'Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War: The Cosmic Quest Volume Two: Aftermath' Deals With the Impact of Thanos’ Actions

It’s not just super heroes who are dealing with the aftermath of Infinity War; Thanos’ actions took a toll on everyone. But just how did the rest of the world cope post-snap and what are the ramifications on the cosmos?

In “Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War: The Cosmic Quest Volume Two: Aftermath,” Dr. Erik Selvig is determined to find out, and along for the ride is Darcy Lewis and a makeshift team, ready to tackle whatever scientific adventure lays before them. Will their quest show them the way or will they be haunted by their own pasts?

Marvel.com spoke with author Brandon T. Snider about the team dynamic and pursuit of knowledge. You can read an excerpt of "Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War: The Cosmic Quest Volume Two: Aftermath" here.

Marvel.com: The start of this book immediately deals with the consequences of Thanos’ actions and how it affects normal, everyday people. For example: Felix, a brilliant child being left on his own after his parents’ demise. How did you decide to approach that?

Brandon T. Snider: We’ll see the ramifications of Thanos’ actions play out on screen with the Avengers, but it’s important to see how regular, everyday folks are dealing with the catastrophic events of Infinity War. There’s a ton of uncertainty hanging in the air. The wounds are fresh. Details are sparse. People aren’t exactly sure what happened. They want answers where none can be found which makes it difficult for many people to move forward with their lives. Some people are wracked with survivor’s guilt, while others see an opportunity to take advantage of the confusion. The best and worst of humanity come out of the woodwork in times of crisis, but the bottom line is that life goes on. Despite the madness, people are getting up every day and going about their business. They have to, or they might fall apart. That’s where we begin our story.

Marvel.com: While this book is about Erik Selvig’s quest, Darcy has always been a fun character on screen so it’s nice to see here front and center here. Tell me a little bit about how you wanted her voice to come through as the thread for this whole story.

Brandon T. Snider: Darcy is a huge part of Erik Selvig’s life so, even though this is his story, she’s definitely front and center. When Jane hired Darcy back in the first Marvel Studios' "Thor" film, it changed her life. Despite her lack of scientific-knowledge, Darcy felt like she was part of a team. Over time, things began to change and now, with Selvig on the verge of losing his mind again, she’s not sure she’s on the right path. What’s Darcy’s true purpose? I wanted to explore that and get into her head a little bit. Darcy is known for her humor but she’s more than just comic relief. She’s got hopes, dreams and goals of her own. Some days she feels like walking away from everything, but this quest gives her some much-needed perspective that sets her on a new path.

Marvel.com: In this story, Erik Selvig’s forever-foe, Ignatius Bixby, is someone who’s always in the back of his mind and a constant thorn in his side, and in a lot of ways he fuels him. I think a lot of people have an Ignatius Bixby-type in their lives, how did you approach creating their contentious relationship?

Brandon T. Snider: We’ve only seen a fraction of Selvig’s experiences in the Marvel Cinematic Universe so there was a lot of room to give him some curious backstory. He’s an interesting guy who’s lived a lot of life. He’s made mistakes. He’s made enemies. Here we get to see him revisit his past a little bit. I wanted to create an antagonist who embodied everything Selvig despises. Science is about truth whereas Bixby is all about façade. He doesn’t care about anything but his own self-interest. Selvig has seen Bixby’s opportunism grow over the years. At first, he ignored him as a simple, self-absorbed showman but now things have changed. Bixby is a serious threat with seemingly unlimited resources. Selvig has no choice but to rise to the occasion and stop him.

Marvel.com: The allies you’ve built for Erik come together to make him realize having a team isn’t so bad. What other cerebral adventures might they go on?

Brandon T. Snider: Reuniting with old friends and putting the past behind him has lit a fire under Selvig. He’s felt very content being a professor, conducting his research, consulting for S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers. But now his wheels are turning. Plans are forming. It’s time to start thinking BIG. Selvig realizes he needs people around him who’ll challenge his thinking and keep him accountable for his actions. Will they all get along? Not likely. But they’re each other’s chosen family and, for better or worse, they’re in this together.

“MARVEL's Avengers: Infinity War: The Cosmic Quest Volume Two: Aftermath” is available now wherever books are sold.