The three essential Thanos runs are theInfinity trilogy by Jim Starlin (1991-1993)which defines the Mad Titan, theStarlin's original arc in Captain Marvel (1973)who introduces it, andThanos Wins by Donny Cates (2016-2018)which provides the ultimate conclusion of the character.
Titan's Thanos went from obscure cosmic villain to modern cinema's most iconic antagonist thanks to the MCU. But for comic book collectors, the Mad Titan has a remarkably consistent catalog of appearances — largely driven by a single writer, Jim Starlin, who created and developed him over four decades.
This ranking lists the best sagas putting Thanos at the center of the plot. Since its explosion in the cinema, the ratings of its key numbers have seen a dizzying rise. Here are the essential runs for any serious Mad Titan collector.
Top 1 — Jim Starlin: Infinity Trilogy (Infinity Gauntlet #1-6, War #1-6, Crusade #1-6, 1991-1993)
Screenwriter:Jim Starlin |Designers:George Pérez, Ron Lim, Tom Raney |Numbers:18 numbers + tie-ins
Thanos' magnum opus. Infinity Gauntlet — Thanos erases half the universe — has become a cultural phenomenon thanks to the MCU, but the original comics remain superior. Starlin explores the psychology of a god who unconsciously sabotages his own victory. War and Crusade complete the cosmic cycle.
Key numbers:Infinity Gauntlet #1 ($50-200), #6 (conclusion), Infinity War #1 ($15-50). Complete trilogy 18 issues: $150-500.
Top 2 — Jim Starlin: Captain Marvel & the first Thanos saga (Captain Marvel #25-33, 1973)
Writer/Draughtsman:Jim Starlin |Numbers:Iron Man #55, Captain Marvel #25-33, Marvel Feature #12, Avengers #125
The birth of a titan. Starlin introduced Thanos in Iron Man #55 then developed the character in Captain Marvel with the Cosmic Cube and the first cosmic confrontation. These Bronze Age numbers are the foundation for everything that follows — and the odds reflect their historical importance.
Key numbers:Iron Man #55 (first appearance of Thanos/Drax, $300-2000), Captain Marvel #28 (Thanos obtains the Cube, $40-150), #33 (death of Thanos, $30-100).
Top 3 — Donny Cates & Geoff Shaw (Thanos #13-18 “Thanos Wins”, 2016-2018)
Screenwriter:Donny Cates |Designer:Geoff Shaw |Numbers:Thanos #13-18
Six issues that launched Cates' career at Marvel. King Thanos, future version of the Titan, has conquered the entire universe but remains unsatisfied. He summons his younger self for a devastating finale. The introduction of the Cosmic Ghost Rider (Frank Castle) became a phenomenon in its own right.
Key numbers:#13 (first Cosmic Ghost Rider, $30-100), #15 (full reveal), #18 (conclusion). Full run: $60-200.
Top 4 — Keith Giffen (Thanos in Annihilation, 2006)
Screenwriter:Keith Giffen |Designer:Andrea Di Vito |Numbers:Annihilation #1-6 + Thanos #7-12
Marvel Cosmic Revival. Giffen brings back Thanos as the centerpiece of a galactic war against Annihilus. The Titan is a strategist, manipulator, and ultimately the victim of a memorable betrayal. Annihilation relaunched the entire cosmic side of Marvel – and Thanos is central to it.
Key numbers:Annihilation #1 ($10-30), Thanos #7 (early Giffen arc, $5-15). Full run with tie-ins: $40-120.
Top 5 — Jason Aaron (Thanos Rising #1-5, 2013)
Screenwriter:Jason Aaron |Designer:Simone Bianchi |Numbers:#1-5
The definitive origin story. Aaron recounts Thanos' childhood on Titan - rejected child, lonely teenager, then emerging monster seduced by Death incarnate as a young woman. Bianchi brings sumptuous pictorial realism. Five issues that explain why Thanos became what he is.
Key numbers:#1 (origin story, $8-25), #2 (first murder). Complete mini: $20-60.
Top 6 — Jim Starlin (Silver Surfer #34-50 + Thanos Quest #1-2, 1990-1991)
Screenwriter:Jim Starlin |Designer:Ron Lim |Numbers:Silver Surfer #34-50, Thanos Quest #1-2
The prelude to Infinity Gauntlet. Starlin orchestrates Thanos' return in Silver Surfer then offers him Thanos Quest — two prestige formats where the Titan collects the Infinity Gems one by one. The build-up is perfectly constructed and these numbers are essential to the full cycle.
Key numbers:Silver Surfer #34 (Return of Thanos, $20-80), Thanos Quest #1 ($30-100), #2 (gets all gems). Together: $80-250.
Top 7 — Jim Starlin (Infinity Relativity/Entity/Ending, OGN 2015-2016)
Writer/Draughtsman:Jim Starlin |Format:Original Graphic Novels
The last Thanos stories from its creator, in OGN format out of continuity. Starlin comes full circle with Thanos, Adam Warlock and the cosmology he built over 40 years. Less known to the general public but essential for purists – and still very affordable.
Key numbers:Infinity Relativity HC ($15-30), Infinity Entity ($10-25), Infinity Ending ($10-25). OGN trilogy: $35-80.
Explore our guides onThanos key numbersand theeditorial history of the Mad Titan.
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