Originally Posted by
Kunstpark_Ost
I was only born in 1973 so I was not around for Starlin's seventies cosmic stuff and was only introduced to Thanos in Silver Surfer 34 and then the Thanos Quest (which is my favourite Thanos story). Tried reading some back issues but found it hokey and dated. Further Thanos was a one dimensional villain. Boring.
I really enjoyed Infinity Gauntlet, ho-hum about War and Crusade (which felt a bit rushed and predictable).
Enjoyed Starling's Infinity Abyss, Epiphany, Thanos:The End. Some great ideas which were executed well. Thanos, during these books, became a hero. Less about nihilism. He had a James Bond questing type quality in Thanos Quest and that continued in these books. The fun for me was seeing how this cunning, charismatic fellow would solve his quest against immeasurable odds. I should also include Ron Marz's Cosmic Powers story which pitted Thanos against Tyrant (on par with Galactus)
That quality followed with the next 6 issues written by Giffen which I also enjoyed. Seeing Thanos confront and survive against the Beyonder was cool. The Fallen was a little underwhelming though. Importantly, Thanos was handled consistently.
Annihilation's handling of Thanos was ok but I was puzzled as to why Thanos was assisting Annihulus. It was obvious that this Thanos was not written by Starlin and could not help think at the time what would Starlin make of this.
Then there was Thanos Imperative and Infinity which to me was meh. Thanos back to one dimensional evil. I respect Thanos: Rising which suggested he was possessed to kill for Lady Death (similar motive and story in From Dusk till Dawn tv series).
I was overjoyed when I learned about Starlin doing the Annual and this book. I really enjoyed the Annual as a blast from the past and for providing a fine set up for Revelation.
This book is a weird one. After first reading I was underwhelmed with the conclusion.
Pros:
1. Starlin (as he has done before) has his beloved creation rationalise his mishandling by other writers (explanations re:Annihilation etc). No reference to Infinity though.
2. Art is awesome though I prefer Ron Lim.
3. Starts off epic with a conference between the cosmic powerhouses and the journey by Thanos throughout to solve the mystery is engaging enough until the end.
Cons:
1. Much ado about nothing and more of another set up story
2. There is no third party higher menace (like Hunger, Tyrant, Egyptian dude, Magus, or Omega level threat) pulling some strings
3. Thanos is not the underdog against insurmountable odds.
4. The story takes a surreal late turn into the minds of Warlock and Thanos which left me feeling detached from the characters
5. Starlin's agenda takes away story immersion. The story is only a vehicle to have a crack at previous writers and editors.
6. I never liked Warlock who to me has been a boring do-gooder type but at least during Infinity Watch he was dignified. This Warlock has a different personality.
7. Thanos at times seems very different and says some lines which are uncharacteristic. The orgasm line when he smashes Ronin for instance. I prefer Thanos when he fought Champion in Thanos Quest than the one fighting the Annihilators in this book.
Conclusion:
Interesting but not essential at this time though this story may get better with future stories. Nothing really happens which feels that important. There is some interesting explanation of how Thanos was treated previously by other writers. It left me more interested in what lies ahead.
The more I think about it and read comments on this board the more the book seems to me less about Thanos and the Marvel Universe and more an agenda by Starling to have a crack at the editors and previous writers who he feels has mishandled his creation. Starlin cherishes his Thanos and has an axe to grind with how Thanos has been becoming more one-dimensional again.
I recall that in the Marvel Universe the power above Living Tribunal is the One Above All (Stan Lee). In this story the powers above Living Tribunal must represent the other writers and editors who in Starlin's view (and in some cases my view too!) that have mishandled his beloved creation.
So this 100 page book is a reboot of Thanos. I'd rather Starlin have spent maybe the first 5 pages doing the reboot and the next 95 telling an epic new story ...