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Silver Surfer (1987) #34-38
The Silver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos
The quest that led to Infinity Gauntlet begins here! Back from the dead, Thanos is after the power to bring the rest of the universe with him on a return trip! Can the Silver Surfer, Drax the Destroyer and others stop the cosmic iconoclast before he uses reality as a token of his affection for Death? Special guest-appearance by the Impossible Man!
COLLECTING: Silver Surfer (1987) #34-38, Thanos Quest #1-2 and material from Logan's Run #6.
COLLECTING: Silver Surfer (1987) #34-38, Thanos Quest #1-2 and material from Logan's Run #6.
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2006
56 people are currently reading
781 people want to read
About the author
Jim Starlin
1,336 books444 followersJames P. "Jim" Starlin is an American comic book writer and artist. With a career dating back to the early 1970s, he is best known for "cosmic" tales and space opera; for revamping the Marvel Comics characters Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock; and for creating or co-creating the Marvel characters Thanos and Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu. Death and suicide are recurring themes in Starlin's work: Personifications of Death appeared in his Captain Marvel series and in a fill-in story for Ghost Rider; Warlock commits suicide by killing his future self; and suicide is a theme in a story he plotted and drew for The Rampaging Hulk magazine.
In the mid-1970s, Starlin contributed a cache of stories to the independently published science-fiction anthology Star Reach. Here he developed his ideas of God, death, and infinity, free of the restrictions of mainstream comics publishers' self-censorship arm, the Comics Code Authority. Starlin also drew "The Secret of Skull River", inked by frequent collaborator Al Milgrom, for Savage Tales #5 (July 1974).
When Marvel Comics wished to use the name of Captain Marvel for a new, different character,[citation needed] Starlin was given the rare opportunity to produce a one-shot story in which to kill off a main character. The Death of Captain Marvel became the first graphic novel published by the company itself. (
In the late 1980s, Starlin began working more for DC Comics, writing a number of Batman stories, including the four-issue miniseries Batman: The Cult (Aug.-Nov. 1988), and the storyline "Batman: A Death in the Family", in Batman #426-429 (Dec. 1988 – Jan. 1989), in which Jason Todd, the second of Batman's Robin sidekicks, was killed. The death was decided by fans, as DC Comics set up a hotline for readers to vote on as to whether or not Jason Todd should survive a potentially fatal situation. For DC he created Hardcore Station.
In the mid-1970s, Starlin contributed a cache of stories to the independently published science-fiction anthology Star Reach. Here he developed his ideas of God, death, and infinity, free of the restrictions of mainstream comics publishers' self-censorship arm, the Comics Code Authority. Starlin also drew "The Secret of Skull River", inked by frequent collaborator Al Milgrom, for Savage Tales #5 (July 1974).
When Marvel Comics wished to use the name of Captain Marvel for a new, different character,[citation needed] Starlin was given the rare opportunity to produce a one-shot story in which to kill off a main character. The Death of Captain Marvel became the first graphic novel published by the company itself. (
In the late 1980s, Starlin began working more for DC Comics, writing a number of Batman stories, including the four-issue miniseries Batman: The Cult (Aug.-Nov. 1988), and the storyline "Batman: A Death in the Family", in Batman #426-429 (Dec. 1988 – Jan. 1989), in which Jason Todd, the second of Batman's Robin sidekicks, was killed. The death was decided by fans, as DC Comics set up a hotline for readers to vote on as to whether or not Jason Todd should survive a potentially fatal situation. For DC he created Hardcore Station.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
November 24, 2021
This story was bonkers.
We follow Silver surfer as he finds about the plans of Thanos and its sort of insane and its great seeing the resurrection of his arch for and how he plans to take him out is a major portion of the story and he faces off against the impossible man and later on against drax and the way it ends with Thanos supposedly defeated was well done but the main story being the way Thanos gets the infinity stones from elders like The Collector, Grandmaster, Champion and others is the highlight of this volume and no wonder it makes Thanos one of the greatest foes Avengers have ever faced.
This volume is a work of art and is awesome highlighting the threat that is Thanos and shows him a great light and leads to Infinity Gauntlet saga perfectly! Its one of those volumes when read with the main series leads to a understanding of the real scope and motivations of the event and makes it so much better!
We follow Silver surfer as he finds about the plans of Thanos and its sort of insane and its great seeing the resurrection of his arch for and how he plans to take him out is a major portion of the story and he faces off against the impossible man and later on against drax and the way it ends with Thanos supposedly defeated was well done but the main story being the way Thanos gets the infinity stones from elders like The Collector, Grandmaster, Champion and others is the highlight of this volume and no wonder it makes Thanos one of the greatest foes Avengers have ever faced.
This volume is a work of art and is awesome highlighting the threat that is Thanos and shows him a great light and leads to Infinity Gauntlet saga perfectly! Its one of those volumes when read with the main series leads to a understanding of the real scope and motivations of the event and makes it so much better!
May 4, 2018
I still remember stumbling on Silver Surfer #34. It really was love at first read. Jim Starlin’s writing, Ron Lim’s Art, and the awesome character of Thanos instantly becoming favorites. And whenever I return to reread this collection, my mind is blown by how damn amazing this Rebirth of Thanos storyline was. Truly a classic. One every comic fan should read.
May 11, 2015
In 1977, an epic battle for the powers of the six soul gems (named Infinity Gems by the cosmic villain Thanos) resulted in the apparent deaths of cosmic hero Adam Warlock and Thanos. In this collection from 1990, Thanos is resurrected by Death to correct a perceived universal imbalance, which the Silver Surfer witnesses. Death has determined that the universe is becoming overpopulated, possibly leading to total extinction, and charges Thanos with killing half of its inhabitants as a culling measure. Naturally, the Surfer opposes this plan. Eventually, Thanos creates the Infinity Gauntlet out of the stolen Infinity Gems and prepares to begin the culling.
A useful lead-in to Infinity Gauntlet, showing some background on the return of Thanos, his new mission, the full story of his acquisition of the Gems from their guardians, and some of the characters featured in the next part of the story. Considering most of the background provided feels essential, it seems like it should have been a part of the Infinity Gauntlet miniseries. Catching up with the Surfer was entertaining and encounters with the Impossible Man and Drax the Destroyer provided a little levity in the Surfer's quest.
A useful lead-in to Infinity Gauntlet, showing some background on the return of Thanos, his new mission, the full story of his acquisition of the Gems from their guardians, and some of the characters featured in the next part of the story. Considering most of the background provided feels essential, it seems like it should have been a part of the Infinity Gauntlet miniseries. Catching up with the Surfer was entertaining and encounters with the Impossible Man and Drax the Destroyer provided a little levity in the Surfer's quest.
December 29, 2012
I wish I had (re)read this before reading The Infinity Gauntlet. This is, after all, the direct prologue. In the pages of Silver Surfer, Thanos is resurrected. Then, in a story originally published as the two part Thanos Quest, he goes on a mission to collect all six infinity gems. I am convinced that I read Thanos Quest before. I really liked it then, and I liked it every bit as much now. It's narrated by Thanos, a job I think few writers could pull off. How to make him just over-the-top enough to be amusing, without lapsing into Dr. Evil territory? It's a tough balance, but he manages it. He's very good at that. He's also good at giving a truly cosmic feel to his stories. A fitting prelude to Infinity Gauntlet, which is one of the better crossover storylines from any company.
April 5, 2018
Great stuff.
Thanos is back.
Thanos is back.
April 20, 2018
I read this on the iPad. I really enjoyed it. Ron Lims art holds up really well and Stalin writes a good Silver Surfer.
May 14, 2023
The first half is Silver Surfer storyline of him learning more about Thanos and what he's up to. One of the only things that can stop the Mad Titan as he's revived. So Thanos finds ways around that, tricks, that might hold off Silver Surfer.
The second half is Thanos Quest to gather the infinity stones. It's solid, there's some really great moments from Thanos, but at the same time him going to 6 different people, some less interesting than others, felt a bit dragged out. Awesome ending though with Death.
A 3.5 out of 5.
The second half is Thanos Quest to gather the infinity stones. It's solid, there's some really great moments from Thanos, but at the same time him going to 6 different people, some less interesting than others, felt a bit dragged out. Awesome ending though with Death.
A 3.5 out of 5.
October 26, 2020
Jim Starlin's run on the Silver Surfer is so much better than Englehart's and the art of Rom Lim is a perfect match. All the issues were really fun, with the story building up to the Infinity Gauntlet, Starlin was on top of his game here.
October 7, 2015
Holy. Shit. This was amazing.
May 3, 2022
Silver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos
By Jim Starlin (Writer) and Ron Lim (Artist)
Published by Marvel, 1990
Synopsis:
Back from the dead, Thanos is after the power to bring the rest of the universe with him on a return trip! Can the Silver Surfer, Drax the Destroyer and others stop the cosmic iconoclast before he uses reality as a token of his affection for Death?
Review:
What a mad story, we see the Surfer learn about the Mad Titan's new agenda to annihilate half of the world. His encounters against the Surfer are highly entertaining and thrilling as you can see the point that Thanos sadistically makes, he will inevitably be right. His methods however are not.
There is this feeling that Thanos is playing chess with his enemies and that he thinks several moves ahead. Thanos may be mad but he is an excellent strategist.
The only real bad point of note is the Impossible Man issue, i simply don't like the character. It's a lot of in jokes and i think it breaks the pace of the story so hard that it takes some points away from me. Lim's art is good and captures that late 80's style.
The Thanos Quest mini is what steals the show with the beautiful change of art and impactful stories and scenery. This is a must read for the ones who want to read the start of the Infinity Saga.
Star Rating = 4 stars out of 5
Stellar late 80's storytelling mixed with interesting characters and good art create this great lead in to the Infinity Gaun
By Jim Starlin (Writer) and Ron Lim (Artist)
Published by Marvel, 1990
Synopsis:
Back from the dead, Thanos is after the power to bring the rest of the universe with him on a return trip! Can the Silver Surfer, Drax the Destroyer and others stop the cosmic iconoclast before he uses reality as a token of his affection for Death?
Review:
What a mad story, we see the Surfer learn about the Mad Titan's new agenda to annihilate half of the world. His encounters against the Surfer are highly entertaining and thrilling as you can see the point that Thanos sadistically makes, he will inevitably be right. His methods however are not.
There is this feeling that Thanos is playing chess with his enemies and that he thinks several moves ahead. Thanos may be mad but he is an excellent strategist.
The only real bad point of note is the Impossible Man issue, i simply don't like the character. It's a lot of in jokes and i think it breaks the pace of the story so hard that it takes some points away from me. Lim's art is good and captures that late 80's style.
The Thanos Quest mini is what steals the show with the beautiful change of art and impactful stories and scenery. This is a must read for the ones who want to read the start of the Infinity Saga.
Star Rating = 4 stars out of 5
Stellar late 80's storytelling mixed with interesting characters and good art create this great lead in to the Infinity Gaun
July 18, 2012
Damn, this book brings back some great memories. Mostly of a time when Marvel wasn't publishing a separate miniseries for every prologue to a major crossover event.
Marvel's cosmic books have always been underrated and undersold. Anyone reading those books these days see Abnett and Lanning as the supreme architects of outerspace stories, but for decades, it was Jim Starlin. In this volume of the Silver Surfer, Starlin resurrects his greatest creation- Thanos. And then he proceeds to write a prologue to what is arguably the greatest Marvel story in 30 years with the Infinity Gauntlet. Although this proceeds the Gauntlet, it really isn't worth much more than a quick reading to find out where the major players come in. Drax comes back, Thanos is reborn. The Silver Surfer fights the Impossible Man. It's great because it'll pump you up before you read IG, but I was sorry not to see Adam Warlock here.
As for art chores, Ron Lim is at best a competent artist. He's in no way the best suited for this book, but he gets the job done.
Writing: B
Art: C
Marvel's cosmic books have always been underrated and undersold. Anyone reading those books these days see Abnett and Lanning as the supreme architects of outerspace stories, but for decades, it was Jim Starlin. In this volume of the Silver Surfer, Starlin resurrects his greatest creation- Thanos. And then he proceeds to write a prologue to what is arguably the greatest Marvel story in 30 years with the Infinity Gauntlet. Although this proceeds the Gauntlet, it really isn't worth much more than a quick reading to find out where the major players come in. Drax comes back, Thanos is reborn. The Silver Surfer fights the Impossible Man. It's great because it'll pump you up before you read IG, but I was sorry not to see Adam Warlock here.
As for art chores, Ron Lim is at best a competent artist. He's in no way the best suited for this book, but he gets the job done.
Writing: B
Art: C
June 26, 2017
2nd or third re-read and it gets more enjoyable every time. Another Marvel essential. It a must read run-up to the Infinity Gauntlet story. No, that's not right. It's not a run-up. It's part of the same story. It merely happens to be published in a separate paperback. It is printed together in the Infinity Gauntlet Omnibus, as it should be. It's such a short wee thing like IG is. Marvel ought to start printing the two together, rolled into one volume, in paperback.
It's a solid classic. Ron Lim at the pencils but Starlin does the story. So that's a bit of a change as to what came before. We're out of Starlin's best years as an artist. He'll do great work at this point forward in time. None will hold a candle to his earlier work, pencil and ink-wise.
Infinity Gauntlet is the next book in this series.
It's a solid classic. Ron Lim at the pencils but Starlin does the story. So that's a bit of a change as to what came before. We're out of Starlin's best years as an artist. He'll do great work at this point forward in time. None will hold a candle to his earlier work, pencil and ink-wise.
Infinity Gauntlet is the next book in this series.
Read
March 19, 2024 We got a two-parter. One part features both the Silver Surfer and Thanos, the other part is mostly Thanos - As leading roles. I picked this up for Silver Surfer so I’m disappointed. Still entertained!
One of my friends in college was the avid Marvel fan (I’m the DC one) and he spoke about the Silver Surfer being a favorite character. I’m glad several years later I got to his rec. Nick if you’re reading – Cheers!
I thought the comic was brilliant. I’m still fresh to the Marvel comic scene, I do have more background than the average reader, and I found this to do almost everything you’d expect to find in an entertaining piece of work. That said, there’s a lot of dialogue-ing and the art looks slightly dated (if you’ve not the acquired old-school comic eyes.) Jack Kirby illustrates, narf narf, why he’s the main man. I’m a happy guy
The parallels between DC’s Darkseid and Marvel’s Thanos are sooo… paral.
One of my friends in college was the avid Marvel fan (I’m the DC one) and he spoke about the Silver Surfer being a favorite character. I’m glad several years later I got to his rec. Nick if you’re reading – Cheers!
I thought the comic was brilliant. I’m still fresh to the Marvel comic scene, I do have more background than the average reader, and I found this to do almost everything you’d expect to find in an entertaining piece of work. That said, there’s a lot of dialogue-ing and the art looks slightly dated (if you’ve not the acquired old-school comic eyes.) Jack Kirby illustrates, narf narf, why he’s the main man. I’m a happy guy
The parallels between DC’s Darkseid and Marvel’s Thanos are sooo… paral.
May 23, 2023
3.5 stars. As someone who didn't particularly enjoy Infinity Gauntlet, I was reluctant to read this. But several people assured me it was different and better. Glad I decided to trust them because I did enjoy this.
March 22, 2013
Thanos is a self-loathing, insecure misanthrope. Basically, he's me. Which doesn't really explain why I liked reading about him so much, but here we are.
After reading The Infinity Gauntlet , I wanted to see just how Thanos got that super-powered glove of his. After having finished both books, I kind of wish I'd read them in order, but the experience was still enjoyable this way.
I liked Rebirth of Thanos more than Infinity Gauntlet for some reason, though I can't really say why. I think maybe it was just fun to watch Thanos's calculating intelligence as he gathers the infinity gems (either by force or trickery, as the situation demanded). Whereas, in Infinity Gauntlet, he just galaxy-punches everything to death because he's essentially a god.
If I had a major complaint about this book, it's the ridiculous exposition. It's not really the same as Chris Claremont's brand (which centers more around characters explaining all their physical actions to the reader)--rather, in the case of Starlin's characters, they feel the need to detail everything they're thinking to the reader, because apparently that's the only way we can get plot points across. There's even a part where Thanos essentially breaks the 4th wall to tell the reader what really just happened: he's not talking to anyone (not even himself, it seems), and is basically saying, "By the way, here's what's up."
Still, it was a fun book, and I look forward to reading more about Thanos and the Infinity Gems in the future.
EDIT: I forgot to mention the art. I loved the art, if not just because all the cosmic backgrounds were so colorful and creative and awesome.
After reading The Infinity Gauntlet , I wanted to see just how Thanos got that super-powered glove of his. After having finished both books, I kind of wish I'd read them in order, but the experience was still enjoyable this way.
I liked Rebirth of Thanos more than Infinity Gauntlet for some reason, though I can't really say why. I think maybe it was just fun to watch Thanos's calculating intelligence as he gathers the infinity gems (either by force or trickery, as the situation demanded). Whereas, in Infinity Gauntlet, he just galaxy-punches everything to death because he's essentially a god.
If I had a major complaint about this book, it's the ridiculous exposition. It's not really the same as Chris Claremont's brand (which centers more around characters explaining all their physical actions to the reader)--rather, in the case of Starlin's characters, they feel the need to detail everything they're thinking to the reader, because apparently that's the only way we can get plot points across. There's even a part where Thanos essentially breaks the 4th wall to tell the reader what really just happened: he's not talking to anyone (not even himself, it seems), and is basically saying, "By the way, here's what's up."
Still, it was a fun book, and I look forward to reading more about Thanos and the Infinity Gems in the future.
EDIT: I forgot to mention the art. I loved the art, if not just because all the cosmic backgrounds were so colorful and creative and awesome.
March 24, 2019
A fantastic book. The story of how Thanos collected all of the infinity gems is a cladding story of cunning, manipulation, and out-smarting your enemies. What I didn't realize was that Thanos did all of this to gain the love and affection of the embodiment of Death. And in the end still didn't have her love as he was no longer her equal.
May 20, 2018
I LOVE Thanos written by Jim Starlin. Great Silver Surfer stories; PHENOMENAL story in Thanos Quest. I’m going to see Infinity War today, and this was the PERFECT primer!
April 30, 2018
This is a great Silver Surfer storyline that I believe prepare the Silver Surfer for the crossover event "The Infinity Gauntlet". This story is about the Silver Surfer confronts the resurrecting Thanos who's seeking the Infinity Gauntlet to control time, space & reality. Oh and Thanos also fell in love with Death. And of course, the Silver Surfer have his run in with the Impossible Man & Drax the Destroyer as he attempts to stop Thanos. It also features cameo appearances from She-Hulk, Captain America & the Human Torch (of the Fantastic Four). It also includes the two-part miniseries "Thanos Quest" which features Thanos seeking out the Infinity Gauntlet & the Infinity Gems that led to the crossover story "The Infinity Gauntlet" and bonus pages from "Logan's Run #6" which features Thanos & Drax the Destroyer.
This is a great comic book storyline that soars the 90s
This is a great comic book storyline that soars the 90s
November 20, 2017
Really interesting story, great art, awesome ending!
This story arch starts by following Silver Surfer, and then follows Thanos for the majority of the book. It's a fun, mind-bending story about Thanos' quest for the Infinity Stones. It's fun to lean about each stone's powers and to see Thanos cheat and trick his way to each one. I'm now really intrigued to see how the next Avengers film will be set up and if they will explore the origins and powers of each stone as much as this story did.
This story arch starts by following Silver Surfer, and then follows Thanos for the majority of the book. It's a fun, mind-bending story about Thanos' quest for the Infinity Stones. It's fun to lean about each stone's powers and to see Thanos cheat and trick his way to each one. I'm now really intrigued to see how the next Avengers film will be set up and if they will explore the origins and powers of each stone as much as this story did.
August 18, 2020
Loved it, but I started reading them completly random so I'm trying to find all the comics from this series (the Infinity series), paper ones. I just love reading them "old school", on paper, it really has a real feel to it. And I like Thanos a lot, the MCU just doesn't do him justice (also I keep reading his part in Josh Brolins voice, haha). I'm such a sucker for old comics.
September 4, 2021
Silver Surfer’s encounter with Impossible Man made me think of Q from Star Trek.
I enjoy The Collector.
I like that the names were flexible; Thanos starts by calling them the ‘soul gems’ but then changes it to Infinity gems.
I enjoy The Collector.
I like that the names were flexible; Thanos starts by calling them the ‘soul gems’ but then changes it to Infinity gems.
December 9, 2024
Solid writing and art. Was fun to see the origins of the 6 stones and how Thanos went about acquiring each.
July 30, 2025
I’m in the process of rereading the entire infinity saga so I’d figure I’d start from the beginning. There’s a ton of bangers especially from Thanos in this book. We get his MCU inspiration, a lot of good crossovers with silver surfer interactions, as well as the build to the infinity war.
August 15, 2019
A few half-decent linked Silver Surfer stories accompany "Thanos Quest", where the tyrant gathers together the infinity stones. This story shows that Thanos is actually already powerful, clever and tactical, and has the abilities to plan out and execute his strategy against a range of opponents. This sews the seed for the Infinity Gauntlet story arc, and the notion that Thanos is both obsessed with "Death", and also that he is totally egotistical and won't use his powers if he thinks he can do something with his natural abilities.
While the story was not quite as enjoyable as that in the Infinity War film, it gives a good background for the conflict to follow and has improved my re-reading of Infinity Gauntlet.
While the story was not quite as enjoyable as that in the Infinity War film, it gives a good background for the conflict to follow and has improved my re-reading of Infinity Gauntlet.
September 27, 2022
One of the best comic book stories ever.
To think Marvel Studios had Thanos in the movies without the Surfer, Warlock, Lady Death and Drax (the way he should be) is fucking blasphemous.
To think Marvel Studios had Thanos in the movies without the Surfer, Warlock, Lady Death and Drax (the way he should be) is fucking blasphemous.
July 21, 2015
(Just a note, I started reading The Infinity Gauntlet Omnibus and the entirety of Rebirth of Thanos is included in the Omnibus edition)
Before you jump into The Infinity Gauntlet, Rebirth of Thanos is a quick catch up that sets the stage. Even though it's titled Silver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos, only about half of the book is really Silver Surfer; we get 5 issues of Silver Surfer and two books of Thanos Quest. The Silver Surfer half sees Silver Surfer witness Death resurrect Thanos and task him with elimination half of the sentient population to prevent total extinction due to overpopulation. Death warns Thanos that only one thing stands in the way of his task, Silver Surfer. These five issues are Silver Surfer Vs Thanos, but it does a lot more for Thanos than Silver Surfer. It's really a reintroduction to who/what Thanos is, a bad mother fucker. The issues are pretty short and waste time inserting Impossible Man (who I remember from Fantastic Four, where he was equally annoying and pointless) and Drax the Destroyer. Silver Surfer has never been much of a personality character, so he is constantly overshadowed by the great scheming and all around evilness on Thanos. The second half of Rebirth of Thanos is the two halves of Thanos Quest were released as books. Thanos Quest shows Thanos realizing his great plan two find the six Infinity Gems that will allow him total power. While this sounds promising, it goes by way to fast and each acquisition is lackluster and ultimately disappointing. This could have been a legitimate mini-series with Thanos going through the galaxies kicking ass and tracking down gems. We could have seen him suffer various trials or have epic battles with some of Marvel's biggest characters. Instead, each book of about 50 pages sees Thanos pick up three of the gems and none of the stories are particularly exciting. He fights D-list people in vague and confusing battles that are over before we even understand what's happening. Every time, Thanos outsmarts somebody and pluck a gem from their head. On that note, why the Hell is everyone wearing their Infinity Gem on their head? The Collector has his is a display case, but everyone else decided to just put it on their head. None of them realize their gem's true potential and most think it's completely worthless. I was expecting something more akin the to Marvel movie universe, where Loki uses his gem to power that bad ass scepter, but no, they have decided to use the gems as cranial decor. The whole story reeks of untapped potential. Did they want to get to Infinity Gauntlet really fast so they half-assed the lead in? Rebirth of Thanos was never boring, but it never felt like it was firing of all cylinders. The art was great, but the story was just so disappointing and fulfilling. I'm still glad that I read it, because now I have a stronger knowledge base for Infinity Gauntlet, but it give me that feeling that you get when you realize that the baking brownies scent you've been smelling from your room is merely a candle your mother is burning in the kitchen.
Before you jump into The Infinity Gauntlet, Rebirth of Thanos is a quick catch up that sets the stage. Even though it's titled Silver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos, only about half of the book is really Silver Surfer; we get 5 issues of Silver Surfer and two books of Thanos Quest. The Silver Surfer half sees Silver Surfer witness Death resurrect Thanos and task him with elimination half of the sentient population to prevent total extinction due to overpopulation. Death warns Thanos that only one thing stands in the way of his task, Silver Surfer. These five issues are Silver Surfer Vs Thanos, but it does a lot more for Thanos than Silver Surfer. It's really a reintroduction to who/what Thanos is, a bad mother fucker. The issues are pretty short and waste time inserting Impossible Man (who I remember from Fantastic Four, where he was equally annoying and pointless) and Drax the Destroyer. Silver Surfer has never been much of a personality character, so he is constantly overshadowed by the great scheming and all around evilness on Thanos. The second half of Rebirth of Thanos is the two halves of Thanos Quest were released as books. Thanos Quest shows Thanos realizing his great plan two find the six Infinity Gems that will allow him total power. While this sounds promising, it goes by way to fast and each acquisition is lackluster and ultimately disappointing. This could have been a legitimate mini-series with Thanos going through the galaxies kicking ass and tracking down gems. We could have seen him suffer various trials or have epic battles with some of Marvel's biggest characters. Instead, each book of about 50 pages sees Thanos pick up three of the gems and none of the stories are particularly exciting. He fights D-list people in vague and confusing battles that are over before we even understand what's happening. Every time, Thanos outsmarts somebody and pluck a gem from their head. On that note, why the Hell is everyone wearing their Infinity Gem on their head? The Collector has his is a display case, but everyone else decided to just put it on their head. None of them realize their gem's true potential and most think it's completely worthless. I was expecting something more akin the to Marvel movie universe, where Loki uses his gem to power that bad ass scepter, but no, they have decided to use the gems as cranial decor. The whole story reeks of untapped potential. Did they want to get to Infinity Gauntlet really fast so they half-assed the lead in? Rebirth of Thanos was never boring, but it never felt like it was firing of all cylinders. The art was great, but the story was just so disappointing and fulfilling. I'm still glad that I read it, because now I have a stronger knowledge base for Infinity Gauntlet, but it give me that feeling that you get when you realize that the baking brownies scent you've been smelling from your room is merely a candle your mother is burning in the kitchen.
May 23, 2016
It was 1990, and Jim Starlin returned to Marvel's cosmic arena, which he once helped establish. Taking over The Silver Surfer, he not only produced a very fine 18-issue run together with artist Ron Lim, starting with the five issues collected in this volume (#34–38) and lasting until issue #52 (#39 being a fill-in issue by Alan Grant and James Sherman).
The five-issue arc "The Rebirth of Thanos" not only showed that Starlin was back, but that he had brought along what is arguably his best contribution to the Marvel universe: Thanos of Titan.
For fans of Starlin's earlier work, this was a bright day. Thanos had first appeared in an issue of Iron Man by Starlin, but had then quickly been drawn into his run on Captain Marvel and the played an integral part his Warlock saga, both of which established Starlin as a great storyteller within cosmic superhero genre.
Thanos had met his demise in those earlier adventures, but being a nihilist who only ever loved dead (but ever so intensely), Starlin's conceit of having Mistress Death return Thanos to the living on a mission for her, makes utmost sense. The arc presented here continues into the two-part prestige format mini series The Thanos Quest, which is also included in this volume (together with the five pages long short "The Final Flower", in which Scott Edelman and Mike Zeck portrays one of the many confrontations between Thanos and Drax the Destroyer; all in all, not really a necessary inclusion in my humble opinion).
This, together with a lot of Starlin's remaining Silver Surfer run, set things up for Starlin's cosmic Infinity trilogy and a string of Warlock related titles. At this point, I only think it is a shame that Marvel has not collected the remaining run, as it contains several relevant plot elements that bear fruition in The Infinity Gauntlet (including the Surfer's visit to Soul World and Starlin's first signalling the return of Adam Warlock).
All in all, this is the good stuff, and I recommend it heartily.
The five-issue arc "The Rebirth of Thanos" not only showed that Starlin was back, but that he had brought along what is arguably his best contribution to the Marvel universe: Thanos of Titan.
For fans of Starlin's earlier work, this was a bright day. Thanos had first appeared in an issue of Iron Man by Starlin, but had then quickly been drawn into his run on Captain Marvel and the played an integral part his Warlock saga, both of which established Starlin as a great storyteller within cosmic superhero genre.
Thanos had met his demise in those earlier adventures, but being a nihilist who only ever loved dead (but ever so intensely), Starlin's conceit of having Mistress Death return Thanos to the living on a mission for her, makes utmost sense. The arc presented here continues into the two-part prestige format mini series The Thanos Quest, which is also included in this volume (together with the five pages long short "The Final Flower", in which Scott Edelman and Mike Zeck portrays one of the many confrontations between Thanos and Drax the Destroyer; all in all, not really a necessary inclusion in my humble opinion).
This, together with a lot of Starlin's remaining Silver Surfer run, set things up for Starlin's cosmic Infinity trilogy and a string of Warlock related titles. At this point, I only think it is a shame that Marvel has not collected the remaining run, as it contains several relevant plot elements that bear fruition in The Infinity Gauntlet (including the Surfer's visit to Soul World and Starlin's first signalling the return of Adam Warlock).
All in all, this is the good stuff, and I recommend it heartily.
May 30, 2019
I loved this one. Continuing directly from the events of the pages of Captain Marvel, after Thanos became God and, eventually, getting killed, Lady Death decides to revive him and grant him the freedom to go after the Infinity Gems, being the Silver Surfer the first one to notice his comeback, and willing to go after him to stop the Mad Titan, whose power is just as equal (if not greater) as his. Then we have The Thanos Quest, which is basically Thanos's journey to collect the Infinity Gems from several characters of the Marvel Cosmic-side; The Champion, The Runner, The Collector, The Grandmaster, etc. Reading The Infinity Gauntlet several times already, I've always wandered how Thanos came into possession of the Gems, as well as the acknowledgment from Silver Surfer of the Titan's quest, and reading this I've only come to love the mega-event as double. Considering how improved the art is, now we have Ron Lim re-designing and providing greater vitality to these cosmic beings, and combining Jim Starlin's fantastic letters fueled with imagination and thought-provoking themes towards these relics and characters, these two issues are some of Marvel's best materials, but my praise goes fully to both book: The Thanos Quest, illustrated by Lim but colored by Tom Vincent in such beautiful fashion. These two books, narrating the journeys to get the Gems, are the perfect pre-Infinity Gauntlet complements. With the great letters and imaginative story by Starlin, and the always retro-vintage stylish sci-fi art of Lim, this installment in the Marvel Universe prepare us to fully understand not just the prelude and the road to one of the most important mega events in comic book history, but the character and foe in which the story is surrounded. A definitive Marvel essential.
March 19, 2018
El estilo de escritura delata que esta historia es mucho más reciente que el volumen anterior (Thanos vs. Avengers). El diálogo se reduce considerablemente y no entramos a detalles que ya están ilustrados en la página.
La historia es sobre el retorno de Thanos, su nueva misión y cómo Silver Surfer, al ser el único testigo de esto, es su misión detenerlo. Aunque la trama principal no es muy original, me gustó mucho la participación del hombre imposible y como trata de aconsejar a Silver Surfer a que sea más relajado para vencer a Thanos. Si tomamos en cuenta esto para analizar el final, podemos ver lo importante del consejo del hombre imposible.
La segunda parte es la historia en dos números de cómo Thanos consigue las gemas del infinito, también llamadas gemas del alma. Aunque al principio parece una historia genérica de Thanos consiguiendo cosas y enfrentándose a personajes no tan populares, se vuelve un claro ejemplo de la astucia del personaje y de cómo va sorteando los obstáculos para obtener el poder del infinito que veremos esgrimir en el volumen 3 de esta colección (El guantelete del infinito).
Mi mayor problema con este volumen es la inconsistencia a la hora de escribir de Starlin. Hay veces que Thanos es el personaje más malvado jamás creado, pero muchas veces lo muestran como un sirviente patético que se la pasa teniendo piedad. La escena en la que llama al coleccionista se me hizo ridícula, igual cuando el corredor lo amenaza con volverlo un "jugo de uva". De verdad hay varios diálogos ridículos que no nos muestran consistencia en la maldad del personaje.
La historia es sobre el retorno de Thanos, su nueva misión y cómo Silver Surfer, al ser el único testigo de esto, es su misión detenerlo. Aunque la trama principal no es muy original, me gustó mucho la participación del hombre imposible y como trata de aconsejar a Silver Surfer a que sea más relajado para vencer a Thanos. Si tomamos en cuenta esto para analizar el final, podemos ver lo importante del consejo del hombre imposible.
La segunda parte es la historia en dos números de cómo Thanos consigue las gemas del infinito, también llamadas gemas del alma. Aunque al principio parece una historia genérica de Thanos consiguiendo cosas y enfrentándose a personajes no tan populares, se vuelve un claro ejemplo de la astucia del personaje y de cómo va sorteando los obstáculos para obtener el poder del infinito que veremos esgrimir en el volumen 3 de esta colección (El guantelete del infinito).
Mi mayor problema con este volumen es la inconsistencia a la hora de escribir de Starlin. Hay veces que Thanos es el personaje más malvado jamás creado, pero muchas veces lo muestran como un sirviente patético que se la pasa teniendo piedad. La escena en la que llama al coleccionista se me hizo ridícula, igual cuando el corredor lo amenaza con volverlo un "jugo de uva". De verdad hay varios diálogos ridículos que no nos muestran consistencia en la maldad del personaje.
July 17, 2018
Warning, Here there be spoilers!
This graphic novel is definitely what you need to read if you enjoyed the third Avengers film. It may also have the Surfer's name on it, but this is definitely Thanos' tale of darkness.
It's been about ten years since Thanos' reign of terror was caused across the Sol System with the Cosmic Cube. Silver Surfer is just doing his rounds around the cosmos when he has a bizarre dream of Thanos being resurrected by Death herself. And, unfortunately, it is not just a vision. It is real.
Thanos is back and he is working directly for Death now, who has charged him to commit the mass genocide of half the population of the universe. But how to go about such a monumental task in such a short amount of time?
Much like Infinity War, Thanos shows that he is absolute monster and perhaps one of the greatest villains of all time. The scenes with him and the Elders are absolutely chilling and breathtaking. The Silver Surfer scenes are interesting, as well, and the guest-star appearance by Impossible Man is funny, but really folks, I came to see Thanos and, fortunately, did not leave unhappy. This is a great bridge piece to Infinity Gauntlet, which I'm hoping to read next. Till then, May be the Force be with you!
This graphic novel is definitely what you need to read if you enjoyed the third Avengers film. It may also have the Surfer's name on it, but this is definitely Thanos' tale of darkness.
It's been about ten years since Thanos' reign of terror was caused across the Sol System with the Cosmic Cube. Silver Surfer is just doing his rounds around the cosmos when he has a bizarre dream of Thanos being resurrected by Death herself. And, unfortunately, it is not just a vision. It is real.
Thanos is back and he is working directly for Death now, who has charged him to commit the mass genocide of half the population of the universe. But how to go about such a monumental task in such a short amount of time?
Much like Infinity War, Thanos shows that he is absolute monster and perhaps one of the greatest villains of all time. The scenes with him and the Elders are absolutely chilling and breathtaking. The Silver Surfer scenes are interesting, as well, and the guest-star appearance by Impossible Man is funny, but really folks, I came to see Thanos and, fortunately, did not leave unhappy. This is a great bridge piece to Infinity Gauntlet, which I'm hoping to read next. Till then, May be the Force be with you!
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