Although the character was only revealed in a cameo in "The Avengers", Thanos will again reappear in an adaptation of "Guardians Of The Galaxy", with only a small reference in "The Avengers 2".
Thanos debuted in Marvel Comics' "Iron Man" #55 (Feb. 1973), created by writer-artist Jim Starlin. The character has since appeared in over 30 years of Marvel Comics continuity as well as in a dedicated, self-titled series. Thanos was born on Titan, a moon of the planet Saturn, to 'Mentor' and 'Sui-San'. Due to a genetic quirk, Thanos is born with the 'Deviant' gene and as such resembles the 'Deviants' — the cousin race of the 'Eternals' — more than his own people. Maturing to adulthood, and via the use of bionics and mysticism, Thanos augments his abilities to become the most powerful of the Titanian-born Eternals, and is often referred to as the 'Mad Titan'. Bitter at being an outsider, Thanos becomes fascinated with nihilism and begins a nuclear bombardment of Titan that kills millions, before traveling to Earth. Through a combination of his mutant Eternal heritage, bionic amplification and mysticism, Thanos is capable of superhuman strength, stamina and durability, also able to absorb and project vast quantities of cosmic energy, enough to obliterate planets. Thanos is also virtually ageless and immortal, with no need for food, drink, or oxygen and capable of telekinesis, telepathy and matter manipulation. Click the images to enlarge...
Thanos debuted in Marvel Comics' "Iron Man" #55 (Feb. 1973), created by writer-artist Jim Starlin. The character has since appeared in over 30 years of Marvel Comics continuity as well as in a dedicated, self-titled series. Thanos was born on Titan, a moon of the planet Saturn, to 'Mentor' and 'Sui-San'. Due to a genetic quirk, Thanos is born with the 'Deviant' gene and as such resembles the 'Deviants' — the cousin race of the 'Eternals' — more than his own people. Maturing to adulthood, and via the use of bionics and mysticism, Thanos augments his abilities to become the most powerful of the Titanian-born Eternals, and is often referred to as the 'Mad Titan'. Bitter at being an outsider, Thanos becomes fascinated with nihilism and begins a nuclear bombardment of Titan that kills millions, before traveling to Earth. Through a combination of his mutant Eternal heritage, bionic amplification and mysticism, Thanos is capable of superhuman strength, stamina and durability, also able to absorb and project vast quantities of cosmic energy, enough to obliterate planets. Thanos is also virtually ageless and immortal, with no need for food, drink, or oxygen and capable of telekinesis, telepathy and matter manipulation. Click the images to enlarge...