Thanos trades?

[twilightrun]

have the first two stories of thanos trying to conquer the universe been collected and released as trades or hard covers? the first one with the cosmic cube, avengers, and captain marvel? the second with warlock, the avengers, and the giant soul gem? i have the important issues of each storyline in my box (capt marvel 33, marvel two-in-one annual 2, etc.), but it would be nice to read the whole stories again. i have the infinity gauntlet.

what's thanos been up to since then? any other good thanos trades i should know about? i have been out of the loop since infinity gauntlet.

[XPac]

have the first two stories of thanos trying to conquer the universe been collected and released as trades or hard covers? the first one with the cosmic cube, avengers, and captain marvel? the second with warlock, the avengers, and the giant soul gem? i have the important issues of each storyline in my box (capt marvel 33, marvel two-in-one annual 2, etc.), but it would be nice to read the whole stories again. i have the infinity gauntlet.

what's thanos been up to since then? any other good thanos trades i should know about? i have been out of the loop since infinity gauntlet.

The Life and Death of Captain Marvel trade has the cosmic cube story in it.

And Thanos really hasn't been up to much since he was killed in the first Annihilation event (which is definately worth getting if you're a fan of the cosmic stuff).

There were several sequals to Infinity Gauntlet. Infinity War, Infinity Cruasade among others. Though they all sort of went downhill after Gauntlet (in my opinion).

[gryhpon]

have the first two stories of thanos trying to conquer the universe been collected and released as trades or hard covers? the first one with the cosmic cube, avengers, and captain marvel? the second with warlock, the avengers, and the giant soul gem? i have the important issues of each storyline in my box (capt marvel 33, marvel two-in-one annual 2, etc.), but it would be nice to read the whole stories again. i have the infinity gauntlet.

what's thanos been up to since then? any other good thanos trades i should know about? i have been out of the loop since infinity gauntlet.
the second masterworks of warlock which comes out this week, has the second story.
he also had his own series for a very short run a few years back. i dont know if it was ever collected

[marshal99]

Sadly , there's no trade for the thor blood and thunder storyline where thanos played a crucial part and had that great fight against Odin.

There's also the secret defenders issues where thanos recruited a bunch of supervillains to do his bidding - super skrull , rhino , nitro , titanium man etc which directly led to the cosmic powers mini series where thanos pitted his wits and powers against tyrant , a villain that was more powerful than he is.
http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/large/72701107194.12.gif

[Zero Hunter]

Infinity War is worth getting since Thanos is a big part of it and the Magus is just so cool. Infinity Crusade you should stay away from. Same with Infinity Abyss.

Thanos had a 12 issues series just before Annhilation that was collected in 2 trades.

Thanos: Epiphany (art and story by Jim Starlin) (featuring Warlock and Galactus) issues 1-6

Thanos: Samaritan (story by Keith Giffen art by Ron Lim) (featuring Gladiator, Star Lord, and the Beyonder/Kosmos) issues 7-12

While I enjoyed the Starlin story I loved the Giffen story, and it leads into Annhilation.

Annhilation is a must have for a Thanos fan though. It has it all.

[Cthulhudrew]

Thanos Quest, hands down, the best. I think it's reprinted in one of the trades of the Infinity Stuff, though I doubt it's as high quality as the original, which was on very good paper stock and had amazing visuals- Ron Lim artwork and digital backgrounds.

(Ah, here you go- reprinted in Silver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos (http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Surfer-Rebirth-Thanos-Fantastic/dp/0785120467) along with lots of other Thanos stuff from that Silver Surfer arc. Again, not sure if the quality matches the originals, though.

[Make Mine Mar-Vell]

Thanos Quest, hands down, the best. I think it's reprinted in one of the trades of the Infinity Stuff, though I doubt it's as high quality as the original, which was on very good paper stock and had amazing visuals- Ron Lim artwork and digital backgrounds.

(Ah, here you go- reprinted in Silver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos (http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Surfer-Rebirth-Thanos-Fantastic/dp/0785120467) along with lots of other Thanos stuff from that Silver Surfer arc. Again, not sure if the quality matches the originals, though.

Is Silver Surfer #63 in that collection? It's during Thanos's run of bring back Thanos after he walked into the light (the very same one I might add) at the end of Death of Captain Marvel (after being turned to stone), he was brought back, although it is CBR's own Ron Marz's story, it leaves some really cool plot possibilities open that weren't ever capitilized on. I was just curious.

Anyways to get to back to Thanos, the first cosmic cube saga really kind of put Thanos on the map, who know's maybe they'll do a whole "Thanos Omnibus" or something, inlcluding the original Captain Marvel stuff (The Cosmic Cube saga), Iron Man #55, the Warlock stuff, the Warlock/Mar-Vell/Avengers/Thing/Spidey stuff (ala Marvel Two in One Annual Two), the Surfer stuff teaming with Mephisto, Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos: The End, and all the Annhiliation stuff, some people still just see him as another Darkseid, even though he's way more complex and original than that.

I know a real nice guy goes by tiamat online, he's a fan to I believe, when I talk to 'im, I'll ask him if you want. He'd probably know.

[Expletive Deleted]

Is Silver Surfer #63 in that collection?No. I could be mistaken, but I don't think Thanos actually appears in that issue.

It's SURFER #34-38, and in newer editions the LOGAN'S RUN #6 backup and THANOS QUEST #1-2.

--------

In terms of collections, the chronology is as follows:


THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN MARVEL or THE LIFE & DEATH OF CAPTAIN MARVEL (Cap'n Marvel #25-34 and Iron Man #55, newer editions have included the "Death of" graphic novel)
MARVEL MASTERWORKS WARLOCK v2 (Strange Tales #178-181, Warlock #9-15, Marvel Team-Up #55, Avengers Annual #7 and Marvel Two-In-One Annual #2)
SILVER SURFER: THE REBIRTH OF THANOS (see above)
INFINITY GAUNTLET (Infinity Gauntlet #1-6)
INFINITY WAR (Infinity War #1-6, Warlock & the Infinity Watch #7-10, Marvel Comics Presents #108-110)
INFINITY CRUSADE v1 (Infinity Crusade #1-3, Warlock Chronicles #1-3, Warlock & the Infinity Watch #18-19)
INFINITY CRUSADE v2 (Infinity Crusade #4-6, Warlock Chronicles #4-5, Warlock & the Infinity Watch #20-22)
INFINITY ABYSS (Infinity Abyss #1-6)
MARVEL: THE END (Marvel: The End #1-6)
THANOS: EPIPHANY (Thanos #1-6)
THANOS: SAMARITAN (Thanos #7-12)
ANNIHILATION v1 (Drax #1-4, Annihilation: Prologue, Annihilation: Nova #1-4)
ANNIHILATION v2 (Annihilation: Silver Surfer #1-4, Annihilation: Super-Skrull #1-4, Annihilation: Ronan #1-4)
ANNIHILATION v3 (Annihilation #1-6, Annihilation: Heralds of Galactus #1-2, Nova Corps Files)


It'd be nice to get some of the Infinity Watch stuff collected in TPB form, especially the "Blood and Thunder" crossover, but as of this week, all of the major Thanos stories will be collected in one form or another.

[Eumenides]

Anyways to get to back to Thanos, the first cosmic cube saga really kind of put Thanos on the map, who know's maybe they'll do a whole "Thanos Omnibus" or something.

In the '80s, the Brazilian publisher which had the rights to Marvel comics, released a 5-part maxi-series of trades collecting all appearences of Thanos from 'Iron Man #55' up to the storyline in which Warlock returns from the dead and turns him into stone. It included a lot of stuff related to him, like the first appearence of Warlock in 'Fantastic Four', his fight with Thor for the love of Sif, the Warlock stories in Counter-Earth (godawful, in my opinion), Moondragon meeting Daredevil (the wonderfully incoherent stories of the '70s), Captain Marvel against Thanos, the Magus storyline, etc.

It was pretty complete and was suitably called 'The Thanos Saga'.

[Comet Man]

Thanos had a 12 issues series just before Annhilation that was collected in 2 trades.

Thanos: Epiphany (art and story by Jim Starlin) (featuring Warlock and Galactus) issues 1-6

Thanos: Samaritan (story by Keith Giffen art by Ron Lim) (featuring Gladiator, Star Lord, and the Beyonder/Kosmos) issues 7-12



I want to get both of these very badly, since I was out of comics at the time, but Marvel needs to reprint them. They're expensive as hell to get ahold of, at least everywhere I've checked.

If anybody knows anyplace I can get these at normal TP prices, or you have any info on if they'll ever be reprinted, I'd really appreciate you letting me know.

[LiefeldFanatiX]

I want to get both of these very badly, since I was out of comics at the time, but Marvel needs to reprint them. They're expensive as hell to get ahold of, at least everywhere I've checked.

If anybody knows anyplace I can get these at normal TP prices, or you have any info on if they'll ever be reprinted, I'd really appreciate you letting me know.
Anyone know why are they so expensive?

[Expletive Deleted]

Anyone know why are they so expensive?Scarcity. They didn't have a very big initial print run, and Marvel typically only does the one printing on trades.

[agrich]

Unless you have to have them in trades, the individual issues aren't that hard to find on eBay.

[Comet Man]

Unless you have to have them in trades, the individual issues aren't that hard to find on eBay.

Thanks Agrich, I'll go check it out, but I'm sure they'll be overpriced too, and I may not be able to find all 12 issues. It's so much easier and compact just to get them in trade.

[marshal99]

Ugh , never liked giffen's take on Thanos , the comtemplating monk-like Thanos with the robes is just bad , not to mention , he's the one who killed Thanos with a crappy plot device.

[Comet Man]

Ugh , never liked giffen's take on Thanos , the comtemplating monk-like Thanos with the robes is just bad , not to mention , he's the one who killed Thanos with a crappy plot device.

I agree, get him out of the robes!

I don't really like what he did to Starlord, either, but still I'd love to read this series.

[marshal99]

Surprised that the giffen written thanos comic is so popular , i found it to be oh so dull and boring , it was no surprise to me that it was cancelled so soon.

[Comet Man]

Now you have me even more curious.

I'd love for Marvel to get Starlin back. Especially now that the cosmic section is doing so well. Give DnA some help.

[Dark Soul # 7]

Now you have me even more curious.

I'd love for Marvel to get Starlin back. Especially now that the cosmic section is doing so well. Give DnA some help.No, no.

He'll just revive Thanos or say that it was a clone or anything that makes the concept of death even more laughable in Marvel.

[Zero Hunter]

Surprised that the giffen written thanos comic is so popular , i found it to be oh so dull and boring , it was no surprise to me that it was cancelled so soon.

The book was as good as dead before Giffen even got on it. I love Starlin to death, but he was not anywhere near his A game with those first 6 issues, and it showed in sales.

I loved Giffens take on Thanos since it moved the character forward some, and to call what happened in Annhialtion a crappy plot device it just so wrong.

[marshal99]

It was a crappy plot device , Giffen used his version of Drax (with no explaination whatsoever how he suddenly came to be and it wasn't explained in the mini) to put thanos down for the count because he is the only one who can ?

[Expletive Deleted]

Surprised that the giffen written thanos comic is so popular , i found it to be oh so dull and boring , it was no surprise to me that it was cancelled so soon.It was an odd cancellation. The series wasn't doing well, but it was a good way above the generally accepted cancellation line at the point the decision was announced. I don't know what was going on behind the scenes, but you got the sense that Marvel just wasn't behind the series.

As to the quality of Giffen's run, I loved it. It's a bit more grounded than Starlin's epics, but still cosmic. Very much of a piece with Giffen's Annihilation, for which it lays a lot of groundwork. And after Starlin's faintly ridiculous, over-the-top Abyss/The End/Epiphany sequence, Samaritan's relatively low stakes (ie. mad gods and rogue heralds, but nothing that threatens the existence of the universe for the umpteenth time) and slow build to the big action sequences were a nice change of pace. Ron Lim was a great choice for the art, too.

[Comet Man]

No, no.

He'll just revive Thanos or say that it was a clone or anything that makes the concept of death even more laughable in Marvel.

That's okay with me. I want Thanos back, and you know he'll return eventually.

Even though I don't like Thanos' new look with the robes, I still liked Giffen's writing of him in Annihilation. And Ron Lim is always great as far as I'm concerned, especially on cosmic books.

I'm going to get this series if it kills me.

[Dark Soul # 7]

It was a crappy plot device , Giffen used his version of Drax (with no explaination whatsoever how he suddenly came to be and it wasn't explained in the mini) to put thanos down for the count because he is the only one who can ?Yeah, I don't see any problem with any of that.

He's reborn into something that's genetically programmed to kill Thanos. It's the kind of weird stuff I like seeing from cosmic comics.

[Expletive Deleted]

That's okay with me. I want Thanos back, and you know he'll return eventually.I don't mind Thanos coming back at some point, but I'd prefer a story that doesn't invalidate Giffen's work in the process.

If Starlin was writing it, you just know that's what he'd do.

[Make Mine Mar-Vell]

I don't mind Thanos coming back at some point, but I'd prefer a story that doesn't invalidate Giffen's work in the process.

If Starlin was writing it, you just know that's what he'd do.

E.D., I know what you're saying here, I don't want to get too far off topic here, but seeing as Thanos and most of the themes he was written since, basically was established in Captain Marvel, they were arch enemies long before Mar-Vell's original hero character in the "Thanos Starlin formula" that was so successful was replaced by characters like Warlock and Surfer. He was replaced although it was before most readers (including myself) were even alive which sucks because the work was so ahead of it's time. I always thought it's kind of unfair from a creative standpoint, I mean not just because I'm a Captain Marvel fan, but I mean didn't Thanos walk into that same light at the end of doCM?

Anyways, what I was trying to get to, was about the concept of invalidating another writer's work by bringing back a character they killed off poignantly.

I agree there should be some respect amongst writers on this, perhaps a 5 year rule or something should be put into place. Having said that, though, after a certain amount of time, isn't it a little silly? I mean 30 years? That's a bit extreme, isn't it? I mean at that point to new readers it almost suggests that dying was the only signifigant thing the character ever really contributed to comics, and that wasn't the case.

I don't think that would be invalidating the guy's work as long as you waited long enough out of respect for the work, maybe even used as a springboard for a new story, you know?

Should there be a rule of thumb, here? I mean they are fictional characters, I think the statement has been made. Anyways...in General, what is your perception?

As far as Thanos goes, I think he can and will be brought back, although it may be a bit soon as of today, but I think once the point is made well, you can make other points with the characters rather than replace them.

There should be a rule of thumb, though to make it mean something, I'm not saying that it shouldn't, I'm all for it, but at what point do you say, "eh, you know we've made the point"? Maybe there's some other point we can make with the character that's equally or strong in it's own right since we waited so long, you know, then it means more.



What's your take on this?

[gryhpon]

a problem with thanos, is that some writers, just write him as a darkseid knockoff, and while he may have started as a homage to darkseid, he has evolved into his own charachter. starlin was constantly moving him in a direction other writers were constantly deviating him from becuase they wanted to use thanos as a darkseid stand in. i havent read giffen's work on thanos but from what i hear, he actually did a good job evolving the character.

[Comet Man]

I don't mind Thanos coming back at some point, but I'd prefer a story that doesn't invalidate Giffen's work in the process.

If Starlin was writing it, you just know that's what he'd do.

I don't know. I'd have to read the series first and decide whether or not I'd even mind Starlin invalidating him. But it sounds like Giffen may have invalidated Starlin in the second half of that comic series.

[Expletive Deleted]

I don't know. I'd have to read the series first and decide whether or not I'd even mind Starlin invalidating him. But it sounds like Giffen may have invalidated Starlin in the second half of that comic series.Nah. Whether or not you like his take on Thanos, Giffen didn't say that Starlin's run didn't happen or that his Thanos wasn't really Thanos.

When I talk about "invalidating," I'm really talking about the Thanosi. In Infinity Abyss, Starlin retconned away every appearance of Thanos he didn't write as a series of defective clones. I'd be irritated if something like that were to be done to retcon Thanos's death in Annihilation.

[Expletive Deleted]

What's your take on this?I'd rather not see the Death of Captain Marvel retconned, either.

[steveg887]

Nah. Whether or not you like his take on Thanos, Giffen didn't say that Starlin's run didn't happen or that his Thanos wasn't really Thanos.

When I talk about "invalidating," I'm really talking about the Thanosi. In Infinity Abyss, Starlin retconned away every appearance of Thanos he didn't write as a series of defective clones. I'd be irritated if something like that were to be done to retcon Thanos's death in Annihilation.

Wow, really?

Was the character's history screwed up enough to justify Starlin doing this, or was he just being petty?

[Expletive Deleted]

Was the character's history screwed up enough to justify Starlin doing this, or was he just being petty?It depends on how seriously you take Thanos. If you thought he wasn't portrayed correctly (not powerful enough, too evil, etc.) in Dan Jurgens' Thor, Mark Waid's Ka-Zar, and so on, and that said problems were too much to rationalize away as different writers' takes on a character, you might be okay with it.

Personally, I thought it did seem a little petty.

[Zero Hunter]

It was a crappy plot device , Giffen used his version of Drax (with no explaination whatsoever how he suddenly came to be and it wasn't explained in the mini) to put thanos down for the count because he is the only one who can ?

I think what Giffen did was take Drax back to his roots really. He was originaly created to kill Thanos and nothing more. That was his sole purpose until Thanos was killed the first time.

[Cthulhudrew]

I don't know. I'd have to read the series first and decide whether or not I'd even mind Starlin invalidating him. But it sounds like Giffen may have invalidated Starlin in the second half of that comic series.

Giffen's take was a pretty natural progression of the character, both in Thanos and in Annihilation. How do you think he was invalidating Starlin's Thanos?

[Cthulhudrew]

Was the character's history screwed up enough to justify Starlin doing this, or was he just being petty?

Personally, I thought it did seem a little petty.

I can see where some might view it as petty, but I didn't think it seemed at all mean-spirited, and it certainly wasn't much different than- say, Simonson revealing that most of Dr. Doom's appearances over the years were Doombots and not the real thing (#350, one of the coolest FF titles, IMO, followed up by one of the greatest Time Travel stories, to boot); PAD's revelations that the Bruce Jones' continuity glitches were either a) due to Genis' messing around with reality, or b) Nightmare's screwing around with reality; or any similar sorts of stories where a character was "revealed" to have been a clone or robot or evil twin or whatever. It's pretty much a staple of the genre, and IMO, the Waid story in particular was a really awful take on Thanos that was not at all in keeping with the character development the purple guy had gone through all the years (didn't read Jurgens, but it was probably the same).

[Cthulhudrew]

It was an odd cancellation. The series wasn't doing well, but it was a good way above the generally accepted cancellation line at the point the decision was announced. I don't know what was going on behind the scenes, but you got the sense that Marvel just wasn't behind the series.

IIRC, there was something going on behind the scenes that hasn't been fully explained. There was definitely some editorial butting heads over the series itself (changed artwork in one of the issues); and either the powers that be had different ideas for where they wanted Thanos to go, or- from the hints and innuendos that were flying around- Marvel had some ideas for where/what they wanted to do with Mar-Vell, and Starlin didn't care for that. (All speculation by me, here, based on what I've read.)

In any event, Starlin and Marvel did have a pretty public blowout, with Starlin saying he'd never work for them again, and Giffen took over. I imagine at that point, with Starlin out, Marvel decided not to continue with Thanos regardless of sales. Marvel Cosmic was still considered a low seller (and would be until they decided to go forward with Annihilation), and without Starlin, their "go-to Cosmic guy" I think they just decided to tank it.

Which was too bad, because I enjoyed it, and- again- think Giffen was doing an excellent job (and continuing very much in the vein of where Starlin had been taking the character since Infinity Gauntlet ended), and was glad to see Lim back doing his cosmic work.

[Expletive Deleted]

I can see where some might view it as petty, but I didn't think it seemed at all mean-spirited.Oh, I don't think it was mean-spirited. Just a little self-centered.

[Cthulhudrew]

Oh, I don't think it was mean-spirited. Just a little self-centered.

Yeah, can't argue with that. Wasn't one of his best stories, either, sadly.

[Comet Man]

Giffen's take was a pretty natural progression of the character, both in Thanos and in Annihilation. How do you think he was invalidating Starlin's Thanos?

I don't know, I'd have to read it first. I'm just going by what I heard from some posters. I guess I'm wrong and I'm glad.

[agrich]

I actually enjoyed Infinity Abyss (guess I'm the one), but The End was pretty weak and yeah, the Thanos series wasn't good. The first couple of issues had kind of an interesting premise (Thanos going around making amends for some of his previous wrongs), but that led to a pretty goofy villain and resolution. Still, I thought the first two issues were kind of nice, probably in part because it was Thanos and Warlock, together again.

In any case, it's pretty clear that either Starlin quit or was fired rather abruptly. I mean, issue 6 ended with Thanos telling Pip he was off to visit Mentor or somesuch, and Starlin actually did the cover of issue 7, which I think had Thanos at Mar-Vell's grave or something. The actual issue, though, had nothing to do with any of that, the cover or whatever Starlin was planning, so I can't help but think even Giffen didn't tell exactly the story he was planning -- he might have been handed the book at the last minute and told to come up with something. And yeah, Marvel probably made the decision to cancel it before much reaction to Giffen's take had even come in.

I also wondered if Giffen's main interest was laying some groundwork for Annihilation, which he did, rather than writing a monthly Thanos book. It's possible Giffen himself said, sure, I'll do a 6 issue arc to set up some things, but mostly I've got this storyline I want to do involving some other cosmic characters.....

At the time I actually didn't like either the Starlin arc (ultimately) or the Giffen arc, and felt its cancellation was kind of a mercy killing. Going back to the Giffen stuff now, I like it a little more, but I don't think it was his best, either. Certainly it's no Annihilation.

I did see the full run on eBay for $30, which seems like a lot but that's around what it was on newsstands or would be for the two trades if they weren't out of print, so....

[marshal99]

I think what Giffen did was take Drax back to his roots really. He was originaly created to kill Thanos and nothing more. That was his sole purpose until Thanos was killed the first time.

He was originally created to stop thanos but it's not the same as being the only person who can kill him , drax has never been successful in stopping thanos.
Giffen just use the thanos series as a stepping stone to annihilation , don't think he gives a damn about thanos.

[Comet Man]

I actually enjoyed Infinity Abyss (guess I'm the one), but The End was pretty weak and yeah, the Thanos series wasn't good. The first couple of issues had kind of an interesting premise (Thanos going around making amends for some of his previous wrongs), but that led to a pretty goofy villain and resolution. Still, I thought the first two issues were kind of nice, probably in part because it was Thanos and Warlock, together again.

In any case, it's pretty clear that either Starlin quit or was fired rather abruptly. I mean, issue 6 ended with Thanos telling Pip he was off to visit Mentor or somesuch, and Starlin actually did the cover of issue 7, which I think had Thanos at Mar-Vell's grave or something. The actual issue, though, had nothing to do with any of that, the cover or whatever Starlin was planning, so I can't help but think even Giffen didn't tell exactly the story he was planning -- he might have been handed the book at the last minute and told to come up with something. And yeah, Marvel probably made the decision to cancel it before much reaction to Giffen's take had even come in.

I also wondered if Giffen's main interest was laying some groundwork for Annihilation, which he did, rather than writing a monthly Thanos book. It's possible Giffen himself said, sure, I'll do a 6 issue arc to set up some things, but mostly I've got this storyline I want to do involving some other cosmic characters.....

At the time I actually didn't like either the Starlin arc (ultimately) or the Giffen arc, and felt its cancellation was kind of a mercy killing. Going back to the Giffen stuff now, I like it a little more, but I don't think it was his best, either. Certainly it's no Annihilation.

I did see the full run on eBay for $30, which seems like a lot but that's around what it was on newsstands or would be for the two trades if they weren't out of print, so....

That comes out to 2.50 an issue, so it's not really bad at all. I did see that myself when I went and checked. There's another guy on ebay selling the set for 45 bucks. I think I'm gonna grab the thirty dollar set up.

Interesting about that cover to number seven you mentioned. I wonder if Starlin was planning on having Thanos bring back Mar-Vell from the dead? I guess we'll never know.

[agrich]

Interesting about that cover to number seven you mentioned. I wonder if Starlin was planning on having Thanos bring back Mar-Vell from the dead? I guess we'll never know.

The storyline was kind of, Thanos making amends for past wrongs. I think the likely story there would have been him visiting Mentor on Titan, as he said he was going to do at the end of #6, and perhaps a graveside visit would have been a moment in the issue. I can't imagine he'd have undone one of his most acclaimed stories.

[marshal99]

I think when thanos have the reality gem as part of the watch , he did bring Mar-vell back using the gem but Mar-vell decline to be brought back , his time was done.

Thanos won't bring Mar-vell back but he can try to atone for them but when giffen took over the book , he took it in a different direction , obviously to set up his cosmic storyline that he had in store.

[Comet Man]

The storyline was kind of, Thanos making amends for past wrongs. I think the likely story there would have been him visiting Mentor on Titan, as he said he was going to do at the end of #6, and perhaps a graveside visit would have been a moment in the issue. I can't imagine he'd have undone one of his most acclaimed stories.

Not unless he was planning on doing a fantastic resurrection story that could have gotten acclaim also. And if it was Starlin doing the resurrection, it would probably be more accepted.

Probably just wishful thinking on my part.

[Make Mine Mar-Vell]

I'd rather not see the Death of Captain Marvel retconned, either.

Retconned?
Technically it wouldn't be a retcon, if you see the plothole left wide open and check out Silver Surfer #63. He never really crossed over.

However there are some people who'd like to see him back, enough to justify doing it IMHO.

Anyway, in general as far as the whole thing goes, do you think there's a time limit on this sort of thing regardless of character?

You know like from one writer to another...is there like a rule of respect on this, I think there should be...however, I mean how long till it's cool?

Like "the 5 year rule of respectt" or something?

[Cthulhudrew]

I also wondered if Giffen's main interest was laying some groundwork for Annihilation, which he did, rather than writing a monthly Thanos book. It's possible Giffen himself said, sure, I'll do a 6 issue arc to set up some things, but mostly I've got this storyline I want to do involving some other cosmic characters.....

There was about two years between the end of Thanos and Annihilation, IIRC. I don't think he was using the title to set anything up; I think he just happened to set up Annihilation in a manner that meshed with where he'd left off with Thanos. To be honest, I'm not even sure if Annihilation had been in the planning when Drax the Destroyer came out; they were closer together, but I just don't know. Giffen was sort of doing the Warren Ellis thing at Marvel at the time- ie, revamping old characters that had been in Limbo for a while- he did Thanos, then Drax, and he did the shortlived Howling Commandos (which reintroduced Groot to the Marvel U.) I suspect- but obviously don't know- that it was Giffen's use of these cosmic characters, plus his history of cosmic character work at Marvel and DC both, that prompted Andy Schmidt to help get the Annihilation ball rolling.

The storyline was kind of, Thanos making amends for past wrongs. I think the likely story there would have been him visiting Mentor on Titan, as he said he was going to do at the end of #6, and perhaps a graveside visit would have been a moment in the issue. I can't imagine he'd have undone one of his most acclaimed stories.

Yeah, I wholeheartedly agree. He definitely wouldn't have undone the death of Mar-Vell. But it would only have been natural, I think, for him to have visited Mar-Vell's grave considering where he was in his life cycle as you say. Particularly appropriate given Mar-Vell's own growth during Starlin's tenure from Kree warrior to Protector of the Universe.

[Lord S]

First of all, the cover of Thanos #7 has him leaning at Mentor's grave, not Mar-Vell's. I believe Starlin stated that he was planning on killing off Mentor...so I don't know where all these theories of resurrecting Mar-Vell are coming from.

Anyway, regarding the issue of the Thanosi clones...which has always been a hot topic for me...we can debate this till the end of time, but I firmly believe those stories were retconned for the right reasons. Some people like to paint a picture of a petty Starlin coming in and disrespecting the work of other writers, yet fail to recognize that those other writers and their blatant disregard for the character developments that he made on Thanos from the end of Infinity Gauntlet to about the mid-90's, were the reason for those clones. Starlin had positioned Thanos as more of a neutral character after IG, (with a mean streak, of course), something which Marz continued with in Cosmic Powers. Marz edged him back a little more to the evil side in the Silver Surfer/Green Lantern issue, (which I guess is canon for Marvel...how else do you explain how Thanos ended up in that void?) Waid was the first one to outright abuse the character when he used him in that Ka-Zar series. Thanos was depicted as a mindless power-hungry brute, wanting to conquer the universe again, even though he was through with that sort of thing, as per his previous characterization. That didn't matter to Waid, as he reverted him back fully to 1970's mode. The next few writers pretty much continued this trend, until Starlin came back and had to deal with a character that was utterly screwed up and required correction. So he did what he had to do, which was to retcon those stories. Not petty at all, and not disrespectful to the other writers. Had they not mishandled and raped the character the way they did, the clones wouldn't have been necessary.

Regarding Giffen's take on Thanos...I enjoyed it. Giffen was one of the few writers that actually knew how to write a good Thanos. Starlin's Thanos was a very busy and dialogue-heavy character. Giffen's was more calm and analytical, yet equally intelligent and intense. Someone said it was a natural progression of the character, and I agree. His death did the character justice, and in the unlikely event that Starlin ever comes back to Marvel, I doubt he would step over Giffen's work, simply because the character was treated with repect...and not like a two-dimensional brute.

BTW, some people were speculating on Starlin's departure earlier...I read that it had to do with him wanting to use Adam Warlock as a guest star in the Thanos book, yet someone else (I think Pak) was writing a separate Warlock book that offended Starlin. Then management basically told him to screw off if he didn't like it...and so he did. :frown:

[agrich]

First of all, the cover of Thanos #7 has him leaning at Mentor's grave, not Mar-Vell's. I believe Starlin stated that he was planning on killing off Mentor...so I don't know where all these theories of resurrecting Mar-Vell are coming from.

Definitely not my theory, but I did say that Thanos is at Mar-Vell's grave. I've got the cover in front of me and the monument is the same one we saw on the back cover of Death of Captain Marvel. Why do you think it's Mentor's grave?

[Lord S]

Because Starlin said so in an interview...I'm pretty sure.

[Lord S]

Because Starlin said so in an interview...I'm pretty sure.
Actually it might have been Andy Schmidt in that huge Annihilation Q&A thread.

[Cthulhudrew]

Definitely not my theory, but I did say that Thanos is at Mar-Vell's grave. I've got the cover in front of me and the monument is the same one we saw on the back cover of Death of Captain Marvel. Why do you think it's Mentor's grave?

Agreed. When I first saw that cover way back when, I thought it was Mentor's because I recall someone saying something to the effect of Starlin planning on killing Mentor (which also would have probably played into his evolution as a character; it may even have been in the original solicit), but that is clearly Mar-Vell's grave on that cover. It was most recently seen in Annihilation #2, I believe, when Phyla went to leave the Nega-Bands there.

(Although it probably even showed up in the Captain Marvel mini recently, but I didn't read that one.)

BTW, some people were speculating on Starlin's departure earlier...I read that it had to do with him wanting to use Adam Warlock as a guest star in the Thanos book, yet someone else (I think Pak) was writing a separate Warlock book that offended Starlin. Then management basically told him to screw off if he didn't like it...and so he did. :frown:

I'd forgotten that Pak/Warlock series was coming out at/around that time- that could very well have been at the root of things. The real story never came out, and I recall hearing speculation about Captain Marvel (IIRC, that was around the time that Joe Q was saying there was going to be a new Captain Marvel coming onto the scene; Fabian had put Genis into the TBolts but wasn't allowed to call him CM there). The Warlock thing could very well have been the issue, or the combination. At this point, only Starlin and Marvel know, though.

A shame, all the same.

[Comet Man]

I had no idea about all this. Sounds like Starlin needs to learn how to play with all the other kids in the sandbox, instead of getting mad, then taking his toy shovel and running home. Yes, he's done magnificent stories with Warlock, Thanos, Mar-Vell, and other cosmic beings, but he's neither creator nor owner, and he just needs to let some air out of that ego of his. He needs to realize other writers are just as capable as him of writing "his" characters, and he doesn't have exclusive rights to them.

I've changed my mind about him. Let him stay at DC where he belongs. He comes back over to Marvel and writes a mind blowing resurrection story of Mar-Velll, or learns how to tolerate other writers writing "his" characters, then I'd welcome him back with open arms. Otherwise, he just sounds like a crybaby primadonna to me. Good riddance.

[agrich]

Well, none of us really know why Starlin has left Marvel -- several times -- over the years. He has said there was a point around his first or second departure (maybe when he took Dreadstar over to First Comics) that he wasn't getting paid. His first run on Warlock, they kept changing editors; different guy every month. I don't know the real story of what happened with Thanos and I'm not sure anyone here does either.

I do know that he's left three or four times in 30 years, there were various reports of acrimony on one or both sides, and he's always come back eventually. So maybe that will be the case again. Certainly plenty of creators have left Marvel under controversy and returned at some point, so you never know.

[Expletive Deleted]

Because Starlin said so in an interview...I'm pretty sure.Yep. (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=77127)

By the way here (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=114874) is the old Annihilation Q&A thread. Andy didn't talk much about the Thanos series and Starlin's departure, but he answered a few questions about it in the general vicinity of post #1100.

[agrich]

I missed that interview when it came out, thanks for posting.

[marshal99]

Mar-vell death was groundbreaking and a fantastic piece of work , no thanks to a resurrection.

[riffraff]

It was a crappy plot device , Giffen used his version of Drax (with no explaination whatsoever how he suddenly came to be and it wasn't explained in the mini) to put thanos down for the count because he is the only one who can ?

Giffen's version of Drax was "born" in his Drax the Destroyer mini from 2005.

[riffraff]

I want to get both of these very badly, since I was out of comics at the time, but Marvel needs to reprint them. They're expensive as hell to get ahold of, at least everywhere I've checked.

If anybody knows anyplace I can get these at normal TP prices, or you have any info on if they'll ever be reprinted, I'd really appreciate you letting me know.

Lone Star Comics (aka mycomicshop.com) (http://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=255681) has around half of the issues, which are reasonably cheap ($1.90, $2.60, or $3.20). The rest are out of stock.

[marshal99]

Giffen's version of Drax was "born" in his Drax the Destroyer mini from 2005.

His "version" came out of nowhere , never explained how he came to be in that form or why , he just pop up all of a sudden with no backstory and why he's in a prison ship with the blood brothers and all that. It's crap

[Comet Man]

Mar-vell death was groundbreaking and a fantastic piece of work , no thanks to a resurrection.

Thank you for your opinion but I disagree. It's been almost 30 years. Time for a resurrection. That's my opinion and I'm sticking with it.

Now back to Thanos......

[Comet Man]

Lone Star Comics (aka mycomicshop.com) (http://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TID=255681) has around half of the issues, which are reasonably cheap ($1.90, $2.60, or $3.20). The rest are out of stock.

Thank you riffraff, but ebay has the entire set for 30 bucks and they're all near mint.

[Lord S]

I had no idea about all this. Sounds like Starlin needs to learn how to play with all the other kids in the sandbox, instead of getting mad, then taking his toy shovel and running home. Yes, he's done magnificent stories with Warlock, Thanos, Mar-Vell, and other cosmic beings, but he's neither creator nor owner, and he just needs to let some air out of that ego of his. He needs to realize other writers are just as capable as him of writing "his" characters, and he doesn't have exclusive rights to them.

I've changed my mind about him. Let him stay at DC where he belongs. He comes back over to Marvel and writes a mind blowing resurrection story of Mar-Velll, or learns how to tolerate other writers writing "his" characters, then I'd welcome him back with open arms. Otherwise, he just sounds like a crybaby primadonna to me. Good riddance.
*Sighs*

I'm not even going to bother asking how/why you drew some of those conclusions...your whole post seems like nothing but flame-bait.

[Comet Man]

*Sighs*

I'm not even going to bother asking how/why you drew some of those conclusions...your whole post seems like nothing but flame-bait.

Are you Jim Starlin or something? Then why would you say it's flame bait? And I've come to those conclusions by what he said in interviews, by what people have said on here, and by his own actions. That's my opinion of him. If it hurt your feelings because you're a big fan of his, then that's not my problem.

[Lord S]

Are you Jim Starlin or something? Then why would you say it's flame bait? And I've come to those conclusions by what he said in interviews, by what people have said on here, and by his own actions. That's my opinion of him. If it hurt your feelings because you're a big fan of his, then that's not my problem.
No I'm not Jim Starlin...and no you didn't hurt my feelings. Nothing you say could ever hurt me.

You're basing your 'well thought out' conclusions on stupid assumptions that:

A) Starlin believes that he owns the characters
B) Starlin is a crybaby because other writers misused a character that he created
and C) Starlin took his shovel and ran home.

You have no proof of any of these assumptions and just sound like a myopic Starlin-hater who wishes the above were true.

[agrich]

Starlin saying some Thanos appearances were clones during Infinity Abyss doesn't strike me as a big deal. It's no different than John Byrne in Fantastic Four saying that the Dr. Doom who appeared in X-Men and let Arcade strike a match on his armor was a Doombot. It struck Byrne as out of character for Doom to allow that, just as I guess Starlin didn't buy Thanos' characterization in battling freaking Ka-Zar of all people.

Besides which, in this case the creation of clones by Thanos was an integral part of the storyline of the Infinity Abyss series, so there was actually a legitimate reason for the retcon beyond Starlin being overly protective of the character. The bad guys were clones, so saying one of Thanos' appearances was a clone doesn't seem like a huge deal. I don't think Mark Waid cared.

Based on an early answer in that lengthy interview posted, it sounds (and this is Starlin's version) like Starlin wanted to use Warlock as a supporting character in Thanos, while Marvel preferred that he not use him for fear it would conflict with Greg Pak's Warlock miniseries (which as an aside I'll mention that some people liked but I personally thought was godawful). That conflict resulted in some disagreement between Quesada and Starlin that resulted in Starlin leaving Marvel. I guess only those two really know the whole story.

[Expletive Deleted]

Starlin saying some Thanos appearances were clones during Infinity Abyss doesn't strike me as a big deal. It's no different than John Byrne in Fantastic Four saying that the Dr. Doom who appeared in X-Men and let Arcade strike a match on his armor was a Doombot. It struck Byrne as out of character for Doom to allow that, just as I guess Starlin didn't buy Thanos' characterization in battling freaking Ka-Zar of all people. For what it's worth, I have the same negative opinion of the Doombot situation. It's a writer setting himself up as the ultimate arbiter of what a character should or should not be. Even if he's more or less right, I just don't think it's a good idea in a shared setting.

[agrich]

Where do you draw the line, though? Bendis couldn't tell Secret Invasion without making some appearances of characters in other writers' books into Skrulls. Byrne's entire Johnny-Alicia relationship was wiped out by DeFalco in making Alicia into a Skrull. Anyway, I guess I agree with you, but one writer altering a previous writer's work for various reasons -- in those examples, because the characterization didn't ring true to him -- is part of comics. I suppose these instances are BETTER reasons than Starlin's/Byrne's, though.

[Expletive Deleted]

Where do you draw the line, though? Bendis couldn't tell Secret Invasion without making some appearances of characters in other writers' books into Skrulls. Byrne's entire Johnny-Alicia relationship was wiped out by DeFalco in making Alicia into a Skrull. Anyway, I guess I agree with you, but one writer altering a previous writer's work for various reasons -- in those examples, because the characterization didn't ring true to him -- is part of comics. I suppose these instances are BETTER reasons than Starlin's/Byrne's, though.Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-retcon. Sometimes it's necessary, and sometimes it's just a good idea. If it benefits the plot, I'm probably not going to complain.

I just don't see the compelling story reason for this type of retcon. If Starlin wants everyone to fight hybrid Thanos clones, great, but the retcons are more or less superfluous to that story. Ditto the FF story. The whole Doombot thing is practically an aside.

[Comet Man]

No I'm not Jim Starlin...and no you didn't hurt my feelings. Nothing you say could ever hurt me.

You're basing your 'well thought out' conclusions on stupid assumptions that:

A) Starlin believes that he owns the characters
B) Starlin is a crybaby because other writers misused a character that he created
and C) Starlin took his shovel and ran home.

You have no proof of any of these assumptions and just sound like a myopic Starlin-hater who wishes the above were true.

You have your opinion of him, and I have mine. That's all there is to it. And I'm very glad to hear that nothing I say could ever hurt you, because I don't even know who you are, and I have no reason to hurt your feelings. That's not what I come here for. I just didn't understand why you took my post so personal when it was about Starlin. Anyway, we'll just agree to disagree. No harm done.

Personally, I follow characters, not writers, and I like it when a new writer comes on a book about a character I like. I enjoy seeing the fresh takes and different styles. As long as the stories continue to be good, exciting, and fun, I have no problem with it. I think it's silly for people to think that only a certain writer can write a certain character. Bulldinky! I'd like to get that Greg Pak Warlock series and check it out since I like Warlock. Starlin the only one who can write Warlock? I say "BAH"!

[agrich]

I'd like to get that Greg Pak Warlock series and check it out since I like Warlock. Starlin the only one who can write Warlock? I say "BAH"!

I'm enjoying Abnett and Lanning's use of the character in Guardians of the Galaxy.

The Pak series, though, isn't a particularly good example of "writing Warlock." Pretty sure the actual character only had a cameo. Like I said, I have no idea what the actual rift between Starlin and Marvel was. But if it was over that series -- which was about "Warlock" in name and idea only, not the character -- I'd be somewhat sympathetic. I suspect you'd feel a little cheated by it yourself.

[Comet Man]

I'm enjoying Abnett and Lanning's use of the character in Guardians of the Galaxy.

The Pak series, though, isn't a particularly good example of "writing Warlock." Pretty sure the actual character only had a cameo. Like I said, I have no idea what the actual rift between Starlin and Marvel was. But if it was over that series -- which was about "Warlock" in name and idea only, not the character -- I'd be somewhat sympathetic. I suspect you'd feel a little cheated by it yourself.

Thanks for the warning, Agrich.

DnA! I love DnA and what they're doing for cosmic Marvel right now. I love their Warlock too, just like you. I'm just worried that they might need some help though. They seem to be the only ones writing the cosmic stuff right now, and I'm worried about them stretching themselves thin and burning out. That's why I suggested Starlin come back to help, but I don't know if that would be a good idea after what I've heard about him. He'd probably want to take over and not be very easy to work with. Maybe Ron Marz would be a great addition.

[Zero Hunter]

I think Starlin is happy over at DC with his series of mini series he has been doing. I have been enjoying them alot, but I like the odder characters like Adam Strange, Captain Comet, Weird, and Starman so that probably plays into it.

[Make Mine Mar-Vell]

No I'm not Jim Starlin...and no you didn't hurt my feelings. Nothing you say could ever hurt me.

You're basing your 'well thought out' conclusions on stupid assumptions that:

A) Starlin believes that he owns the characters
B) Starlin is a crybaby because other writers misused a character that he created
and C) Starlin took his shovel and ran home.

You have no proof of any of these assumptions and just sound like a myopic Starlin-hater who wishes the above were true.

Actually, bro, I have to agree with The one and only Comet Man here.

Consistently, he's "well thought out" in his posts, and he fairly brings up a very relevant and thought provoking question concerning the Mar-Vell character. I can't say he's wrong. If I say any more, you won't take me seriously because of my being a fan, but objectively, the guy is right.

In other words, there is merit in what he's saying, whether you agree or not is up to you.

However, back to topic, what issues would you include in a Thanos trade?

[Lord S]

It's a writer setting himself up as the ultimate arbiter of what a character should or should not be. Even if he's more or less right, I just don't think it's a good idea in a shared setting. I can agree with you to a point. Obviously Len Wein shouldn't be able to walk into Marvel and retcon various Wolverine stories he doesn't like because they don't fall in line with his original vision of the character, but that's because he hasn't worked on the character for more than 30 years. But I feel the situation was different with Starlin...as he always worked on Thanos whenever he was at Marvel, and set the character up in a certain direction, and other writers chose to ignore it and revert him back to a base villain. So it all depends on the circumstances, especially the severity of the mischaracterization.

You have your opinion of him, and I have mine. That's all there is to it. And I'm very glad to hear that nothing I say could ever hurt you, because I don't even know who you are, and I have no reason to hurt your feelings. That's not what I come here for. I just didn't understand why you took my post so personal when it was about Starlin. Anyway, we'll just agree to disagree. No harm done. No harm done. :smile:

You wouldn't be wrong in accusing me of being an apologist for Jim Starlin...I just really dig his (Marvel) work. I just thought you were being a little presumptuous about the situation with some of your comments. I think there's more to the story.

Personally, I follow characters, not writers, and I like it when a new writer comes on a book about a character I like. I enjoy seeing the fresh takes and different styles. As long as the stories continue to be good, exciting, and fun, I have no problem with it. I think it's silly for people to think that only a certain writer can write a certain character. Bulldinky! I'd like to get that Greg Pak Warlock series and check it out since I like Warlock. Starlin the only one who can write Warlock? I say "BAH"! You're right...a lot of people have the ability to write different characters, and should have that right, but Adam Warlock is one guy that only Starlin seems to understand. That Pak story was unreadable, and the DnA version...well...I'm being patient with it, but am honestly not happy about it right now. The character is almost unrecognizable for me. I'm willing to wait for WoK to end so they can go back to his subplot with the other cocoon held at the Universal Church of Truth. But if I don't like what I see then I won't hesitate to drop GoTG.

I have no idea what the actual rift between Starlin and Marvel was. But if it was over that series -- which was about "Warlock" in name and idea only, not the character -- I'd be somewhat sympathetic. I suspect you'd feel a little cheated by it yourself. Agreed. We all know Starlin didn't create Adam Warlock, but he's the writer most associated with the character. He was the one who defined the character and gave him life and direction. He saved the character the way he did Captain Marvel, and for them to go over his head and snub him the way they did just smacks of discourtesy and unprofessionalism, IMO.

[gryhpon]

what are the chances of marvel reprinting the trades of thanos?

[gryhpon]

thanos needs to be brought back. he is just too good a character to not be used.

and marvel needs to put out a new collection of his series

[icctrombone]

Starlin is the best Thanos writer. But Marvel comics can do whatever thay like with the character. It's up to the editors to decide what should be canon or not.

[Lord S]

I think we may see Thanos in the near future. With Gamora's apparent death, she may meet him in Death's realm where he'll return her to life, but not before properly coaxing her to return to her evil ways.

Maybe she'll kill Phyla to take her place as Death's avatar.

[reality]

First of all wasnt Thanos still banished from death, in Annihilation?

I cant see how the last 6 issues of Thanos from Giffen was some sort of set up for Annihilation. I mean Thanos from his series was was getting away from just killing, sure he would kill but not engage in genocide. At the end of the series he has his own herald and whether he liked it or not Skreet (who was plain ultra-awesome) he was just enjoying himself.

Then in Annihilation, there is no Skreet or the Herald (I feel bad for forgetting his name), and he agrees to be in on the Annihilation wave, even though it will involve genocide. When he realizes the genocide was going to be much worse than he was led to beleave, he comes up with a plan to turn the tide, then all the sudden (unless I missed it and it could happen) he is able to be killed, even if its the only being able to kill him, I dont see being banned from death would include all but Drax.

Seems the character at the end of his series was not the one from Annihilation, the character from his series would not have agreed to go along with Annihilus, even with the explanation given. It would just go against the direction Thanos was going at the end of his series. Plus I mention again where is Skreet and the herald?

[Lord S]

I don't know which Annihilation you were reading because Skreet was all over the place. Thanos' herald, the Fallen One, was killed in Annihilation: Silver Surfer.

I found Thanos from Samaritan and Annihilation to be one and the same. I mean it was the same writer.

Don't know what you're talking about at all.

[reality]

Ok I will agree when I am wrong, with the Skreet thing and not knowing about Fallen One. But I just dont see Thanos being on the annihilation wave in the first place.

[Lord S]

Well Thanos was never a goody-good guy...even when not pursuing universe-conquering goals. In his transitionary period he was always a means-to-an-end guy. I don't think killing ever bothered him - look at when he first entered the Kyln...he had no problem murdering a group of aliens snooping on him.

I think he joined the Annihilation Wave simply to find out what Annihilus was up to. I can't remember, but I think it was even stated that he had every intention of stopping Annihilus when he felt the time was right.

[gryhpon]

I think he joined the Annihilation Wave simply to find out what Annihilus was up to. I can't remember, but I think it was even stated that he had every intention of stopping Annihilus when he felt the time was right.

im pretty sure this is right

[FanboyStranger]

I still think Thanos will be brought back as a counter balance to the Magus in GotG, probably in issue 25.

[gryhpon]

I still think Thanos will be brought back as a counter balance to the Magus in GotG, probably in issue 25.

that would make a lot of sense but part of me wouldnt like that since it seems like it would be a rehashing of stories starlin has told

[The Nihilist]

Well Thanos was never a goody-good guy...even when not pursuing universe-conquering goals. In his transitionary period he was always a means-to-an-end guy. I don't think killing ever bothered him - look at when he first entered the Kyln...he had no problem murdering a group of aliens snooping on him.

I think he joined the Annihilation Wave simply to find out what Annihilus was up to. I can't remember, but I think it was even stated that he had every intention of stopping Annihilus when he felt the time was right.

He said he joined the Annihilation wave to see how a radical tilt in universal balance would play out.

He was bored with the same cycles of life, playing out their variants over and over.

[Lord S]

So there you go...it was an experiment to him.

Plus he did have his contingency plan in place if he needed to stop Annihilus, but Drax killed him before he could execute it.

[Zero Hunter]

Ok I will agree when I am wrong, with the Skreet thing and not knowing about Fallen One. But I just dont see Thanos being on the annihilation wave in the first place.

Plus look at it this way. Whos side would you ahve wanted to be one when Annhilation started? Annhilus and his massive army plus 2 Galactus level beings backing him up or Novas and his ragtag band of losers who were getting kicked all over the place?

Pretty easy choice if your Thanos.

[gryhpon]

what was the best story involving thanos?

[agrich]

The best story involving Thanos was the original Magus Saga. It was unique, clever, funny, dramatic, groundbreaking. Nothing else comes close. Strange Tales 178 through 181, Warlock 9 through 11.

The best Thanos story (focused on him) was probably either Infinity Gauntlet or Thanos Quest (during which he gathers the gems in the first place).

[The Nihilist]

what was the best story involving thanos?
Infinity Gauntlet or Cosmic powers or any of the early Captain Marvell/Avengers stuff imo.

[gryhpon]

Infinity Gauntlet or Cosmic powers or any of the early Captain Marvell/Avengers stuff imo.
what was cosmic powers exactly?

[Evil-Spidey]

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/marveltheend01.jpg

[The Nihilist]

what was cosmic powers exactly?

It was a 6 issue mini series, in which Thanos wanted to find a worthy opponent and ended up fighting Tyrant and stealing his power orb.

He also appeared in Cosmic powers unlimited #1 (iirc).

[gryhpon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM4Y2j_kC3A&feature=channel

[gryhpon]

It was a 6 issue mini series, in which Thanos wanted to find a worthy opponent and ended up fighting Tyrant and stealing his power orb.

He also appeared in Cosmic powers unlimited #1 (iirc).

hmm sounds interesting

[marshal99]

hmm sounds interesting

It was a pretty good mini series. Book 1 - 6 , also starring Terrax , Jack of Hearts , Legacy (aka Genis) & Morg.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b297/Bubbleuk/CosmicPowers-6-Tyrant31.jpg

You have to remember the mini series came off after silver surfer issue 82 where Tyrant thrashed the combined force of Silver Surfer , Gladiator , Beta Ray Bill , Terrax , Morg & Jack of Hearts so he's a major cosmic power to be reckoned with hence why Thanos went after him.
http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/74638335496.82.GIF

[xcoijoi]

thanos needs to be brought back. he is just too good a character to not be used.

and marvel needs to put out a new collection of his series

Wholehearted agreement.

Bring him back.

[xcoijoi]

what was the best story involving thanos?

Most readers will feel differently, but my favorite was The End. He got everything he asked for, although not in the way he hoped.

Lots of character-revealing monologue. I loved it. We should all think so rationally.

[gryhpon]

It was a pretty good mini series. Book 1 - 6 , also starring Terrax , Jack of Hearts , Legacy (aka Genis) & Morg.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b297/Bubbleuk/CosmicPowers-6-Tyrant31.jpg

You have to remember the mini series came off after silver surfer issue 82 where Tyrant thrashed the combined force of Silver Surfer , Gladiator , Beta Ray Bill , Terrax , Morg & Jack of Hearts so he's a major cosmic power to be reckoned with hence why Thanos went after him.
http://image2.milehighcomics.com/istore/images/fullsize/74638335496.82.GIF

ill have to check it out