Free Comic Book Day 2013 is only a few days away and Marvel’s offering this year is quite a doozy. From the mind of Jonathan Hickman and the pen of Jim Cheung, fans that can get their hands on a copy will witness the opening shots of the next huge crossover event that will encompass every corner of the Marvel Universe in this galaxy and beyond. Titled ‘Infinity’, this event will reintroduce Thanos to the readers in a bigger way than ever before.

In Hickman’s ‘Avengers’, he’s declared that Earth is an Avengers World, but when a threat takes Earth’s Mightiest Heroes off planet to protect their world, the Mad Titan strikes when the defenders are away. What happens from there will play out in the six-issue series starting in August and the repercussions will be felt in ‘Avengers’, ‘New Avengers’, ‘ Captain Marvel’, ‘Thunderbolts’, and many more.

Thanks to Comic Book Movie, we can check out the first variant cover from the series by the incredible Marko Djurdjevic. Clearly inspired by the work of legendary movie poster artist Drew Struzan, this cover features some of the key players of ‘Infinity’ in the style of a stunning summer blockbuster movie poster. You can see it below, along with the official details of ‘Infinity’ and Marvel’s Free Comic Book Day release:

This August, the Marvel Universe prepares for the biggest battle it’s ever faced – but first, Marvel is proud to unveil the jaw dropping variant cover to Infinity #1 by Marko Djurdjevic! Infinity, the six part blockbuster comic event of the summer, brought to you by the star studded creative team of Jonathan Hickman, Jim Cheung, Jerome Opena & Dustin Weaver, takes fans to every corner of the Marvel Universe, and beyond!

Earth has been marked as an “Avengers World”, protected by Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and more from the deadliest threats facing humanity. A powerful and destructive race is on a collision course with Earth and the only thing in their path is the Avengers! But even Earth’s Mightiest Heroes realize the one hope of defeating this dire threat is to unite every great hero across the cosmos…because only with a united Avengers Universe is there any chance of survival!

With our heroes at the other end of the universe, who is left to protect Earth? Enter Thanos, the galaxy’s most ruthless threat and an unparalleled force of brutality who brings order to the chaos of life through murder. The greatest threat to the Mad Titan’s work—and perhaps the universe’s greatest hope—is something he created leaving no world safe. Earth’s last hope may lie in the hands of a man who can level cities with a single whisper – Black Bolt, king of the Inhumans. But can the fearsome leader of a race hated and feared by his world, lead his people against Thanos? If they fall, so does the Earth—and the entire universe with it.

Readers get their first look at Marvel’s Infinity for free on Saturday, May 4th as part of Free Comic Book Day with ‘FCBD: Infinity’. In this all-new story by the blockbuster creative team of Jonathan Hickman and Jim Cheung, witness the opening shots of the war that will be heard around the galaxy. Plus, relive Thanos’ first solo story which has never been reprinted till now!

Previously, it was reported that a huge cosmic event was in the works over at Marvel and this certainly fits the bill. There’s definitely some epicness coming our way from the Marvel Universe this summer. At least, whatever’s left of it after ‘Age of Ultron’.

What do you think about ‘Infinity’? Are there any characters that you’re hoping will pop up? Considering Smasher’s connection to the Imperial Guard, they’re a given, but what about Adam Warlock, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Silver Surfer, and the other cosmic character out there in the universe? Share your thoughts in the comments below.