounts the Avengers have never been better, Hickman is a genius. I don't see these moments that some folks are just hailing as the best thing Marvel has produced in years, how INFINITY was just this awesome storyline that showcased Hyperion's abilities, or how it was a great story with so much action....I just don't see it, believe me..I want to so maybe someone can help me out? I will reread it if need be, I will pick up the tie ins if that helps?
- I was confused in the first 3 issues as to what INFINITY was really about. Was it about the Avengers bringing the fight to the Builders in space ( cool concept) or was it about the Return of Thanos? And to take it a step further you have the New Avengers/Illuminati with their own agenda. To me, it was a disservice to all the sub plots that were being built up, that got combined into one book and none of them got the full treatment to really explore their tales. They all could have ran for 6 issues on their own, but with this smashed up approach I just felt like it bounced around to much and felt there was alot more meat on the bone when it was all said and done.
- With so much going on, it was hard to have your favorite characters get their moments. I did not pick up the tie in books, so I am assuming those books were able to get more from certain characters, but guys like Hawkeye, Spider-Woman, Shang Chi and Falcon even Iron Man were just flat out non factors. The only stand outs to me where Black Bolt, and Thanos and his Black Order. Especially The Black Order who were truly fun villains, and would have loved to see them used more in the future. But aside from brief moments such as Starbrand cutting loose, Thor's surrender scene, and Hyperions brief, but desicive battle with Corvus, you did not see much of the Avengers at all.
When it is all said and done, I do respect the work going into building up to INFINITY and enjoyed it. But I can't give this anymore then a solid B effort. There were just too many elements unanswered for me, such as Dr Strange and Ebony Maw, The sub plots with the Illuminate weren't answered at all, if fact 'This is just the beginning'. Thawne was introduced, but still not clear as to what his motivation is going forward. Becoming something worse then his father ever dreamed could mean many things, especially as he seemed reluctant to use his abilities.
There were points that just didn't make sense to me, like how easily the Galactic armies accepted Captain America and the Avengers as these great warriors, when for years they would admire their spirit but always thought of Earth as a annoyance, but suddenly they are waving the Avengers banner because Gladiator was looking 'at the chessboard the wrong way."
And I don't understand how you build up this unity between the empires, only have 5 Avengers make it back to defend Earth. I don't see why you could not have Oracle, or Ronan or even Super Skrull be there to lend their support for all the Avengers have done for them.
So in closing, I enjoyed the book, I did find the concepts introduced outweighed the execution and the introduction and activities of the Black Order and the art especially the books with Jim Cheung were bright points. But maybe there were parts I missed, as I said I did not pick up all the tie-in books, and the ones I did, really didn't make a difference to my overall view of the story. I hear Hyperion was showcased, where? I read this was the best event since Annihilation...really? How?
Not knocking the final result, which was worth the purchase, I have been a Avengers fan since the days of West Coast Avengers, I suffered through the TIMESLIDE, ONSLAUGHT and DISSEMBLED eras. Was letdown immensely by SIEGE and AGE OF ULTRON. Believe me I want nothing more then to enjoy a good Avengers story again, I just don't think INFINITY is that story.
I would love to hear thoughts from folks and what they thought of it. again not bashing just wishing I felt as good about as others seemed to..THANKS!
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