Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning
Artist: Miguel Sepulveda
Colorist: Jay David Ramos
Cover Artist: Aleksi Briclot
Publisher: Marvel
Release Date: November 10th, 2011
Warning: Contains Spoilers
This issue marks not only the end of the finest cosmic mini-series since the venerated Annihilation, but also the end of Marvel Cosmic as we’ve know it since Annihilation.
First I want to rave about Aleksi Briclot’s cover art. His work on this series has been amazing and the cover to this very issue is now at the top of my favorites list for art featuring Nova and Starlord. Thank you Mr. Briclot – the cover for Issue 6 is superb. I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Sepulveda’s interior art reached a crescendo this issue as well. From the intimate moments of a eulogy to the spectacular grandeur of universe ending combat, Sepulveda did a commendable job and really brought this series home for the fans. Thank you sir – some of these panels will be talked about in cosmic comics history for years to come. Ramos’ colors sealed the deal for an overall extremely satisfying visual experience.
What can I say about DnA’s writing that I and others haven’t already said many times before. Thanks guys – you’re the best. You’ve steadily brought us eager fans the type of Nova stories in particular and cosmic stories in general that we’ve always wanted from Marvel Cosmic and only intermittently received prior to your assignment to the cosmic niche. I think I speak for all of us when I say that I hope you get the opportunity to continue these fine cosmic storylines utilizing our favorite characters.
By now, everyone knows that many of our beloved heroes gave their lives to save the 616 Universe from the Cancerverse invasion – and further, that Nova and Starlord seemingly gave their lives in a Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid-like last stand to save the 616 from a follow-up invasion by Thanos. The story was magnificent and if Nova and Starlord had to go for whatever dramatic and/or business-editorial reason – then at least their demise was both memorable and appropriate – even though most of the cosmic fans will no doubt be profoundly disappointed by that particular story element – especially if their resurrection is years in the making.
I think the most disturbing element of the series is the story outside of the story. On the last page of the story I was left wondering why this critically acclaimed series was billed as “The End of the Marvel Cosmic Universe.” Why is it the end? There are clearly many more fine cosmic stories to be told – and a ready market of consumers eager for such stories since every issue of this series has sold out and gone to reprint. Yet advance solicits for next year show no cosmic books. Marvel editorial seems to be missing the message. Let me see if I can clearly articulate the message.
Today’s cosmic fans grew up on Star Wars and video games. We want exciting, innovative, military Science-Fiction/Science-Fantasy type adventures that talk UP to us and challenge us and allow our heroes to actually change and mature in response to their experiences – like Annihilation and The Thanos Imperative. The more puerile ultimate fantasy slug-fests involving street level heroes and a few gods that just happen to have a cosmic element to them – like Chaos War or Secret Invasion – are not acceptable substitutes. If you really want to develop the Cosmic niche and perhaps ultimately translate it to the silver screen where a public is eagerly anticipating blockbuster movies with similar themes (seen the hype for the upcoming GL film anyone?) keep delivering titles like Annihilation and The Thanos Imperative. If you want to miss the cosmic boat and hand the cosmic business to your competitors at DC, Image, Top Cow, Dark Horse, etc. – then alienate the cosmic fans by leaving Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy on “hiatus” or in a “percolation period” for the next several years.
Article by: Bill Meneese
