Avengers Infinity War Film Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Avengers Infinity War Film Review, Benedict Cumberbatch, Black Panther, Bradley Cooper, Captain America, Chadwick Boseman, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, Doctor Strange, Gamora, Guardians of the Galaxy, Hulk, Infinity Gauntlet, Infinity Stones, Iron Man, Josh Brolin, Karen Gillan, loki, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr, Samuel L Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Spider-Man, Thanos, The Avengers, The Vision, Thor, Tom Hiddleston, Tom Holland, Wakanda, Wanda Maximoff

Avengers Infinity War Film Review

Review by Paul Bowler

Get set for Marvel Studios’ Avengers Infinity War to rock the Marvel Cinematic Universe to its very core as the Avengers and their superhero allies confront the deadly power of Thanos, played with gravely voiced menace by Josh Brolin. Earth’s mightiest heroes must prepare to sacrifice everything in order to prevent Thanos from gathering the Infinity Stones into a gauntlet that could enable him to destroy the universe!

Quintessentially the culmination of everything the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been building towards since its inception way back in 2008 with Iron Man, it now falls to the nineteenth film in Marvel‘s box-office hit-machine franchise to bring this ten year journey across the MCU full circle with Avengers Infinity War.

Although our heroes were left fractured by the events of 2016’s Captain America Civil War, it’s not long before they reunite in the face of the threat posed by Thanos and the mad Titan’s nefarious scheme to wipe out half the universe.

With returning favourites including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans) leading the charge into battle along with Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlet Johansson), Vision (Paul Bettany), Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olse), Falcon (Anthony Mackie), and War Machine (Donn Cheadle), there’s also the welcome addition of Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), the Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Spider-Man (Tom Holland), and the Guardians of the Galaxy into the mix, along with numerous other characters from the MCU also joining the ranks of the films heroic ensemble cast in the battle against Thanos!

Right from the jaw-dropping opening, it quickly becomes apparent that not everyone will survive either. The two and a half hour running time boasts spectacular action and drama, with its narrative interwoven across four major plot threads, spanning locations across the entire MCU; this epic crossover event is ably handled by the directing duo of the Russo brothers and screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFreely.

For a film so packed with plotlines and characters the Russo brothers still manage give everyone a moment in the spotlight – however fleeting – and still keep everything and everyone on track. Thanos cuts a swathe of devastation in his quest to acquire all six Infinity Stones, but it quickly becomes a very personal battle for the Avengers because one of the stones is embedded in the Vision’s forehead, making the androids impending plight especially heartrending for his love interest Wanda Maxim off – in scenes movingly played by Elizabeth Olse and Paul Bettany. Chris Evans continues to impress as Captain America, times have been tough for Cap in recent films but the camaraderie between Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes / White Wolf (Sebastian Stan) shines though here, as does Roger’s great respect for Wakandan king T’Challa / Black Panther. The spiky banter between Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man / Tony Stark and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange is another highlight, and Tom Holland’s wisecracking Spider-Man is always fun to have around. Chris Hemsworth also gets some great scenes as the vanquished Thor who teams-up with Guardians of the Galaxy Star Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel), and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) in the fight to stop Thanos.

Avengers Infinity War crams a hell of a lot in but it never feels bloated or gets bogged down in needless exposition. The majority of the characters are well served by the script, key emotional beats really hit the mark, and there are plenty of fun one-liners to enjoy. Infinity War also goes out of its way to firmly establish the giant purple alien Thanos as the ultimate Big-Bad of the Marvel Universe, and the CGI wizardry together with Josk Brolin’s brilliant performance mesh seamlessly to bring us one of the most richly compelling villains to have ever graced the MCU. Although his motivations in Avengers Infinity War diverge slightly from his comic book counterpart, Thanos still remains a towering presence throughout the film, there’s also great pathos to his scenes with Zoe Saldana as his adopted daughter Gamora, and his fearsome lieutenants The Children of Thanos (known as the Black Order in the comics) are an imposing – if rather one-dimensional – addition to the villain’s forces.

Avengers Infinity War is a veritable fangasim of comic book action, packed with mind-boggling special effects and huge action set pieces that dazzle amidst every twist and turn of the plot as events inexorably rumble towards the epic final battle, and its subsequent game-changing conclusion. Once the dust settles the excitement, gut wrenching loss, and unexpected surprises in Avengers Infinity War will leave you reeling as to where the Marvel Cinematic Universe goes from here. Avengers Infinity War doesn’t pull any punches, however with the stakes raised so high in this move it makes you wonder how much of it is set in stone – especially with the continuation already due in next year’s fourth Avengers film – but one things for sure Avengers Infinity War is without doubt one of the most ambitious and breath taking superhero movies ever!

 

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Avengers Infinity War: New Official Trailer Released!

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Avengers Infinity War, Avengers Infinity War Trailer, Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong, Bradley Cooper, Captain America, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Doctor Strange, Elizabeth Olsen, Guardians of the Galaxy, Hulk, Iron Man, Jeremy Renner, Josh Brolin, Jr., Karen Gillan, Mark Ruffalo, New Avengers Infinity War Official Trailer, Paul Bethany, Pom Klementieff, Robert Downey, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Spider-Man, Thanos, The Avengers, Thor, Tom Holland

Avengers Infinity War: New Official Trailer Released!

Check out Marvel Studios’ new Avengers Infinity War official trailer!

Avengers: Infinity War. In theaters April 27th 2018.

Can’t wait for this movie now, looks awesome, what do you think of the trailer?

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Marvel Studios’ Avengers Infinity War Official Trailer Released!

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Avengers Infinity War, Avengers Infinity War first trailer, Avengers Infinity War Teaser Trailer, Avengers Infinity War Trailer, Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong, Bradley Cooper, Captain America, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Doctor Strange, Elizabeth Olsen, Guardians of the Galaxy, Hulk, Iron Man, Jeremy Renner, Josh Brolin, Jr., Karen Gillan, Mark Ruffalo, Paul Bethany, Pom Klementieff, Robert Downey, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Spider-Man, Thanos, The Avengers, Thor, Tom Holland

Avengers Infinity War Official Trailer Released!

Check out the first awesome Avengers Infinity War official trailer!

Avengers: Infinity War. In theaters May 4.

So excited for this movie, what do you think of the trailer?

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Thanos #6 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Champion of the Universe, Civil War II, comics, Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Nebula, Phoenix Egg, Phoenix Force, Shi’ar Imperial Guard, Starfox, Thane, Thanos, Thanos #6, Thanos #6 review, The Black Quadrant, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #6

Review by Paul Bowler

A reunion is on the cards in Thanos #6 as the Mad Titan faces his greatest battle of all in this stellar Marvel Comic series from Jeff Lemire, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin. Thanos is dying! Defeated as he searched for a cure by the Shi’ar Imperial Guard, he was imprisoned. Now, as Thanos seeks to escape from his interstellar jail, Thane’s secret pact with the mistress Death to kill his father finally nears fruition, and soon two of the most powerful entities in the Marvel Universe face-off as the galaxy trembles before their might!

Yes, the cosmic you-know-what hit’s the proverbial fan in Thanos #6 after that certain “something” Thane’s audacious heist with Starfox, Nebula, and Tryco Slatterus set out to steal from Terrax the Terrible actually turned out to be a Phoenix Egg, and writer Jeff Lemire quickly addresses the grievances that Thane’s allies have about being so grossly misled into doing his dirty work for him. The Phoenix Energy will enable Thane to reclaim everything that he’s lost since his powers were taken from him, but his associates aren’t going to stand idly by and just let him take it either! Meanwhile, Thanos faces an army of jailers, but even with his powers faltering the Mad Titan’s resolve is undiminished, and he confronts his fate as a warrior, a conqueror of worlds, and a God who has even make reality itself cower before his power.

The distinct air of all-pervading doom that closes in around Thanos in this issue is brilliantly offset by his determination to be free of those who have so blatantly disrespected him. Jeff Lemire has skilfully crafted the events around the Mad Titan’s rapidly declining health to a point where you feel like you are right there with Thanos, as every step, every bone-crunching blow, begins to feel weaker and more laboured that the last. Likewise, Thane’s betrayal of his allies is master class in characterization, snappy dialogue crackles with tension, hitting all the emotional beats, before the realization of the ultimate sacrifice that has been made finally becomes frighteningly apparent.

When it comes the depiction of Thanos’ plight in this issue, artist Mike Deodato’s rendition of Thanos’ pure rage and undiluted contempt for the wave after wave of opposition he’s forced to bulldoze his way through to obtain freedom, is stunningly realized with an opaque series of panel layouts that dynamical relay the bone-crunching action. I especially like how Deodato angles the entire page during two key instances to accentuate the drama, giving added credence to Thanos’ waning power and the shock turn of events over on Terrax’s starship. There are some stunning emotional scenes from Dedato as well, the fury of Tryco Slatterus, self styled Champion of the Universe, feels at being betrayed is so palpable in one scene it almost eclipses Thanos‘, and Thane’s anguish at betraying Tryco is so clearly evident its almost heartbreaking. Color artist Frank Martin uses a palette of rich vivid tones to accentuate every scene, even the panel layouts are heightened as they intercut between sold backdrops of burnt orange and stark white hues that uncannily seem to give an almost cinematic quality to the visuals they frame as each scene moves seamlessly into the next.

But it is in the showdown between father and son where Jeff Lemier’s powerful storyline comes full circle. Mistress Death’s machinations have brought everything and everyone in this saga to this point, there is no turning back now, and Mike Dedato and Frank Martin pull out all the stops to ensue that the final scenes in this issue are every bit as breathtaking and jaw-dropping as the journey that has brought Thanos to this fateful moment.

Thanos #6 brings the first chapter in this epic storyline to a shocking close. The fantastic creative team of Jeff Lemir, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin have done amazing things with this new Marvel Comics series already. The scope and scale has been unparalleled, its been unflinchingly brutal at times, and I’ve been gripped by every twist and turn in the plot since the first issue. Now they’ve set Thanos on a path unlike any he’s walked before and I can’t wait to see what happens next in the aftermath of this issues cataclysmic standoff.

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire/ Artist: Mike Deodato / Colorist: Frank Martin /

Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles  / Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin

Variant Cover: Jamal Campbell

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Thanos #5 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Champion of the Universe, Civil War II, comics, Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Nebula, Shi’ar Imperial Guard, Starfox, Thane, Thanos, Thanos #5, Thanos #5 review, The Black Quadrant, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #5

Review by Paul Bowler

Thanos #5 finds the Mad Titan incarcerated in a top secret prison in deep space after his ignominious defeat at the hands of the Shi’ar Imperial Guard; something that would never have been possible but for the startling fact that Thanos is dying! Thanos’ ailing condition and his desperate attempts to find a cure might ultimately prove to be his undoing, but the Shi’ar Empire are not the only ones seeking to destroy him… Thanos’ own son, Thane has forged an alliance with Starfox, Nebula, and Tryco Slatterus to kill Thanos, but non save Thane are aware of the real power behind his dark scheme – the mistress Death herself!

He may be down, but Thanos is certainly not out, and this latest issue of Marvel Comics superb ongoing Thanos series from writer Jeff Lemire, artist Mike Deodato, and color artist Frank Martin illustrates just how abominable and devious the Marvel Universes big bad can be – especially when the stakes are this high.

The space station where Thanos is being held utilizes the highest security and fail-safe measures imaginable, its capable of restraining cosmic-level menaces, and the initial stages of Thanos’ imprisonment have even been overseen personally by the Shi’ar Imperial Guard itself. The ruthless Warden Daak has the utmost confidence in his facility, but despite his weakened state Thanos’ predicament has made him more dangerous than ever, and writer Jeff Lemire quickly builds the nerve-jangling tension as the Mad Titan’s confinement brings dire consequences for those foolish enough to imagine that such a feat could ever be possible.

As Thanos languishes in his interstellar gulag, Thane’s plot to destroy his father takes a new turn when he, along with his uncle Eros, the former Avenger known as Starfox, with the mercenary Nebula, and Tryco The Champion of the Universe set out to steal something from Terrax the Terrible that they need to further their nefarious cause. Of course, Thane’s new allies know nothing of his secret pact with Death, let alone the full extent of the web of deceit he has woven around them to entice their help in acquiring his goal.

Mike Deodato’s artwork stunningly realizes the deep space prison facility where Thanos is being held. This huge impregnable fortress is an imposing sight, suspended in the depths of space, and the detail Deodato lavishes on the oppressively gloomy interiors equally matches the awe-inspiring spectacle of the exterior. Likewise, the scenes on Terrax’s space craft are equally as impressive. The distinctive bold overlaying panel structure Deodato employs perfectly conveys each and every beat of Lemire’s fast-paced script, with some brilliantly crafted character moments, and Thanos’ inevitable breakout being the undoubted highlight of the issue. The colors by Frank Martin accentuate the deep shadows of Thanos’ detention with a vivid contrast of orange and red hues, whilst the dusky metal shades withing Terrax’s ship are offset beautifully by the stealthily progress of Thane’s colourful associates towards the vault deep inside the hulking vessel.

This issue of Thanos has a quirky interstellar a heist movie vibe to it. There is some great banter between Thane’s team as well: with Starfox’s gift for the gab getting their foot in the door, Tryco’s wry observations of Eros’ conversational skills are priceless, whilst Thane continues to play his cards close to his chest, and my favourite bit of the whole escapade comes when Nebular acrobatically steals Tryco’s thunder before he can even finish his sentence! While Thanos himself doesn’t feature quite as much as I would’ve liked, the antics on Terrax’s ship more than makes up for it, and everything builds towards a cliff-hanger so jaw-dropping it will totally blow you away.

Thrilling, brutal, and epic in scale, Thanos #5 elevates this new Marvel comic book series to a whole new level. Jeff Lemir, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin continue to bring remarkable new aspects and compelling insights into the Mad Titan’s shady world, with Thanos #5 potentially setting up one of the biggest smack downs Thanosthusiasts have ever seen!

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire / Artist: Mike Deodato / Colorist: Frank Martin

Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles / Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin

Variant Cover: Rob Guillroy

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Thanos #4 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Champion of the Universe, Civil War II, comics, Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Nebula, Shi’ar Imperial Guard, Starfox, Thane, Thanos, Thanos #4, Thanos #4 review, The Black Quadrant, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #4

Review by Paul Bowler

Thanos #4 delves ever further into the mad Titan’s dark world in Marvel’s new ongoing series from Jeff Lemire, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin. Thanos’ quest to find a cure for the mysterious aliment that is killing him led to a titanic face-off with Shi’ar Imperial Guard, but shockingly it was a battle that Thanos ultimately lost! Now even Thanos’ own son, Thane, conspires to destroy him. But as we will soon discover, this isn’t the first time that Thane has schemed to seize power from Thanos and claim his birthright…

When it comes to big-bad super-villains, there are few in the Marvel Universe that can match Thanos for his sheer raw power, ambition, and unflinching evil. This new series from writer Jeff Lemire, artist Mike Deodato, and color artist Frank Martin continues to raise the bar with each issue, the sheer scope and scale of the storylines and art constantly impresses, and Thanos #4 is arguably one of their best issue so far.

Following Thanos‘ defeat at the hands of the Imperial Guard on Gilgrath, the spotlight now falls on Thane, and writer Jeff Lemire skilfully uses this issue to explore the series of events that led to Thane’s current scheme to rid himself of Thanos once and for all. Unfolding across a series of intermittently spaced flashbacks Thanos #4 gives us a tantalizing insight into Thane’s previous bid to take control of The Black Quadrant with Ebony Maw, but Corvus Glaive is not to be underestimated, and Thane’s subsequent fall from grace and incarceration proves crushing both mentally and physically for the son of Thanos. The unlikely alliance between Thane and Tryco, The Champion of the Universe, is also explored by Lemire, and it is these scenes that ultimately drive the narrative whilst sublimely filling in their back story and motivations as time progresses.

The panel layouts are beautifully structured by artist Mike Deodato to great effect. The synchronicity that Dedato manages to strike with Jeff Lemire’s character driven script is astonishing, judicious use of compact panel layouts effortlessly draw you into the story, and even the big two-page action scenes have a distinct pace all their own that so indicative of Dedato’s work. There are some truly spectacular scenes too, with Black Order brothers battling, The Coven are also hauntingly realized as they attack Thane, later Tryco the Champion’s wry humour lightens the tone somewhat, but it is Thane’s experiences in solitary confinement that delivers the issues most powerful and disturbing moments. Frank Martin’s colors provide a glorious swath of rich crimson hues for combat, while a blend of cool shades masked in ominous shadows make Thane’s imprisonment feel every bit as cold and dark as Thanos’ heart itself.

With a deal forged in darkness, Thanos #4 seamlessly bookends with the present as Thane’s plan to kill Thanos with the help of his uncle, Eros (the Avenger formerly known as Starfox), the mercenary Nebula, and Tryco The Champion of the Universe, unites their collective fates in the most surprising way imaginable!

Thanos #4 gives us a fascinating, chilling, and increasingly insightful glimpse into the dark machinations that have shapes event in this new Marvel comic book series. Jeff Lemir, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin have truly excelled themselves again, as Thanos #4, with its engaging multifaceted storyline and fantastic artwork, reaffirms exactly why this series is such a compelling and gratifying sojourn to the darker side of the Marvel Universe.

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire / Artist: Mike Deodato

Colorist: Frank Martin / Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin / Variant Cover: Joe Jusko

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Thanos #3 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Champion of the Universe, Civil War II, comics, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Nebula, Shi’ar Imperial Guard, Starfox, Thane, Thanos, Thanos #3, Thanos #3 Review, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #3

Review by Paul Bowler

Thanos #3 finds the mad Titan squaring off against the Shi’ar Imperial Guard, but they aren’t the only ones out for Thanos’ blood! Thanos may have reclaimed leadership of the Black Quadrant, but the unthinkable has happened; Thanos is dying! Having slaughtered his father, Mentor, for failing to find a cure for his God Cancer, Marvel’s big bad must now face the entire Imperial Guard. Meanwhile, Thanos’ son, Thane, has recruited his uncle, Eros (the former Avenger known as Starfox), along with the mercenary Nebula who once claimed to be the granddaughter of Thanos, and Tryco, The Champion of the Universe, to kill Thanos!

Thanos is without doubt the most powerful, ruthless, and fearsome God-like villain to have ever stalked the Marvel Universe. This new Marvel Comics ongoing series from Jeff Lemire, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin has proved to be revelation, epic in scope, with striking visuals to match, and its brought us a brilliantly dark and insightful glimpse into the mad Titian’s world as his quest to find a cure escalates and his enemies conspire to destroy him.

Having cut a savage path across the galaxies centres of healing in his pursuit of a remedy for his condition, the World Killer must now go toe-to-toe with the Imperial Guard! There’s nothing like a good smack-down between super-powered beings, especially when it’s on such a titanic scale as this, and writer Jeff Lemire goes for all-out blockbuster action as Thanos confronts insurmountable odds on Gilgrath on the fringes of the Shi’ar Empire. Lemire skilfully interspaces the bone-crushing action sequences with a fascinating trio of recollections about Thanos from interviewees that each have their own unique connection to Thanos, these dark vinaigrettes make the issue a compelling read, and the differing viewpoints offer a chilling and disturbing insight into Thanos’ past and his evil deeds in a way that is quite unlike anything we’ve experienced before.

The frenetically paced action is realized to perfection by artist Mike Deodato, with big, bold panel layouts relaying the battle between Thanos and the Imperial Guard in singular detail, there are times you’d swear you can feel every punch and bolt of energy as they simultaneously pound and crackle from the page, while closer knit layouts bring added gravatis to the memories and spectacles of the narrated trilogy of flashbacks. A rich, vivid palette of tones and shades are employed by colorist Frank Martin to great effect, providing an impressive contrast between past and present, and even the darker hues seem to take on a bold vibrancy all their own in the heat of Thanos’ fight with the Imperial Guard, and the stunning cover by Mike Deodato and Frank Martin is another eye-catching snapshot of the epic conflict that unfolds inside this issue.

The issue builds towards an exciting, earth-shattering showdown, as the big guns in this saga go head-to-head for what is possibly the most momentous development in this series so far! Thanos #3 is another excellent issue in this new Marvel comic book series, Jeff Lemir, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin have taken the scope of the storytelling and the impressive artwork to a whole new level of excellence for this issue!

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire / Artist: Mike Deodato

Colorist: Frank Martin / Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin

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Thanos #1 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Civil War II, comics, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Thanos, Thanos #1, Thanos #1 review, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Thanos #1 marks the return of the most evil, villainous being to have ever stalked the Marvel Universe! Yes, the mad Titan, Thanos is back, and in this new ongoing Marvel Comics series from Jeff Lemire, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin, Thanos is hell bent on seeking revenge on anyone who stands in his way. Get ready to walk in the shadows as Thanos embarks on a deadly journey, where a reckoning with his own family soon awaits him…

Thanos is a godlike being of almost unimaginable power and he has returned to wreak his own unique brand of devastating wrath against those foolish enough to oppose him. Thanos is arguably the biggest, big bad the Marvel Universe have ever known. He’s left an untold level of destruction and chaos in his wake during his many attempts to conquer the universe, more often than not solely to impress the cosmic embodiment of death herself. Even Thanos’ homeworld, the moon Titan, is now in ruins, and following his most recent battle with the Earth’s mightiest heroes during Civil War II, where, despite their advanced foreknowledge of his scheme provided by the new precognitive Inhuman Ulysses, his enemies still paid a heavy price.

Everybody loves a good villain, and there’s something instantly compelling about them, and its great to see Thanos being explored in a new way in this series. Thanos #1 quickly establishes the new order former stooge Coryus Glaive has forged for himself since Thanos became more concerned with other matters, and under Glaive’s reign, the Black Order has prospered as order superseded chaos. Now the deposed tyrant Thanos has returned, and writer Jeff Lemire instantly presents us with a Thanos who is every bit as powerful and as ruthless as ever, but there is also a sense that something far more ominous is driving the mad Titan’s bid to reclaim his seat of power.

The characterization is absolutely spot on, but as well as capturing the pure malevolence and evil of Thanos, Jeff Lemire also quickly builds the mystery and intrigue in this issue as the self styled Champion of the Universe, Tryco Slatterus, goes in search of Starfox, with an important message and new mission that will in turn herald the ultimate challenge. The dialogue positively sparkles with dark wit at times as the plot begins to take shape under Lemire’s assured guidance, as Thanos returns to power, and these characters who have been circling each other for so long gradually embark on the dark paths that will inevitably bring them into conflict.

Right from its majestic opening in the Black Quadrant, through to Thanos’ titanic show of force to reclaim his throne, and the sweeping scale of the story as it unfolds, artist Mike Deodato ensures Thanos #1 is a blockbusting spectacle in every respect. Concisely structured pages deftly balance the action and character moments, glorious full page layouts dazzle as interlocking panels splice story and characterization seamlessly as one, and Deodato‘s rendering of the characters, especially Thanos, and the numerous locals are stunning. The palette of rich tones and shades from colorist Frank Martin complements Deodato’s art perfectly; sombre hues and deep shadows dominate the relentless advance of Thanos, while cool blue, green, and violet tones reflect the seedy nature of the space station Starfox is frequenting when Tryco Slatterus tracks him down.

Following some poignant reflection on a distant ruined world, the issue is rounded off with an epic secret that is so shocking it could quite possibly become the greatest betrayal of all… Thanos #1 is everything that fans of Marvel’s ultimate evil nemesis to creation itself, Thanos, could’ve wished for, and then some! I swear you can almost feel every thunderous step as Thanos inexorably stomps, blasts, and smashes his way back to reclaiming his throne, and Thanos even offers a deliciously wicked act of mercy too for good measure.

It’s clear from this first issue that we are in for one hell of a journey for Thanos and his extended family. Thanos #1 is a welcome darker themed offering from Marvel, with its great story by Jeff Lemire, superb art by Mike Deodato and colors by Frank Martin, and letters by VC’s Clayton Cowles, this is one Marvel Now title that you won’t want to miss!

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire / Artist: Mike Deodato

Colorist: Frank Martin / Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin

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A Look Back At Marvel’s Cinematic Universe Phase 1 & 2

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A Look Back At Marvel's Cinematic Universe Phase 1 & 2, Avengers, Avengers 2 Age Of Ultron, Black Widow, Captain America, Guardians of the Galaxy, Hulk, Iron Man, Josh Brolin, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Marvel Films, Marvel Phase 1, Marvel Phase 2, Nick Fury, Thanos, Thor, Ultron

A Look Back At Marvel’s Cinematic Universe Phase 1 & 2

Marvel Studios have released this awesome look back at their Phase 1 & Phase 2 movies in order to celebrate the expansion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the release of “Guardians of the Galaxy”

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