DC Comics' Equivalent of Marvel's Thanos: Mongul and Darkseid

The quest to find the DC Comics equivalent of MARVEL’s THANOS can lead to interesting discussions and discoveries about the two major comic universes. While Darkseid is often cited as a strong contender, the real equivalent may be a little less obvious - Mongul. Let’s delve into the details.

Darkseid: The Arch Enemy of Marvel

Understanding the origins of Thanos starts with Darkseid, the arch-nemesis of Marvel’s Avengers. Darkseid is a creation of masters in the comics world, particularly the legendary Jack Kirby of The New Gods series. He was introduced as an epic villain in the Fourth World saga, and later adapted by other renowned writers to become a formidable opponent for Superman, the Legion of Super-Heroes, and more.

Jim Starlin, the creator of Thanos, has acknowledged the influence of Darkseid on his creation. However, it is worth noting that Thanos can be seen as an evolution of Darkseid, adapting and absorbing his traits and characteristics over time.

Mongul: The DC Comics’ Thanos

So, if the search for a DC version of Thanos is matched to its closest equivalent, it isn’t Darkseid after all. The answer lies in another character who was created by Jim Starlin, the same Thanos creator. This character is Mongul.

Mongul is the ultimate intergalactic warlord. He has a persona and abilities very similar to Thanos, and his presence in DC Comics is a direct homage to him. Jim Starlin’s purpose in creating Mongul was to allow a direct reference to Thanos within the DC universe. This makes Mongul a superb candidate for the role of a Thanos equivalent in DC.

Here are some key points about Mongul:

He is an invulnerable and super-strong intergalactic warlord. His dialogue could often be replaced with that of Thanos. His impact on the DC universe is akin to Thanos’ in Marvel. His stories are highly entertaining and engaging. MCU’s Thanos has more in common with Mongul than the Marvel Comics version of Thanos.

Darkseid vs. Mongul: The Closest Foes

The closest equivalents in DC Comics to MARVEL’s THANOS and MONGUL respectively are Darkseid and Mongul. To further explore these characters, here are a few notable aspects:

Darkseid: A ruler of the planet Apokolips, Darkseid is more powerful than THANOS and a long-standing enemy of the Justice League, especially Superman. He is the inspiration for Thanos, as Jim Starlin famously modeled Thanos after him.

Mongul: Created by Starlin, Mongul is a character whose strengths, appearance, and traits align closely with those of THANOS. Stories involving Mongul are often thrilling and engaging, mirroring the thematic and narrative depth found in Thanos’ tales.

The exploration of these characters provides a fascinating parallel in the comic world, offering readers and fans alike a rich tapestry of epic battles and cosmic drama.