Infinity (Event)

• Core Identity: A sprawling 2013 Marvel Comics crossover event orchestrated by Jonathan Hickman, Infinity depicts a two-front war on a galactic scale, with the Avengers leading an interstellar alliance against the god-like Builders while a defenseless Earth is invaded by Thanos and his ruthless Black Order.
• Key Takeaways:
• A War on Two Fronts: The central conflict is split. Earth's mightiest heroes are in deep space fighting the ancient and seemingly invincible Builders to save the galaxy, leaving Earth vulnerable to a simultaneous and devastating attack from Thanos and his lieutenants.
• The True Motive of the Mad Titan: While Thanos demands a tribute of young lives from Earth, his true, hidden objective is far more personal: to locate and eliminate Thane, his secret Inhuman son, whom he views as a threat to his legacy of cosmic destruction.
• The Inhuman Expansion: The event's climax sees Black Bolt detonate a Terrigen Bomb over Earth. This act unleashes the Terrigen Mists across the globe, activating latent Inhuman DNA in thousands of unsuspecting individuals and fundamentally altering the planet's superhuman landscape for years to come. This event is a direct precursor to the Inhumanity storyline.
• Pivotal Step Towards Secret Wars: Infinity is not a standalone story but a crucial centerpiece of writer Jonathan Hickman's long-form saga across his Avengers and New Avengers titles. Its aftermath directly sets the stage for the Time Runs Out storyline and the universe-shattering finale, Secret Wars (2015).

The Infinity event was published by Marvel Comics from August to November 2013. It served as the central narrative pillar for what was then known as “Marvel NOW!”. The core of the story was told in a six-issue limited series, simply titled Infinity, written by the saga's chief architect, Jonathan Hickman, with stunning, widescreen artwork by Jim Cheung, Jerome Opeña, and Dustin Weaver. However, to call Infinity just a six-issue series would be a gross oversimplification. It was the explosive culmination of plot threads Hickman had been meticulously weaving since the beginning of his tenures on both Avengers and New Avengers in 2012. The main miniseries served as the spine, but the full story was told across numerous tie-in issues, primarily in Hickman's two main titles. Avengers focused on the galactic war against the Builders, showcasing the “Avengers Machine” as a global and cosmic peacekeeping force. In stark contrast, New Avengers chronicled the dark, desperate, and morally compromising actions of the Illuminati as they secretly battled the multiversal threat of the Incursions, a plotline that unfolds in the shadows during the main Infinity conflict. Hickman's vision was to create a truly epic cosmic story that felt both immense in scope and deeply personal in its stakes. He introduced a new, formidable threat in the Builders—one of the oldest species in the universe—to provide a challenge that would necessitate the Avengers leaving Earth. This narrative device created the perfect vacuum for Marvel's ultimate cosmic villain, Thanos, to make his move. This event is also notable for the creation of the Black Order (Corvus Glaive, Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw, Supergiant, and Black Dwarf/Cull Obsidian), a cadre of Thanos's generals who would quickly become fan-favorites and integral parts of the Marvel mythos, particularly after their adaptation in the MCU.

The stage for Infinity was set by two universe-altering threats converging simultaneously. First was the problem of the Incursions, detailed in New Avengers. The Illuminati (Iron Man, Mister Fantastic, Doctor Strange, Black Bolt, Namor, and Beast) discovered that the multiverse was dying. Universes were colliding, with Earth-616's planet Earth at the focal point. If one Earth was not destroyed during an Incursion event, both colliding universes would be annihilated. This existential horror forced the heroes to make unthinkable choices in secret, including reassembling the Infinity Gauntlet, which shattered when used to push away another Earth. Second, and more publicly, was the advance of the Builders. An ancient, primordial race of cosmic beings, the Builders viewed themselves as the gardeners of the universe, shaping evolution and creation. They perceived the recent multiversal instability and the actions on Earth-616 as a cosmic infection that threatened all of existence. Their solution was absolute and brutal: to carve a path of destruction straight to Earth and excise it from the universe. Their fleet was unstoppable, decimating the forces of major galactic empires like the Kree, Skrulls, and Shi'ar. Faced with this overwhelming threat, Captain America and the expanded Avengers roster formed an alliance with the Galactic Council. They took the fight to the Builders in deep space, believing it was the only way to prevent the destruction of countless worlds and, ultimately, Earth itself. This heroic, galaxy-saving mission had an unintended and catastrophic consequence: it left Earth almost entirely undefended. Observing this from the shadows was Thanos the Mad Titan. With the Avengers occupied light-years away, Thanos saw the perfect opportunity to strike. He arrived with his fleet and his terrifying generals, the Black Order. He surrounded the planet, issuing an ultimatum: the surrender of the heads of every Inhuman on Earth between the ages of sixteen and twenty-two as a tribute. While the world believed this was another act of senseless slaughter, Thanos's true motive was a secret. He had learned that he had sired an Inhuman child years ago, and his “tribute” was a smokescreen for a systematic genocide designed to find and kill his own offspring, Thane, before the boy could potentially grow to challenge him. The invasion began, forcing the remaining heroes on Earth into a desperate, unwinnable war.

It is critically important to understand that the plot of the 2013 Infinity comic event was not adapted into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The MCU's epic two-part storyline, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, draws its primary inspiration and title from the 1991 comic event The Infinity Gauntlet by Jim Starlin, George Pérez, and Ron Lim. The MCU's plot revolves around Thanos's quest to acquire all six Infinity Stones to wipe out half of all life in the universe, which he believes will bring balance and prevent universal collapse due to overpopulation. This motivation is the core of the Infinity Gauntlet comic storyline, not the Infinity (2013) event. However, the MCU films heavily borrowed key characters and visual elements from the 2013 Infinity event, which has led to significant fan confusion. The most notable borrowings are:

• The Black Order: Thanos's lieutenants in Infinity War are directly adapted from the characters Jonathan Hickman created for Infinity. In the MCU, they are referred to as the “Children of Thanos.” The lineup consists of Ebony Maw, Proxima Midnight, Corvus Glaive, and Cull Obsidian (who was named Black Dwarf in the comics). The telepath Supergiant was not included in the film adaptation. Their roles as Thanos's elite enforcers who battle the heroes on his behalf are identical to their comic counterparts.
• The Outriders: The massive, multi-limbed alien shock troops that make up the bulk of Thanos's army in the Battle of Wakanda in Infinity War are also taken directly from the Infinity comic, where they served the same purpose.
• Invasion of Wakanda: While the circumstances are entirely different, the imagery of an alien army descending upon the plains of Wakanda and clashing with its army and Earth's heroes is a major set piece in both Infinity (where Proxima Midnight leads the invasion) and Avengers: Infinity War.

Therefore, the MCU created a hybrid narrative. It used the central plot and motivation from The Infinity Gauntlet (1991) but populated it with the newer, more visually dynamic secondary villains and armies from Infinity (2013). There is no “Builder War” in the MCU, nor is the plot driven by Thanos's secret son.

The Infinity event unfolds as a complex, interlocking narrative across its core miniseries and tie-in comics. The key turning points can be broken down chronologically.

1. The Builders' Advance: The ancient Builders begin their destructive march towards Earth, effortlessly crushing fleets from the Kree, Skrulls, and other major galactic powers. Their Ex Nihili servants terraform and “perfect” worlds in their wake.
2. The Avengers Assemble the Fleet: Captain America brokers a fragile alliance with the Galactic Council. The Avengers lead a combined fleet into deep space to intercept the Builders, leaving a skeleton crew of heroes to protect Earth. This is the “war in space.”
3. Thanos Arrives: Seizing the opportunity, Thanos's fleet appears in Earth's solar system. He dispatches the Black Order to key locations. Ebony Maw is sent to manipulate Doctor Strange, Corvus Glaive attacks the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning, Proxima Midnight targets Atlantis, and Black Dwarf assaults Wakanda. This begins the “war on Earth.”
4. Wakanda Repels the Invaders: In a stunning display of power and strategy, Black Panther and the forces of Wakanda successfully repel Black Dwarf's invasion. This marks the first major failure for Thanos's forces and results in Black Dwarf's expulsion from the Black Order.
5. The Fall of Attilan: Black Bolt, King of the Inhumans, denies Thanos's tribute. After evacuating the Inhuman city of Attilan, he faces Thanos alone. Black Bolt unleashes his full quasi-sonic scream, which shatters Attilan but fails to kill the Mad Titan. More importantly, this act triggers the detonation of the hidden Terrigen Bomb.
6. Terrigenesis: The Terrigen cloud spreads across Earth, activating Inhuman genes in the general population. One of these newly transformed “Nuhumans” is Thane, the son of Thanos, whose power of “living death” is unleashed in his remote Inhuman village.
7. The Galactic War Turns: The Avengers-led alliance suffers devastating losses against the Builders. In a moment of desperation, after being captured, Thor challenges a Builder to single combat and, against all odds, emerges victorious. This victory shatters the Builders' aura of invincibility and inspires the allied fleet to rally.
8. Captain America's Ruse: Captain America masterminds a brilliant tactical victory, trapping and destroying a significant portion of the Builder fleet. The tide of the cosmic war begins to turn decisively in favor of the heroes.
9. Thane Found: Ebony Maw, having outwitted Doctor Strange, locates Thane. Instead of delivering him to Thanos, the manipulative Maw begins to “mentor” the boy, planning to use his immense power for his own ends.
10. The Final Confrontation: The Avengers, having defeated the last of the Builders, race back to a conquered Earth. They launch a final, desperate assault on Thanos and his remaining forces in the arctic.
11. The Son vs. The Father: During the final battle, Ebony Maw springs his trap. He releases Thane, who uses his newfound power to encase Thanos, Corvus Glaive, and Proxima Midnight in a block of “living death,” a state of suspended animation akin to amber. The invasion is over.

The conclusion of Infinity left the Marvel Universe profoundly and permanently altered, setting the stage for the final act of Hickman's saga.

• The Inhuman Age: The detonation of the Terrigen Bomb was the single most impactful event. Thousands of new Inhumans (or “Nuhumans”) were created, leading to global chaos, fear, and persecution, explored in the subsequent Inhumanity event. This fundamentally changed the status quo for characters like Kamala Khan, who discovered her powers as a direct result.
• The Illuminati's Secret War: While the Avengers were celebrated as saviors of the galaxy, the Illuminati were left to continue their grim work. They had used the chaos of the invasion to build more world-destroying weapons, further compromising their souls to save their reality from the Incursions. The discovery of their actions would eventually shatter the Avengers.
• Thanos Imprisoned: Thanos was defeated but not killed. He and his lieutenants were left imprisoned in their amber-like prison under the watch of the Illuminati at the Necropolis in Wakanda. This created a new, dangerous status quo, with the universe's greatest threat held captive by a secret cabal of heroes.
• The Rise of Thane: The discovery and empowerment of Thane introduced a powerful new cosmic player. His story, and the influence of Ebony Maw over him, would continue to be a significant plot point.
• Path to Secret Wars: With the Builder threat eliminated, the heroes were now free to focus on the horrifying truth of the Incursions, which the Illuminati could no longer keep secret. The final line of the event, spoken by Black Bolt to his brother Maximus, is “It's not over. It was a beginning,” directly foreshadowing the “Time Runs Out” storyline and the inevitable collapse of the multiverse in Secret Wars.

The primary protagonists of the “space war” were a grand coalition of heroes and empires. The Avengers, led by Captain America's tactical genius and Thor's raw power, served as the spearhead. Key members included Captain Marvel, whose Kree heritage and cosmic experience were invaluable, as well as Hulk, Hawkeye, and Spider-Woman. They united with the remnants of the Kree, Shi'ar, Skrull, and Spartax empires, along with other cosmic entities, to form a united front against the Builders. This alliance was fragile, built on desperation, but ultimately proved that the disparate powers of the galaxy could unite against a common, overwhelming foe.

The antagonists of the “Earth war” were Thanos and his newly introduced generals, the Black Order, also known as the Cull Obsidian. Each member was a formidable threat in their own right, chosen by Thanos for their unique and deadly skills.

• Corvus Glaive: Thanos's most favored general and right-hand. His cosmic glaive grants him immortality as long as it remains unbroken. He is a master strategist and a cruel, merciless warrior.
• Proxima Midnight: The greatest warrior in Thanos's army and the wife of Corvus Glaive. Her spear, forged from a sun trapped in distorted space-time, never misses its mark and is lethally poisonous.
• Ebony Maw: Not a fighter, but a manipulator of the highest order. His “black tongue” can poison minds, allowing him to control and influence even the strongest of wills, such as Doctor Strange. He is a whisperer and a schemer.
• Supergiant: A mentally unstable but powerful telepath, capable of devouring the intellects of her victims. She was tasked with invading the Jean Grey School to find and kill young mutants.
• Black Dwarf (Cull Obsidian): The powerhouse of the group, possessing immense strength, density, and unbreakable skin. He is the brother of Corvus Glaive. His failure to conquer Wakanda led to his disgrace and dismissal from the Order.

Operating in the shadows throughout the entire event was the Illuminati. While the Avengers fought a visible war, the Illuminati fought a secret one against the Incursions. During Thanos's invasion, they were forced to protect their hidden bases and their doomsday weapons. Their most significant role came when they discovered Thane and subsequently took possession of the imprisoned Thanos, adding the universe's most dangerous being to their collection of terrible secrets. Their story runs parallel to the main event, highlighting the moral compromises made by leaders when faced with extinction-level threats.

Led by their silent king, Black Bolt, the Inhumans of Attilan were the catalyst for the event's most lasting change. Their defiance of Thanos led to the destruction of their home but also to the activation of the Terrigen Bomb. This act transformed them from a reclusive, hidden society into a global phenomenon, unleashing their genetic legacy upon the world and creating a new generation of Inhumans who would redefine their culture and their place in the universe.

A core theme of Hickman's entire run, crystallized in Infinity, is the expansion of the Avengers' mandate. No longer just Earth's protectors, they became a “World” of heroes, an “Avengers Machine” capable of projecting power and diplomacy on a galactic scale. The event tests this concept to its absolute limit, forcing Captain America to become a true general of an interstellar army and proving that the Avengers' ideals of courage and sacrifice are universal.

Thanos's invasion is built on a grand deception. The public story is that he is a nihilistic butcher demanding a tribute of heads for his own sadistic pleasure. This aligns with his established reputation. However, the true narrative is one of paternal fear. Thanos, the embodiment of cosmic death, cannot abide the existence of a child who might one day surpass him. His entire galactic invasion is a finely-honed weapon aimed at a single, unknown boy on a primitive planet. This reframes his villainy from pure nihilism to something deeply personal and, in its own twisted way, more terrifying.

Running beneath the bombastic space battles and superhero slugfests is the dark, existential horror of the Incursions from New Avengers. The Infinity event serves as a grand, heroic distraction from the true, unavoidable threat. The heroes “win” the war, save the galaxy, and defeat Thanos, but the victory is hollow because the multiverse itself is still dying. This theme of inevitable decay and the desperate, ugly things heroes will do to stave it off provides a somber undertone to the entire epic, reminding the reader that a far greater and more final conflict—Secret Wars—is looming on the horizon.

While the direct plot of the 2013 Infinity event has not been adapted into other media, its characters and concepts have proven to be incredibly influential, particularly within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As detailed previously, the MCU's Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame are primarily adaptations of the 1991 Infinity Gauntlet storyline. However, they are heavily infused with elements created for the 2013 Infinity event:

• The Black Order: The “Children of Thanos” are the most significant contribution from Infinity to the MCU. Their designs, names (with Black Dwarf being renamed Cull Obsidian), and roles as Thanos's elite enforcers are a direct lift. Their popularity in the films has cemented them as A-list villains in the Marvel canon.
• Outriders and the Battle of Wakanda: The visual language of the massive ground invasion of Wakanda by Thanos's alien swarm is taken directly from the pages of Infinity.
• Thanos's Armor: The armored, warlord appearance of Thanos in Endgame and flashbacks is more visually aligned with his portrayal in Infinity than his more traditional comic look.

The Black Order, popularized by their comic debut in Infinity and their subsequent MCU appearance, have become staple bosses and characters in numerous Marvel video games.

• Marvel: Avengers Alliance (2012-2016): This Facebook game was one of the first media to adapt the Infinity event, featuring the Black Order as primary antagonists in a special operation.
• Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order (2019): This Nintendo Switch exclusive places the Black Order front and center, making them the titular villains serving Thanos in a story that blends elements from multiple comic storylines, including Infinity.
• Marvel Contest of Champions (2014-Present): Members of the Black Order, such as Corvus Glaive and Proxima Midnight, are popular and powerful playable characters in this mobile fighting game.

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