Are you one of the millions of fans excited for the upcoming Infinity War movie? Yep, same here. Like kids in the month of December eagerly awaiting Christmas, we're all just trying to pass the days until the big event. As a way to speed the time along I decided to revisit some comics about the central character of Infinity War, the Mad Titan himself, Thanos. I'm not sure if it's satiating or stoking my desire for the film release, but either way it makes for some pretty good reading.
Today's exploration is of the 5 part mini-series from 2013, entitled...
Thanos Rising
The Creative Team
The series features writing by Jason Aaron with artwork by Simone Bianchi.
Aaron broke into writing comics in 2001 when he won a Marvel Talent Search competition, which led to his submission being published as an 8 page backup story in Wolverine #175. He's worked steadily since, primarily for Marvel but with notable creator owned series such as Scalped and Southern Bastards.
Simone Bianchi is an Italian artist who has also been present in the American publishing market for over a decade now. His work is well known and recognizable by the ink wash and watercolor techniques he utilizes.
The Premise
You may have heard the saying before, that "Every man is the hero of his own story." I firmly believe that this sentiment is at the heart of creating a great villain. If a villain isn't in some way sympathetic, as detailed in personality and backstory as their heroic counterparts, and completely convinced that what they're doing is right... then the opportunity has been wasted to create a memorable and resonating antagonist that will benefit the entirety of the tale.
Thanos Rising is a perfect example of character development. This is a psychological character study with intense writing and gorgeous artwork. While this backstory may not be "cannon" to the Thanos most will learn of through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's well worth the read for diehard fans and comic aficionados... but beware, it is not for the faint of heart.
The story is told in the guise of a flashback, memories of present day Thanos as he makes a regular visit to the world of his birth. A world he destroyed.
Thanos is a genetic deviant of his race. Upon his birth his dark destiny is immediately sensed by his mother, who is driven insane and attempts to murder the babe.
Thanos grows as a gifted child, with unrivaled intelligence... and tellingly, an early fascination with death. But he is sensitive and sweet, a genuinely likable youth who is too gentle and squeamish to even participate in a simple dissection lesson in his schooling.
But events in his childhood, and a dark, driving destiny push Thanos down a sinister path.
Thanos battles against his inner demons and fights to set his own course. Thanos Rising depicts a figure who is struggling to discover himself and his purpose in life and the vast cosmos. As such, aspects of Thanos are extremely relatable and sympathetic. Jason Aaron does an incredible job adding dimensionality and a quiet nobility to such a heinous villain, making for an extremely dark and compelling read.
Alas, his attempts at normalcy fail and his quest for purpose continues to lead him to destruction and nihilism.
At every step, Thanos of Titan is urged on by a mysterious woman who has captured his heart. His darkest deeds are done in the hopes of capturing her affection.
Even with the blood of millions on his hands, with a history steeped in depravity, Jason Aaron still manages to keep Thanos sympathetic as he is driven by the pains of unrequited love, pushed to malice and murder by forces even greater than himself.
It's not often that you find one of the most vile and powerful villains of the universe quietly contemplating suicide. Scenes such as that are at the heart of Thanos Rising and illustrate just how great a work it is by Aaron and Bianchi. The art and writing are equally haunting and moving. Both artists demonstrate their crafts memorably.
And don't think I've given everything away! I've done my best to choose moments to capture the tone and arc of the story, but deliberately left out much. There is much more to this riveting script and breathtaking art that make this series well worth a read if this review has captured your attention.
The Verdict
To put it on a random rating scale... I give Thanos Rising 5 out of 6 Infinity Stones! It would've been a full 6, but I figure there's always room for improvement. Plus I'm a bit scared what Thanos would do with all 6 stones!
Give it a read before or after Infinity War, read it digitally or on paper, whatever your choices... I just recommend you give it a read!