The Mad Titan descends upon Earth to retrieve something he has lost. And the Illuminati must band together to stop him, because they’re the ones who hid it from him! Thanos #1 kicks off the next chapter for the cosmic titan, and it’s… interesting.

Written by Christopher Cantwell, Thanos #1 isn’t bad at all. I’ll admit, I haven’t read recent comics featuring him and it’s been such a long time since his ongoing series, I had no idea where he was/is and what his status is. But, this is his return and it’s very Independence Day.

Thanos is back after vacationing wherever and he’s focused on Earth to get… something. We’re not 100% sure what but with all of the hints, readers can make a good guess as to what’s up. Like a good alien invasion, Cantwell delivers over the top destruction that feels like it’s ripped right out of a Michael Bay/Roland Emmerich film. The scale of destruction and what happens is made for the big screen in all the best ways. It’s pure invasion/destruction fodder… and kind of fun due to that.

Thanos #1 challenges you to not think. The response to Thanos’ actions feels a little scaled back and very late either signifying his swiftness in action or everyone else is on vacation I guess. But, like those big apocalyptic films, the comic begs you to not dwell too much about that and enjoy the symphony of destruction.

Part of the fun are the visuals from Luca Pizzari which teases the over the top destruction of Thanos’ actions. With color by Ruth Redmond and lettering by Cory Petit, it feels like highlights of what’s going on. The art never lingers enough to really let what has happened soak in. Instead once things gets rolling, it all feels like rather quick hits. Planes are destroyed, a city is… yeah. We don’t get the cinematic nature that the moments really call for. But, it’s still entertaining in that B-movie pop culture sort of way.

Thanos #1 isn’t a bad comic and in many ways it delivers some cheesy cosmic fun. But, unless you’re invested in the character or that corner of the Marvel universe, it’s not really enough to suck you in. Still, the return of Mad Titan and what’s teased has some potential there. Still, this is one that’s more for the hardcore invested fans.

Story: Christopher Cantwell Art: Luca Pizzari
Color: Ruth Redmond Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle