King Thanos has killed everyone. All that’s left to do, is die. There’s only one catch. The younger Thanos is the only one who can kill him.
THANOS #18
Writer: Donny Cates
Artist: Geoff Shaw
Colorist: Antonio Febela
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics
What You Need to Know: King Thanos from the future has brought his younger self to help kill the Silver Surfer in their final battle. They have succeeded in their quest. All have been killed and the mad king is ready to join his love, Death. Now all the future king has to do, is die.
What You’ll Find Out: It seemed odd that Thanos, especially an older king from the future would ask for help. Especially to beat an enemy. As it turns out, King Thanos only needed help with one thing, dying. To finally be with Death, the younger Thanos has to prove worthy of the task of killing his older self. As the two titans clash, it occurs to the younger Thanos. His older self has become everything he hates. And when the old king begs for death, Thanos does not grant his wish. Recharging the time stone, the young Thanos returns to the past and leaves his older self to be erased from time.
What Just Happened? While enjoying this bloody epic, it’s easy to miss one important piece of this story. “Kings do not beg.” It’s how this story started and it’s how it ends. The very essence of the character of Thanos does not ask for help, nor does he ever say “please.” Thanos is character of power and proving that he’s beyond everyone. Cates understands this and gives you that curveball that you should have seen coming all along. And the only way for Thanos to truly win. Is to make sure he never becomes something weak. Erasing that version of his older self from time was the only thing to do. And Thanos won!
Rating: 10/10
Final Thoughts: With so many stories from the future and heroes who worry about the inevitable outcomes. “Days of Future Past” for example. Thanos does the one thing no one seems to be able to. He made sure this particular future won’t exist. While the gruesome tale is fun from start to finish. The deeper meaning gives this story a purpose that isn’t superficial. Bravo Donny Cates and Geoff Shaw.
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