For those who have been following the Abnett & Lanning space epic for the past few years, they know that the dramatic narrative beginning with Annihilation has been consistently great. We have followed the stories of Nova and the Guardians of the Galaxy on an ongoing basis, but have also been treated to tales of the Inhumans, Shi’ar, Kree, Starjammers, and Silver Surfer, among others. Most recently, the stories have introduced the “cancerverse” – a universe in which death has been defeated. This is a problem, as unchecked life stifles the healthy cycle of development – hence the cancer analogy. Now the cancerverse is about to invade “our” 616 universe, and only a few stalwarts are even aware of this crisis.

Thanos is perhaps the greatest of Marvel’s villains. Unlike Dr. Doom, he is not motivated by ego. Unlike Ultron, he is not motivated by a belief of exceptionalism. And unlike Galactus, he has no gnawing need to destroy. Thanos destroys, because he cannot do otherwise. He has, at best, disdain for living things. He is almost incapable of experiencing friendship, although he is often quite witty. His only love is death, or more specifically Death, the representation of the abstract concept of death. Thus, Thanos may be the perfect remedy for the cancerverse – provided you can get past the evil and collateral damage. Thanos is chemotherapy.

Standing in the way of the good guys is Adam Magus – the newest manifestation of Adam Warlock’s evil side, who has taken control of the Universal Church. Magus and the Church believe that the cancerverse is a thing to be embraced. It is easy to imagine how the looming conflict will take place – Nova, the Guardians, and the other heroes will have to defeat both their counterparts within the cancerverse (including a very cool Quasar analog) and Magus and his Church, if they are to preserve the 616 universe. This is a brilliant story.

The current issue is a great Act I – it introduces the premise well, and it provides a recap for each of the key players in the saga. There is one creepy reveal at the end of the book which will resonate especially well for long-time Marvel readers. I will not spoil it – it’s really that good.