DC and Marvel: The Introduction of Thanos in Their Universes

Presumably, the question revolved around the introduction of Thanos into the universes of DC and Marvel. However, Thanos is a uniquely Mranh character, making his origin and development distinct from that of DC's universe.

Thanos' Roots and Characteristics

The character of Thanos is named after the Greek god of death, Thanatos. This symbolic naming reflects the character's role as a cosmic entity with a fierce will to dominate and conquer. In Marvel's universe, Thanos is an Eternal, a race of beings with immense cosmic powers, who often serves as a formidable adversary to the likes of the Avengers and other heroes.

Early Appearances of Thanos' Name

Interestingly, a name that shares a strong resemblance to Thanato's was used in a much earlier context. In 1970, a dark supernatural version of Aquaman bore the name 'Thanatos' in Aquaman #54. This was only a temporary name, however, and was not intended to be the ultimate inspiration for the character we know as Thanos today.

Thanos in the Marvel Universe

The first official introduction of Thanos as we know him came in 1973, in the pages of Invincible Iron Man #55. This is the date when Jim Starlin, the creator of Thanos, began to develop the character as a cosmic conqueror with a dark and complex personality. Starlin's inspiration for Thanos came from his studies in psychology, where he learned about the 'Death Drive' (Thanatos) and the 'Love Drive' (Eros). This inspired him to create these two characters as contrasting counterparts, with Thanos embodying the death drive.

DC’s Exclusion from Thanos' Story

It's important to note that DC Comics cannot introduce Thanos into their universe because he is a character created and owned by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in a Mranh context in 1973, and according to copyright law, no other comic book company can use this character in the same way Marvel has developed him.

Fun Bit of Trivia

Jim Starlin's creation of Thanos is a fascinating moment in comic book lore. Starlin's dedication to developing a character with both tragic and heroic elements makes Thanos stand out as one of the most recognizable and enigmatic characters in the Marvel universe. The inclusion of his brother, Eros, as a balancing but equally dark presence, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

Conclusion

In summary, Thanos, with his dark legacy and immense powers, has been a pivotal character in the Marvel universe. His presence in DC's universe would be a violation of intellectual property rights, as only Marvel has the right to use this character in the context created by Jim Starlin. This makes Thanos a unique piece of the Marvel lore, with a rich history and complex mythology that continues to captivate fans worldwide.

Note: The term 'Thanatos' and 'Thanos' are often used interchangeably in discussions about the character. While the Greek god 'Thanatos' represents the concept of death, the name 'Thanos' represents the Marvel character embodying that same essence but in a cosmic and empowered form.

Further Reading

Invincible Iron Man #55 Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Benjamin Percy's 'Cop Killer' - For a fictionalized version of the character's origins in a counterfactual universe

FAQ

Is Thanos a DC or Marvel character? When did Thanos first appear in comics? What inspired the creator of Thanos?

For more detailed information, you can refer to the works and interviews with Jim Starlin, who is the original creator of Thanos. His insight into the character's development provides a deeper understanding of the Marvel universe's most iconic villain.