Infinity Wars #3 is out today from Marvel Comics, introducing the “Infinity Warps” and throwing the Marvel Universe in disarray once again.
With Requiem tearing through the Marvel Universe, Loki whispering around its fringes and a new threat looming to devour everything, the very fabric of reality warps around the heroes of Earth… and the only way through winds through infinity itself!
The book is written by Gerry Duggan, drawn by Mike Deodato Jr., colored by Frank Martin, and lettered by Cory Petit.
This series is definitely appealing to fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and that’s not a slight against it. It’s bringing together all of Marvel’s heavy hitters, from the Avengers to the Guardians of the Galaxy, in a big-ass, epic cosmic brawl. Plus, Duggan writes in some of that witty banter that the MCU is known for. It’s a fun story that doesn’t feel like it’s pandering to the movie fans; it’s accessible, but definitely rewards fans who know Marvel Comics lore.
That being said, the story can lose you pretty quickly if you’re not paying attention. Duggan is not only playing with Infinity Stones, but changing the way they work. It gets confusing, especially when dealing with the Soul and Reality Stones. Certain things happen in this issue where you’ll think, “what just happened?” or “why is that character acting like this?” But the confusion is part of the story. The characters themselves are questioning how and why the Stones are different now. Remind yourself that this is only part three of six. Answers are (hopefully) coming. In the meantime, the questions are a great way to keep you coming back for the next issue.
And yes, this issue finally answers “who are the Infinity Warps?” and sets up the seven Infinity Wars spin-off titles we’re getting between now and December.
Deodato Jr.’s more realistic art style and Martin’s muted colors add a weight to the story and make it feel significant. The stakes always seem higher when the art looks more familiar to our own world than a cartoon. Deodato’s use of panels continues to be a highlight of this series. The dense page layouts break single moments into sections, giving special emphasis to certain characters, or even certain details (like an eyeball), adding to that emotional weight. It also slows time down for those pages, and the fact that he’s playing with time in a story involving the Time Stone is amusing, if not curious.
Don’t get discouraged if you’re still confused – or even more confused – after reading Infinity Wars #3. There will be answers at the end of this journey. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy Mr. Duggan’s Wild Ride.
