I wasn't reading Marvel comics when Jim Starlin first introduced Thanos into the Marvel Universe, so it wasn't until he revived the character with Ron Lim in Silver Surfer years later that I really got to know the cosmic villain. My curiosity was piqued enough for me to pick up Thanos Quest, and I was hooked. It wasn't his power that made Thanos interesting, but his intellect. This new chapter in the cosmic character's life hasn't really begun, though, as the writer/artist basically just recaps what has come before this first issue.
Thanos sits on a dead planet, brooding, and before long, he's joined by his one-time enemy and sometime ally, Adam Warlock. The golden-skinned messiah is unsure of what drew him to the planet, but Thanos's reason for being there is a personal one. The dead planet represents a dark period in his past, one he's contemplating as he looks to the future. The mad Titan considers that past, the mistakes he's made and his triumphs. Most importantly, though, he considers purpose. Meanwhile, something dark and menacing awakens.
One has to give Starlin credit. Though the title character's design is rather basic, he is a visuall striking figure, and his appearance conveys everything it needs to, from power to mystery. The flashback sequences give Starlin the opportunity to bring a great number of Marvel's colorful characters into the book, tapping into the wonder and fun of a shared super-hero continuity. The real visual strength here, though, is the contribution of Christie Scheele. The colors capture the sense of the cosmic that's an integral part of the title character's appeal. The energy and beauty of deep space dances on the page.
In terms of the script, the greatest strength is the moral ambiguity that Starlin instills in the title charatcer. The reader really can't be sure if the cosmic villain is turning over a new leaf to become a force for good, if he's plotting another nefarious scheme or if he'll simply arise to be a neutral entity in the grand scheme of things.
Still, this issue doesn't boast much in terms of plot. While Starlin makes it clear that Thanos has reached a turning point, the real emphasis here is to familiarize readers with the character's origins, adventures and past motives. Thanos boasts a rather contrived background, and Starlin does a good job of making it as succinct as possible. Still, for those of us who are familiar with even just some of the history, this issue makes for a bit of a yawner. There's not much of a hook here, save for those who are getting to know the character for the first time.
