THE INFINITY GAUNTLET
SAGA
ORIGINAL PRICE
2.50 Dollars each
Trade PaperBack 19.95
CREATIVE STAFF
Writer - JIM STARLIN
Pencilers - GEORGE PEREZ , RON LIM
Inker - JOSEPH RUBINSTEIN , TOM CHRISTOPHER , BRUCE N. SOLOTOFF , MIKE WITHERBY
Letterer - JACK MORELLI
Coloring - MAX SHEELE , IAN LAUGHLIN
Design - JOE KAUFMAN
Editor - CRAIG ANDERSON
Associate Editor - JOHN LEWANDOWSKI
Editor-In-Chief - TOM DEFALCO
MAIN CHARACTERS
THANOS , ADAM WARLOCK , MISTRESS DEATH , DR. STRANGE , MEPHISTO , GALACTUS , etc. al.
[The End Begins Here][From Bad To Worse]
[Preparations For War]
[Cosmic Battle On The Edge Of The Universe]
[Astral Conflagration]
[The Final Confrontation]
Thanos gained the Infinity Gauntlet by trickery . He tricked his love , Mistress Death ,
into resurrecting him with ten times his original power to seek something that would help
him even out the cosmic balance . There were more people alive now than have ever died .
Mistress Death didn't like this so agreed to Thanos' terms . Thanos took each Infinity Gem
from their respective guardians with ease . The Mad Titans goal was to kill half the
living beings in the universe . Mephisto talked Thanos into letting him be his advisor .
In the mansion of the mystic Doctor Strange there was a loud crash which seemed to come
from an upstairs room . Strange raced upstairs only to find the Silver Surfer . The Surfer
was obviously weakened and was muttering " must reach strange , great danger ."
The Silver Surfer told Dr. Strange his story . He told him about Thanos' plans and that he
must be stopped . Elsewhere , there were three crooks . Lowlife scum whom had robbed a
liquor store , and killed the merchant . They spent the night at a local bar . After they
left they were going to flee the country , but in his drunken state the driver drove off a
cliff and they plunged to a bloody death . Back at the mansion of Dr. Strange , the Silver
Surfer tells about how he and Drax the Destroyer foolishly confronted Thanos . After
toying with them Thanos stole their souls and trapped them in the Soul World . While in
the Soul World and Enigmatic man called Adam Warlock . Apparently the spiritual leader of
the Soul World . Adam Warlock used a spell to sent the Surfer and the Destroyer back to
their reality . By the time they had regained their bodies Thanos had long departed . They
were informed of Thanos' power by Mephisto for unknown reasons . The Silver Surfer then
set out for Earth . Thanos delayed him with a few obstacles , and prays his arrival wasn't
too late . Back with the dead thugs , There was a flash . The corpses started to move and
change . In Deaths Domain , Thanos attempted to make Mistress Death love him . She ignored
it so Thanos built a monument of the far side of the universe for his beloved . Mistress
Death was moved for a moment , but then quickly shunned Thanos . Thanos created a
near-dead twisted , mangled , version of his Grand-Daughter Nebula . Death was still
unpleased . Mephisto made a suggestion about what Thanos hasn't done . Thanos walked over
to the edge of the monument looking menacingly at the Infinity Gauntlet . He put his arm
in the sky and snapped his fingers . The Jewels on the Gauntlet glowed as one . While in
New York , Spider-Man sticks to a wall to relax from a hard days work . He looks down at
Times Square and looks at all the people walking around even at the late hour . Suddenly
his Spider-Sense goes of with violent , head-splitting pain . He looks down and half the
people are gone . He wonders if only Times Square has been effected , then it his him
" MARY JANE ." Captain America had just stopped by Avengers Headquarters to go
through some computer files involving a case he was working on . Everything seemed
peaceful enough . He should have known it wouldn't last long . He didn't expect to see
Hawkeye , in from the West Coast , keeping Sersi company during her stint on monitor duty
. Captain America was reaching for a file when it happened . They were Disappearing !
There was absolutely nothing he can do . Nothing at all . They were gone . Cap. felt so
helpless . And scared . Because deep down inside he knew that this was only the beginning
. The beginning of something that was destined to become much bigger and more horrible
than anything the Avengers had ever before faced . At S.H.I.E.L.D Headquarters , Half the
crew disappeared . Nick Fury is discussing the occurrence with the president . Nick Fury
learns that half the worlds population vanishes , and the worlds greatest spy network
can't figure out what caused it . In a bar on Earth the hulk listens to the TV . The
reporter says that it is not just people who are vanishing , but all life . Half the
Skrull empire vanished . The Skrulls believe that the Kree are involved . There will be
WAR . Back in Dr. Strange's mansion , The Silver Surfer can feel the agony the confusion
of all the people disappearing . It is almost too much for him to handle . When Wong
disappears it is too much for the Surfer , he sobs . Few know that life exists on Saturn's
moon Titan . There within the bowels of the artificial satellite , lives a race of
demigods in a peaceful paradise . Eros has gotten himself help against the Mad Titan in
the person known as Firelord . When Eros introduces Firelord to Mentor , Mentor disappears
. Drax the Destroyer blames Firelord for the old mans disappearance , but Eros eases his
rage . Isaac , Titans computer system , comes on line . It says , " reported planet
wide phenomenon . Half of population has suddenly vanished without a trace . I currently
have no explanation for the occurrence ." The previously dead scum in the hotel are
sitting around . The woman has turned green and is knitting . The short fat one is smoking
a cigar , and talking about how good it is to be alive again . When he is admiring himself
in the mirror , he sees the green one vanish . He freaks out and runs into the bedroom
only to find a cacoon .
All is right in the heavens for Thanos possesses the six Infinity Gems . The universe
will now be set right . Made over to fit his unique view of what should be . Let nihilism
reign supreme ! Flight 806 was circling for clearance to land when the great disappearance
struck . It took out both the pilot and the co-pilot . The jet finally ran out of fuel and
landed it onto Fifth Avenue . A pretty clean hit really . Those passengers were lucky the
Avengers were on hand to help out . And luckier still that Thor was passing by . But the
Avengers can't be everywhere and the whole world's currently one big emergency ! When the
first reports of the great disappearance came in , Quasar's alias is in his office at
Vaughn Security Systems , wondering what he can do to help . He figured Epoch might have
some answers . But before he can ask him , Epoch arrives . Quasar runs to the door and
see's Epoch in his pocket universe with someone else . Someone Epoch says can help with
the current crisis . The cosmic guardian Quasar must now undertake a new mission ! He has
a Astral Rendezvous to arrange . Elsewhere , Bulletins continue to flood in from all over
the Kree Empire . Half of their people have mysteriously disappeared . There can be no
doubt who is responsible for this outrage . This tragedy reeks of Skrull treachery . The
entire fleet has been put on red alert status . The war to end all wars begins . Glory to
the Kree Empire . At Dr. Strange's mansion , Strange thinks ," The condition of my
unexpected house guest was such I though it prudent to seek an outside consultation on the
matter . Fortunately Dr. Henry Pym happened to be in town ." Pym went to warn the
West Coast Avengers of the approaching crisis . Strange started to mutter words and looked
completely out of it . Strange was in his astral form . He met a being . The being wanted
to be the leader in the war against Thanos . Dr. Strange questioned his leadership , so
the being opened his soul to Dr. Strange . Things are now clear to him . In Dr. Dooms
castle , his instruments indicate that the force responsible for the great disappearance
originated on the far side of the galaxy . He has never before encountered such powerful
readings . He is picking up similar emanations from a small town in upstate New York .
These transmissions are being directed to the home of Dr. Stephen Strange . What is the
connection ? This question he must have answered . For this is his universe . These are
his people disappearing , and no one should dare tamper with what belongs to Doctor Doom !
Plus , there is the fact that great disasters of this magnitude also present a curious
intellect with great opportunity . A chance to expand on Doom's scientific knowledge and
personal power . On Saturn's moon Titan , Half the galaxy's population blinked out of
existence . Eros suddenly disappears . He has been in many a difficult situation in his
life . But he knows the very moment he opened his eyes that this is a whole new cosmic
level of trouble . He immediately recognizes the legendary Infinity Gems his brother wears
as the source of his newfound might . And if that weren't bad enough , a few feet away
stands powerful Mephisto . The devil , you say ? Yes , sir , he's into it up to his ears
this time . And there is Mistress Death , a regal sight he had hoped never to see . It
takes him a while to realize who the stumbling wreck wandering about is Thanos's
grand-daughter Nebula . She's a real mess . Thanos introduces everyone to Eros . Thanos
tells how he made sure Mentor was among the disappeared . Eros attempts to use his emotion
manipulation powers on Thanos . Thanos quickly stopped that by taking away Eros' mouth
because that is how it shall be with all things that irritate proud Thanos . Annoyances
will simply cease to be . In Avengers H.Q. , Captain America tally's up all the missing
heroes . He is attempting to gain as many allies as possible . In Asgard Great Odin rounds
up all the Sky fathers to battle whatever evil was destroying half their population . In
the hotel the Fat scum seems to have turned into Pip the Troll . He is sitting back eating
, drinking , and smoking when the wall to his left where the bedroom with the cacoon on
the bed was had exploded . The one in the cacoon said they are going after Thanos . The
Silver Surfer slowly awakens . At the best of times the resumption of lost consciousness
is a jarring , disorienting experience . But at a moment like this it can be devastating .
The Silver Surfer sees Dr. Doom , and Dr. Strange is being held by Doom's mechanical
menaces . The Surfer demands that Doom unhand his comrade . Dr. Doom answers with an
energy blast . The Silver Surfer in his weakened state cannot take it and falls to the
ground . Doom turned to Strange holding up his arm with energy read to be released from
his metallic arm and asks Strange to tell him the story of the great disappearance .
Doom's machines disintegrate , and Dr. Strange is released . Dr. Doom turns and sees a man
who was supposed to have been killed nearly a decade ago while battling Thanos . He is
Adam Warlock , and he will tell Doctor Doom of what is now occurring . Elsewhere , Thanos
entertains Mistress Death with Eros and Nebula . Death is not amused . That is no problem
because other entertainment can be arranged . Back at the mansion , Warlock finishes
telling Dr. Doom his story , and Strange learns that Adam Warlock was the entity he
communicated with earlier . Warlock says that the only way they can triumph over Thanos is
if Warlock takes the position of leader . Doom questions Warlock . Warlock explains that
he alone is the most familiar with the secret workings of the Infinity Gems and that
knowledge is the universes only hope . Dr. Strange agree's with Warlock , and the Surfer
says it is better than following Doom . Doom goes along with it . Thanos tries changing
entertainment by turning Nebula and Eros into multiple cubical objects . Death is still
not amused . Thanos says that he will do anything to make her happy . ANYTHING . The dark
gods anger and frustration are awesome in force. The psychic wave of power rises from the
stellar monument of love and washes out into the ether . The first heavenly body to
encounter the wave is a 20,000,000 year old red giant star . Every law of nature revolts
against this jewel's continued existence . It's end is breathtaking . Yet it is but one of
many that will fall before the wrath of Thanos . The supreme being of the universe and
reality . A planet Mighty Galactus was about to consume crumbles beneath the Titan's rage
. Galactus keeps his anger in check . He has to for he realizes that even his staggering
might is nothing compared to the near infinite power Thanos now wields . But think not
that Galactus plans to turn tail and run from this upstart demigod . Galactus is a being
of power and intellect . Plans must be conceived and alliances formed . Only then may
Galactus savor the cold feast of vengeance . The readings on Thanos's destructive psychic
emanations are astounding . The wave devastates nearly a quarter of the galaxy . It will
only be at 2 percent of its peak strength when it hits that planet Norrin Radd once talked
Galactus out of consuming . The one called Earth . On Earth buildings crumble , people
scream and run . But is it really helping anyone ? Iron Man is hovering on the edge of
space trying to gather better readings on certain off-planet energy signals . He suspects
they have something to do with the great disappearance . Suddenly , every gauge of the
sensor unit redlines . The force wave hits Iron Man like a runaway train . It shorts out
every circuit in his suit . Fortunately his back-up systems are able to kick in . That is
when he saw it . From his altitude it must be quite a sight , one that will surely it will
give Tony Stark nightmares for the rest of his life . Helplessly Stark watches as the
entire Western Coast of the United States breaks off and falls into the ocean . There is
nothing Iron Man can do to help , but he will try . At Asgard , there was truly no method
available to predict the approach of Thanos's destructive psychic onslaught . How would
anyone know how devastating it could be ? One moment beautiful Asgard sat peacefully , a
jewel in the heavens . A mere moment later the home of the proud Norse gods was torn
asunder its spires toppled . The rainbow bridge shattered , and Odin and the Sky father
are trapped in Asgard . Namor felt tremors and traced them across the Atlantic Ocean floor
to their source . What he discovered was the incredible . Not even Namor the Sub-Mariner
has never seen such a magnificent sight . But then his awe is tempered by the realization
that the creation of these isles will have cataclysmic results . There will be title waves
, probably even now heading toward the Eastern Coast of the United States . By sheer
chance Namorita is flying over Atlantic City . It's early morning and a young couple walk
along the boardwalk , alone . Probably honeymooners . They hear a roar and look up to see
approaching death . The wave is nearly a quarter mile high . There will be no escaping it
. Namorita soars down and swoops up the young couple . The young lovers are the only two
people she manages to save . Strange's mansion is the only building left standing thanks
to a hastily cast spell of protection .
Infinite power at play . An ego gone wild , depraved creativity . Earthquakes , tidal
waves , volcanic eruptions , cities burning , many thought Earth was bad before . A
Professor Harding down in S.H.I.E.L.D's Geo-Sciences was the one who laid the bad news on
Nick Fury . The damage caused by the stellar wave of force has thrown Earth off of it's
orbit . It is now drifting away from the sun . In Strange's mansion , Adam Warlock is
weaving a strategy . Dr. Doom and the Silver Surfer are attempting to talk Adam Warlock
and Dr. Strange to attack Thanos now , but that would end in disaster . Dr. Strange casts
a spell and the four vanish . Elsewhere , the situation isn't looking too great at
Avengers HQ . They have had difficulty calling in their reserves . Suddenly , Dr. Strange
and the other appear in Avengers HQ . The Avengers question Dr. Strange's company ,
Strange says that they fight on the good side . Adam Warlock goes to buisness . He raises
an army . Dr. Strange summons them . They are Iron Man , Spider-Man , Wolverine , Drax the
Destroyer , Firelord , Nova of the New Warriors , Prince Namor , Cloak , Cyclops , the
Scarlet Witch , and the Hulk . And so Adam Warlocks little army is complete . Adam Warlock
tells the group that they all know nothing of the mysterious workings of the Infinity Gems
or the arrangements he has mad to gather additional cosmic allies . The Silver Surfer ,
and Adam Warlock go through a vortex conjured up by Strange . They travelled to a far
distant corner of the galaxy . Elsewhere , Quasar tells Epoch that he has set up the
cosmic summit . Then the Silver Surfer and Adam Warlock appear . All space turns white .
All around stands the Astral Deities of the Universe . They are Chronos , the titan god of
time . The mysterious Watcher . Lord Chaos and Master Order , the Galactic balance . The
powerful and enigmatic Stranger . The mysterious embodiments of Love and Hate . The mighty
destroyer of worlds , Galactus . The Living Tribunal ,the cosmic judge of all realities .
Eternity , and two giants that can only be Celestials . Adam Warlock wasn't expecting
Eternity nor the Living Tribunal . Eternity mentions that he is the actuality that Thanos
strives to usurp . And so the Living Tribunal stands present at Eternity's request to hear
his case . Eternity says that the Mad Titan seeks to unbalance that which is , throw the
nature of the universe into a maniacal entropy . The Tribunal has considered that matter
and cannot concur . Thanos only strives to replace Eternity's importance in the universe
with his own . Natural selection is one of the universe's oldest canons : The strong
replace the weak . It is as it should be . No cosmic crime is being commited . The Living
Tribunal shall not become involved in this matter . Eternity and the Living Tribunal
vanish . The Watcher says that he cannot be involved because it his duty to watch and take
no action . Adam Warlock says ," Nonetheless I believe the powers gathered are more
than sufficient to execute my plan of attack ." Mighty Galactus replies ," YOUR
PLAN OF ATTACK ?! You expect Galactus to follow one such as you into battle ?"
Warlock tells Galactus that that is why he is there . Galactus continues " Galactus
does not heed the empty words of insects , even golden ones ." Warlock states ,"
Then Galactus is a fool ." Lord Chaos and Master Order back up Adam Warlock . After
that everyone backs Warlock , even proud Galactus . Never have things been so tense around
Avenger HeadQuarters . She-Hulk asks the Vision what the chance of beating Thanos are .
The Vision replied that they are next to zero . Vision said that In both battles Thanos
provided the Avengers with the means to thwart his dark plans . Whether he did so
consciously or subconsciously Vision doesn't know . The only way the Avengers can win is
if Thanos wishes to be defeated . Quasar , The Silver Surfer and , Adam Warlock appear in
Avengers HQ . Elsewhere , a Watcher appeares . His coming heralds the beginning of
hostilities . Thanos knows this , and he is ready . Thanos asks Mistress Death to stand at
his side . She shuns him and walks away . So Thanos creates the perfect woman . She is
called Terraxia . At Avengers HQ , Adam Warlock tells everyone to prepare themselves for
battle most fierce and awesome . Dr. Strange creates a vortex . Adam Warlock and the
Silver Surfer go through it . They appear little more than a light year away from Thanos
of Titan . Adam Warlock explains that Thanos is truly invincible , utterly omnipotent .
Such statements are not grandiose rhetoric . They are reality . Our allies' power is less
than nothing against Thanos' might . They stand defeated before the battle has even begun
. The true purpose of their attack is merely diversionary . They are sacrificial lambs .
and may the stars forgive me this is exactly as I planned . Warlocks army goes through Dr.
Strange's pathway .
The battle is described in the words of Eros , Thanos's brother . My brother , Thanos
, is insane . He beholds four of the Earth's mightiest heroes - Thor , Firelord , Namor ,
and Iron Man pouncing to the attack , and what does he do ? The madman smiles . But he has
good reason to . Power is one thing Thanos has in abundance . The power to freeze Earth's
defenders in time . It appears this conflict will not live up to expectations . Of course
, Thanos has spared his entourage the indignity of being ripped loose from the time flow .
Mephisto .. Mistress Death .. Nebula .. Terraxia .. and myself Eros . Even the enigmatic
Watcher has been spared . What use is godhood if you have no audience to flaunt it before
. The Mad Titan is about to kill Earth's fighting force when Mephisto tells Thanos that in
order to win the heart of Mistress Death he should show courage . Thanos agrees and wills
his power level down . He has cut off all sensory input from all but the power gem .
Earth's heroes now have a .05 % chance of winning . What game is Mephisto playing here ?
It was most subtly done , but that devil just saved the lives of Earth's heroes ! And
engineered the possibility of Thanos's defeat ! The master of deceit is playing upon the
confusion Thanos is experiencing adjusting to his newly elevated state of being . It seems
the forces of life have a most unlikely comrade . Let the battle begin ! Time resumes it's
normal flow with bone-jarring results . Then ... The unbelievable occurs ! Drax the
Destroyer and the monstrous Hulk take Thanos by surprise ! He truly has dampened his
cosmic senses ! Thanos is actually playing by the rules ! How out of character . Yet , do
even these mighty warriors stand a chance against Thanos' vast powers ? I doubt it . They
are but bothersome fleas to Thanos . Though their cause is hopeless , I must hand it to
Earth's defenders . Their battle strategy is first rate and flawlessly executed . A lesser
foe would surely fall before their assault ! But not Thanos . Of course it's Captain
America who leads this fighting force . Vain hopes ... I can already sense Thanos
adjusting to his situation , taking control of the battle . The She-Hulk must be merciless
if they hope to prevail . Thanos has narrowed the scope of his godhood just as he was
beginning to adjust to it . His mind must be reeling from the changes . Of course that
makes him no less dangerous . Thanos throws a small brown object onto the chests of Namor
and the She-Hulk . Namor screams " remove it quickly ." Sorry , Namor , my
brother would never lay a trap so easily evaded . To your sorrow , there are truths that
cannot be denied . He is Thanos and his name means Death . The old campaigner in Thanos
begins to return . This type of battle has always been his forte . Any hope I foolishly of
Earth's heroes triumphing quickly fades , Yet Hope never dies . It is a universal
condition within the species . Unfortunately , treachery also resides in some hearts . As
Dr. Doom cuts in front of Thor to grab the Infinity Gauntlet . Such greed always creates
it's own reward . Doom tastes the bitter nectar of Thanos's wrath . Fortunately , his
armor's defensive systems save him from suffering total defeat and destruction . But once
again a valuable lesson goes unappreciated . Doom will not be denied those gems . While
Thor , one who has always known such truths fights on despite the odds . And , in turn
discovers new , more horrifying realities . A transportational portal conjured up by the
power supreme . Takes away Thor's hammer . Without his hammer he will revert back to plain
old' Eric Masterson in mere 60 seconds . So savage is the thunder god's attack that even
mighty Thanos is momentarily taken back ! Sadly , spirit will only carry one so far in an
encounter such as this . Power is the only capital honored in this high stakes game . And
Thor was the highest card in our hand . Thanos throws him into deep space . Firelord
swoops in for the attack , but one blow from Thanos is enough to take him out . Then the
truly unexpected happens , the miraculous ! He is one of the X-Men -- goes by the name of
Wolverine . Of all the combatants , he would have been one of the last I thought capable
of delivering the death blow . But then my hopes plummet from the mountain heights to the
depths of the dark valley . Adamantium bone transforms into spongy rubber , and the most
vicious of Earth's defenders flops to the ground , helpless . My heart is deeply touched
by the valor I witness here this day . The might of the Scarlet Witch and Cyclops wield is
nothing compared to Thanos's power . They know this , yet still they press the attack !
Thanos turns his attentions first to lovely Wanda . Her mutant Hex power easily fall
before his will . I avert my eyes . I've no wish to remember such horror . Now Thanos
turns to face Cyclops . A masterful move cutting off the force beam when least expected .
My brother pitches forward , off balance . And the Avenger Iron Man swoops in for the kill
. Unfortunately , the metallic warrior's naked power is not equal to his battle prowess .
Then Thanos's newly created perfect woman , Terraxia , joins the fray . The Mad God allows
her to vent her anger and frustration on the golden avenger . My brother sets his sights
on the X-Man , Cyclops . A clear block of force envelops the mutants head . Cutting off
his force beam in mid-stream , and cutting off oxygen to the warrior . Captain America
rushes to the fallen mutant's aid , while a once successful ploy is tried again . But
Thanos never falls for the same trick twice . He turns and rips the circuitry out of the
Vision . And yet another valiant soul falls . Thor is almost back to Deaths Monument . He
grabs onto the ledge just as he changes back to Eric Masterson . But perhaps too late .
For the mystic spell Dr. Strange cast so the thunder god could breathe in the depth of
dark space apparently does not extend to this mortal Eric Masterson . Captain America
cry's to Thanos about the death of his comrade Cyclops . An emotional outburst wasn't
something Thanos expected from the legendary Captain America . Unless it serves to create
a clever diversion . The being known as Cloak draws the crazed Titan into the folds of his
cape into a dark and fearful dimension . But Supremacy cannot be contained . Thanos's
divinity is absolute . Drax the Destroyer and Firelord double team Thanos . Thanos laughs
at their defiance . And I am chilled to the soul . For there is unholy truth in that
insane howl . Mistress Death knows this I can see it in her eyes . She has no doubt of
this conflict's outcome . No battle is this . Just slaughter to feed an already over-sized
ego . The only person not fascinated by this outrage is my grandniece , poor Nebula . For
her shattered body and mind are beyond all caring . She is but another twisted creation of
Thanos's black soul and infinite power . He made her the charred caricature on the brink
she now is . She would be far better off dead . Still , some dreams refuse to die . Some
souls never know when the cause is lost . As Eric Masterson grabs the hammer which turns
him into Thor . Such ignorance can be truly awe-inspiring ! A Time portal opens . And
mighty Firelord and Drax the Destroyer find it's pull irresistible . They fall lost within
Earth's prehistoric past . Terraxia walks up to Thanos holding the head of Iron Man .
Thanos is all of a sudden blinded by Spider-Man's webbing . Terraxia dives at Spider-Man .
Thor pounds Thanos to the ground . That's it Thor ! stay not your hand ! THANOS MUST DIE
!! Or all is lost . Thanos turns Thor into glass . And Terraxia beats Spidey's head in
with a rock . A grim , bottomless acceptance of our fate finally claims me . Thanos is
inevitable . All light is lost . All that is left are tears . And the echo of dreams
shattered . Echoes . Thanos shatters the thunder god . Quasar , the replacement of the
late Captain Marvel confronts Thanos . He is the wielder of the Quantum Bands . With but a
thought Thanos burns off the hands of Quasar then finishes him off . Echoes . Captain
America is the only one left on the battle field . He confronts Thanos . Elsewhere , Adam
Warlock and the Silver Surfer wait . On Adam Warlock's call it will be so . Captain
America dodges Thanos's attacks . The ground itself grabs the Avenger's legs . Thanos
shatters Captain America's indestructible shield . Echoes . Thanos slowly raises his hand
in preparation for a final blow . Warlock screams NOW !! The Silver Surfer races in the
direction of the Mad God Thanos at light speed . The Surfer is carefully heading towards
the gauntlet . The Surfer misses his mark and Thanos retains his godhood . The echoes of
failed plans and good intentions wasted in futile acts . Nothing remains of hope . Nothing
remains but sweet oblivion and an end to this nightmare . Thanos kill Captain America . He
walks away upset about his near loss of godhood . he wills himself back to full power ,
and wishes the battlefield cleared of all remnants of the folly Thanos nearly allowed .
For Thanos senses a far greater struggle about to begin . Adam Warlock speaks " We
tried to do this the easy way -- and failed . Now begins the conflict I strove to avoid .
It may well prove to be a battle the universe cannot survive ! Eternity ... It is now your
turn ." Despite my best efforts , I cannot shut my eyes to the awesome sight no
mortal was ever meant to see . Armageddon commences in but seconds , and I have a front
row seat for the event . I pray my end comes quickly , for the universe is about to become
a place I no longer wish to be part of .
A contingent of Cosmic Entities challenges Thanos's might, such a conflict may well
prove more than this fragile reality can bear. The powers unleashed in the initial clash
are beyond the power of words to describe. Many of the edicts of nature fall victim to the
assault. There is a near collapse along the entire spectrum of reality. Entire solar
systems in the immediate vicinity are ravaged by the effects of this celestial clash.
Calculating the billions of lives lost as a result of this confrontation will have to
wait. But even in the midst of such destruction, I am awestruck by mysteries of the soul.
The Titan Eros, felt that certain death was near to claiming him. The only thing greater
than his surprise at finding himself among the living is discovering who his savior is!
Mistress Death has saved both Eros and Nebula. Her hatred for Thanos must reach
unfathomable depths. A perilous universe where each second reveals a new and greater
danger . Case in point : The planet Earth , jarred loose from its orbit, and drifting away
from its sun, is about to have a new doom visited upon it. A dimensional distortion
cascade spirals too near the fragile world, and its woes increase a thousand fold as inter
dimensional scavengers , such as Annihilus , swarm down upon the once emerald jewel. Yet
such worries seem hardly worth mentioning when considered in context. For this universe
waits a mere breath away from all-encompassing cosmic destruction. A doom birthed and
nurtured within the mad ambitions of a black soul. Thanos defends his divinity. Let the
heavens tremble. The two Celestials draft helpless planets into the conflict, using them
as weapons of war. The fact that some of these worlds are inhabited by sentient life
cannot be considered in this galaxy spanning contest. With the speed of thought their
menacing potential is neutralized by power without limit. But a second later it becomes
apparent that their sacrifice was but a ploy , a diversionary tactic . For the true thrust
of the assault comes from Chronos, who seeks to bury the Tian deep within the layers of
time long forgotten. A futile hope. For one of the Infinity Gems on Thanos's gauntlet
gives him mastery over that which seeks to over-whelm him. It be like striving to drown an
ocean. Yet defeat is answered with renewed vigor: a two-front assault by Lord Chaos and
Master Order. They hope to dichotomize the Titan . A divided enemy is an easier foe to
deal with. But Thanos refuses to surrender his individuality. And the battle continues to
rage without pause. Forces combined to add up to more than the sum of their total. The
temporal is abandoned for pure force of energy. And the sheer intensity of Galactus, the
Stranger and Eon's blitzkrieg catches the mad titan off balance. Yet it is but a minor
setback for Thanos, one that can be overcome with a mere wish. Mistress Love and Master
Hate attempt to manipulate Thanos's emotions. The conflicting emotions are tearing the Ma
Titan apart . Thanos stops them his way . But also beware deceivers, Titan. Thanos is
surrounded by hell's fire . Mephisto is trying for the gauntlet. A utter folly for Thanos
is going to kill Mephisto for his lack of loyalty, but is stopped by Mistress Death.
Thanos is hurt deeply by Mistress Death's hate for him. All the Cosmic Entities attack
Thanos as one. The Mad God is vaporized into mere atoms, but only for a moment. Because
with a mere though Thanos traps the entities in suspended animation. 'Tis truly the best
way! Divinity calls for clear thinking, unburdened with chaotic emotion. Let Thanos be rid
of all illusions. For he is Thanos, and Thanos is Supreme. Who is there to argue with that
sentiment? Now that his foot soldiers have fallen proud Eternity at last deigns to show
himself. To reclaim that which Eternity believes to be his and himself. Control of this
reality. The battle lasts a mere second. Thanos retains his godhood. Adam Warlock along
with the Silver Surfer return to Dr. Strange's mansion . A retrieval is in order. The
nature of energy is to disperse. The nature of despots is to contain . Conflicting
tendencies. As Thanos did once before when in possession of the Cosmic Cube. Thanos leaves
his body and is now an invincible celestial form . Thanos is now reality. His body
discarded. It now sits soulless on his throne. Then as now, Thanos underestimated the
strength of the flesh. Especially charred flesh , spurred on by hatred. Deep within
withered Nebula, vengeance stirs. A senses shattering return to flesh. And a reversal of
dire fortunes. Nebula takes the Infinity Gauntlet from Thanos's soulless body. There is
now a new supreme being in this reality. Nebula's first wish is revenge. She sends Thanos
into deep space along with his newly made woman Terraxia. Trapped and alone. Thanos had
not the foresight to create Terraxia capable of breathing in deep space without of his
now-forfeited godly powers. An eternity of floating in space . An infinity to mull on his
sins and follies . A mystic portal opens and Thanos is sucked into it. Thanos finds
himself inside Dr. Stranges mansion with many other super heroes that had once battled him
. Nebula has attained sudden omnipotence . It would be a crushing load for even the finest
mind . For Nebula's scarred psyche it must be overwhelming . Total confusion reigns as she
strives to adjust to the deluge of universal sensory input . Suffering the nightmare of
abruptly becoming aware of all life and matter . Most certainly the thought of escaping
into catatonic oblivion enters her chaotic soul . Pray she does not surrender to the urge
. For an entire reality would join her in that dark journey . In Strange's mansion Warlock
develops a plan . Everyone agrees to follow it . But of course Dr. Doom objects , but
majority rules . Adam Warlock has a word alone with Thanos of Titan . Warlock discusses
with Thanos that his aid is greatly needed . Adam Warlock tells Thanos of the truth about
the Titan . Warlock tells Thanos to look back into his life . A man always seeking
ultimate power and losing it as soon as it is attained . Why ? Because deep down in his
soul he knows he is not worthy of it . Three times Thanos has triumphed over incredible
odds to gain the ends he's desired . And three times he has subconsciously supplied the
means to his own defeat . Thanos let Nebula wrest the Infinity Gems from him just as he
allowed Captain Marvel to shatter the Cosmic Cube . Thanos decides he will aid Warlock .
They send the Hulk , Firelord , Thor , and Dr. Doom to fight Nebula . They strike as one .
Their combined might could easily rend asunder a small planet . But against Nebula and the
Infinity Gems ... they are nothing . Nebula traps them in a chunk of cement . Nebula tells
Eros that there are three who seek to challenge her might . And one of them is Eros's
brother Thanos . Thanos , Dr. Strange the Silver Surfer and Adam Warlock enter through a
portal . Nebula says to Thanos " Do you seek to defeat me with the help of your two
little friend ?" The Silver Surfer wonders "Two little Friends?"
On a free floating satellite many light years from Earth Nebula speaks to Thanos of
Titan . But the strangest thing is that she allows Adam Warlock to walk so freely around
her . It is as if she isn't even aware of his presence . Nebula imprisons the gloating
Thanos in cement . Nebula dislikes what Thanos has done with infinite power . So she makes
everything as it was 24 hours ago . The wish became reality . Half the universe is
resurrected , mere moments after its unexpected death . Most will remember nothing of what
has occurred . Some will have a nagging feeling that something is or was amiss . While
others will remember , but that memory will prove maddening . For it will justify just how
truly helpless they are . Powerless against a force beyond their comprehension . A will
capable of either causing galactic genocide or returning a frozen planet to its proper
orbit . So let there be celebration throughout the heavens . For a false god has fallen .
The reigns of power once again shift hands , the game continues , behold a new day dawning
. For dear Nebula willed that everything be as it was . When one has the power of a god ,
she should be careful about what she wishes for . Wishes are sometimes fulfilled . Thanos
has been freed from his cement prison , and Nebula returned to the rotting husk she once
was . Thanos walks up to the shattered body of Nebula to reclaim what is rightfully his .
But it was a mistake even the wretched thing that Nebula was with but a thought . While
Thanos's error , of gloating when he should have been grasping the power he craves , will
not be so easily remedied . Thanos is again imprisoned . Wasn't that inevitable for Nebula
is Power . Warlock walks up to Nebula unnoticed and touches the Soul Gem on it . A beam
hits the Silver Surfer . Both their bodies appear lifeless . The discharge surprised
Nebula and she blamed , the Mage , Dr. Strange and encases his hands in solid force .
Nebula has been fortunate thus far , but she is about to learn that some mistakes are
worse than others . When you least expect it they return to haunt you . Behold the Cosmic
Beings ! The Silver Surfer awakens finding Adam Warlock and himself back in the Soul World
. They are there because Adam Warlock's power is greater there than anywhere else , and
its all part of his plan . The threat to the universe could not be neutralized until the
gauntlet was in other hands . Because Thanos would have sensed Warlock and stop him .
Nebula's inexperience and current confusion are their only edge . From the beginning
Warlock knew Thanos would lose the gauntlet . For Adam Warlock knows how Thanos's mind
works . The Silver Surfer asks Warlock "What now?" Warlock replies ," I do
what must be done . But I will need your assistance . I am in need of a spiritual Anchor .
In order to fulfill that function we must..." Back to Nebula , The Cosmic Entities
have learnt well from their initial encounter . They attack now en masse , rather than
diffusing their might in individual efforts . Nebula's bewilderment with omnipotence and
her light grasp on this new-found power must be sensed by them . Their strategy is
obviously to hammer her with an unrelenting assault . Thus keeping her from concentrating
on a multi-level plane of existence . And so her full strength is not allowed to be
brought into play . As expected Nebula doesn't see this and has fallen victim to the ploy
. Of course such a tactic would have proven futile against Thanos . In the Soul World
" Now you know all that is Adam Warlock and I , Norrin Radd . The scope and
particulars of my plan are now clear to you ?" The Silver Surfer replies ," Yes
but illumination and understanding are not one and the same . I still cannot fathom your
attitude toward this entire situation toward all life in general . So detached ."
Warlock answers ," Emotional nerves cauterized I suppose . Somehow , I manage . It is
of no import at the moment . Once again the universe needs saving ! It all sounds mundane
when said like that , doesn't it ? But that is what beings like you and I do ; we defend
reality . Especially a reality in which a soul can expand to fill a need . Where one such
as I can reach out into the Infinite . And perhaps change the face of the cosmos !"
It was only a matter of time before Nebula gained the upper hand . She possesses the Power
Infinite . With such might , any dullard would eventually prove victorious . Now
everything depends on Warlock's timing . It must be perfect or all is lost . From within
the Soul Gem the universally huge Warlock says ," Nowhere ! Everywhere ! At one with
the universe of the Soul Gem !From The One I Reach Out To The Five !" A new order
exists within the Universe ! All Hail The Coming Of Omnipotent Nebula ! LET THERE BE
DISHARMONY ! The Infinity Gauntlet flames on with cosmic energies . It causes such pain to
Nebula that she throws the gauntlet to the ground to end the displeasure . Dr. Strange
calls in the reserves from his mansion . Thanos breaks out of the cement prison for it is
nothing to him but putty without being backed by the power of the Infinity Gauntlet . Then
starts a Mad Rush for Infinity Power . Everyone goes for the gauntlet . Some want it for
greed . Others just wish to save the universe from tyranny and death . A brilliant light
flashes and the conflict ends for there is a new Omnipotent Being . He is Adam Warlock and
he will deal with all matters in his own fashion . The Infinite Power is now Adam
Warlock's . Seek not to dispute that claim . Thanos presses a button on his belt and says
," I suggest you puny fools put some distance between yourselves and mt person . A
Thermal Nuclear Device on my person , set to detonate in 15 seconds . Why ? Because I
prefer death to imprisonment ! Pride : My one fatal flaw ." Thor hits Thanos with a
mighty blow with his hammer . Thanos flys deep into space and explodes . Eros claims
custody of Nebula . Titan shall judge and imprison her . Warlock sends everyone to where
they wish to be except three . Thor , Dr. Strange , and the Silver Surfer remain with Adam
Warlock . They remain because each of them has gazed into the depths of his heart .
Warlock tells them to go forth and tell the masses that he is a god who can be trusted .
Adam Warlock sends them away and Gamora and Pip the Troll arrive . Warlock brings them 60
days into the future . to pay a visit to Thanos . They discuss their recent experiences
and Warlock , Pip , and Gamora depart . Thanos thinks to himself " Power . Such an
ephemeral commodity ; hard to gain , easy to lose . And I once thought I understood it .
What vanity . Adam Warlock , a being who wished nothing more than to spend the rest of his
days within the peaceful environment of the Soul Gem . He now possesses the Infinite Power
and all the responsibility that goes along with it . While I , whose entire life was
dedicated to the pursuit of power , now find myself scraping out a living from the soil .
Irony worthy of a drama . Yet strangely enough though , I envy not Adam Warlock . Somehow
I feel , that in the long run , Thanos of Titan came out ahead in this particular
deal."
PRO'S
The Best story ever written and excellent art . Great characters . Great everything .
CON'S
There are no cons . This is the greatest of comics .
RATINGS
ART - 9.7 Soul Points
STORY - 10 Soul Points
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