Rising star Donny Cates returns to the Mad Titan to bring the story bridging the gap between his best-selling “Thanos Wins” and the world-shattering Infinity Wars! How did Thanos’ journey back from the future lead to the events of Infinity Wars Prime? Now it can be told!

Thanos Legacy #1 features two stories each dealing with the Mad Titan. The first, written by Donny Cates is the main driver here focused on the events of Cates’ recent run on Thanos as well as the events of Infinity Wars Prime. Thanos wants to prevent the future self he saw and Gamora seems to have answered that call but where do things go from here? This series seems to be filling in that piece of the puzzle with what comes next now that Thanos’ head is no longer attached to his body.

The first issue does a decent job of catching up the reader as to the events leading up to things and then takes it steps further with setting up the focus of the series. It’s a good comic that serves as a chance for new readers to catch up. While there are some gaps, the issue is a jumping on point for the Marvel cosmic epic currently being weaved. At least, it’s a jumping on point for this one aspect of it.

The art by Brian Level and colorist Jordan Boyd is good. There’s some solid shots of Thanos that gets me to rethink the events of Infinity Wars Prime revealing small details I missed when reading it. Along with Cates’ story, the two combine to peal back and reveal more about Thanos and those final moments. What went from a murder has evolved into a being accepting their fate and embracing it. A close up of a smirk adds to that layer.

There’s also a back-up story by Gerry Duggan with art by Cory Smith and color from Ruth Redmond. This tale of Gamora and Thanos focuses on a brutal lesson taught by father to daughter. Without words, the impetuous is on the art to convey everything and every detail matters. From the body language to a facial expression, Smith and Redmond deliver emotion throughout. Every moment we can tell what Gamora is thinking and going through.

The issue is a solid start and it’s the back-up story from Duggan, Smith, and Redmond that really stand out. Overall, it feels like a chapter in Marvel’s cosmic grand plan and one that if you’re into that side of the Marvel Universe you’ll want to check out. The fact it’s also a good starting point makes it stand out as a comic to check out this week.

Story: Donny Cates, Gerry Duggan Art: Brian Level, Cory Smith
Cover Art: Geoff Shaw
Color: Jordan Boyd, Ruth Redmond Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.95 Art: 7.85 Overall: 7.90 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review