I feel that Marvel the best comic book event doesn't get enough credit. I'm not usually one to use a superfluous adjective like “best” as a definitive statement, especially when stories are so subjective. Everyone who reads this and everyone who writes about comics has their favorite Marvel storyline that they think is the best. Each answer would be different, but equally valid.
However, I will make the exception here because I think an argument can be made for Annihilation being Marvel's best crossover, not necessarily because it has the best story, but because it has the most important story in the Marvel library. After all, stories themselves are subjective, and if we talk about the best-written Marvel story, we'll be here all day just arguing with each other.
That said, it's much more interesting for me to make the case for what the most significant story in Marvel's catalog is. I think Annihilation presents a strong argument for itself.
What is Marvel AnnihilationMarvel's best crossover event?
The Core Annihilation The miniseries is by Keith Giffen, Andrea Di Vito, Laura Villari and Cory Petit
Marvel Kicks Annihilation with the superhuman space prison, Kyln, being destroyed by a fleet of spaceships led by Annihilus. Annihilus is the only cosmic villain who even Thanos admits has a better mind than him. He is, essentially, the king of the Negative Zone and a staple of the Fantastic Four's rogues gallery. before starting the event by leaving the Zone with an army in tow. Annihilus' goal is simple: destroy Earth-616 and its universe at large, as its continued existence and growth threaten his control over the Negative Zone.
Simultaneously, the Annihilation Wave begins, destroying the planet Xander and its neighboring Nova Corps, except for Nova himself, Richard Rider, one of the main protagonists of this event. Drax the Destroyer (who had just died and been reincarnated) is also one of the survivors, as the Annihilation Wave continues with no end in sight. Together, they form alliances with Peter "Star Lord" Quill, Gamora, Ronan the Accuser, and the Super Skrull in hopes of finding a way to stop this Wave that continues to affect every corner of the universe.
Nova forms a United Front against Annihilus, who begins targeting Heralds of Galactus, which introduces Silver Surfer into the mix. He allies with Thanos, but the Mad Titan is killed by Drax. Drax frees Annihilus' prisoner, Silver Surfer, who then frees another prisoner on Galactus. The Devourer of Worlds unleashes what is better known as "the Galactus event," a wave of energy powerful enough to eradicate most of the Annihilation Wave, along with an Observer and three-star systems. Nova then kills Annihilus.
Why is it Annihilation Important in Marvel history?
The event changed the cosmic scale forever
THE Annihilation event focuses on characters and concepts that, admittedly, no one cared about at the time. Everyone loves Guardians of the Galaxy now, for example after their appearances in the MCU, but no one really thought about them in 2007. Even someone like Annihilus, the villain at the center of this story, has been seriously overlooked. In 2007, he would have been considered an obscure Marvel villain. Even Nova didn't have the popularity or fan interest that she has now, often relegated to being a tertiary character at best. He certainly didn't get the main spotlight - until Annihilation.
These themes were foreign to fans at the time and weren't as interesting as the real names on Marvel's roster.
The annihilation was a breakthrough moment for characters like Nova and Peter Quillamong others who would become essential characters in Marvel stories in the future. The same can be said about the idea of levels of cosmic power and cosmic divinity. These themes were foreign to fans at the time and weren't as interesting as the real names on Marvel's roster. With these themes taking precedence in this arc, it's easy for me to see why it didn't connect with audiences. These themes revolving around cosmic entities didn't become as prevalent or appealing to audiences until more contemporary Marvel stories.
Why is Annihilation forgotten, even by the biggest Marvel fans?
Overshadowed by a larger plot
You would think that a book of this magnitude would be better known among the casual audience, but beyond the disinterest I expressed that it was significant at the time, Annihilation the reputation was stifled by another comical event that happened around the same time and gained even more reputation: Civil War. I think the timing of its release hurt Annihilation legacy in the long term. A story that revolves around obscure characters and obscure concepts was always going to be overshadowed by Marvel's biggest stars, Iron Man and Captain America, going to war with each other.
Happily, Annihilation now you can reach a new audience. Characters who were once obscure in 2007 have now become superstars in their own right, and concepts that readers weren't willing to give importance to two decades ago are all the rage now. Annihilation the impact today is resounding, as the story remains even stronger in contemporary eyes. If there was ever a time to revisit one of Marvel biggest and most forgotten crossover events - and one that I consider the company's best - the time is now.
Annihilation: The Complete Collection is now available from Marvel Comics.