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The Annihilation Saga #3
Annihilation: The Complete Collection, Vol. 2
The cosmic epic concludes, and Marvel Universe will never be the same! Exiled and on the run, Ronan the Accuser faces the deadliest women in the galaxy - including Gamora! As war rages across the universe, Richard Rider, the new Nova Prime, must marshal a united front against Annihilus and his lethal Annihilation Wave! Drax the Destroyer, Peter "Star-Lord" Quill, Moondragon and Phyla-Vell join the fight to guard the galaxy - but what chilling plan does Annihilus have for Galactus? Whose side is Thanos on, and what will happen when he faces down Drax? Can Ronan save the Kree Empire from Annihilus' forces? And how can Nova's ragtag team possibly defeat the Annihilation Wave, stop the war and save the galaxy? Collecting ANNIHILATION: RONAN #1-4, ANNIHILATION #1-6, ANNIHILATION: HERALDS OF GALACTUS #1-2 and ANNIHILATION: THE NOVA CORPS FILES.
408 pages, Paperback
Published May 8, 2018
17 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Keith Giffen
1,931 books216 followersKeith Ian Giffen was an American comic book illustrator and writer. He is possibly best-known for his long runs illustrating, and later writing the Legion of Super-Heroes title in the 1980s and 1990s. He also created the alien mercenary character Lobo (with Roger Slifer), and the irreverent "want-to-be" hero, Ambush Bug. Giffen is known for having an unorthodox writing style, often using characters in ways not seen before. His dialogue is usually characterized by a biting wit that is seen as much less zany than dialogue provided by longtime collaborators DeMatteis and Robert Loren Fleming. That approach has brought him both criticism and admiration, as perhaps best illustrated by the mixed (although commercially successful) response to his work in DC Comics' Justice League International (1987-1992). He also plotted and was breakdown artist for an Aquaman limited series and one-shot special in 1989 with writer Robert Loren Fleming and artist Curt Swan for DC Comics.
Giffen's first published work was "The Sword and The Star", a black-and-white series featured in Marvel Preview, with writer Bill Mantlo. He has worked on titles (owned by several different companies) including Woodgod, All Star Comics, Doctor Fate, Drax the Destroyer, Heckler, Nick Fury's Howling Commandos, Reign of the Zodiac, Suicide Squad, Trencher (to be re-released in a collected edition by Boom! Studios)., T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, and Vext. He was also responsible for the English adaptation of the Battle Royale and Ikki Tousen manga, as well as creating "I Luv Halloween" for Tokyopop. He also worked for Dark Horse from 1994-95 on their Comics Greatest World/Dark Horse Heroes line, as the writer of two short lived series, Division 13 and co-author, with Lovern Kindzierski, of Agents of Law. For Valiant Comics, Giffen wrote XO-Manowar, Magnus, Robot Fighter, Punx and the final issue of Solar, Man of the Atom.
He took a break from the comic industry for several years, working on storyboards for television and film, including shows such as The Real Ghostbusters and Ed, Edd 'n' Eddy.
He is also the lead writer for Marvel Comics's Annihilation event, having written the one-shot prologue, the lead-in stories in Thanos and Drax, the Silver Surfer as well as the main six issues mini-series. He also wrote the Star-Lord mini-series for the follow-up story Annihilation: Conquest. He currently writes Doom Patrol for DC, and is also completing an abandoned Grant Morrison plot in The Authority: the Lost Year for Wildstorm.
Giffen's first published work was "The Sword and The Star", a black-and-white series featured in Marvel Preview, with writer Bill Mantlo. He has worked on titles (owned by several different companies) including Woodgod, All Star Comics, Doctor Fate, Drax the Destroyer, Heckler, Nick Fury's Howling Commandos, Reign of the Zodiac, Suicide Squad, Trencher (to be re-released in a collected edition by Boom! Studios)., T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents, and Vext. He was also responsible for the English adaptation of the Battle Royale and Ikki Tousen manga, as well as creating "I Luv Halloween" for Tokyopop. He also worked for Dark Horse from 1994-95 on their Comics Greatest World/Dark Horse Heroes line, as the writer of two short lived series, Division 13 and co-author, with Lovern Kindzierski, of Agents of Law. For Valiant Comics, Giffen wrote XO-Manowar, Magnus, Robot Fighter, Punx and the final issue of Solar, Man of the Atom.
He took a break from the comic industry for several years, working on storyboards for television and film, including shows such as The Real Ghostbusters and Ed, Edd 'n' Eddy.
He is also the lead writer for Marvel Comics's Annihilation event, having written the one-shot prologue, the lead-in stories in Thanos and Drax, the Silver Surfer as well as the main six issues mini-series. He also wrote the Star-Lord mini-series for the follow-up story Annihilation: Conquest. He currently writes Doom Patrol for DC, and is also completing an abandoned Grant Morrison plot in The Authority: the Lost Year for Wildstorm.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 23, 2020
So this book contains the actual Annihilation event and damn is it brutal.
The first few issues build up the war one last time giving spotlight to a few underused characters. However, it's the 6 part Annihilation event that really shines. A brutal tale of war and carnage that rocks the cosmic world. With Nova trying to lead the defense best he could, with Kree army lead by Ronan, Peter from guardians, and a few other characters they try their best to stop Annihilus and his army.
The sheer force of Annihilus and his army is crazy. It's also insane to see some elite warriors as Galactus and Silver surfer suffer a horrible consequence. But the brutal war has a HELL of a payoff as issue 6 is one of the best endings to an event ever. The art also stays really solid showing off some major epic fights. The last part of the book is kind of a bummer as it's the aftermath but not very interesting except save for a few silver surfer moments.
Overall, the actual event is fantastic, even if the rest isn't as good, so I'll give it a 4 out of 5.
The first few issues build up the war one last time giving spotlight to a few underused characters. However, it's the 6 part Annihilation event that really shines. A brutal tale of war and carnage that rocks the cosmic world. With Nova trying to lead the defense best he could, with Kree army lead by Ronan, Peter from guardians, and a few other characters they try their best to stop Annihilus and his army.
The sheer force of Annihilus and his army is crazy. It's also insane to see some elite warriors as Galactus and Silver surfer suffer a horrible consequence. But the brutal war has a HELL of a payoff as issue 6 is one of the best endings to an event ever. The art also stays really solid showing off some major epic fights. The last part of the book is kind of a bummer as it's the aftermath but not very interesting except save for a few silver surfer moments.
Overall, the actual event is fantastic, even if the rest isn't as good, so I'll give it a 4 out of 5.
May 27, 2018
The second volume of Annihilation concludes the story. I had higher hopes for this story to be honest. It was entertaining but there was always going to be an end like the one which they delivered which takes away from the story. There was a lot of back story between the characters which I was not aware of but the book this a good job of filling you in. 3.7 stars rounded up to 4
October 6, 2018
With how big and epic this story was supposed to be, most of it fell very flat. At times it seemed like it was verbose just to fill pages. Lots of big talk, not really going anywhere. The direct Galactus stuff was probably the best part. Exploring him and Surfer more were very entertaining. I like present Drax way more, and this one was frustrating to read. At least older Drax was capable of dialogue, this mid age one is basically a robot. None of the other characters really stuck out. Was all kind of meh. Honestly if I could give it a 2.5 I would.
Half of the art in this trade is absolutely horrid. It’s beyond primitive. I’m annoyed with Thor’s current art direction now, but at least it’s stylized. This art was just trash. A child could draw better given time. Thankfully it drastically improves midway through. All in all, fairly forgettable. In fact. Mid thought I’m changing my rating to a 2. I don’t think this is even worth a reread.
Half of the art in this trade is absolutely horrid. It’s beyond primitive. I’m annoyed with Thor’s current art direction now, but at least it’s stylized. This art was just trash. A child could draw better given time. Thankfully it drastically improves midway through. All in all, fairly forgettable. In fact. Mid thought I’m changing my rating to a 2. I don’t think this is even worth a reread.
July 20, 2022
Annihilation (part of the Annihilation: Complete Collection vol 2)
By Keith Giffen (Writer), Andrea di Vito (Artist)
Published by Marvel, 2006
Synopsis:
After our heroes tried to defeat the Annihilation Wave by themselves and failed, they unite trough hardships and unlikely alliances to defeat this threat for once and for all.
Review:
It's the Main Event! We are half a year into the Invasion of the Annihilation Wave from the Negative Zone. This book connects every main character seen before and connects them together with great writing and great art. There are some great fights from different sides. (with a special mention to the defence of the planet that felt like a last resort and not a war won). There are some great shocking moments with a certain death to be mentioned.
Our main baddie Annihilus is entertaining and his 'lackey' Thanos has an ace up his sleeve. The Main theme for both sides of the war is uneasy alliance. You can see any side see betray their allies for some cosmic glory and the suspense of reading it makes it so worth it.
Star Rating = 4 out of 5 Stars
A great finish to a good event. The only 'problem' is that it isn't the cosmic magnum opus that some folks claim it to be. It is a great jumping on point and probably the best space event since the Infinity Gauntlet but this just laid the groundwork for the Modern age of cosmic and i have to commend the creative minds that worked on this and Andy Schmidt for keeping it all contained and taking a risk. I also wanna give a shout to Gabriel Dell'otto for the phenomenal covers for the entirety of the event.
By Keith Giffen (Writer), Andrea di Vito (Artist)
Published by Marvel, 2006
Synopsis:
After our heroes tried to defeat the Annihilation Wave by themselves and failed, they unite trough hardships and unlikely alliances to defeat this threat for once and for all.
Review:
It's the Main Event! We are half a year into the Invasion of the Annihilation Wave from the Negative Zone. This book connects every main character seen before and connects them together with great writing and great art. There are some great fights from different sides. (with a special mention to the defence of the planet that felt like a last resort and not a war won). There are some great shocking moments with a certain death to be mentioned.
Our main baddie Annihilus is entertaining and his 'lackey' Thanos has an ace up his sleeve. The Main theme for both sides of the war is uneasy alliance. You can see any side see betray their allies for some cosmic glory and the suspense of reading it makes it so worth it.
Star Rating = 4 out of 5 Stars
A great finish to a good event. The only 'problem' is that it isn't the cosmic magnum opus that some folks claim it to be. It is a great jumping on point and probably the best space event since the Infinity Gauntlet but this just laid the groundwork for the Modern age of cosmic and i have to commend the creative minds that worked on this and Andy Schmidt for keeping it all contained and taking a risk. I also wanna give a shout to Gabriel Dell'otto for the phenomenal covers for the entirety of the event.
January 8, 2022
Ok, so this was disappointing.
The conlusion to the... excactly what?
SPOILERS:
So the bugs attack the cosmos and everyone is fucked. Everyone.
The main bug wants to gather all the energies so he manages to capture Galactacus. But then he gets free and destroys the bugs.
I'm sure that this is what Giffen wrote on a napkin. There's really not more to it. At least Civil War had something going on for itself - dumb - but still plenty to write many conflicts around the main problem.
Meanwhile, we get to meet new Nova, with really cool introduction - but then he's gone for entire story, does literally nothing, until the underwhelming final boss fight - where was Nova's powers in the battle on that last planet? He also barely has any motivation or character other than 'typical earthling token guy'.
Drax and Ronan though, they are the ones with clear motivation. But Drax dissapears after the beginning of the story, only to appear at the end to KILL THANOS (who's barely in the story too). Ronan has the best arc of all the heroes and his story is at least, somewhat, fleshed out. The Galactus' heralds are laughable - same goes for all the barrage of people that get introduced every other minute. Gamora is here just for the boobs, I guess.
And the art, only to eventually get better in the final six issues, was hard to bear.
I could go on - the villain is annoying and predictable. Silver Surfer joins Galactus completely disregarding his conscience. Thanos is just there and dies. Who was the hero of this story, what was the point of it? The Peter Quill "introduction" is laughable, he has some stupid banter with Nova and does literally NOTHING.
Summing up - it's not that this book is terrible. It's just very hard to read and care for.
Whoever could enlighten me to what the hype was about with this one, I shall be obliged.
The conlusion to the... excactly what?
SPOILERS:
So the bugs attack the cosmos and everyone is fucked. Everyone.
The main bug wants to gather all the energies so he manages to capture Galactacus. But then he gets free and destroys the bugs.
I'm sure that this is what Giffen wrote on a napkin. There's really not more to it. At least Civil War had something going on for itself - dumb - but still plenty to write many conflicts around the main problem.
Meanwhile, we get to meet new Nova, with really cool introduction - but then he's gone for entire story, does literally nothing, until the underwhelming final boss fight - where was Nova's powers in the battle on that last planet? He also barely has any motivation or character other than 'typical earthling token guy'.
Drax and Ronan though, they are the ones with clear motivation. But Drax dissapears after the beginning of the story, only to appear at the end to KILL THANOS (who's barely in the story too). Ronan has the best arc of all the heroes and his story is at least, somewhat, fleshed out. The Galactus' heralds are laughable - same goes for all the barrage of people that get introduced every other minute. Gamora is here just for the boobs, I guess.
And the art, only to eventually get better in the final six issues, was hard to bear.
I could go on - the villain is annoying and predictable. Silver Surfer joins Galactus completely disregarding his conscience. Thanos is just there and dies. Who was the hero of this story, what was the point of it? The Peter Quill "introduction" is laughable, he has some stupid banter with Nova and does literally NOTHING.
Summing up - it's not that this book is terrible. It's just very hard to read and care for.
Whoever could enlighten me to what the hype was about with this one, I shall be obliged.
January 29, 2019
Annihilation concludes in this second volume. It's a fitting end to a solid story, one that has its ups and downs, but ultimately entertains. More importantly, it offers a different perspective to the Marvel comics that has mostly been lacking for years. The Ronan miniseries within this collection is a solid addition to the overall story, likely only surpassed in quality by the Nova telling from the previous installment. The Annihilation story proper is very good, but does require a full perspective to follow, so I'm glad I waited to read this story collected. I also enjoyed the two Heralds of Galactus pieces that close this edition. It's always great to see those characters being placed front and center.
April 3, 2021
4.5 stars.
Clearly the stronger of the two Annihilation: Complete Collection books. I would even go so far as to say that they could have skipped the Drax and Super-Skrull segments in the front and back of the first book, and skipped the the Nova Corps Database section at the back of this book..., and combined the remaining stories into one consolidated and coherent omnibus. But when Marvel has the means and opportunity to coax fans to shell out the cash for two trade paperbacks when one would have sufficed, they're going to jump on that cash cow, right? ;)
Clearly the stronger of the two Annihilation: Complete Collection books. I would even go so far as to say that they could have skipped the Drax and Super-Skrull segments in the front and back of the first book, and skipped the the Nova Corps Database section at the back of this book..., and combined the remaining stories into one consolidated and coherent omnibus. But when Marvel has the means and opportunity to coax fans to shell out the cash for two trade paperbacks when one would have sufficed, they're going to jump on that cash cow, right? ;)
August 4, 2023
A more consistently entertaining volume than Vol 1, everything comes to a head here. Other than the beginning Ronan issues i feel the rest of the stories here are well written, with better art and some awesome setpiece/action moments as everyone fights for their life against the forces of Annihilus.
Seeing all of the characters we were introduced to in volume 1 interact with each other here, i was reminded of the 'Mass Effect' video game series which brought a smile to my face.
Can't wait to see what Nova and Annihilation: Conquest have in store for these characters.
Seeing all of the characters we were introduced to in volume 1 interact with each other here, i was reminded of the 'Mass Effect' video game series which brought a smile to my face.
Can't wait to see what Nova and Annihilation: Conquest have in store for these characters.
March 18, 2019
The main story was largely confined to the second book, and it made for good reading as the space-based Marvel heroes dealt with a nearly unstoppable hive mind of creatures that only wanted to destroy everything in their path. Well paced and giving a new look to some old, and at the time largely forgotten characters, the only complaint I had was the last few dozen pages were just character bios, some of which had appeared earlier in the story.
October 21, 2025
I found Ronan #1-4 to be my favorite chapter in this epic. I’ve always found the Kree Empire to be fascinating, and Ronan to be quite dynamic and honorable. The climax of Annihilation to be well-written, and Annihilius’ to be an excellent and destructive antagonist, with understandable dialouge and motives.
November 26, 2018
Still a very good conclusion to the storyline, but I thought the first half was more exciting. Maybe it is because I don't read "too many" comics, but I thought the fight between Drax and Thanos, while still climatic, was a little disappointing. These two collections are well worth the read.
August 22, 2019
This is really a satisfying read. Action packed space opera featuring Marvel's cosmic characters. The battle between Nova and Annihilus is one of the highlights of this book. The Annihilation is a cosmic event worth reading over and over again. Really great!
March 14, 2022
cool story
Love the second volume just wimpy ending with silver surfer taking out deities that bested galactus. No redemption for galactus would have been nice them have a major battle of cosmic proportions but still liked it
Love the second volume just wimpy ending with silver surfer taking out deities that bested galactus. No redemption for galactus would have been nice them have a major battle of cosmic proportions but still liked it
June 2, 2018
Toda la épica y los bichos espaciales. ¡Y un sábado por la tarde de lluvia!
November 9, 2019
I LOVED this volume. Ronan is badass and I liked his story a lot. And then Annihilation. Omg that was exciting ! The end where Nova beats the shit out of Annihilus, I had goosebumps. I did however not read the 2 herald of galactus ones. I found them confusing and did not bother to continue reading.
August 31, 2021
I've read the other annihilation, nova and guardians of the galaxy comics and I expected so much more of annihilation.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews