Review: Thanos: The Infinity Siblings

Creator Jim Starlin, revisits the Mad Titan for a new journey of self-discovery, violence, and death in a new graphic novel Thanos: The Infinity Siblings. Starlin begins his final Thanos story here in the first part of a new trilogy. ComiConverse contributor Mitch Nissen takes a look.

Review: Thanos: The Infinity Siblings

The reason why Thanos of Titan stands out from any other character in comic books is writer/artist Jim Starlin. Many writers have contributed to the story of Thanos over the years to varying degrees of success. Of these men and women, Jim Starlin, Thanos’ creator, has contributed far more than any other. As such, Starlin’s work has and remains the definitive word on the character.

Thanos appears to be Starlin’s personal case study, exploring the concepts of life, death, spirituality, and existence. Through such stories he has set Thanos apart from any other character in comics, creating a truly unique and evolving entity.

Thanos: The Infinity Siblings continues the evolution of the Mad Titan.

Synopsis

Thanos has finally attained his sole desire: the love of Mistress Death. As with any couple, each has their own pursuits in addition to sharing their lives together. Thanos, content with his current situation, returns to the mortal plane for a simple diversion from daily life. The Titan finds himself embroiled in a plot constructed by his own brother, Eros. Thanos quickly discovers another power at work, one that could threaten everything Thanos holds dear.

The Breakdown (SPOILERS)

In The Infinity Siblings we find Thanos in a place we seldom see him: at peace at Death’s side. He has no scheme at work nor goal with which to achieve. He has what he’s always wanted. Thanos is placed in a unique mindset unlike any we’ve seen from him before. He's almost playful when he’s propositioned to aid in a scheme of his brother’s. Thanos still utilizes his great intelligence and power, refusing to be another’s puppet, while at the same time actually helping Eros in his plan, although not exactly in the way Eros would like.

The threat to Thanos comes from Thanos himself, or rather his future self. Thanos learns from his future self of his destiny to attain absolute power. But in attaining such power he loses his love, Mistress Death. In his current mindset, losing Mistress Death and the peace he has finally found is unthinkable. Absolute power, something Thanos has long sought after in the past, becomes the thing he dreads most.

Thanos’ goal becomes stopping a destiny he once craved from occurring.

Thanos undergoes new character growth while still being the same Mad Titan we’ve come to love. Starlin evolves Thanos’ character in natural ways, changing Thanos’ motivations yet retaining his signature ruthlessness and terrifying presence. Instead of heroes or villains being the subject of his ire, Thanos’ directs his efforts toward stopping himself, arguably his deadliest opponent yet.

No one writes Thanos like Jim Starlin.

Another highlight of the book is the interplay between the characters. Three schemes, Thanos, Eros, and Kang, try to outplay each other. Starlin weaves the three characters together in such a way that you never quite know who has the upper hand, whose being used, and who is actually in control until the end.

The interplay between the characters makes for an enjoyable and unpredictable read.

The most surprising of these characters turn out to be Eros. When Thanos first made his debut in 1973 so too did his brother Eros. While Thanos would grow and evolve into a major presence within the Marvel universe, Eros would remain relatively inconsequential.

Here Jim Starlin attempts to move Eros beyond the basic life instincts, forcing the character to take charge of his own life. In essence, Eros represented those of us who simply live in this world, doing what we’re told, letting others dictate the course of our lives for us. When Eros begins thinking for himself, having original thoughts of his own, and applying himself to a task he discovers he is capable of truly great things.

Eros nearly becomes a threat to Thanos himself. In doing so Eros, for perhaps the first time in his 45 year existence, has become a compelling and interesting character.

All this and Starlin still manages to pack plenty of surprises, forgotten characters, and character cameos galore.

The Art

Teamed with Jim Starlin once again is long time comic artist Alan Davis. Together with Mark Farmer inking and Caine Dusk coloring, this team of artists renders an absolutely stunning book. Davis fills each panel with lush detail, fluid linework, and genuine emotion.

The artwork is true to form for Alan Davis, nothing too far outside his norm. While not too different from his past works, the art is nevertheless beautiful and a joy to behold. Another reason why Alan Davis is one of the best artists in the business.

Farmer’s inking adds wonderful depth and weight to Davis’ pencils. The farmer does an excellent job of showcasing shadow and light, highlighting characters expressions and enriching the worlds within the story. Coupled with Caine Dusk’s vibrant and striking color pallet, the book truly comes to life.

The art team assembled here couldn’t be better.

Starlin, Davis, and Farmer previously teamed up for last year’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Mother Entropy mini-series and before that on a series-tying into Starlin’s last Thanos epic, The Infinity Entity. When these creators team together great works result.

Be forewarned: The Infinity Siblings is the first part of a trilogy. The book ends on a cliffhanger. It leaves the reader wanting more, in a good way, and makes one chomp at the bit for the next book which is scheduled for a November 2018 release. November can’t arrive fast enough.

Thanos: The Infinity Siblings represents the latest chapter in the Mad Titan’s mythology. The book is very much steeped in Thanos lore pushing the character to greater heights. If you’re a long time Thanos fan this story rewards your past investments. And if you’re new to Thanos, this book is a perfect example of what sets Thanos apart from any other comic book character and of why we love the Mad Titan as much as we do.

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Mitch Nissen is a Contributor to ComiConverse. Follow him on Twitter: @NinjaMitche