Infinity Countdown Prime #1 Review
Writer: Gerry Duggan
Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
When kicking off a massive event comic, publishers face a multitude of challenges. First and foremost, the readers must be hooked from the very first issue. Having an exciting and engaging issue that, in essence, is mostly setup for the larger event to come is no small task. Second, new readers need context for what they are looking at. Even seasoned comic readers who don't happen to be following the right books at the time of a large-scale comic event can be left behind by a complicated plot. Third and finally, the event itself needs to fit well within the comic uinverse at the time. If the world is suddenly ending with no prior indication or leading plot threads, readers can feel blindsided. Having an event that has clear build-up beforehand will lead to a more rewarding and satisfying experience for comic fans. Leaping into an event with all of these things in mind is a bold move for any comic publisher, but for Marvel, who have gained a reputation for their constant relaunches, renumberings, and recastings of heroes, the stakes are even higher. Starting universe-spanning event comic in a universe where nothing seems to be permanent is a questionable decision at best, but in the case of Infinity Countdown Prime, Marvel seems to be pulling it off.
As with Infinity Countdown: Adam Warlock, this issue sets the stage for things to come in an accessible, yet exciting manner. The Infinity Stones are a mainstay for Marvel events, and this event seems to be capitalizing on their familiarity with comic readers, new and old. Clearly working in conjunction with the release of the Infinity War movie in a few months, this book brings in characters and plot points from all across the Marvel universe. From low-level street crime to cosmic battles, the range of this issue is massive, but it manages to bring it together and show the reader that regardless of setting, this is a cohesive, breathing universe. This satisfies the first task outlined above in spades.
As for new readers, the issue has a multiple-page history of the Infinity Stones at the end of the book, that not only outlines what the stones are, but where they came from, what they can do, and how they ended up where they are now. This simply-worded summary works well to bring everyone up to speed on the event and start things off on an even playing ground. On that note, while this event is easy to follow, it has clearly been a long time coming for Marvel. Throughout the book, there are callbacks to plot devices from a wide range of titles from the Marvel line in recent years. This event is the culmination of a lot of effort on Marvel's part. This is to say nothing of the art. Deodato Jr. is on point as usual, and the vibrant colors, strong pencilwork, and expressive characters only serve to bolster the already strong premiere issue. Definitely pick this one up.
Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
When kicking off a massive event comic, publishers face a multitude of challenges. First and foremost, the readers must be hooked from the very first issue. Having an exciting and engaging issue that, in essence, is mostly setup for the larger event to come is no small task. Second, new readers need context for what they are looking at. Even seasoned comic readers who don't happen to be following the right books at the time of a large-scale comic event can be left behind by a complicated plot. Third and finally, the event itself needs to fit well within the comic uinverse at the time. If the world is suddenly ending with no prior indication or leading plot threads, readers can feel blindsided. Having an event that has clear build-up beforehand will lead to a more rewarding and satisfying experience for comic fans. Leaping into an event with all of these things in mind is a bold move for any comic publisher, but for Marvel, who have gained a reputation for their constant relaunches, renumberings, and recastings of heroes, the stakes are even higher. Starting universe-spanning event comic in a universe where nothing seems to be permanent is a questionable decision at best, but in the case of Infinity Countdown Prime, Marvel seems to be pulling it off.
As with Infinity Countdown: Adam Warlock, this issue sets the stage for things to come in an accessible, yet exciting manner. The Infinity Stones are a mainstay for Marvel events, and this event seems to be capitalizing on their familiarity with comic readers, new and old. Clearly working in conjunction with the release of the Infinity War movie in a few months, this book brings in characters and plot points from all across the Marvel universe. From low-level street crime to cosmic battles, the range of this issue is massive, but it manages to bring it together and show the reader that regardless of setting, this is a cohesive, breathing universe. This satisfies the first task outlined above in spades.
As for new readers, the issue has a multiple-page history of the Infinity Stones at the end of the book, that not only outlines what the stones are, but where they came from, what they can do, and how they ended up where they are now. This simply-worded summary works well to bring everyone up to speed on the event and start things off on an even playing ground. On that note, while this event is easy to follow, it has clearly been a long time coming for Marvel. Throughout the book, there are callbacks to plot devices from a wide range of titles from the Marvel line in recent years. This event is the culmination of a lot of effort on Marvel's part. This is to say nothing of the art. Deodato Jr. is on point as usual, and the vibrant colors, strong pencilwork, and expressive characters only serve to bolster the already strong premiere issue. Definitely pick this one up.
A Look Inside
