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As theMCUcontinues its dissentious Phase 4 , it ’s hard not to look back at the Infinity Saga with hungriness . The twenty - three - moving-picture show saga had a perfect villain at the substance , Thanos , a compelling , layered , and menacing figure that bring home the bacon in defeat Earth ’s Mightiest Heroes , for a while , at least .
Thanos is an ikon inMarvel Comics , acting as the master antagonist in many of the publisher ’s most storied storylines . Fans onRankervote for their favorite storylines , and while the common suspects are there , there are also some pleasant surprise that prove there ’s more to Thanos than just the Infinity Gauntlet .
observe : Due to the nature of Ranker ’s voting , these results may change . At the time of issue , this list is correct .
The Magus Saga (1975)
Adam Warlock is one of Marvel cosmic ’s most important and powerful characters . The so - called " Magus saga , " which cover numerous titles , includingStrange Talesand Warlock ’s eponymous series , explores Warlock ’s dichotomy and psyche by pitting him against Magus , an evil translation of himself .
The MCU does n’t explore their relationship , but Warlock and Thanos have a complex and rich dynamic in the comics . The " Magus saga " serves as the pure lot - up to explore the character ' contentious family relationship while also marking the debut of Gamora , Thanos ' daughter and another all-important role in the Mad Titan ’s journeying . The saga ends with the first assembling of the Infinity Stones , marking one of Thanos ' landmark achievements .
Marvel Universe: The End (2003)
The 2003 six - issue crossoverThe Endfeatures the origin of some ofthe most elusive figures in the Marvel canon : the Celestials . The account ’s main plot features the return of the vitiated Egyptian Pharaoh of Egypt Akhenaten and his subsequent conquering of the Earth . Thanos bring together Doctor Doom and other Italian sandwich to journey back in time and rewrite chronicle .
The Endis a character study that puts Thanos front and centre and showcases the eternal conflict within his fibre . He is incapable of let go of his desire and ambitions , even if it ’s in inspection and repair of the great trade good . Thanos will always believe he is right , and his actions will ultimately bring destruction despite his good intention . The ending sees him sacrificing after partake in an worked up moment with Warlock and Lady Death , proving that Thanos is more than the madness usually associated with him .
Thanos Rising (2014)
The 2004 storylineThanos RisingchroniclesThanos ' origin story and subsequent rise to magnate . Returning to his destroyed world of Titan to visit his female parent ’s grave , Thanos reminisces about his puerility , include an event that mark him for life .
Thanos Risingdoes first-class oeuvre humanizing the Mad Titan , allowing him a complexity like never before and succeeding in explaining his conflicting nature . Most importantly , the storyline features the stock of his eternal fixation with expiry , affectingly portraying the one - sided nature of their hamper .
The Thanos Imperative (2010)
One of the most ambitious Marvel crossing over , in damage of base , at least , was 2010 ’s " The Thanos Imperative . " The plot of ground focused on the cosmic heroes joining force to deal with the Fault , a breach in the space - time continuum that led to the creation of the Cancerverse , where demise does n’t live .
" The Thanos Imperative " consider Thanos assuming his post as the Avatar of Death in a story that pits him against his first opposition , Mar - Vell , the original Captain Marvel . The storyline does n’t reveal anything new about Thanos , rather play with intimate concept like the Mad Titan ’s obsession with decease . Still , the storyline features some impressive moments , particularly between Thanos and his old opposition , Mar - Vell .
Annihilation (2006)
The monumental 2006 crossover " obliteration " featured every relevant grapheme in Marvel cosmic and then some . The plot follows the impending arriver of the Annihilation Wave , a large armada in military service of the supervillain Annihilus . Thus , every major role joins forces to stop the wave .
Thanos ' role in " Annihilation " is relatively modest , although everyone in this monolithic crossover sees their participation reduce . The Mad Titan does his part by defeating the Beyonder – with help from Star - Lord – and enslaving the Fallen One , a former herald of Galactus . He then allies with Annihilus but has a last - second change of heart before dying at the hands of Drax the Destroyer .
The Infinity War (1992)
The continuation to the 1991 crossing " The Infinity Gauntlet , " " The Infinity War " check Magus , Adam Warlock ’s newly recreated evil character , seeking revenge against Warlock and Thanos . To succeed , he create a new attribute full of doppelgängers , pitting Marvel ’s Cuban sandwich against themselves .
Unlike the big - cover adaptation , Thanos does n’t play an antagonistic function in " The Infinity War . " On the opposite , he acts as one of the master player trying to halt Magus , going so far as to actively help Warlock stop his evil doubled . The storyline is a refreshing modification of stride to Thanos ' otherwise simplistic scoundrel persona , even if the Mad Titan ’s good intent do n’t last past the end of the last page .
Infinity (2013)
2013 ’s " Infinity " plot line goes back to basic , boast Thanos set up an attack on Earth while the Avengers are off - world trying to link up the universe against the exotic race known as the Builders . " eternity " is the continuation of several storylines , including " Age of Ultron . "
Thanos is the crossing ’s master opponent , doing little more than being evil and trying to conquer the Earth . However , the storyline offers some refreshing brainwave into the excited Titan by showing him through the eyes of several other characters . Most see him for what he is – a deranged and powerfulness - hungry tyrant – , but a few offer some intriguing interpretations about Thanos ' motives .
Thanos Quest (1990)
The Infinity Stones are some of the most powerful items in Marvel , and " The Thanos Quest " tells the story of how the recently resurrect Thanos obtains them . The storyline features Thanos challenge several prominent characters in Marvel cosmic , including the Champion of the Universe , the Collector , and the Grandmaster .
" The Thanos Quest " is a smart as a whip showcase for the Mad Titan . Thanos wins the Stone using his wit and cunning instead of brutal force , adding considerably to his previously straight characterization . The plot line ascertain him outwitting every single foe , to the point where end herself seems passably impressed by his achievements . " The Thanos Quest " also sets up " The Infinity Gauntlet , " confirming it as one of Thanos ' most vital storylines .
Silver Surfer: Rebirth Of Thanos (1987)
The Silver Surfer takes center phase against the Mad Titan in 1987 ’s " Rebirth of Thanos . " As the name imply , the story features the Mad Titan ’s return to life and his continued quest to merge the Infinity Stones . The Surfer joins power with Drax the Destroyer and The Impossible Man to stop Thanos from achieving his destination .
Like other classic Thanos plot line , " Rebirth of Thanos " portrays him in a wholly negative and slimly one - note light ; he is evil and wants Death to screw him . Still , " Rebirth of Thanos " is as creditworthy for cement Thanos as one of Marvel ’s ultimate threat as future storylines like " Infinity Gauntlet . " Silver Surfer is the true star of this show , but Thanos is a desirable foe .
Infinity Gauntlet (1991)
One of the most well - recognize and celebrated storylines in Marvel chronicle , " The Infinity Gauntlet " sees Thanos reuniting the six Infinity Stones and pass over out half of all life in the cosmos . When the Gauntlet gets stolen by Nebula , Thanos link up the heroes led by Adam Warlock to recover it .
" The Infinity Gauntlet " istheThanos storyline . It features every prominent ribbon in the Mad Titan ’s mythos – his compulsion with Death , his dream to reunite the Stones , his troubled relationships with his girl – and conflate them to create a cohesive plot line that brings the entire Marvel universe together against the Mad Titan . " The Infinity Gauntlet " is a before and after in Marvel history and the perfect proof that Thanos might be its greatest villain .
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