Infinity Abyss #2

Background

In yet another tale of cosmic proportions, this one naturally involves Thanos, and many of the Infinity Watch characters. However, this time around, instead of an expected showing of Silver Surfer, Spider-Man plays a much bigger role in this particular series. In fact, when speaking in terms of a cosmic-type storyline, Spider-Man seems like the odd man out when compared to the likes of Thanos, Captain Marvel, Doctor Strange, Moondragon, Adam Warlock, Gamora, and of course, Pip the Troll.

But do not fret, SpiderFans, we finally get an Infinity series that has plenty of Spider-Man to go around! The basic deal here is, once again, the entire Universe as we know it is under threat. A being known as Atlez, apparently has the task of anchoring all reality, and Atlez's time draws near. For it seems while this being may be the 'glue' by which the Universe is held together, it is not immortal, in fact, the job requires successors.

The goal is to find the successor and replace Atlez before the Universe falls into the Abyss... basically becoming nothing. While that alone seems like a dire predicament, there is more trouble to be had. You see, Thanos has several dopplegangers intent on making the oblivion happen, and are willing to do whatever it takes to see that it does. Seven heroes with the aid of the original Thanos attempt to stop them, and save the Universe.

Story 'Paranoids and Nihilists'

Doctor Strange discovers that the blocks of nothingness are appearing even within the mystic realms. With such a tremendous threat looming, the Defenders curse takes effect summoning Namor, the Hulk, and Silver Surfer. But no sooner do they show up when the other three heroes merge together, becoming trapped within one of those mysterious blocks, leaving Doctor Strange alone and somewhat worried.

Moondragon is attempting to mentally link with Adam and she succeeds, only to be thrown out of his mind by Adam himself. Adam then chooses to free himself, pissed off to learn Thanos (who is really X) is involved. It looks as though a battle is about to ensue, when Thanos X calms him down by accusing him of memory loss. This causes Adam to wonder how and why this happened. The last thing Adam remembers is an alien voice belonging to one called Atlez, and that he had agreed to help him.

Spider-Man is still following his Spider-Sense, while back out in space, Skrulls are investigating the aftermath of the blast that had destroyed Thanos's craft. And it seems the Skrulls picked up an univited guest... the real Thanos!

Doctor Strange experiments with the blocks, not knowing that Captain Marvel is witness to his spells. Both trying to figure out a path to follow, Doctor Strange opts to go deeper into the mystic realms, while Captain Marvel heads back for Earth.

Armour informs Mystic and Warrior about an energy signature leading to Earth, and dispatches a team of Nihilists to investigate. Pip suggests Adam visit Monster Island to aid in Adam regaining some memory loss. When Adam and Pip teleport away, Moondragon psychically links with ThanosX who transforms and reveals himself to her, and appears to have put her under his mental control.

Gamora has arrived at her new destination, seeing signs of some type of invasion. When she is beckoned by a robot into another room discovering Thanos is alive! Gamora wants answers and she wants them fast. Meanwhile, Spider-Man has also come to the end of his trail, a mere farmhouse. The mystery deepens...

General Comments

Cosmic stories are always mind-benders, and this one is no different. Perhaps because they are always set upon such a large scale, its not the city in danger or the world... its the whole flippin Universe! This one wasn't too hard to follow though, especially when you read all 6 issues at once.

I cant say I am real familiar with the cosmic characters, so for me they seem well portrayed in here, and nicely explain where they have been since no one else was writing a lot about them. The good news is, plenty of Spider-Man to see, and I like that, I never really cared for end-all-be-all stories that include nearly every character in Marvel's stable, and to accomplish that we get too much of half a dozen characters, and cameos of 100 others. Nice change of pace to see that this storyline kept a certain cast of players, and stayed that way, everyone having their own moments.

Entertaining for me, and I do suggest the average SpiderFan pick this up. It's not a Spider-Man story, but then he also doesn't just play a small role, hes part of the team here.

Overall Rating

Well-thought-out and well-executed Infinity story. Kudos to Jim Starlin for not only writing, but drawing all the nice pictures too. I give it 4 webs.