Infinity Countdown #2

by Jrs1003 on April 19, 2018

Infinity Countdown #2
Writer: Gerry Dugan
Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.
Mike Hawthorne
Aaron Kuder
Cover Artist: Nick Bradshaw
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Infinity Countdown #2 keeps up the momentum established by the previous issues and in many ways ratchets up the excitement. The book is divided into three parts, and each has enough substance to carry an issue of its own. Dugan expertly weaves these threads into what is slowly becoming a single, cohesive story. Before going into more detail about these stories, the beginning of the issue is worth mentioning. In what appears to be an Asgardian-esque setting, a being is forging some kind of weapon for an unknown master. This mystery has been built up in every issue since Infinity Countdown Prime, and the reveal behind it will no doubt be accompanied by some major consequences for this event and our heroes.

In the plot points department, this issue again takes us to the ongoing conflict between the Gardener and the Guardians of the Galaxy. Scar, the Gardener's enormous version of Groot, begins the issue seemingly with the upper hand over the Guardians, but is quickly killed by Groot in in a matter of a couple of pages. This battle is drawn and colored beautifully, but it is pitifully short and seemingly was only included to give an action set piece before moving into the meat of the issue. Nonetheless, the opening of the issue suffers somewhat from the hasty conclusion of the battle.

The fight between giant tree-people is surprisingly enough the least interesting part of this issue, as the battle for the Power Stone is entertaining from start to finish. Every character gets their moment once the Guardians arrive, and what was once the least appealing part of this series suddenly has some real stakes. Aside from being a visual delight, this battle really gives every character a chance to shine. From Rocket rolling up to the fight in a robotic version of Galactus, to Nova having a bittersweet reunion with his brother, to Gamora imparting some grim advice on newfound mother Eve Bakian, every Guardian is showcased in turn. Dugan has found a nice balance between the attitudes of the classic Guardians and the more recent, MCU-based interpretation.

Finally, Adam Warlock confronting Ultron is not only entertining, but also sets the stage for an epic battle in the near future. The reveal that Ultron has been experimenting on the Silver Surfer was not only unexpected, but also changes the entire confrontation and leaves the reader on the edge of their seat for the next issue. This second issue is very well executed, aside from a few hiccups. 

Our Score:

8/10

A Look Inside