| Infinity Gems | |
|---|---|
 Thanos with the six main Infinity Gems and, fromThe Thanos Quest #1 (September 1990). Art byRon Lim,John Beatty andTom Vincent. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Soul Gem:Marvel Premiere #1 (April 1972); Mind Gem:Captain Marvel #41 (Nov. 1975); Power & Time Gems:Marvel Team-Up #55 (Mar. 1977); All six Gems:Avengers Annual #7 (1977). In the Infinity Gauntlet:The Silver Surfer Vol. 3 #44 (Dec. 1990); Ego Gem:Eliminator #3 (July 1995) Death Stone:The Infinity Gauntlet Vol. 2 #5 (Nov. 2015) |
| In story information | |
| Type | Jewels |
| Element of stories featuring | Adam Warlock Thanos |
TheInfinity Gems (originally referred to asSoul Gems and later asInfinity Stones) are six fictionalgems appearing inAmerican comic books published byMarvel Comics, named after and embodying various aspects of existence. The gems can grant whoever wields them various powers in accordance to the aspect of existence they represent, and have the potential of turning the wielder into agod-like being when the main six (Mind, Power, Reality, Soul, Space, and Time) are held together. Thus, they are among the most powerful and sought-after items in theMarvel Universe; playing important roles in several storylines, in which they were wielded by characters such asThanos andAdam Warlock. Some of these stories depict additional Infinity Gems or similar objects. Although, the Infinity Gems altogether give their user omnipotence, the Gems only function in the universe they belong to and not in alternate realities.
The Gems have appeared in several media adaptations outside of comics, including theMarvel Cinematic Universe film franchise, where they are calledInfinity Stones and have their colors altered. These changes were later adapted into the comics.
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The first appearance of an Infinity Gem occurred in 1972 inMarvel Premiere #1. It was originally called a "Soul Gem".[1][2] In 1976, a second "Soul Gem" appeared in aCaptain Marvel story which established that there were six Soul Gems, each with different powers.[3] One year later, two more "Soul Gems" were introduced in a Warlock crossover involvingSpider-Man.[2] The main six Gems appeared when the death-obsessed villainThanos attempted to use them to extinguish everystar in the universe.[2][4] In a 1988 storyline inSilver Surfer vol. 3, theElders of the Universe tried to use 6 of the "Soul Gems" to steal the energy of the world-eating entityGalactus.[2]
In the 1990 limited seriesThe Thanos Quest, Thanos refers to the entire main set as "Infinity Gems" for the first time. In this storyline, he steals most of the Gems for the second time and reveals the Gems to be the last remains of an omnipotent being.[5] Thanos then places all six main gems within his left gauntlet.[6][full citation needed] In the miniseriesThe Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos uses the Gems to become nearly omnipotent and kills half the universe's population as a gift to his love, the cosmic embodiment ofDeath. Although he easily repels an attack by Earth's heroes and other cosmic entities includingEternity, the Gauntlet is eventually stolen from him byNebula, who undoes the last 24 hours, including his mass killings. Adam Warlock then recovers the Gauntlet and, by order of theLiving Tribunal, divides the Gems that fit in the gauntlet among a group he calls "theInfinity Watch", consisting of himself, the superheroesGamora,Pip the Troll,Drax the Destroyer,Moondragon, and his former adversary Thanos. The group's adventures in defending the Gems appear in the seriesWarlock and the Infinity Watch (1992–1995).[7]
The 6 main Gems are next gathered by Warlock's evilalter ego, theMagus, in the 1992 limited seriesThe Infinity War, where he is defeated by Warlock and Earth's heroes, including Thanos.[8] In the 1993 limited seriesThe Infinity Crusade, the embodiment of Warlock's goodness, the Goddess, attempts to destroy evil in the universe by destroying free will. The 6 main Gems are then once again retrieved by the Infinity Watch.[9]
Then, 6 of the gems appeared in the crossover between the Marvel universe and theUltraverse, when the vampiric Rune stole the gems from the Infinity Watch.[10] The gems were dispersed in the Ultraverse andLoki looked for them. The reunion of the gems with a seventh gem, the Ego Gem, revealed the existence of the entity Nemesis, that said that she was the conscience of the gems.[11] Nemesis was slain and the gems dispersed again.
In a story arc of theThanos series (2003–2004),Galactus gathers six of the Gems but accidentally allows an interdimensional entity named Hunger access to theMarvel universe. Thanos and Galactus banish the entity and the Gems are scattered again with the exception of the Soul Gem, which Thanos retains for its customary custodian Adam Warlock.[12] InNew Avengers: Illuminati, a 2007–2008 limited series, a cabal of Earth's heroes gather the Gems and attempt to wish them out of existence but discover that they must exist as part of the cosmic balance. Instead, the Illuminati divide and hide the Gems.[13]
In a 2010Avengers storyline,The Hood steals several Gems but is defeated by use of the remaining Gems; the Illuminati attempt to hide them again.[14][15][16][full citation needed] The Illuminati later wield the 6 main Gems to stop another universe from collapsing into their own but the cost of this however, was the destruction of the gauntlet and all gems minus the Time Gem which simply disappeared.[17][full citation needed] Afterwards, the previously vanished Time Gem appears toCaptain America and some of the Avengers and transports them into future realities, shattering time in the process.[18][full citation needed]
As a result of the Incursions, the entire Multiverse is destroyed. However,Doctor Doom combines fragments of several alternate realities intoBattleworld.Doctor Strange gathers the 6 main Infinity Gems from various realities into a new Infinity Gauntlet, which he leaves hidden until the surviving heroes of Earth-616 return.[citation needed] The Gauntlet is subsequently claimed byBlack Panther, who uses it to keep theBeyonder-enhanced Doom occupied untilMister Fantastic can disrupt his power source.[citation needed]
Following the recreation of the Multiverse, the Infinity Gems (now known as the Infinity Stones) are recreated and scattered across the universe, with their colors switched and some taking on uncut ingot forms. InMarvel Legacy #1, the Space Stone (now colored blue) appears on Earth where a Frost Giant working for Loki steals it from aS.H.I.E.L.D. storage facility, however he is intercepted and defeated by a resurrectedWolverine.[19]Star-Lord discovers an extra-large Power Stone (now colored purple) being protected by theNova Corps,[20][full citation needed] and an alternate universePeter Quill named Starkill has the Reality Stone (now colored red).[21][full citation needed] A future version ofGhost Rider is revealed to possess a shard of the Time Stone (now colored green),[22][full citation needed] while in the present the complete stone restores the ruined planet of Sakaar and is claimed by theSuper-Skrull.[citation needed] The Mind Stone (now colored yellow) is found on Earth in the hands of petty crookTurk Barrett,[23] and the Soul Stone (now colored orange) is mentioned toAdam Warlock to be in the hands of his dark aspect, the Magus;[24][full citation needed] however,Ultron is able to claim it after ambushing and killing him.[23][full citation needed] The Stones are shown to have apocket universe existing within each of them.[25] Loki would later discover the Stones are originated from the primordial universe where Celestials reside, guarding a deposit of countless Infinity Stones which they infuse with their cosmic energy and deliver to different realities across the Multiverse. Warlock later uses the Soul Stone to grant the other Stones sentience and enable them to choose their own wielders.[26]
Recently, Thanos trapped the cosmic entity known as Death inside a new Infinity Stone, creating the Death Stone. This Stone, like the others, quickly chose a host, resurrectingPhil Coulson and bonding with him.
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Each Gem is shaped like a small oval[27] and is named after, and represents, a different characteristic of existence.[citation needed] Possessing any single Gem grants control over the aspect of existence the Gem represents. If a user is able to tap into the full potential of a Gem, the user gains complete control over a Gem's aspect of existence.[citation needed] The Gems are not immutable.[28] For instance, on two occasions, one or more of the Gems have appeared as pink spheres several feet in diameter,[3][29] while on other occasions, the Gems have appeared in their small oval shape but with different coloring. (e.g. the Soul Gem being colored red when worn by the Gardener).[30] In the Ultraverse, after merging into their original form of Nemesis, the Gems were again separated after a battle with Ultraforce and the Avengers.[31] As part of theMarvel Legacy initiative, the six Infinity Gems now known as the Infinity Stones and have their colors altered to match the Infinity Stones from theMarvel Cinematic Universe.[32] Thanos created an additional gem, the Death Stone, after imprisoning Death within it.[33]
The seven Infinity Stones include:
| Name | Color | Powers and capabilities | Known users | Pocket universe (2018–present) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original (1972–2016) | Marvel Legacy (2017–present) | ||||
| Mind | Blue | Yellow | Allows the user to enhance their mental andpsionic abilities and access the thoughts and dreams of other beings. At full potential, when backed by the Power Gem, the Mind Gem can access all minds in existence simultaneously. The Mind Gem is also the manifestation of the universal subconscious. | Iron Man;Grandmaster; Thanos; Nebula; Adam Warlock;Moondragon; Magus; Rune; Primevil (Malibu Comics); Galactus;Professor X; Hood;Ms. Marvel;Beast;Turk Barrett;Requiem;Kamala Khan; Loki,Vision; Worldmind;Colleen Wing | The Mindscape: Allows the user to bring anything they imagine or dream of to life. Overseen by theSleepwalkers. |
| Power | Red | Purple | Allows the user to access and manipulate all forms of energy and powers; enabling them to enhance their physical strength and durability, augment existing abilities, and boost the effects of the other five Gems. At full potential, the Power Gem grants nigh-omnipotence. | Iron Man;Champion of the Universe; Thanos; Nebula; Adam Warlock;Drax the Destroyer; Thor; Magus; Rune;Lord Pumpkin; Galactus;She-Hulk;Titania; Mister Fantastic; The Hood;Red Hulk; Xiambor; Namor; The Juggernaut;Nova Corps;Star-Lord;Requiem;Emma Frost; Loki;Ronan the Accuser;Prince of Power/Apex | The Arena: Resembles a Colosseum where heroes fight each other in a contest of might. Ruled by Dynamus, the embodiment of the Power Cosmic. |
| Reality | Yellow | Red | Allows the user to fulfill their wishes, even if the wish is in direct contradiction withscientific laws, and do things that would normally be impossible. At full potential, when backed by the other five Gems, the Reality Gem allows the user to alter reality on a universal scale. | Iron Man;Stranger;Collector; Thanos; Nebula; Adam Warlock; Rune;Night Man; Galactus;Black Bolt; Hood; Iron Man; Black Widow; Vision;Carol Danvers;Requiem;Kang the Conqueror; Loki;Ripley Ryan | World Pool: Used to access alternate realities which are portrayed as an endless comic book collection. Overseen by Archivus, the chronicler of the Multiverse. |
| Soul | Green | Orange | Allows the user to steal, control, manipulate, and alter living and dead souls; as well as animate the motionless. The Soul Gem also acts as a gateway to an idyllic pocket universe. At full potential, when backed by the Power Gem, the Soul Gem grants control over all life in the universe. | Iron Man;High Evolutionary;Adam Warlock;Gardener;In-Betweener;Thanos;Nebula;Magus;Doctor Strange;Ultron/Hank Pym;Requiem;Loki;Multitude | Soul World: The final resting place for all lost spirits. Overseen by the Soul-Eater Devondra. |
| Space | Purple | Blue | Allows the user to exist in any location; move any object anywhere throughout reality; warp or rearrange space; teleport themselves and others; increase their speed, and alter the distance between objects contrary to the laws of physics. At full potential, when backed by the Power Gem, the Space Gem grants nigh-omnipresence. | Iron Man;Runner; Thanos; Nebula; Adam Warlock;Pip the Troll;Iron Man;Hood;Wolverine; Black Widow;Requiem;Black Bolt; Loki;Quantum | The Vast: An endless expanse of empty existence. Its ruler is unknown. |
| Time | Orange | Green | Allows the user to see into the past and the future; stop, slow down, speed up or reverse the flow of time;travel through time; changethe past andthe future; age and de-age beings, and trap people or entire universes in unending loops of time. At full potential, when backed by the Power Gem, the Time Gem grants nigh-omniscience and total control over the past, present, and future. | Iron Man; Gardener; Thanos; Nebula; Adam Warlock; Gamora;Doctor Strange;Maxam;Magus; Rune;Hardcase; Galactus;Namor;Thor;Mister Fantastic;Iron Man;Lockheed;Black Widow;Kl'rt;Requiem;Ant-Man; Loki;Overtime | Ellipsis: Manipulates the flow of time for anyone within it. Its ruler is unknown. |
| Death | - | Black | An artificial stone that Thanos created after imprisoning Death. It can emit dark energy that gradually kills others. | Thanos;Phil Coulson | Ebon World: A dimension also known as the Realm of Death. Its ruler is Death herself and she rules supreme, overseeing the souls of the departed. |
Additional Gems have appeared in crossover media and alternate universes outside the Marvel Universe.
| Name | Color | Powers and capabilities | Known owners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ego | White | The Ego Gem contains the consciousness of the cosmic entity Nemesis and recreates her when united with the other six Gems. The Ego Gem is found in theUltraverse whenLoki attempts to steal the other six Gems. | Sersi; Nemesis |
| Death | Yellow | InThe Infinity Gauntlet (2015), Anwen Bakian creates the Death Stone using the Reality Stone and uses it to kill Thanos; it is later recreated by Thanos, before binding itself toPhil Coulson. | Anwen Bakian;Thanos;Phil Coulson |
| Continuity | Black | The Continuity Stone appears inDeadpool, and enables total control over Marvel's continuity. | Deadpool |
TheReed Richards ofEarth-616, in an attempt to "solve everything", meets with a council ofalternate universe Reeds. Three of them wear Infinity Gauntlets, and they learn that the gauntlets only work in their respective universes of origin.[34][full citation needed]
In theContest of Champions miniseries, an alternate version of Tony Stark uses the Reality Gem to win thesuperhero civil war and affect the outcome of a presidential election. When he tries to use the Gem on Battleworld, he is killed by theMaestro, who says the Gems do not work in any universe other than their own.[35][full citation needed]
In an alternate reality depicted in theHeroes Reborn miniseries, the Infinity Gems are in the possession of Thanos, who has them placed in hisInfinity Rings.[36][37]
During the "Incursion" storyline, the Avengers travel to a parallel Earth where a pastiche of the Justice League have replaced this Earth's Avengers who all died in a previous cataclysm. Here the Gems are all square planes of "forever glass" which are assembled into the "Wishing Cube", a composite of the concepts of the Infinity Gems and theCosmic Cube.[38]
After various alternate universes are combined into Battleworld, Doctor Strange gathers Infinity Gems from other universes into a new Infinity Gauntlet that works in the area where Doom has built his palace. Strange leaves the Gauntlet hidden until he has access to someone he can trust it with. After his death, the Gauntlet is claimed by T'Challa,[39][full citation needed] who uses it against Doom in the final battle.[40][full citation needed][41][full citation needed]
A separate section of Battleworld known as New Xandar also has a Gauntlet fought over by multiple factions until the majority of the Stones, except the Reality Stone, were taken by Thanos.[42] Thanos eventually tracks the missing Stone to Nova Corps member Anwen Bakian. When Thanos confronts her to get the Stone, Anwen gives him a duplicate of the Reality Stone she created called the 'Death Stone'. When used along with the other five Stones, the Death Stone corrupts Thanos with black matter and turns him to dust.[43]
In theUltimate Marvel universe, an Infinity Gauntlet is seen inProject Pegasus.[44] The Mind Gem (stolen byHydra) is used by Modi (Thor's son) to control bothDirector Flumm andCassie Lang, but are stopped by theUltimates.[45][full citation needed] The Power Gem is later revealed to be in the possession of formerS.H.I.E.L.D. agent Sayuri Kyota, while a second Infinity Gauntlet is recovered from anA.I.M. base by Thor andSusan Storm.[46][full citation needed]Kang the Conqueror later allies himself withthe Hulk,Reed Richards andQuicksilver as part of a plan to steal the two Gauntlets, which results in the destruction of the Triskelion. Quicksilver recovers two additional Gems allowing the villains to teleport away.[47][full citation needed] Richards is later able to recover another of the Gems, which is found lodged in Tony Stark's brain. He informs Stark that the Infinity Gems are needed to save the world from a coming cataclysm that will destroy the entire universe.[48][full citation needed] After brainwashingJohnny Storm and forcing him to travel to theEarth's core, theDark Ultimates are able to recover the final gem,[49][full citation needed] but are defeated by the Ultimates. The gems then shatter, rendering the Gauntlets useless.[50][full citation needed]
In a reality whereDoctor Doom retained the power of theBeyonder, Doom acquired the Infinity Gems from the Elders of the Universe and used them to defeat the Celestials in a 407-year-long war before finally forsaking his power.[51][full citation needed]
In an alternate reality where the original Fantastic Four died, a new Fantastic Four – consisting of Spider-Man, Hulk, Wolverine, and Ghost Rider – was formed. With Iron Man replacing Ghost Rider, they were the only heroes available to fight Thanos when he initially assembled the Infinity Gauntlet. Despite Iron Man's use ofNegative Zone-enhancedCelestial armor, Thanos still easily defeated the team until Wolverine tricked Thanos into erasing Mephisto from existence before cutting off Thanos's left arm, and therefore the Infinity Gauntlet. With Thanos powerless, Spider-Man used the gauntlet to undo the events of Thanos's godhood.[52][full citation needed]
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The Infinity Stones appear inLego Marvel Super Heroes - Guardians of the Galaxy: The Thanos Threat. Additionally, a seventh Infinity Stone, the redBuild Stone, which grants the power to build virtually anything, appears as well.
The Infinity Gems, renamedInfinity Stones, play important roles in the first three phases of theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), referred to collectively as the "Infinity Saga". The Infinity Stones also make minor appearances in thePhase Four television seriesLoki,[54]WandaVision, andWhat If...?.