Marvel’s Infinity Stones are back, and this time they’re bonded to a new group of heroes and villains

Yes the Infinity Stones (or Gems, whatever) are back, but things will be a bit different this summer, as Thanos’ quest begins anew.

New wrinkles

When was the last time we saw the Infinity “Stones” appear in Marvel Comics? It honestly hasn’t been all that long, though give Marvel credit, because the publisher somehow held off on reintroducing them for a few years now. That fallow period will be coming to end rapidly though, as this summer will see their return, alongside both arch-villain Thanos and the Infinity Watch.

While none of those elements and characters are new, there is a twist to the latter. Namely that this time around the Infinity Watch will actually be bonded to their individual stones. Star, Overtime, Prince of Power, Quantum, and Multitude (none of whom we’ve ever heard of) will be those bearers, along with a mystery sixth member that’s yet to be announced.

While that last member is a mystery though, we do know how this tale will be brought to fans. Surprisingly, it will be via a selection of annual issues, instead of one overarching mini-series or set of crossovers. That will begin with Thanos Annual #1 on June 26th, before Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 picks up the action on July 3rd, which then rolls into the Immortal Thor Annual #1 on July 17th.

Obviously, that’s only three parts and we’re talking about six stones, so stay tuned for a few more Annual announcements in the weeks to come. Want some more details? Scroll down.

THANOS ANNUAL #1

• Written by DEREK LANDY
• Art by SALVADOR LARROCA & SARA PICHELLI
• “INFINITY WATCH” PART ONE!
• Welcome to INFINITY WATCH! Thanos goes off to find the INFINITY STONES, but he’s in for a shock when he discovers that the Infinity Stones have been incorporated into actual people like Star, Quantum, Overtime, Prince of Power and Multitude! Wait, there are six Infinity Stones but only five people listed?! You don’t want to miss the start of this Marvel Universe-shaking saga!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1

• Written by DEREK LANDY
• Art by RON LIM & SARAH PICHELLI
• “INFINITY WATCH” PART TWO!
• The Time Stone Bearer, a.k.a. Overtime, takes on Spider-man! It’s tme travel vs. Spider-Sense as the Infinity Watch grows and the universe lands in deep deep trouble… PLUS, The Death Stone Bearer arrives as Derek Landy and Sara Pichelli’s Annual-Linking story marches on with more surprises than you can handle!

IMMORTAL THOR ANNUAL #1

• Written by AL EWING
• Art by DAVID BALDEÓN & SARA PICHELLI
• “INFINITY WATCH” PART THREE!
• Faced with the menace of Utgard and a prophecy of his own doom, the son of Odin sought out the legendary Power Stone to aid his fight. Only two things were in his way. Firstly, the mighty Champion of the Universe – with strength to match Thor’s own – was also questing for the stone. Secondly, the Stone is now inside a person – the Prince of Power! PLUS, Derek Landy and Sara Pichelli continue the journey of the Death Stone Bearer and the scar it will leave on the universe!