HAWKEYE OMNIBUS
by Matt Fraction, David Aja, Javier Pulido, et al
It’s Marvel’s most critically acclaimed comic in recent memory! Clint Barton continues his fight for justice. and good rooftop BBQs! With Young Avenger Kate Bishop by his side, he’s out to get some downtime from being one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. but when the apartment building he’s moved into and the neighbours he’s befriended, are threatened by a tracksuit-wearing, dog-abusing gang of Eastern European mobsters who say “bro” an awful lot, Clint must stand up and defend his new adopted family any way he can.
Collecting Hawkeye (2012) #1-22, Hawkeye Annual #1, Young Avengers Presents #6
“One of the most inventive mainstream comics ever created, Matt Fraction and David Aja take not one, but two Hawkeyes on a stand alone adventure. Proof that heroics without the ‘super’ still work, if not more so! Clint Barton and Kate Bishop encounter the Tracksuit Draculas, the assassin known as the Clown and Maggia boss Madame Masque. This buddy series might have inspired the Disney+ series, but it trumps it by thousands of miles..”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
—Dave Molyneaux, Omniverse Comics Guide
INFINITY COUNTDOWN
by Gerry Duggan, Mike Deodato, Aaron Kuder, et al
The Infinity Stones. Individually, they grant their wielders great power. Together, they grant the power of a god. Once thought lost, the Infinity Stones have re-formed and are scattered throughout the universe. As their locations are discovered, forces converge for a battle that will send the universe down a dark path…to the end! The ultimate race for power begins with the universe’s greatest heroes and villains vying for possession of the gigantic Power Stone! The Chitauri are in on the action, as are the Raptors, Novas and the Guardians of the Galaxy! But who holds the other Stones? And when Adam Warlock, former wielder of the Soul Stone, enters the fray, the stage is set for the Infinity Wars!
Collects Free Comic Book Day: Amazing Spider-Man (2018) #1 (part), Infinity Countdown #1-5, Infinity Countdown: Adam Warlock, Infinity Countdown Prime #1
“Infinity Wars was clearly designed to hit the MCU audience while also keeping the nostalgic comic fan happy. Despite the nearly-impossible balancing act, Infinity Countdown is actually pretty decent. Not great, but good. The desperate need to emulate the MCU despite being the inspiration for it is the reason I dropped every Marvel title in 2016, so I’d expected to cringe my way through this. It tries to explain away some of the film-inspired changes to the comics universe (eg. Infinity Gems to Infinity Stones) while expanding on some of the actual comic book history as it sets things up for the Infinity Wars event. As an old-school fan, I found the changes made to suit the MCU audience unnecessary, which really put a dent in the experience, but it was otherwise fairly entertaining with a welcome return from Adam Warlock.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
—Dave Molyneaux, Omniverse Comics Guide
INFINITY GAUNTLET
by Jim Starlin, George Perez & Ron Lim
The Mad Titan Thanos has seized control of Infinity Gauntlet and with it near-omnipotent power! Who can stop this deadly new overlord? All of Marvel’s top heroes star in this epic of cosmic proportions!
Collecting Infinity Gauntlet (1991) #1-6
“It’s long-established that this is one of the greatest events in Marvel history, but be sure to read the Silver Surfer issues that build up to it first (collected in SILVER SURFER: REBIRTH OF THANOS and SILVER SURFER EPIC COLLECTION: THANOS QUEST). Then skip the tie-ins and read this chaos-filled classic. ‘Infinity Gauntlet’ is definitely a must-read. And with the creator of Thanos and the man who defined Adam Warlock providing the story, it’s a tough one to beat!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
—Dave Molyneaux, Omniverse Comics Guide
INFINITY WAR
by Jim Starlin, Ron Lim, Angel Medina, Tom Raney, et al
When evil dopplegangers of the Marvel heroes appear, it’s all-out war! Why has Magus unleashed them on an unsuspecting world? And is the heroes only hope?Thanos?! Plus, will the Infinity Gauntlet swing the tide of the war?
Collecting Infinity War #1-6, Marvel Comics Presents #108-111, Warlock and the Infinity Watch #7-10
“The two sequels to ‘Infinity Gauntlet’ are both largely dismissed by many fans. I’ll get to Infinity Crusade later, but Infinity War, for me, was actually pretty good. Sure the doppelgänger element is pretty silly on the surface, but it’s actually quite a meta commentary on ‘super-hero’ comics. We may not have George Perez on pencils, but Ron Lim’s upbeat art works well for me on Marvel’s cosmic books. Let’s not forget, it was Lim who drew almost the entire build-up to the Infinity Gauntlet and the latter part of that series. TAs for our protagonist, the Magus’ plan is actually pretty smart! The only thing that really lets Infinity War down, for me, is the smoke & mirrors ending. Sure it excuses itself, but it doesn’t make up for the fact we’re left with an unclear finale to this saga. Anyone picking this up to see the stories that influenced the Avengers: Infinity War film has come to the wrong place! For that, pick up ‘Infinity Gauntlet’”
⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
—Dave Molyneaux, Omniverse Comics Guide
INFINITY WAR AFTERMATH
by Jim Starlin, Mark Gruenwald, Tom Raney, Angel Medina, et al
The Infinity War is over — now continue the story with the Infinity Watch! Can a comatose Adam Warlock overcome his identity crisis and put himself back together again? If he does, Silver Surfer has a favor to ask — one that would pit Warlock against Mephisto for the soul of Surfer’s love Shalla-Bal! Then, there’s the battle for which green ink was invented: Drax the Destroyer versus the Incredible Hulk! Meanwhile, Quasar fights for the title of Protector of the Universe — and his very life! Pip the Troll battles a resident of Monster Isle! The deadly Gamora confronts the United Nations! And don’t miss a very Thanos Christmas!
Collecting Quasar #41-43, Marvel Comics Presents #112 (part), Marvel Holiday Special #2 (part), Marvel Swimsuit Special #2 (part), Silver Surfer/Warlock: Resurrection #1-4, Warlock & the Infinity Watch #11-17
“Picking up the pieces after ‘Infinity War’, the Aftermath book almost earned three stars. I like the Warlock and the Infinity Watch issues included in this collection and the Thanos Christmas story is sort of interesting, but I’m a little on the fence about the Warlock/Silver Surfer mini. The Quasar issues are kind of fun, but the art’s a little too goofy for me.’”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5
—Dave Molyneaux, Omniverse Comics Guide
INFINITY WARPS: TWO-IN-ONE
by Al Ewing, Gerry Duggan, Humberto Ramos, Adam Kubert, et al
Requiem has used the Infinity Stones to cut the universe’s population in half — but not by killing anyone. As reality itself warps, Earth’s heroes find themselves…merged together! Stephen Rogers couldn’t serve his country in World War II — until a sorcerous government program transformed him into the Soldier Supreme! Stark Odinson, kidnapped by Ice Giants and forced to make weapons, turned their forges against them and became Iron Hammer! A sinister deal turned Wakandan prince T’Challa into the Ghost Panther! Plus: More uncanny twists on your favorite Marvel heroes! The Arachknight! Weapon Hex! The Terrific Two! Green Widow! Moon Squirrel and Tippysaur! Diamond Patch! Kamala Kang! And the Punisher Pack!
Collecting Infinity Wars: Arachknight #1-2, Infinity Wars: Ghost Panther #1-2 , Infinity Wars: Infinity Warps #1-2, Infinity Wars: Iron Hammer #1-2, Infinity Wars: Soldier Supreme #1-2, Infinity Wars: Weapon Hex #1-2
“Marvel creates its own version of Amalgam Comics by squishing two characters together to create a new one, many times over. Not sure if these ‘new’ characters will be seen again or if there’s any real need for them to return. The idea was one of the few that appealed while reading the INFINITY WARS, but only Ghost Panther and Soldier Supreme are worth a look. The others are bland and predictable. A real shame as this was the sole reason I wanted to read Infinity Wars!”
⭐️out of 5
—Dave Molyneaux, Omniverse Comics Guide
INFINITY WARS
by Gerry Duggan, Mike Deodato, et al
The Infinity Stones are back. Individually, they grant their wielders great power. Together, they bestow the power of a god! As each stone’s location is discovered, forces converge for a battle that will send the universe down a dark path — to the end! Featuring the Chitauri, the Raptors, the Nova Corps, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Adam Warlock and more surprising Stone wielders! But who, or what, is Requiem? When she warps the Marvel Universe in half, what surprising heroes will assemble to stand against her? And when death comes at last, who will fall?
Collects Infinity Wars #1-6, Infinity Wars: Fallen Guardian #1, Infinity Wars: Infinity #1, Infinity Wars Prime #1
“Marvel’s attempt to cash in on Avengers: Infinity War (what isn’t influenced by their TV or film output, these days?) falls flat. I quite liked the build-up in Infinity Countdown, but this mess sums up my issues with the MCU – these aren’t the characters we’ve known and grown to love. They’re just trademarks, now. Shallow, empty trademarks. Anyone thinking Marvel haven’t restarted their continuity has fallen for a thinly-veiled ruse. It’s been happening in front of your eyes for years! The ‘Infinity Warps’ angle appealed to me – conjuring memories of the old Amalgam Comics days – but it just amounts to nothing in the end. It’s not completely awful, but to see the comics turn into nothing more than a pale shadow of the MCU is heart-breaking. Nice art, though!”
⭐️⭐️out of 5
—Dave Molyneaux, Omniverse Comics Guide
INFINITY WARS: SLEEPWALKER
by Chris Sims, Chad Bowers, Todd Nauck
Deep in the mind of man, in the ephemeral land of dreams, he lurks! The Sleepwalker-a guardian of the Mindscape, a realm threatened by the disruptive power of the Infinity Stones! But when all of reality becomes warped, can Sleepwalker find the help he needs to save us all?
Collecting Infinity Wars: Sleepwalker #1-4
“I really wanted to like this Sleepwalker mini, especially with Todd Nauck on the series. The initial issues show promise, but the story never delivers despite some interesting ideas regarding the worlds withing the Infinity Gems (Yes, I called them ‘Infinity Gems’. Because they are).”
⭐️⭐️out of 5
—Dave Molyneaux, Omniverse Comics Guide
KANG THE CONQUEROR: ONLY MYSELF LEFT TO CONQUER
by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly & Carlos Magno
The time-traveller known as Kang the Conqueror has led many lives across many eras. He has been a pharaoh, a villain, a warlord of the spaceways – and even, on rare occasions, a hero. Across all timelines, one fact seemed absolute: Time means nothing to Kang. But the truth about the Conqueror is much more complex. Kang is caught in an endless cycle of creation and destruction, dictated by time and previously unseen by any but the Conqueror himself. A cycle that, once revealed, could finally explain the enigma that is Kang. And a cycle that begins and ends with an old and broken Kang sending his younger self down a dark path…
Collects Kang The Conqueror (2021) 1-5
“An interesting way to retell Kang’s origin that introduces an added twist. As with a lot of Marvel’s modern output, OMLTC insists on introducing new elements to past stories. While the book never achieves the greatness Kang deserves, there are worse ways to pass the time.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️out of 5
—Dave Molyneaux, Omniverse Comics Guide
THE KNIGHTS OF PENDRAGON OMNIBUS
by Dan Abnett, John Tomlinson, Gary Erskine, John Royle, Bryan Hitch, Carlos Pacheco, et al
Since the days of King Arthur, the mystical Green Knight has been the protector and embodiment of Britain. Now, as Earth faces environmental disaster, several unlikely champions – including detective Dai Thomas, reporter Kate McClellan and writer Ben Gallagher – find themselves empowered to protect the land! But what are the mysterious spirits of the Pendragon? And can these newly minted heroes – along with Union Jack and WWII hero Albion – unravel the mystery of the Omni-Corporation and stave off the arcane evil of the Bane? It’s a moody and suspenseful thriller as only Marvel UK can provide! And when the Knights formally become a superteam, they’ll face the menaces of Mys-Tech, Baron Blood, Death’s Head II – and the Bane’s terrifying master, the Red Lord!
Collects Knights of Pendragon (1990) #1-18, Knights of Pendragon (1992) #1-15, Mys-Tech Wars #1-4, Dark Guard #1-4, Overkill #5 [part], Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #122 [part]
“In between the Death’s Head/Dragon’s Claws movement in the late 80s and the 1992-1994 Marvel UK Imprint, another UK published, US format title appeared in 1990; The Knights of Pendragon. It was printed on environmentally responsible paper (shiny!) and read like a breath of fresh air.
But it also had a message that made it feel unique, and not quite like other superhero titles. It lends heavily from Arthurian legend, tying that with environmental concerns of the day (and today, arguably). It reads very well, without coming across as labouring a point or patronizing the reader, nor feeling overly super-hero-ish.
Erskine’s art is not only appealing, but also an acquired taste. For me, it took a few issues to get my eye into it, but certainly by the final arc, I defy anyone to say they aren’t fully immersed in it. It’s a joy to behold.
The first arc sets the stall up and sets the players up; the second digs those characters in, and the third knocks everything down in one of the most gripping and ominously portentous stories I have ever read. I really hope my nostalgia for it isn’t boosting my perspective!
The rest of this book is full blown 1992+ era Marvel UK imprint territory. The Knights of Pendragon returned amidst a myriad of brand new titles and, for me, was the weakest of the five initial series. Still written by Abnett, the art, sadly, lets it down for the first arc. The storyline is good, but had it’s prior edge tempered by the new overtly super-hero-ish tone of the imprint at large. The second arc sees an overhaul, with new artists, and new outfits, mostly to denote is deepening turn into blatant super-heroics.
The, Mys-Tech Wars mini-series is i appropriately mapped into the middle of this. It’s a beautiful, manic and insane mess. It’s so much fun, but some character behavior (I’m looking at you Jean Grey!) and the event’s resolution feel tired, even for 1993.
Finally, we have Dark Guard. Published in the twilight of Marvel UK, it condenses a number of titles/characters into a team book which was cut short in its prime. The Carlos Pacheco art is beautiful, and I remember falling in love with it from the get-go.
Extras: A couple of interviews, art pages from the original issues, and Alan Davies sketch pages for the design of the Pendragon’s new outfits. The only disappointment here is that I know there are a lot of unpublished content that should have been included.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️out of 5
—Chris Wing, @chrisrecollectscomics
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