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In the Modern Age, Vulcan debuted. Simply, he is the brother of Scott and Alex Summers. Strangely, he is a product of both science and institutional slavery. Early, Corsair and pregnant Katherine Summers were abducted by D’Ken, ruler of the Shi’ar Empire. To save both mother and child, Corsair escaped. However, Katherine was killed though the child survived.
Forcibly, the child was removed from her body and grown in an Incubator-Accelerator. To this end, the device was used to breed new slaves to adolescence. Send to Earth to join the Emperor’s hand on Earth, the teenager escaped. There, he was found by Moira McTaggart. Soon, she would educate him on his powers.
Unfortunately, the teenager had no recollection of his past. In fact, he claimed to be Gabriel though he took the codename Kid Vulcan. After an encounter with Professor X, Gabriel learned he was Cyclops’ brother. Soon, he joined the X-Men. Along with Moira’s students; namely, Petra, Darwin and Sway they embarked on mission to rescue the original X-Men from Krakoa. Though the X-Men were rescued, there was a price. In fact, Gabriel and members of his team apparently died.
After the apparent deaths of the team, Cyclops returned to Professor Xavier in a hysterical state, blaming himself for their deaths. The Professor decided it was best for all involved if he altered Scott’s memories to forget about Vulcan and his team, to spare everyone the agony of their loss. A new team was assembled and successfully rescued the original X-Men from Krakoa.
Vulcan and Darwin were launched into space along with the Krakoa landmass by Polaris and remained inert until years later, when the massive backlash of power resulting from M-Day awakened Vulcan.
-Gabriel Summers, Marvel Database
In X-Men: Deadly Genesis (2005) #1, Vulcan returns to Earth. In an attempt to locate Professor X missing after House of M, Emma Frost uses Cerebra. Surprisingly, she locates an omega-level mutant and a NASA space-shuttle in re-entry on Earth. Definitely, since Cerebra has been used to identify mutant signatures, it is an indication of Vulcan’s overall power level.
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Really, Vulcan is overpowered. As an Omega-Level mutant, Vulcan has vast energy projection powers. In fact, his powers extend over the electromagnetic spectrum. In their encounter, the mutant absorbed Adam Warlock‘s magical powers. Effectively, rendering him near powerless. Indeed, Adam Warlock was terrified and confirmed Vulcan is an Omega-Level mutant.
Among Vulcan’s powers are vast energy projection and manipulation, energy absorption, flight at subluminal speed, super strength, energy constructs and telekinesis, power suppression, energy detection and regeneration. In fact, Vulcan possesses these powers at least at a Stellar-Level. Later, we will see what happens when his powers are unleashed against alien races in conquest.
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In X-Men: Deadly Genesis, Professor X states Vulcan is actually one of the most powerful mutants. On Earth, Vulcan meets the X-Men for the first time. In their last battle, the villain is able to take on the X-Men team. Including withstand an all-out Cyclops’ optic blasts and an uppercut from Colossus. In the end, Vulcan ends the fights with a wholesale electric blast that shocks the X-Men.
During Rise and Fall of The Shi’ar Empire, Gabriel proves he is #TheMostPowerfulMutant. Through planning, study, deceit and superior power, Vulcan becomes D’Ken’s second in command. Soon, he captures Professor X to avenge the telepath’s deception early on.
On the M’Kraan Crystal’s homeworld, Professor X is imprisoned. On the day of his wedding to Deathbird, Emperor D’Ken plans to execute the Professor. But not if the X-Men and the Starjammers can do anything about it. In a civil war, the Shi’ar Empire is divided between D’Ken and Lilandra factions. When the X-Men arrive, they side with Lilandra.
However, after dealing with Charles Xavier, Vulcan actually betrays Emperor D’Ken. In a powerful blast, he incinerates the Emperor’s face. Then, by right of blood, combat and succession, he crowns himself Shi’ar Emperor. Really, a powerful statement!
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In X-Men: Deadly Genesis (2005) #2, Vulcan proves his telepathy can affect physical systems. Notably, Rachel Summers as Marvel Girl, is one of the most powerful psionics in Marvel. At full potential, she can tap into the Phoenix Force. In the issue, Vulcan was able to stop current in her brain, effectively turning off her telepathy.
Since Rachel Summers has seemingly infinite telepathic potential, the feat is likely Infinite in Energy Projection.
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In War of Kings, the Shi’Ar Empire attacks the Kree Empire. In a catastrophic finale, Emperor Vulcan battles Emperor Black Bolt.
During the battle, both kings appear evenly matched. On the ropes, Black Bolt unleashes his sonic scream at point-blank range. As a result, Vulcan’s skin is burned to a crisp.
Before Black Bolt’s T-Bomb can explode, Crystal appears with Lockjaw to render the Terrigen crystals inert. Suddenly, Vulcan tackles Blackagar. Amazingly, he survived.
Before Black Bolt can be teleported, the T-Bomb explodes. In its place, is a rift in space-time called the Fault.
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Since Cerebra can locate the mutants on Earth, it can indicate Vulcan’s power level. If at the time, there were 198 mutants, we can state that the Energy Projection required to overload Cerebra is Planetary-Level. Since Vulcan is an Omega-Level mutant, it is likely that his Energy Projection in X-Men: Deadly Genesis is at least Multi-Planetary or Stellar.
Because of Gabriel’s mastery of the EM spectrum, we can assume he has the potential for an Infinite-Level of Energy Projection. In fact, due to the requirement for infinite mass in order to reach the speed of light.
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In the story arc, Vulcan takes on Gladiator and the Shi’ar Imperial Guard. To this end, he plans to take down the Shi’ar Empire in order to avenge himself. In fact, the fight shows why Gabriel is such a dangerous foe. Indeed, his combination of ruthlessness, strategy, energy projection and durability prove more than a match for the Guard. However, when the mutant meets Gladiator, the battle soon turns around to the Imperial Guard’s favor.
Brian Michael Bendis
Alex Maleev
Dave Stewart
Gabriele Dell’Otto
Marvel Comics
March 29, 2006
In New Avengers: Illuminati (2006) #1, the Illuminati forms. After the Kree-Skrull war, Iron Man convenes a meeting. In attendance are Mister Fantastic, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, King Namor, Black Bolt and Professor X. As matter of fact, Iron Man and the attendees recognize the war could have been averted. Indeed, it would if the different superhero teams had pooled resources and intel.
Despite their acknowledgements, the meeting highlights the differences among the various factions. For his part, Iron Man favors forming a delegation of superheroes to serve a united front against future threats. However, his idea is opposed by every other attendee, especially Namor. In some sense, Iron Man proves prescient as this move could have averted the major crisis to befall the Marvel Universe: Civil War. Though, the Illuminati forms.
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Forward in time, after House of M, the Illuminati convenes. Due to House of M, Professor X is absent. During the meeting, Iron Man informs them of important news. Recently, the U.S. government is planning on passing the Superhero Registration Act. As a result of House of M, 198 and Secret War, this is a likely development. Really, Tony explains how his mind and Reed’s work. As an inventor, industrialist and businessman, Tony is a futurist.
Hence, he is able to predict social trends and what people need. Correctly, he predicts what the New Warriors would later do in their quest for fame. Consequently, he advises the Illuminati to get onboard. However, Doctor Strange, Black Bolt and King Namor forcefully refuse. Only Mister Fantastic agrees. Though Tony’s views are extreme, they highlight the fact he was correct: Early on, the heroes of Earth should have formed a delegation. In the end, the Illuminati were a missed opportunity.
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At the end of the story, Scarlet Witch uttered the spell “no more mutants.” Only 198 mutants remain on Earth. At Xavier’s Institute, Emma Frost finds out that many mutants are powerless. In the issue, the X-Men find a depowered Magneto in Genosha. About Wanda, here whereabouts are unknown.
At Avengers Tower, the memories of the New Avengers have been restored. In shock, Doctor Strange feels he has failed his duty to protect Earth. For his part, Spider-Man demands that Strange erase their memories of House of M. To which Doctor Strange declines. Unfortunately, the New Avengers face Hawkeye‘s apparent death.
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In Avengers Disassembled: Chaos, the Avengers are attacked by a mysterious force. First, there is the resurrected Jack-Of-Hearts who attacks Avengers Mansion. Then Tony is inexplicably drunk without having a drink.
This leads to a violent outburst at the U.N. Then, Vision attacks the Avengers. Finally, She-Hulk brutally rips Vision apart. Correctly, Iron Man realizes that the attacks are connected. Though the Avengers disagree.
In AvX, Tony is correct twice. The first time, he correctly designs a Phoenix-Killer Armor. Powerfully, he detonates it on the moon. Though the Phoenix is destroyed, it splits into the Phoenix Five.
Later, Iron Man correctly deduces the reason for the Phoenix Force’s return to Earth. The Phoenix Force and Chaos Magic are like yin and yang. Indeed, the Phoenix returned because of Scarlet Witch’s “no more mutants.”
In Civil War II, Tony comes into blows with Carol Danvers. During an invasion by a Celestial Destructor, the Ultimates used information from an Inhuman. Namely, Ulysses provided information to save the day. When Captain Marvel wanted Ulysses to join the Ultimates, Iron Man opposed the decision.
Correctly, he questioned Ulysses’ mysterious powers, whether the future can be changed and the morality of pre-emptive strikes. Though conflict soon followed with several tragedies. Such as the deaths of War Machine and Hulk. After, there was a final battle between Iron Man and Captain Marvel. Apparently, Tony died. In the end, jumping between futures, Ulysses vanished to meet Eternity.
Brian Michael Bendis
Alex Maleev
Dave Stewart
Gabriele Dell’Otto
Marvel Comics
March 29, 2006
In ‘New Avengers: Illuminati’ (2006) #1, the Illuminati forms while Black Panther leaves. To begin, Iron Man has convened a secret meeting in Wakanda with Professor X, Black Bolt, King Namor, Mister Fantastic, Black Panther and Doctor Strange. After the Kree-Skrull War, Iron Man believes the disaster could have been averted if the heroes had shared the pieces of information they possessed. In his prescience, Iron Man proposes to gather the different superhero teams together in order to share resources and information.
Forward in the future, perhaps, the Superhero Registration Act could have been averted had the heroes presented a united front early on. Hopefully, he intends to create a planetary law enforcement to the rest of the universe. Unfortunately, the other attendees do not agree. First, Mister Fantastic questions the scale of the “delegation” and a qualified leadership.1 Second, Doctor Strange raises the problem of bureaucracy. Third, Professor X states Iron Man’s proposition is based on the new fear of the Avengers after the War. Fourth, Black Panther predicts that humans and mutant heroes alike would end up hated together.
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Fifth, King Namor points out that the Avengers have recruited terrorists such as Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver and Hawkeye. In addition, he tells of rumors of a Canadian mutant working as an assassin referring to Wolverine. Finally, he questions whether Black Bolt’s brother who was the architect of the invasion, was executed for his crimes.Nevertheless, Mister Fantastic sees merit in sharing information to save lives.
In fact, Doctor Strange suggests they meet privately and Mister Fantastic agrees for the “big things.”1 For his part, Namor trusts the attendees but asks for secrecy. Though he is hesitant, Professor X agrees to scan the minds of everyone at Iron Man’s request. Decisively, Mister Fantastic decides to put forming the team to a vote. All are in favor, except Black Panther. Sternly, he questions the group’s cohesion and the need for secrecy. Then, he departs.
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In a recent rampage in Las Vegas, Hulk killed 26 people and a dog. During the S.H.I.E.L.D. briefing, Maria Hill questions what the heroes are doing about the situation. Similarly, she relates Hulk’s lack of control and sporadic heroism to Spider-Man and his unwillingness to finish off Green Goblin alias Norman Osborn. For its part, the government is looking to blame the heroes for their inaction. Some time later, during “House of M,” the Illuminati convene at the Avengers Hydrobase, a former base of operations.
Sinisterly, Iron Man proposes to rocket Hulk into space on an abandoned planet where he will not hurt anyone. Angrily, Namor accuses the heroes of not doing enough to help cure Bruce Banner and opposes the decision. Strongly, Mister Fantastic defends his work in attempting to cure Thing and dampen Hulk; even, Doctor Strange’s attempts to banish Hulk at the crossroads. In reverse, Namor sees the move as retaliation for the Avengers’ failure to prevent House of M.
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Nevertheless, Mister Fantastic puts it to a vote: Iron Man, Mister Fantastic, Black Bolt and Doctor Strange vote in favor. Violently, Namor attacks Iron Man. To no avail, Mister Fantastic tries to restrain him but Namor goes in pursuit. Sluggishly, the two heroes slug it out underwater. Until, Doctor Strange puts an end to the brawl by encasing both in spells.
Again, King Namor opposes the decision. Prophetically, he predicts Hulk will come back to Earth and he will kill the Illuminati. In fact, he will be correct. Now free, Namor plunges into the waters stating that T’Challa was also correct. Due to “House of M,” Professor X was absent from the vote.
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When World War Hulk invaded the Earth, he set up a gladiatorial arena in New York City. In ‘World War Hulk’ (2007) #4, Hulk forces the Illuminati to fight as gladiators. Strapped with Obedience Disks, Iron Man, Mister Fantastic, a “Black Bolt” usurper and Doctor Strange fight against a Devil Korker from Sakaar.
Together, they work in team and manage to defeat the monster. Then, in a twist, World War Hulk activates their Obedience Disks to force them to fight each other to the death. When Mister Fantastic defeats Tony Stark, he fights against giving him the killing blow. Heroically, Tony tells him it is the right thing in order to save billions. Sinisterly, Hulk gives Iron Man the thumbs down.
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New Avengers: Illuminati Vol 1 1 in Marvel Database. World War Hulk Vol 1 1 in Marvel Database. World War Hulk Vol 1 4 in Marvel Database. World War Hulk Vol 1 5 in Marvel Database. |
Among Marvel superheroes, Black Bolt is a powerhouse. As Inhuman King, the silent monarch hosts a plethora of super powers: super strength, super speed, superhuman durability, a powerful sonic scream, matter and energy manipulation, particle and electron harnessing and manipulation.
On his brow, Black Bolt has a metallic fork-shaped antenna. In order to channel his particle and electron super powers, Black Bolt focuses them with his antenna. Let’s look at how Black Bolt’s chief super powers extend to the Galaxy Level.
In ‘Fantastic Four’ (1993) #375, Doctor Doom has stolen Aron the rogue Watcher’s powers. Given that Uatu the Watcher’s power can shake a galaxy, Aron is comparably Galaxy Level. In order to stop Doctor Doom, the Fantastic Four and the Inhumans have teamed up. Ingeniously, Mister Fantastic has invented the Optimizer.
In short, it is a machine that absorbs Doctor Doom’s cosmic energy from his storage battery and fires it back at him. In this instance, Black Bolt speaks his sonic scream into the Optimizer and fires it at Doctor Doom. As a result, Doctor Doom’s storage battery is overloaded till he reaches critical mass. In the end, Doom vanishes in an explosion.
Definitely, Black Bolt demonstrated a Galaxy Level of Energy Projection since he was able to overload Doctor Doom’s storage battery.
In ‘Marvel Two-In-One Annual’ (1979) #4, Black Bolt performs an incredible feat. During a battle against Graviton, Black Bolt has to stop a solar flare from striking the Earth. Incredibly, Black Bolt uses his electron manipulation powers to stop the solar flare.
Considering a solar flare produces 1032 ergs per second or 1025 Watts of power, Black Bolt demonstrated a Stellar Level of Energy Projection.
In ‘War of Kings’ (2009) #1, Emperor Vulcan is at the head of the Shi’ar Empire. Meanwhile, Black Bolt rules the Kree. In a declaration of war, Vulcan attacks the Kree. During an all-out war, Black Bolt attacks Gladiator and briefly overpowers him. In the meantime, White Noise has to put an end to the fight.
Considering Gladiator has Stellar Level Super Strength, Black Bolt demonstrated a Stellar Level of Super Strength.
Really, a feat that has been talked about on the Internet. In Doctor Strange (2018) #16, Galactus returns to the Marvel Universe. Previously, Galactus sated his hunger in another dimension. Now, he has returned to conquer the Marvel Universe.
In order to stop the Devourer of Worlds, Doctor Strange assembles a coalition of mages and cosmic heroes. Together, they battle the Star God. Though, their efforts are futile. Indeed, Galactus will not be conquered.
Alone, Black Bolt steps forward. Moreover, amped by magic, he delivers a powerful sonic scream. Incredibly, the sonic scream staggers Galactus. At a time when Galactus did not have his jobber aura, he was still a cosmic force.
In The Last Galactus Story: Chapter Seven (1985), a sated Galactus once survived the gravitational force at the core of the Milky Way galaxy. Definitely, considering the incredible durability, Black Bolt performed a Galaxy-Level of Energy Projection.
Definitely, Black Bolt is as powerful as a herald of Galactus. Let’s list the Top 4 heralds in terms of energy manipulation.
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In ‘Incredible Hulk’ (1980) #250, Silver Surfer is stranded on Earth and seeks the help of Bruce Banner. In order to break through Galactus’s space barrier, Bruce Banner constructs machinery to bombard the Silver Surfer with gamma rays. Soon, the gamma-powered Silver Surfer goes into space to break the barrier.
After a gamma ray explosion, Bruce Banner transforms into the Hulk. Returning from space for more power, Surfer ends up fighting the Green Behemoth. On Silver Surfer’s surfboard, they end in space. There, Surfer has the idea of absorbing Hulk‘s gamma ray radiation. Afterwards, Hulk reverts to Bruce Banner.
Eventually, Surfer breaks the space barrier. However, the Sentinel of the Spaceways has to return to Earth to save Bruce in free fall, who fell off Surfer’s surfboard. Finally, Surfer has to return Bruce’s gamma power to save him, transforminging him into the Hulk. In the end, the Silver Surfer is again trapped on Earth.
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In “The 10 Most Powerful Heralds of Galactus, Ranked”, Chris White at CBR.com ranks Stardust number three. Namely, Stardust was the last surviving member of his race known as the Etherals. In fact, these were beings of pure energy. Named Lambda-Zero, she became Stardust, a ruthless and murderous herald of Galactus.
In ‘Stormbreaker: The Saga of Beta-Ray Bill’ (2005) #4, Stardust and Beta-Ray Bill engage in a cosmic clash over Galactus’ attempt to feed on New Korbin. In order to assist in her struggle, Stardust summons Asteroth. When the demon causes untold damage, both fighters agree to battle field remove it.
Uncannily, one of Stardust’s super powers with the Power Cosmic is to open portals to black holes. In order to BFR Asteroth, Stardust opens a portal to a black hole. Though, the ploy fails and both Stardust and Beta-Ray Bill begin to be sucked in.
In the end, they are saved by Alpha Ray who drives the evil spirit into the black hole.
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In ‘Silver Surfer’ (1987) #9, Nova and Silver Surfer have to save Galactus from the Elders of the Universe. In a grand scheme, they have built a device powered by the Soul Gems to destroy Galactus. Mischievously, they have kidnapped Shalla Bal and Mantis in order to lure the Silver Surfer. In exchange for the women’s freedoms, Surfer hands over the Soul Gem.
However, the Grandmaster sends the women in a ball of energy that will explode if touched. Unfortunately, Norrin manages to save only Shalla Bal. Angrily, the Surfer vows to make them pay and departs to save Galactus. Meanwhile, the Elders of the Universe have activated their machine which is slowly killing the Devourer of Worlds.
Under Surfer’s direction, Nova triggers a star to collapse into a black hole. Miraculously, Galactus can recover by feeding on the energies. Meanwhile, some of the Elders and the Soul Gems are sucked into the black hole.
Definitely, a feat requiring a high end energy manipulation. On a scale, it requires the power output of a galaxy within seconds. Without a doubt, a Galaxy Level of Energy Projection.
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In ‘Avengers’ (1989) #302, Firelord removes the flames off Invisible Woman’s construct in re-entry. Considering Firelord withstood heat from re-entry, this is both an energy projection feat and a durability feat.
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In ‘Infinity’ (2013) #1, Thanos and his army set out to conquer Earth in an alien invasion. The Builders, the universe’s oldest race, have destroyed planets they deem unfit for life. They have destroyed Earth-13761 and are headed for Earth-616. Learning of the threat from Captain Universe, the Avengers leave Earth to face the Builders. In the Avengers’ absence, Thanos and his army send Outrider in order to gather intel about Earth.
Outrider searches through Avengers Tower and Jean Grey’s School for Higher Learning. Outrider arrives at Attilan and attempts to read through Black Bolt’s memory only to wake him up. Badly beaten, it notifies Thanos that the Avengers have left Earth and is given the reward-death. Thanos and his army prepare to invade Earth.
In ‘Infinity’ (2013) #2, Thanos’ army invades Earth though there is some resistance. During the alien invasion, the Black Order confronts the Illuminati for intel about the Infinity Gems.
The Illuminati are a secret organization on Earth that shared information and strategy to solve crises. Their members were: Mister Fantastic, Iron Man, Black Panther, Professor X, Doctor Strange, Black Bolt and Namor.
Black Panther managed to force Black Dwarf to withdraw, while Doctor Strange was embarked in a mental fight against Ebony Maw. Beast and the X-Men fought Corvus Glaive and Supergiant. Proxima Midnight confronted Namor in the ruins of an Atlantis where its inhabitants were annihilated by an attack from Wakanda, part of a conflict caused by Namor’s attack on Wakanda during the conflict between the Avengers and the X-Men. However, the Black Order left their different locations as soon as they discovered the Illuminati didn’t have the Infinity Gems.
– Infinity (Event), Marvel Database
Black Bolt was visited by Corvus Glaive to demand a tribute to Thanos: the head of Inhuman youngsters between ages 16 and 22 or face the annihilation of Earth’s inhabitants. He is given one day to decide.
Black Bolt used the Inhuman Codex to discover that the tribute was a cover for Thanos’ true quest for the alien invasion: to kill his Inhuman descendant son whose identity and location are unknown to him.
In ‘Infinity’ (2013) #3, Thanos faces Black Bolt in combat. During the battle, the Inhuman city of Attilan is destroyed. However, Black Bolt managed to activate the Terrigen Mists which are mutagenic vapors arising from the Terrigen Crystals that cause Terrigenesis by activating latent genes in Inhuman descendants and develop super powers.
As the heroes continued the fight against Thanos’ alien invasion, the Illuminati set out to locate Thanos’ son, Thane at multiple locations on Earth. In ‘Infinity (2013) #5’ Thane undergoes Terrigenesis. Ebony Maw locates him in the Inhuman city of Orollan in Greenland. Ebony Maw poses as an ally and offers Thane a containment armor then imprisons him in a containment field. He alerts Thanos.
In ‘Infinity’ (2013) #5, the Avengers have liberated worlds from the Builders’ control. However, they learn from the Galactic Council that Earth has fallen to Thanos‘ alien invasion. They head for Earth. The Avengers soon locate Thanos and the Black Order in the Inhuman city of Orollan. In ‘Infinity’ (2014) #6, the battle begins. Thanos takes on the Avengers with the help of the Black Order.
During the battle, Captain America is injured by Proxima Midnight’s spear. The ricochets from Captain America’s shield injure Corvus Glaive who gets reduced to ashes by Hyperion’s atomic vision. Thanos takes down Captain Marvel with a punch, and Thor with a cosmic blast. Then, Ebony Maw double crosses him as Thane imprisons Thanos in a cube of “living death” ending the alien invasion and proving that only the strong survive.
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In ‘Infinity #4’, Thane’s Inhuman latent genes are activated by the Terrigen Mists.
Infinity (Event) in Marvel Database. Infinity Vol 1 1 in Marvel Database. Infinity Vol 1 3 in Marvel Database. Infinity Vol 1 5 in Marvel Database. Infinity Vol 1 6 in Marvel Database. |
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