The Underrated Marvel Annihilation Comic Event: A Fan's Review

While many Marvel fans credit1 Civil War, House of M, and Secret Invasion as the crossover events that elevated Marvel Comics to a higher level of crossover storytelling, they often overlook the Annihilation. This event, in my opinion, is one of the best crossover stories from the 2000s and is severely underrated.

Why Annihilation Is My Second-Favorite Crossover in the 2000s

Annihilation is a story that involves Guardians of the Galaxy, Nova (Richard Rider), Silver Surfer, and Thanos teaming up to take down an enemy called Annihilation. This event is significant not only for its impressive storyline but also for its place in Marvel's pantheon of crossover events that occurred before the MCU.

The Artwork and the Characters

One of the aspects that I always appreciate the most about 2000s Marvel crossover events is the quality of the art. The artwork in Annihilation can still be recognized today even after 15 years, which is a testament to its enduring appeal. In Annihilation, I found Nova (Richard Rider) and Galactus particularly interesting, which is unusual because these characters were often integral to the MCU lineup and thus more censored or adapted to fit the cinematic universe narrative.

Impressive Action Sequences

Another thing that I found remarkable about this event is the action scenes. It is not necessary for me to have gore in my comics, but the fight scenes in Annihilation are stellar and well-executed. For instance, the moment where Thanos skins a woman's arm to remove control bugs is something that only Marvel could execute with such severity and impact.2

When people ask me to explain the difference between contemporary Marvel and 2000s Marvel, I often reference this series. The impact and excitement of these scenes are so strong that they leave a lasting impression on the reader.

A Memorable Ending

Lastly, the ending of this event is no less impressive. One of the most notable moments is when Galactus, the most powerful being in the universe, performs a Galactus Ground, which destroys not just one solar system but three. In this final confrontation, the heroes weaken the antagonist allowing Nova to finish the job. The scene where Nova grabs the enemy's tongue and rips out his entire spine is a moment that stands the test of time and left an indelible mark on my preferences for comic book storytelling.

Annihilation is a genuine masterpiece. Unlike many DC crossover events that may be more recognized, this event does not feature Avengers vs. X-Men or Fantastic Four vs. World’s Worst Supervillains. However, it is a testament to the quality of this crossover that it is under-appreciated. If you want to see the best of what 2000s Marvel had to offer, Annihilation is a must-read.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Conclusion

Overall, Annihilation is a missive that should not be overlooked. It is an event that I highly recommend to both Marvel fans and DC Comics fans. While some may not view it as one of the best, its underrated status is a testament to its underappreciated brilliance.