Infinity # 1 2013 VF/NM

Infinity # 1 (August 2013) is the oversized launch of a six-issue Marvel crossover event that features a war on two fronts: the Avengers heading into deep space to stop the ancient, world-destroying Builders, while Thanos takes advantage of their absence to invade a defenseless Earth. 

The issue, written by Jonathan Hickman, establishes two catastrophic threats that converge on the Marvel Universe: 

• The Builders: An ancient race of "perfect" creators who are systematically destroying planets that don't fit their vision. After a warning from Captain Universe, Captain America leads most of the Avengers into space to unite a Galactic Council against them.
• Thanos' Invasion: While the heroes are away, Thanos sends his Black Order (including Corvus Glaive and Proxima Midnight) to Earth to demand a grim "tribute". Secretly, Thanos is searching for his lost Inhuman son, Thane. 

• The Outrider Scout: Thanos sends an Outrider, a genetically engineered assassin, to find Earth's secrets. It infiltrates Avengers Tower and Attilan, eventually informing Thanos that the Avengers have left the planet.
• The Illuminati's Struggle: The story briefly revisits the Illuminati (including Black Panther and Namor), who are secretly dealing with "incursions"—colliding universes—which is the underlying cause for the Builders' movement.
• Black Bolt's Secret: Thanos' forces confront the Inhuman King Black Bolt, who hides the location of Thanos' son.
• The Defense of Earth: With the main team in space, Iron Man remains behind to coordinate local defenses with characters like the Inhumans and S.H.I.E.L.D.. 

• Writer: Jonathan Hickman
• Artists: Jim Cheung (lead artist for #1), Jerome Opeña, and Dustin Weaver
• Colorist: Justin Ponsor