Comic Review: Infinity Warps: Soldier Supreme Annual (2019-) #1

Infinity Warps: Soldier Supreme Annual (2019-) #1

Marvel Comics

Writers: Al Ewing, Mark Waid

Artists: Carlos Gomez, Alex Lins

I think we can all agree, the Infinity Wars event from 2018 is kind of a letdown. Nothing really happens. I mean, stuff happens, but there are no lasting effects from it, besides Thanos dying. That’s major in its own way, but it’s also something I’m expecting to be retconned within a year. But, one of the cooler parts of it all is the “warps” they gave us. Halfing all life in the universe, they merged characters with other characters giving us some fun new combinations.

At the end of Infinity Wars, the warp world survives inside of the Soul Stone, and that’s where this issue takes place. We follow (my personal favorite) Stephen Rogers, the Soldier Supreme. The Soldier Supreme is under attack inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, by Madame Hel, girlfriend of the Iron Hammer. Looking for assistance from other heroes, he finds they’re all under attack from villains of other heroes. Confronting Iron Hammer, the two fight, unaware that it’s a plot from the villains to defeat the heroes. There’s also a smaller, one-off story about the Soldier Supreme fighting a mystical threat against America.

Just for the sheer novelty factor of all the warp characters in this book, it’s great. There are some old faces, and some new ones as well. It’s a nice, small way of building this world up a bit. There’s a Daredevil/Iron Fist mashup, Bushmaster/Kraven, and Skrulls/Hellfire Club. And the designs are great, as is the art for this story. Some of the pages get a little busy for me, but it’s nothing that hinders the flow of the story. I like the direction this story seems to be going. It’s looking a bit Civil War-esque, with Iron Hammer and the Soldier Supreme fighting. But, as a launch for this event/miniseries, it’s effective.

The second story is more straightforward and reads more like a one shot. Baroness Umar is sending creatures to attack America, the Soldier Supreme is the only one able to stop her. I’ll say, it’s weird seeing the Baron Zemo mask on top of cleavage. It took me a second to realize in this universe, Zemo is a girl. But besides that, I like this story. It’s this warp universes version of a classic Captain America story. The art is a little less detailed than the first half of the comic, but this story takes place in a mystical realm. So it fits. As I said, this one is a short, straightforward story, but it’s fun. It feels like a classic Captain America story dipped in magic.

I think I’m a bigger fan of these warped characters than most. I think they’re just really fun concepts, and I want to explore this universe more. Luckily, that’s what this comic does. The story is interesting, setting up some very familiar looking story beats, but with these fun new characters. The backup story is good, and a nice straightforward affair, and all around the art is good. If like me, you enjoy these warp characters, you’ll enjoy this comic. If you don’t like them, maybe this comic will convince you otherwise. In any case, it’s worth reading.