Infinity Gems
From Marvel Database
History
The Infinity Gems are the remnants of one of the earliest beings from the time of the universe's creation. Feeling lonely and wanting to explore the vast universe, it split itself into different parts. Under unknown reasons each individual gem became associated with a particular facet--power, space, time, mind, soul, and reality.
The Infinity Gems were kept by members of the Elders of the Universe. The mad Titan Thanos gathered these gem into the Infinity Gauntlet.
After Adam Warlock's misuse of the gauntlet, the Living Tribunal decreed that they must be not be used together again. Warlock then formed the Infinity Watch.
When the gems were transported into the Ultraverse along with several heroes and villains, Adam Warlock pursued them. In that universe another gem, the Ego gem, was found. It claimed that it was the original being and was now ready to reclaim itself. The gems gestalted as Nemesis, but were defeated by the Avengers and Ultraforce (alongside several alternate reality versions of the same teams). With its defeat the Ego Gem was apparently destroyed.
The gems were found to be back in the universe by Galactus. Warlock regained his soul gem and Champion the power gem. The Power gem later fell into the hands of Titania and She-Hulk.
She-Hulk turned the power gem over to Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards). The Illuminati gathered the gems so they could not be used to attack Earth. Once the gems were all brought together in the Infinity Gauntlet Reed tried to will them out of existence and failed. Uatu the Watcher then appeared to the Illuminati and expressed his disappointment in Reed and the Illuminati. The Illuminati then divided the gems amongst themselves. Iron Man received the Reality, Prof. Xavier the Mind, Namor the Time, Black Bolt the Space, Dr Strange the Soul and Reed Richards the Power gems.
Capabilities
The gems seem to be more powerful when used in combination. Wielders of the gem have increased powers depending on their skill and the amount of experience they have with the gems. The gems are also sentient.
- Time Gem--time travel; stop, slow down, or speed up flow of time; accelerate or slow down aging, see into past/future.
- Space Gem--travel through space, mostly through teleportation. Able to interfere with the motion of other objects.
- Soul Gem--observe,attack, or even steal a being's soul. Also used to revert individuals to their natural state.
- Reality Gem--alters reality; similar to the effects of a Cosmic Cube
- Power Gem--increased strength and durability, energy manipulation
- Mind Gem--psionic abilities including telepathy and telekinesis.
Gem Protectors
The gems are now in the protection of the Illuminati. Each member has taken a gem and hidden it from the others.
- Time Gem--Namor
- Space Gem--Black Bolt
- Soul Gem--Dr. Strange
- Reality Gem--Iron Man
- Power Gem--Mr. Fantastic
- Mind Gem--Professor Xavier
