The answers lie in several people. Tony Stark, Reed Richards, who has assumed the identity of Dr. Doom, The Inhumans, The Watcher, and Machine Man are the keys to possibly to ending the chaos.

     Many other characters from the Marvel Universe take on surprising and interesting roles in the story. Scott Summers, aka Cyclops, leads a new group of X-Men to help Captain America against the Skull. Ben Grimm, who has twins, helps his former Fantastic Four leader. The Hulk has outgrown being Bruce Banner's alter ego, and has become a character all his own, with a young Banner leading him along the way. Thor has been transformed into a woman, and Doctor Strange has been killed. Wolverine, himself, has become an out of shape bum, who sits at home watching TV and drinking beer as his wife Jean Grey hates the day she ever chose the Canadian X-Man. Spider-Man is out of shape and everyone knows he is Peter Parker. He vows to never fight as Spider-Man again as his daughter, named after Aunt May, has been transformed into his arch rival, Venom. There is a new Daredevil around who reminds me of Ghost Rider. Storm has married the Black Panther. Colossus is in control of Russia and Captain Britain is now the ruler of England. Even Namor has gone crazy again, fighting those he believes to be trying to destroy his sea kingdom.

     Everything is no longer the way it once was. There is a place where the dead heroes reside, believing themselves to be alive, and the others, dead. Invisible Girl attacks Doctor Doom, believing he has killed her husband, when in fact, he had killed her. This dead zone plays an important role in the whole affair as the late Kree warrior, Captain Mar-vel, may be resurrected to save the Earth. In addition, many readers may be shocked to discover that the Earth may be saved from destruction by the likes of Loki, the God of Mischief, and Galactus, the creature who once tried to eat the Earth.

     I don't think I have even touched the surface at what a good book this is. The characters interact so well, the dialogue is wonderful and the epilogues between each part read like a novel. The artwork is fantastic and the story itself is so well planned out. I love the way they interweave the history of every character to update you on how their lives changed and how everything goes back to the Celestial plan. There are surprises at every corner, wonderful little jokes and commentary placed throughout the book and some really great ideas that I would have never thought of before. I would say this is actually a great jump on point to the Marvel Universe. Discover the origins of the heroes, some of their epic decisions that shaped the world and then see what could have happened had certain events gone a different way. I read the book in four hours, never wanting to put the book down, except for sleep. I recommend this book to anyone who collects comics and loves a great story. I implore those who have given up comics to go back out and rediscover what made comics so great to read. This is something kids of all ages can enjoy.

     But this wonderful extension to the Marvel Universe is not the end. Another series has started, called Universe X, and continues the plot lines that were left dangling after the Earth X series. What happens when a human is born on the Earth without celestial seed? The series is currently running, don't wait or you will be sorry. 'Nuff said.

     Send your comments and or questions about this article to JMinners@ybfree.com.

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