Thanosfirst appeared inIron Man #55(February 1973), created byJim Starlinwhile still a student, inspired by the Freudian concept of Thanatos (death drive) and visually byDarkseidby Jack Kirby at DC. The Mad Titan became one of Marvel's greatest cosmic villains, protagonist of the trilogyInfinity Gauntlet/Infinity War/Infinity Crusade(1991-1993), and above all the central villain of the MCU withJosh BrolinInAvengers: Infinity War(2018) andAvengers: Endgame(2019), two films that totaled more than $4.8 billion at the global box office. Its impact on the back issue market is colossal: a copy ofIron Man #55 in CGC 9.8can exceed the$150,000.
In the Marvel universe, few characters have redefined cosmic issues as much asThanos. Born from the imagination of one man —Jim Starlin— at a time when Marvel was barely exploring the outer reaches of its space universe, the Mad Titan went from secondary villain in the pages ofIron Manan absolute existential threat capable of erasing half of life in the universe with a snap of the fingers. His editorial trajectory is inseparable from that of Starlin, who shaped the character for five decades with remarkable consistency, fromCaptain Marvelflight. 1 in 1973 untilThanos: The Infinity Endingin 2019.
This guide traces thecomplete birth of Thanos, from Iron Man #55 to the most recent runs, gives thetimeline of major arcsin order, identify thekey issuesessential for building a structured collection, and analyzes theimpact of MCU on ratingsof the market. We'll explore more than 50 years of publishing history, from Jim Starlin's Silver/Bronze Age genesis to the run ofDonny Cates(2018-2019) and beyond, distinguishing between founding arcs, solo series, crossover events and essential mini-series.
The Birth of Thanos: Jim Starlin and the Cosmic Age (1973)
Jim Starlin, a young designer and screenwriter, created Thanos in 1972 while he was taking psychology courses at university. The influence is twofold: on the one hand the Freudian concept ofThanatos, the death drive opposed to Eros (life drive) — Starlin will also give the nameEros/Starfoxto Thanos' brother; on the other, the direct visual influence ofDarkseid, Jack Kirby's cosmic tyrant in theNew Godsof DC Comics, launched in 1971. Starlin openly recognized this connection: his editor Roy Thomas even asked him to make Thanos more imposing after seeing the first sketches, considered too close toMetron, another Kirby character, to bring him closer to Darkseid.
The editorial context of 1973 is crucial. Marvel was going through a period of cosmic experimentation:Roy Thomashad launchedWarlock,Steve Englehartworked onCaptain Marvel, and the influence of Kirby — who left for DC in 1970 to create theFourth World— hovered over the entire production. Starlin arrives with a sense of the grandiose and the existential which contrasts with the rest of Marvel, still anchored in the earthly daily life of New York superheroes.
Iron Man #55 (February 1973): first appearance
Iron Man #55, dated February 1973, contains thefirst appearance of Thanos, but also that ofDrax the Destroyerand ofMentor(Thanos' father). The story, titled "Beware the Blood Brothers!", is written and drawn byJim Starlin, with inking ofMike Esposito. Thanos appears briefly, in shadow and mystery, manipulating the Blood Brothers against Iron Man and Drax. This issue is one of the most sought after Bronze Age key issues in the Marvel Universe.
The odds ofIron Man #55experienced a dizzying trajectory. Before the MCU, a copy inCGC 9.4sold around$3,000-5,000. AfterAvengers: Infinity War(2018), prices have exploded: aCGC 9.8reached$150,000for private sale, and aCGC 9.6oscillates between30,000 and 60,000 dollarsdepending on market conditions. Even mid-grade copies (CGC 5.0-6.0) are negotiated between$1,500 and $3,000, making it one of the most accessible Bronze Ages at low grade while remaining a substantial investment.
Did you know:Jim Starlin created Thanos, Drax, Gamora, Shang-Chi, and redefined Adam Warlock — five characters who have all become mainstays of the MCU. No other Marvel creator from the Bronze Age period has had such an impact on 21st century cinema. Starlin has publicly expressed frustration with the compensation he received from Marvel/Disney for the use of his designs in billion-dollar films.
L'ère Captain Marvel et la quête du Cosmic Cube (1973-1977)
Immediately after Iron Man #55, Starlin takes control ofCaptain Marvelflight. 1 and transforms the series into a cosmic epic. Thanos becomes the main antagonist of the series from#25 (mars 1973), où il cherche à s'emparer du Cosmic Cube(the Tesseract of the MCU) to conquer the universe and impress his beloved, theMortpersonified — a concept that Starlin would develop for decades.
Captain Marvel #25-33 (1973) : le premier grand arc Thanos
La séquence Captain Marvel #25-33constitutes the first complete Thanos arc. Starlin introduces founding elements: Thanos' obsessive relationship with theMort(Mistress Death), her throne on Titan, her space fleet, and her ability to manipulate entire armies. THE#25is the first appearance of Thanos on the cover, the#26introduces the first direct confrontation with Captain Marvel, and the#28presents the first interactions with the cosmic controller.
Le #33(July 1974) is the climax: Thanos obtains the Cosmic Cube and becomes temporarily omnipotent, before being defeated by Captain Marvel and the Avengers. This is Thanos' first "cosmic defeat", a narrative pattern that Starlin will masterfully reproduce with the Infinity Gauntlet 17 years later. ACaptain Marvel #25 en CGC 9.6 se négocie around 2 000-3 500 dollars.
Warlock et la mort de Thanos (1975-1977)
Starlin reprend ensuite Strange Tales #178-181 puis Warlock #9-15(1975-1976), where he recast Adam Warlock as an existentialist character and reintroduced Thanos as the ultimate cosmic threat. It's inWarlock #15(November 1976) that Thanos "kills" Warlock — a scene that will be repeated and reversed inInfinity Gauntlet. The saga concludes in the crossover annualsAvengers Annual #7 et Marvel Two-in-One Annual #2(1977), where Thanos is seemingly petrified by Adam Warlock and transformed into a stone statue. This “death” will last for 13 years.
Avengers Annual #7(1977) is a major key issue, often underestimated by collectors focused on Iron Man #55. This is the first big Thanos vs. Thanos confrontation. the Avengers reunited, a direct precursor toInfinity War(the movie). A copy inCGC 9.6 vaut entre 1 500 et 2 500 dollars, an interesting value for money for a cosmic Bronze Age key issue.
Le retour : Silver Surfer et la trilogie Infinity (1990-1993)
After 13 years of "death", Thanos returns in force thanks to… Jim Starlin, obviously. In 1990, Starlin took control ofSilver Surfer vol. 3 et ressuscite Thanos dès le #34(February 1990). Death personified brings Thanos back to life with a mission: to restore cosmic balance by eliminating half of the living beings in the universe. Readers familiar with the MCU will immediately recognize the premise ofInfinity War (2018).
La séquence Silver Surfer #34-38(1990) is the preparatory act for the Infinity trilogy. Thanos brings all six togetherGemmes de l'Infini(Soul, Time, Space, Mind, Reality, Power) one by one, sets them in a golden gauntlet, and becomes the most powerful creature in the Marvel Universe. THESilver Surfer #34(first appearance of the resurrected Thanos) is a leading Modern Age key issue: aCGC 9.8 se négocie entre 400 et 800 dollars.
Thanos Quest #1-2 (1990) : la chasse aux Gemmes
La mini-série Thanos Questin two prestige issues (September-October 1990), written byJim Starlin and drawn by Ron Lim, tells the story of how Thanos collects the six Infinity Gems by confronting their respective guardians: the In-Betweener, the Champion, the Gardener, the Runner, the Collector and the Grandmaster. It's a masterpiece of condensed cosmic storytelling and one of the best Thanos stories ever written. The two issues, in prestige format with hardback cover, are highly sought after: a#1 CGC 9.8 vaut entre 300 et 600 dollars.
Infinity Gauntlet #1-6 (juillet-décembre 1991) : le chef-d'œuvre
Infinity Gauntlet, mini-series in 6 issues byJim Starlin (scénario), George Pérez (#1-4 au dessin) et Ron Lim(#4-6 in the drawing), is the most important Marvel event of the 90s and the direct source ofAvengers: Infinity War. The plot: Thanos, in possession of the six Gems and the Infinity Gauntlet, erases half of life in the universe to please Death. The surviving heroes—led by Adam Warlock, Silver Surfer, and the remaining Avengers—attempt to stop him.
Le #1(July 1991) is the main issue of the series, with George Pérez's iconic cover showing Thanos wielding the Light Gauntlet. This is the issue that has benefited the most from the MCU in terms of ratings: aCGC 9.8 went from 150-300 dollars avant 2018 à 1 500-3 000 dollars après Infinity War, with a peak at more than4 000 dollarsin 2021 during the post-COVID speculative bubble. In 2025-2026, prices stabilized around1 200-2 000 dollarsin CGC 9.8, which remains considerable for a comic from the 90s.
Les issues #2 à #6are also collected, with cult moments: the#4(the battle against cosmic entities — Galactus, Eternity, the Living Tribunal) and the#6(the defeat of Thanos by Nebula, who tears off the gauntlet). A complete run#1-6 en CGC 9.6+is a holy grail for collectors of Marvel cosmic events.
For a detailed issue-by-issue analysis, check out our guideKey issues Infinity Gauntlet: what to collect?.
Infinity War #1-6 (1992) et Infinity Crusade #1-6 (1993)
Infinity War(June-November 1992), again by Starlin and Lim, is the direct sequel. Thanos plays an ambiguous role - ally of the heroes against theMagus, the evil version of Adam Warlock. The event is less Thanos-centric than its predecessor, but the#1remains a notable key issue (first appearances of hero doppelgangers). ACGC 9.8 se négocie entre 200 et 400 dollars.
Infinity Crusade(June-November 1993) closes the trilogy with this time theDéesse(Goddess), the "benevolent" version of Adam Warlock, as the antagonist. Thanos is there again in a role of pragmatic anti-hero. The complete trilogy is considered the pinnacle of the Marvel cosmic mythology of the '90s, and in it Starlin set the archetype for the big cosmic crossover event that Marvel has replicated dozens of times since.
The Thanos solo series: from 2003 to today
For a long time, Thanos didn't have a regular solo series. His appearances were reserved for cosmic events and other characters' series. This changed in the early 2000s.
Thanos vol. 1 #1-12 (décembre 2003 - septembre 2004)
Thanos' first ongoing solo series, written byJim Starlin (#1-6) puis Keith Giffen(#7-12), with drawings ofJim Starlin et Ron Lim. Starlin explores Thanos' quest for redemption after the events of the Infinity trilogy, while Giffen takes a darker turn. THE#1is a minor key issue but sought after to complete a Thanos collection: aCGC 9.8 vaut entre 80 et 150 dollars.
Thanos #13 (octobre 2004) : first appearance du Cosmic Ghost Rider… non
Attention à la confusion fréquente : le Thanos #13sought by speculators is notpas celui de 2004. Le Thanos #13 ultra-collecté (first appearance du Cosmic Ghost Rider) is that of the run ofDonny Cates, publié en janvier 2018 dans Thanos vol. 2. This is a crucial distinction that many beginning collectors confuse. 2004's Thanos #13 (vol. 1) has only modest value, while 2018's Thanos #13 (vol. 2, Donny Cates) has reached great heights.
Annihilation et la renaissance cosmique (2006-2007)
L'événement Annihilation (2006-2007), orchestré par Keith Giffen et Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, resurrects the cosmic Marvel Universe after years of dormancy. Thanos plays a central and ambiguous role: he allies himself withAnnihilusin his invasion of the positive universe, before betraying his ally when he realizes that Annihilus threatens Death itself. Thanos is killed byDrax le Destructeur dans Annihilation #4(January 2007), in a brutal scene that literally sees his heart ripped out.
Annihilationis also the cradle ofGuardians of the Galaxymodern (Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, Groot), reformed inAnnihilation: Conquest (2007-2008) et source directe du film de James Gunn (2014). Un Annihilation #1 CGC 9.8 vaut entre 100 et 250 dollars, undervalued in relation to its narrative importance.
Thanos Imperative et The Infinity Revelation (2010-2016)
Thanos revient dans The Thanos Imperative(2010), mini-series in 6 issues byDan Abnett & Andy Lanning et Miguel Sepulveda, where he faces the Cancerverse — a parallel dimension where Death does not exist. The irony is magnificent: Thanos, avatar of death, is the only weapon against a universe of uncontrolled eternal life. Star-Lord and Nova remain trapped in the Cancerverse with Thanos in a memorable finale.
Starlin then returns with three graphic novels out of continuity:Thanos: The Infinity Revelation (2014), The Infinity Relativity (2015) et The Infinity Finale(2016), considered his definitive vision of the character. They are worth a look for purists, although their speculative impact is limited.
Thanos Rising : l'enfance du Titan Fou (2013)
La mini-série Thanos Rising#1-5 (April-August 2013), written byJason Aaron and drawn by Simone Bianchi, explores Thanos' childhood and adolescence on Titan. Born fromA'lars (Mentor) et de Sui-San, Thanos is rejected from birth because of his appearance (he carries Deviant Syndrome, a genetic mutation that gives him his distinctive jawline and purple skin). Aaron tells the story of how a pacifist, intelligent and sensitive child gradually becomes a cosmic genocidaire, seduced by a classmate who turns out to be theMort personnifiée sous forme humaine.
This is one of the best Thanos stories of the last 20 years, often compared toMagneto Testamentfor his ability to humanize a monster. THE#1 en CGC 9.8 se négocie modestement around 50-100 dollars, a great entry point for collectors on a budget.
The Donny Cates run: Thanos Wins (2017-2018)
Le run de Donny Cates sur Thanosflight. 2 (#13-18, January-June 2018), with the designerGeoff Shaw, is a major creative and speculative turning point. The bow "Thanos Wins" propels Thanos into a distant future where he has literally won: he has killed all the heroes, all the cosmic entities, and reigns over a dead universe. But even victorious, Death still refuses to love him.
Thanos #13 vol. 2 (janvier 2018) : first appearance du Cosmic Ghost Rider
Le Thanos #13(vol. 2, January 2018) is one of the most explosive speculative key issues of the 2010s:first appearance du Cosmic Ghost Rider, revealed to beFrank Castle(the Punisher) in an alternate future, becoming a herald of Galactus then a servant of Thanos. ACGC 9.8 a atteint 800-1 200 dollars au pic en 2018-2019, avant de se stabiliser around 300-500 dollarsin 2025-2026. The Cates run (#13-18) is considered one of the best modern Thanos arcs: Cates demonstrates that even when Thanos wins everything, he loses what he really wants.
Thanos in the MCU: the impact on the comic book market
L'impact du Marvel Cinematic Universeon the odds of Thanos is probably the most spectacular case study in the history of the modern comic book market. Two films changed everything.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018) : le cataclysme spéculatif
La sortie d'Avengers: Infinity Waron April 27, 2018, withJosh Brolinin the role of Thanos, caused an unprecedented ratings explosion. The film, which ends with thesnap— Thanos erases half of life in the universe — reported2,048 milliards de dollarsat the worldwide box office and instantly transformed Thanos from a character known only to comic book readers into a global pop icon.
The effects on the back issue market were immediate and massive:
- Iron Man #55: prices inCGC 9.6+tripled in a few months, going from $15,000-20,000 to $50,000-80,000.
- Infinity Gauntlet #1: from 100-200 dollars in CGC 9.8 to 2,000-4,000 dollars.
- Silver Surfer #34: from 50-100 dollars in CGC 9.8 to 400-800 dollars.
- Thanos Quest #1: from 30-60 dollars in CGC 9.8 to 300-600 dollars.
- Captain Marvel #25: from 500-1,000 dollars in CGC 9.6 to 2,000-3,500 dollars.
Avengers: Endgame (2019) : la consécration et le pic
Avengers: Endgame(April 2019), with its2,799 milliards de dollarsat the box office (absolute record upon its release), maintained and amplified the Thanos bubble. The final scene, where Thanos confronts the entire resurrected Avengers and Tony Stark sacrifices his life to stop him, has become one of the most iconic moments in 21st century cinema. Ratings reached their absolute peak between 2019 and 2021, driven by the combination of MCU + post-COVID speculative bubble + arrival of new investors in the comics market.
Since 2022-2023, prices have corrected by30 à 50 %compared to peaks, while remaining well above pre-MCU levels. The question for collectors is whether the announcement ofAvengers: Secret Wars(planned for 2027) andAvengers: Doomsday(2026), with the announced return of major cosmic characters, will relaunch a new wave of speculation on the Thanos key issues. The market is particularly watching a possible return of the character in one form or another in Phase 7 of the MCU.
Complete list of Thanos key issues to know
Here are the essential issues for building a structured Thanos collection, listed in chronological order of publication. For each issue we indicate the editorial importance and approximate ratings in 2025-2026.
Iron Man #55
Première apparition de Thanos, Drax the Destroyer and Mentor. The ultimate Thanos key issue, the holy grail of Marvel cosmic collectors. Created, written and drawn by Jim Starlin, with inking by Mike Esposito. The cover features Iron Man and Drax facing off against the Blood Brothers, with Thanos in the background. This is a Bronze Age essential in any serious Marvel collection.
Captain Marvel #25-33
Thanos' first full story arc, his quest for the Cosmic Cube. TEA#25is the first Thanos on the cover, the#27introduces the first appearance of Death personified as Thanos' object of desire, the#33is the climax with Thanos temporarily omnipotent. Essential run for any serious Thanos collector.
Avengers Annual #7 + Marvel Two-in-One Annual #2
The diptych which closes the first Starlin era. Thanos is petrified by Adam Warlock during an epic cosmic battle involving the Avengers, the Thing and Spider-Man. These two annuals are often sold as a pair and are an excellent undervalued Bronze Age investment compared to Iron Man #55.
Silver Surfer vol. 3 #34
First appearance of the resurrected Thanosafter 13 years of "death". The starting point of the entire Infinity Saga. Starlin brings Thanos back for Death personified himself, launching the hunt for the Infinity Gems. Key issue Modern Age essential and still relatively affordable compared to Iron Man #55.
Infinity Gauntlet #1
The issue that changed everything: Thanos with the Complete Gauntlet erases half the universe. Direct source ofAvengers: Infinity War. George Pérez's cover has become one of Marvel's most iconic images of the 90s. It is the key issue Thanos most impacted by the MCU in terms of increased ratings.
Thanos vol. 2 #13
First appearance of the Cosmic Ghost Rider(future Frank Castle). One of the most explosive speculative key issues of the 2010s. Cates' "Thanos Wins" run (#13-18) is considered one of the best modern Thanos arcs. Be careful not to confuse it with Thanos #13 vol. 1 from 2004, which does not have the same value.
For a comprehensive list of key numbers with detailed odds, see our companion guide:Top Key Thanos Issues: Iron Man #55, Infinity Gauntlet and Beyond.
Thanos Collecting Strategy: Where to Start?
Building a structured Thanos collection depends on your budget and your goals. Here are three recommended approaches:
Limited budget (less than 500 euros)
Focus on Modern Age key issues in mid-grade or raw:Infinity Gauntlet #1-6(the complete raw run is between 100 and 200 euros),Silver Surfer #34(30-60 euros raw),Thanos Quest #1-2(50-100 euros per raw pair), andThanos Rising #1(10-20 euros raw). With less than 500 euros, you have the narrative fundamentals covered.
Intermediate budget (500 to 5,000 euros)
Add aIron Man #55 in mid-grade(CGC 4.0-6.0, between 800 and 2,500 euros), aInfinity Gauntlet #1 in CGC 9.6+(400-800 euros), and start targetingCaptain Marvel #25-33in good condition. The runThanos vol. 2 #13-18(Donny Cates) in CGC 9.8 is a great speculative addition.
Advanced collector budget (5,000+ euros)
Aim for oneIron Man #55 in CGC 8.0+, THEAvengers Annual #7etMarvel Two-in-One Annual #2in high-grade, and the complete runCaptain Marvel #25-33in CGC 9.0+. Complete with theInfinity Gauntlet #1-6 in CGC 9.8for the complete slab set. The Starlin 2014-2016 graphic novels are affordable additions that complete the author's vision.
→ See all “History” articles on the blog
Biography of Thanos (Thanos)
Thanosis created byJim Starlinand published byMarvel Comics. His first appearance is inIron Man #55inFebruary 1973.
Identity sheet
- Full name: Thanos (from Titan)
- Date of birth: February 1973 (creation)
- Place of birth: Titan (moon of Saturn)
- First appearance : Iron Man #55(February 1973)
- Creators: Jim Starlin (creator, screenwriter and artist)
- Editor: Marvel Comics
- Memberships: Black Order, Infinity Watch (temporary ally), cult of Death
Origins
Thanos was born on Titan, Saturn's moon colonized by the Eternals. Mutant Deviant at birth (rare Eternal/Deviant hybrid), he is rejected by his family because of his purple skin and his monstrous appearance. Obsessed with death (the cosmic entity Lady Death), he devotes his life to offering sacrifices to her. His quest culminates in Infinity Gauntlet (1991) where he brings together the 6 Infinity Gems and erases half of all life in the universe with a snap of his fingers.
Powers and Abilities
- Eternal + Deviant: quasi-divine being from the Marvel universe
- Almost unlimited strength, speed, endurance, durability
- Accelerated regeneration (resists death)
- Manipulation of cosmic energy
- Teleportation and interstellar travel
- Cosmic level scientific genius
- Wielder of the Infinity Gems (Power, Soul, Time, Reality, Space, Mind)
- Strategic Manipulator: defeated entire cosmic armies
Costume and visual identity
Golden armor with blue accents, helmet reminiscent of the royal crown, belt marked with Gems. Aesthetic reminiscent of Greek mythology and Kirby science fiction. Characteristic purple skin, imposing jaw.