Infinity Inc. #5

I was all set to drop "Infinity Inc." after a four issue tryout because of the snail's pace plotting and poor use of Steel. I did not (and still don't at this point) like the direction of the book. As a fan of the original "Infinity, Inc." team I thought this book was just plain boring. However, while perusing NEWSRAMA I discovered that Pete Woods is coming on as the monthly artist. After looking at his new designs, I thought that maybe writer Peter Milligan would be taking the book in a different direction after the opening arc is complete.

This issue seems to tie up the first story arc and I can't say that it was very satisfying. I like that fact that Steel is back in his armor and that the kids are actually working together. I still don't care for the villain of the story or really understand his and his companions motivations. Now that Steel is operating again and the kids look to be forming a team, I look forward to moving towards Woods' team uniform design and the direction that takes this book.

I believe you could skip this first five issues of this book and pickup when Woods comes on for issue #8 and not really miss much.

Infinity Inc. #4

I gave it four issues. My son gave it three and half. He couldn't even make it through this issue. I gritted my teeth and pushed through and read it all. I don't know what writer Peter Milligan is going for here. I'm guessing it supposed to be the Emo team, but they come off as a bunch of whiners. Milligan does a horrible job of explaining the character motivations and what is going on here. I'm saddened to see such a great character like John Henry Irons wasted. He needs to put back on the armor and get back to being the DCU's Iron Man.

This title never made my pull list as I would grab it when I saw it on the rack. If it had been good I would have put it on my list, but this wasn't the case. The book is a complete mess and is BORING to boot. Stay away.

Infinity Inc #3

I read the original "Infinity, Inc" back in the 80s and thought their adventures were a fun read. Roy Thomas and Jerry Ordway did a great job of introducing the characters and giving them a purpose for being together - McFarlane's first art wasn't too shabby either. This incarnation of the group has no link to the 80s version. It is the Emo group of the DCU - a bunch of kids sulking around, going to therapy, and just mentally unhealthy. I guess the thrust of this book is to answer the question what you would do if you had a super power and then lost it, but I'm not entirely sure of what is going on here. Writer Peter Milligan must have forgotten to take his pills because full depression is on display here. Every character from Steel to "Kid Empty" shows some form of psychosis. Does this make the book compelling? No. The art, once again DC, looks rushed as a gaggle of artist particpate in what looks like a hodge podge of styles.

With no connection to the past, a sulking cast, and uninspired art, I can't recommend this book.