Marvel, oh Marvel! How dost though keep doing this to me!?!?

This is another big week for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with the release of Avengers: Infinity War Part 1. As the old school Marvelhead that I am I’ve gotta take my hat off to everyone involved with this production because, WOWSER! This cliffhanger is up there with The Empire Strikes Back and that’s saying a LOT.

However, I’m reading and hearing a little disappointment from some of my friends over this latest installment so without dropping any spoilers, here are a few things you need to know to maximize your enjoyment of Avengers: Infinity War Part 1.

1. This is NOT Black Panther 2.

Y’all, Black Panther was phenomenal in the truest sense of the word. While I know we are still thirsty for some more Wakanda, (and trust me, you’ll get a proper sip in this movie) that is not the focus of Infinity War.

2. You need the MCU background to get Infinity War

If you are a T’Challa Come Lately to the MCU you MUST go back and watch at minimum the following movies before you partake in Infinity War in this order:

Captain America, The First Avenger

Avengers

Thor, Dark World

Captain America, The Winter Soldier

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1

Avengers, Age of Ultron

Captain America, Civil War

Doctor Strange

Thor, Ragnorok

Black Panther

I am not kidding. This is the required homework. What do you think the rest of us have been doing for the last ten years.

3. Lots of new characters are coming

Infinity War Part 1 is setting up the MCU to introduce a LOT of new and important characters. This is going to be amazing!

4. This is only half of the story

Unlike the Star Wars best cliffhanger of all time, Marvel Studios let us know from the beginning that this was going to be a two-parter. I am glad they didn’t try to cram all of this story into one movie. If I could pre-order my theater ticket for May 3, 2019. Though the release date for the UK is April 26, 2019, so don’t be shocked if you see me checking in to a London cinema next spring. 🤔

5. The music of the MCU is, well, MARVELous

Listen carefully and you’ll hear some pretty amazing stuff in the score of Infinity War, especially after you finish all of your “homework”.

6. You might want to Google “Elders of the Universe” at some point

This isn’t mandatory but it could help get you excited for what is coming.

7. There are some amazing fandom crossovers in Infinity War

Those moments made my little geek heart flutter.

8. A LOT of people “die”

This is not a spoiler since the folks at Marvel have been telling us this for months and months and months.

9. Marvel is getting better and better with representation

Hats off to the casting directors. Yeah, I saw what you did even with the minor characters.

10. Pay attention to what (or who) is MIA in Infinity War

Seriously, you need to make some mental notes, but don’t you dare pull out you cell phone during the movie. 😉

Marta C. Youngblood is a writer, education and social entrepreneur based in Hot Springs, Arkansas. For more information on her current projects visit https://about.me/MCyoungblood.