Thanos Universe: Supporting Characters and Spin-Offs to Collect

Thanos, the Mad Titan created by Jim Starlin in 1973, is at the heart of a cosmic Marvel universe that has been built over five decades. From his earliest appearances in Iron Man and Captain Marvel to modern-day Infinity events, Thanos' obsession with Death and absolute power has generated some of the most epic — and most collected — sagas in comics.

The cinematic success of Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame has propelled the ratings of many Thanos-related issues. For the informed collector, understanding the chronology of this cosmic universe allows us to identify the real historical keys beyond the MCU hype.

Thanos' Allies and Court

Mistress Death — the original obsession

The cosmic entity embodying Death is Thanos' primary motivation. Their tortured relationship is the narrative engine of all the great Infinity sagas. Starlin's personification of Death in the comics gives a unique depth to the villain, absent from the film adaptations.

The Black Order

Created by Jonathan Hickman in Infinity #1 (2013), the Black Order — Corvus Glaive, Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw, Cull Obsidian and Supergiant — serves as Thanos' armed wing. Their first appearance in New Avengers #8 (2013) and Infinity #1 jumped in value after the MCU. A Black Order miniseries followed in 2018.

Gamora and Nebula

Thanos' adopted "daughters" have each had a distinct collecting journey. Gamora (first appearance: Strange Tales #180, 1975) and Nebula (Avengers #257, 1985) became major keys thanks to Guardians of the Galaxy. Gamora got her own series in 2017.

Cosmic Rivals

Adam Warlock — the eternal nemesis

Created in Fantastic Four #66-67 then redefined by Jim Starlin, Adam Warlock is inseparable from Thanos. His possession of the Soul Gem and his role in Infinity Gauntlet make him a key character. Marvel Premiere #1 (1972) and Strange Tales #178 (first Starlin Warlock) are highly rated issues.

Starfox / Eros

Brother of Thanos and Avenger, Starfox (first appearance: Iron Man #55, the same issue as Thanos) is a secondary character whose popularity has risen with rumors of an MCU adaptation. Iron Man #55 (1973) remains one of the most important Bronze Age keys.

The Infinity Gems

The six Gems (Soul, Time, Space, Reality, Power, Spirit) are at the heart of the Thanos universe. Thanos Quest #1-2 (1990), where Thanos gathers the gems, is the direct prelude to Infinity Gauntlet. These two prestige format issues are major collector's items often underestimated compared to Infinity Gauntlet #1.

Collection strategy

Iron Man #55 (1973, first appearance of Thanos AND Drax AND Starfox) is the absolute key — a first-rate Bronze Age investment. Complete with Thanos Quest #1-2, Infinity Gauntlet #1-6, and Starlin's runs on Warlock. For the modern, Infinity #1 (Hickman) and Thanos #13 (2017, first Cosmic Ghost Rider) are must-haves. Find these numbers in our guide tokey numbers to have.