Infinity Abyss #6

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 'Rewards & Punishment'

Recovering from Warriors thoughts after stealing his soul, Adam regains his senses. Doctor Strange remains behind with Atlez in hopes of keeping him alive while Adam takes off for the child, Atleza. He picks up Pip on the way and they both appear at the farmhouse much to the surprise of Spider-Man, Gamora, Captain Marvel, and Moondragon.

Wasting no time Adam imbues the child with all she needs to know. Outside, Earth appears to be returning to normal. Just when Spider-Man thinks it's over, Thanos makes an entrance, informing the crew that Omega is on his way, twice as powerful as Galactus. Actually, Omega has arrived.

Omega strikes, but a force field temporarily protects all, then Thanos teleports Omega, the entire house, and occupants off Earth. With a mind linkup thanks to Moondragon, Thanos fills everyone in on his plan, and not everyone likes it. It is decided Strange will replace Moondragon for the battle, and she is not happy to go.

Now it begins, the point at which we originally found Adam speaking his narrative from issue #1. Moondragon attempts to extend the life of Atlez, while Adam fights with the Warriors personality within himself, until Thanos brings him around. Using the soul gem, Adam knocks the Omega titan from his craft. The other heroes continue to assult Omega as Pip delivers a package to Omega's ship. A bomb... and a big one at that.

With Omega's ship gone, his defenses are much weaker now, as all members pour on the attacks in full force. The only one staying out of the battle thus far, is Spider-Man, waiting for a signal from Thanos. As Thanos barely survives a shot from Omega, he gives our web-slinger the call. Omega shows no concern for Spider-Man until he gets a face full of webbing. While Omega is temporarily blinded, everyone teleports away, leaving Omega alone.

During the battle, Thanos had an armada of remote battleships closing in on them. And now the fleet is firing upon the world they fought upon, made up of unstable, fissionable matter. The result? Very big boom... Omega go bye-bye.

Atlez has passed, the child takes her place as the new anchor, and before Thanos makes his exit he returns the farmhouse back as it was. The heroes part ways, but Adam and Gamora stay with Atleza, and once again, the Universe has been saved.

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.