Infinity Wars #3

While there's a certain level of scope and gravitas to any Marvel story revolving around the Infinity Stones, it's becoming more and more clear that Infinity Wars isn't trying to top past cosmic crossovers in terms of spectacle. The more this story unfolds, the more its focus narrows. Fortunately, that seems to be working out in the book's benefit. Sluggish though the pacing can be, Infinity Wars is venturing into very intriguing territory.

Infinity Wars seems to have taken the right lesson from 1991's Infinity Gauntlet. Sure, that story was positively huge in scope, with all manner of cosmic heavy-hitters joining the fray and the fate of the universe hanging in the balance. But ultimately, the appeal of that story rests in its examination of Thanos as a flawed, self-defeating character. He lost his grasp on omnipotent power because some part of himself wanted to lose. That approach is clearly informing writer Gerry Duggan's handling of Gamora. Like her father before her, Gamora has attained absolute power through the Infinity Stones, and she too risks losing control even as her goals lie within her grasp. The fact that Thanos himself remains a lingering presence in the story helps highlight her own emotional struggle.

This issue's increased emphasis on Loki and Asgardian librarian Flowa doesn't hurt its appeal, either. Loki is always a fun wild card to have in play. As with previous issues, Mike Deodato's art is marked by significant strengths and weaknesses. Deodato's art carries plenty of intensity and power. Gamora feels like every bit the imposing villain Thanos once was. The main sticking point continues to be Deodato's stiff figure work and often robotic facial expressions. Loki seems to suffer more than any other character in that regard. There are moments where Duggan's script calls for subtlety that Deodato's art can't channel.

Infinity Wars #3

While theres a certain level of scope and gravitas to any Marvel story revolving around the Infinity Stones, its becoming more and more clear that Infinity Wars isnt trying to top past cosmic crossovers in terms of spectacle. The more this story unfolds, the more its focus narrows. Fortunately, that seems to be working out in the books benefit. Sluggish though the pacing can be, Infinity Wars is venturing into very intriguing territory. Infinity Wars seems to have taken the right lesson from 1991s Infinity Gauntlet. Sure, that story was positively huge in scope, with all manner of cosmic heavy-hitters joining the fray and the fate of the universe hanging in the balance. But ultimately, the appeal of that story rests in its examination of Thanos as a flawed, self-defeating character. He lost his grasp on omnipotent power because some part of himself wanted to lose. That approach is clearly informing writer Gerry Duggans handling of Gamora. Like her father before her, Gamora has attained absolute power through the Infinity Stones, and she too risks losing control even as her goals lie within her grasp. The fact that Thanos himself remains a lingering presence in the story helps highlight her own emotional struggle. This issues increased emphasis on Loki and Asgardian librarian Flowa doesnt hurt its appeal, either. Loki is always a fun wild card to have in play. As with previous issues, Mike Deodatos art is marked by significant strengths and weaknesses. Deodatos art carries plenty of intensity and power. Gamora feels like every bit the imposing villain Thanos once was. The main sticking point continues to be Deodatos stiff figure work and often robotic facial expressions. Loki seems to suffer more than any other character in that regard. There are moments where Duggans script calls for subtlety that Deodatos art cant channel.