Infinity Crusade #6

Background

This is it folks! The gigantic conclusion to another in a yet a long line of epic cosmic adventures as rendered by Jim Starlin done during the '80s. The concept of these adventures (and cast) are all essentially the same. Some great cosmic power (generally the mad god Thanos of Titan) threatens all of existence and all of the heroes of the Marvel Universe gather together to fight it off (even if they, like Spider-Man) are not considered cosmic in nature). Other main characters generally involve Adam Warlock, Pip the Troll, Gamora, and other cosmic Starlin characters. Sometimes Thanos was the good guy, sometimes he was the bad guy, but always was he out for what he could get out of the entire event (even if he was temporarily siding with the angels).

Needless to say, as these are epic gang adventures, specific many (most) characters are relegated to standing around in crowds, having a line of two or dialogue, or perhaps a panel or three of action per issue. Such is the case with Spider-Man in this particular series (in other Infinity titles he had a greater or lesser role in the adventure).

Adam Warlock and his team of Earth and intergalactic heroes (along with the mad god Thanos) are closing in on a being called The Goddess (Warlock's feminine side, which somehow split off from Adam Warlock). As the series was cosmic in scope, and six issues in length, not only did nothing really happen until the later issues in the series, however, as nothing in the series actually affected anyone (except perhaps to those in Warlock's regular supporting cast).

Story 'Rapture'

OK, here we go. This episode is mostly about the battle between Thanos and Adam Warlock as they go up against Goddess. Spidey's first appearance is three- quarters of the way through the book. It is after all the action has gone down and he is standing in a great hall chatting with several of the other heroes. Still, after all is said and done, Spidey and Daredevil are fighting some thugs in New York City and apparently completely unaware that anything cosmic ever happened.

General Comments

Again, not much in the way of Spidey, but we report on what we see.

Overall Rating

While the story itself is vintage Starlin, and fun to read for its epic scale and philosophical outlook on the nature of heroes and villains, as a Spidey tale, it rates towards the bottom of the web scale, as a Spidey-Sighting, Sorry Jim.

Footnote

Nothing Spidey-related happened, so nothing to say, save that the while series doesn't do much for our pal Spidey, it is still fun to read.