*Obie, through his dabbling in arcane magiks mixed with ancient corrupt business practices, has had not just the colors of his fur switched, but a complete overhaul of his work ethic as well…I think I’m kinda okay with the mishap.
Not sure what “Comics Lust” is about? Take a look at the Introduction to “Comics Lust” post or take a look at the static “Comics Lust Table of Contents” page to jump to a topic.
Comics Lust
Thanos 101: Intro to The Mad Titan (Part 1)
Avengers Versus Thanos
(Primarily written and illustrated by Jim Starlin, published by Marvel Comics in 2013)If you really want to go deep on the villainous Thanos and can only pick up one book, then this is the one to buy. At 472 pages, you get his first appearance (from back in 1973), Drax the Destroyer’s first appearance, a crucial revamp of the character Adam Warlock that made him one of my all-time favorite Marvel characters, plenty of Captain Marvel, the Cosmic Cube, Infinity Stones, and of course the Avengers and Spider-Man. This is it. This is the big kahuna. With the stories written by Starlin and/or featuring his gorgeous, trippy art, you’ll definitely want to start here.
The Death of Captain Marvel
(Written and illustrated by Jim Starlin, originally published by Marvel Comics in 1982)The title says it all and picks up roughly five years after the harrowing events of Marvel Two-in-One Annual #2 (included in Avengers Versus Thanos). Captain Marvel is dying and as his friends and colleagues come to say their farewells, he receives a visit from his greatest foe. This is the first Marvel Graphic Novel and also one of the best. Beautifully told, beautifully illustrated, heavy yet uplifting, the original Marvel Graphic Novel edition is going to be difficult to come by, but at least you can easily catch up with this story and some extra issues in the recently collected Captain Marvel: The Death of Captain Marvel.
Silver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos
(Written by Jim Starlin, illustrated by Ron Lim, published by Marvel Comics 2013)The event that comes next is major, but the lead up to that six-issue miniseries began in the pages of The Silver Surfer, where Thanos returns to the land of the living with a new plot to win the love of Mistress Death. These issues then lead into the amazing prelude, The Thanos Quest, which was originally published as two double-sized issues and follows Thanos as he seeks out the powerful Soul Gems. This book has it all.
The Infinity Gauntlet
(Written by Jim Starlin, illustrated by George Perez and Ron Lim, originally published by Marvel Comics in 1991)The Infinity Gauntlet is my favorite event comic of all time. You have Starlin writing and Thanos and Warlock back among the living following the events that had been building in the pages of The Silver Surfer and The Thanos Quest. Thanos is now in possession of the Soul Gems—he calls them Infinity Gems—and affixes them to his gauntlet becoming an unstoppable God bent on destroying everything to garner the love and attention of Mistress Death. It’s up to Earth’s mightiest heroes to do the impossible and stop him, but they will need the help of a certain golden-skinned hero long thought dead. You’ll want the trade collection for sure.
- Note: if you really want to go deep, then pick up The Silver Surfer #44–50 before checking out this must-read event book (no trade available yet that I can find), followed by The Silver Surfer: The Infinity Gauntlet trade which happens parallel to the events in this triumphant comic.
The Infinity War
(Written by Jim Starlin, illustrated by Ron Lim, originally published by Marvel Comics in 1992)Quickly following on the massive success of The Infinity Gauntlet, a new threat arises that will force Adam Warlock to look to some unconventional means for help. This series is where Marvel started going a little nuts with the tie-in issues that touched practically every Marvel title at the time and which you do not need to read to enjoy this six-issue miniseries. There was also Warlock and the Infinity Watch for those completionists out there, but that series served more to enhance the saga than to be a critical part of it. Although surpassing the grandeur of The Infinity Gauntlet is something I don’t think will ever happen, The Infinity War is still a heck of a lot of fun and is a must-read book that is easily found in collected form.
The Infinity Crusade
(Written by Jim Starlin, illustrated by Ron Lim, originally published by Marvel Comics in 1993)Hey, might as well try to let lightning strike thrice with the conclusion of the Infinity “trilogy.” Marvel released this six-issue miniseries as well as The Warlock Chronicles along with a deluge of tie-in comics spread across the entire Marvel Universe to such a ridiculous degree that I almost bounced from the event out of irritation; I held in and I’m glad I did. Although not as strong an entry as the first two chapters, you should still read the two-volume The Infinity Crusade set, as it has some great cosmic action and thrills.
The Infinity Abyss
(Written and illustrated by Jim Starlin, originally published by Marvel Comics in 2002)Warlock gathers a group of heroes to combat a menace so terrible that he must seek the aid of the dreaded Thanos of Titan himself. This series was released as a biweekly, six-issue series and it succeeded in bringing Warlock and Thanos back to glory and away from company money-grab marketing schemes. If The Infinity Crusade didn’t wow you as much as the previous books, then The Infinity Abyss will get you back to where you need to be.
Marvel Universe: The End
(Written and illustrated by Jim Starlin, originally published by Marvel Comics in 2003)Warlock, Thanos, and a host of heroes face the newest mad god on the block, one that threatens to erase everyone and everything from reality. Another strong showing from Starlin both in the story and in the visually stunning art. Like everything else that follows, you’re going to want to pick this up. Excelsior!
Well, that’s the bell, class, and it looks like we’ve just barely made it halfway through the coming week’s reading homework. We’ll just have to pick up where we left off next time, as there are plenty more Starlin Thanos books you need to check out. Until then, best get to reading.
This Week’s Reading List
I’m drained, so let’s wrap this up with a quick rundown of this week’s books:- Mister Miracle #8
(Written by Tom King, illustrated by Mitch Gerads, lettered by Clayton Cowles, published by DC Comics)
Dang, Tom King and Mitch Gerads are killing it on this freaking book. This month Scott Free and Big Barda alternate waging war and raising their child and every moment is sheer magic.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - Descender #29
(Written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, lettered and designed by Steve Wands, edited by Will Dennis, published by Image Comics)
Deep beneath the oceans of planet Mata, Tim-21 meets an ancient robot as The Hardwire and the UGC continue their war. This series just gets better and better. Here’s hoping it never ends.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - Mage: The Hero Denied #8
(Written and illustrated by Matt Wagner, colored by Brennan Wagner, lettered by Dave Lanphear, consulting editor is Diana Schutz, design and production by Steven Birch, published by Image Comics)
The tension ratchets up as Kevin tries to find his abducted wife and son, and nothing will stand in his way. Speaking of getting better and better…
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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