The Good

After last issue’s explosive tone, we once again slow it way, way down to let these characters breathe. Unfortunately the breaths may be short and somewhat panicked as last issue also ended with another imminent incursion, and this time no one in the Illuminati can bring themselves to pull the trigger again, dooming another world. This issue gives us a look at how each member of the group decides to spend their last hours on Earth and, interestingly, none of them decide to share what they know with either loved ones or the public. Beast even pontificates on whether or not that’s the most, or least, moral way about it but whatever choices they make, Jonathan Hickman gives each and every one their own unique situation and voice (yes, even that guy). This is the polar opposite of last issue, or really the last couple of issues, giving us unfettered access of these men at their absolute most vulnerable and, though their methods of grieving may differ, we get some truly great characterizations out of it. There’s nothing all that shocking, though plenty of heartache and regret, and though nothing changes for any of them, nor do we learn anything new in particular, but each of them is so well realized and so well characterized that Hickman manages to make simply watching them go through their last eight hours compelling and interesting. And then the last three pages pull the rug RIGHT out from under us.

Kev Walker returns from an incredible debut and continues to make this book as beautiful as it is tragic. Based on his previous work, this is the kind of issue I think he's uniquely qualified for and he confirms it by giving us a wonderful array agonized faces making some of the hardest, most profoundly painful decisions of their lives. There’s a panel in which Hank McCoy, while trying to get perspective from his younger self, gives an expression that I can only describe as “puppy-dog eyes” and it actually makes you feel sorry for him, despite his array of horrible decisions of late. This is a dark, dim, dour book and Frank Martin’s colors are deliver that tone with pure perfection. Not every panel is actually dark, but the color choices make even the brightness ring hollow with everything that’s going on in each panel.

The Bad

I would have preferred this be an over-sized, or annual, issue as each member of the Illuminati is afforded 1-3 pages and, while it creates a great economy of pace, it also makes certain moments feel rushed. Even the people who got three pages feel like they’re sprinting through them and, of course, there’s an internal time limit, but it feels like there could have been pages that overlap more, in terms of the time frame we’re dealing with.

The Verdict

I reserve the term "jaw-dropping" for times when a moment was so shocking, my jaw actually drops. So believe me when I tell you: the last three pages of this issue left me cleaning dust out of my beard. What this issue gives us is an intimate look at these geniuses and titans of their world at their most introspective and scared. What it sets up is a storyline that will dwarf even this one.

I might have to binge this series to catch up. It looks like I'm missing out on a journey

"the last three pages of this issue left me cleaning dust out of my beard." LOL

when will the incursions end?

When time runs out?

Obviously the universe won't be destroyed, how are they gonna get out of this incursion?

So... are these Incursions pretty much OTHER Earths threatening to merge with ours? ...or theirs I guess?

I have a suspition...

@tommythehitman: Yea Pretty much...Two earths are being forced to collide. Which ,if i'm not mistaken, destroys both earth.

@hushofthewind: do it I binged on the first 19 it was well worth it great story.

@keroga

Are the normal Avengers aware of this?

You can either let two universes be destroyed or let one planet be destroyed. Not seeing why its such a hard decision...

I love this title

correct and the only way to save one is destroy the other...

this was a weird issue: namor was booted out so why did black bolt question where he is when strange is missing? and in that page it looked like he did something.

Issue was good to me. 4/5 My only issue is the art. The art aint up to my speed for a premier Title from Marvel. I do understand different people have different tastes when it comes to art and it is subjective i still do believe Marvel picked poorly with this artist. Anyways, The ending was great. I look forward to see how this effect the marvel universe on a whole.

I'm not currently following this series, but it seems like Illuminati meets Exiles, is this correct?

Fantastic issue. Such a well crafted story.

After last issue’s explosive tone, we once again slow it way, way down

Slower still? Last issue wasn't exactly a rollercoaster. I like this book, but Hickman's pacing between his big events could do with some caffeine.

The ending to this issue was absolutely insane!!

@mr_winchester: Lower? Namor is the only one I respect now. If the incursion happens then both universes are destroyed. It they want to be moral then they need to evacuate as many as they can and then call galactic to get rid of earth.

There really is no redemption for Namor at this point.

@uncanny_xfactor: no. it's like mass effect.

@x18999: One could argue that Namor's idea is a short term one and not try to solve the overall threat .

after the last chapter and ESPECIALLY after this, i think we can all agree: For better or for worse, Namor's a real jerk!

This issue was soooooo amazing. The last few pages were great!!!

Blanking on so much.....When did Thanos get free and him and his ganag become active again?

@ultimatesmfan: Maximus was messing around with his 'prison a couple issues ago and it showed them start to change in there.

I'm surprised to see praise of Walker's art. It's very eh to me, personally.

First I need to catch up on Infinity, then I need to catch up on this title. Without S.H.I.E.L.D. volume three, it sounds like this is where I need to be.

I love this book soooooooooooo much

This. And Avengers.

And I especially love the changes in status quo. I loved seeing theCabal come back, and with interesting members

@masterofevil: Yup. Namor is a Jerk. He has no Honor. He should make a good villain again.

@papinachoI'm not sure if they actually slept together. I just assumed he came to her room while she was sleeping.

It's so selfish, in my mind, for the Illuminati to do what they did. They can't live with themselves as murderers, knowing that by taking on that burden they sustain the lives of everyone in two universes? They think it's better for everyone to die rather than to kill some people? I'd be curious to know what some of the people who would die because of them would think of that.

Oh and I wanted to point out that while they asked, where's Namor, the other question is, where's Strange?

@owie: yikes, you're right. looks like he goes somewhere right before the incursion?

does he help namor release thanos & pals? something was odd about thanos on the last page. maybe possessed by strange?

maybe since strange realizes he's no longer a good man, he says what the hell and justifies doing the right thing by helping namor.

seemed like a spot was missing/open next to thanos at the cabal's table.

what an issue.

This issue was fantastic. Probably my favorite issue of the series so far. So many powerful moments, seeing how each member of the Illuminati comes to terms with what happens Seeing Bruce grab a six pack and drink out in the desert with the Hulk, saying "This is how I'm going to finally get rid of you." Tony take a bunch of shots, then ready himself to commit suicide. Reed rushing to visit all of his family. I didn't think this series would ever make me feel so much. And then those last few pages. Dear god, those last few pages. Insane.

Very surprised to see Doom is not on this new Cabal.

Nice

I thought BB was going to ask where strange was.

I also thought at first black bolt destroyed the other earth. That would have been awesome.

Great read though I'm loving ever issue.

This issue sent goose bumps through my body. I LOVE everything about this book. I have issues talking about how I feel about this book because every time I want to talk about it's right after i read the newest issue and I'm just blow away and can hardly process all my feels.

@cap10nate: Thnx :)

I love this book, and Doom, and Namor. "Here in Latveria, Doom demands that children always get a good night's sleep".

@papinacho: So sounds like Kymera must've been a mistake too. I'd imagine this was conception night, lol

I wonder why Thanos and his crew would even want to help Namor save the world and the Universe. It's still bugging me. But in any case great issue.

Doesnt he want all life to die?

@superior_prime_maybe: The incursion would destroy Death and any/all other dimensions that reside in the universe (e.g. the afterlife, neg zone, astral plane.).