Who the heck is Thanos? Why is everybody talking about him after The Avengers and Avengers: Infinity War? What makes me think “everybody” talks about the same things I talk about, despite clear evidence to the contrary? Keep reading to find out and see how you can read every Thanos comic ever:
Marvel did a lot of things right in their approach to the first Avengers
Whether it was Thor’s hammer, Nick Fury talking Avengers Initiative, or Loki & the cosmic cube, Marvel struck an impressive balance between fanboy nerd revelations and mass consumer curiosity.
The Avengers was no different in its after-credits buzz-building. If you saw the film any time in the first month of its release, there’s a strong chance you heard comic guys & gals in the audience inhale with the sort of excited shock generally reserved for marvels of God. Things like walking over the Grand Canyon. Watching a dolphin leap out of Hawaii’s icy blue coast. Discovering another human is willing to get naked with you.
It was an appropriate reaction, then, for as we’ll see, this after-credits revelation is truly a Marvel God: Thanos, the mad Titan (in all his high-res glory below).
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This is the first time Marvel Studios has used the credits for a major character reveal, and while Thanos is easily one of the coolest characters in the Marvel cosmic canon, he’s not exactly a household name. It’s understandable if you were one of the ones in the audience going “Wha? Huh?!” as I high-fived my wife’s shoulder excitedly (she stopped offering a hand after about the 12th time).
Who is Thanos? In short, he’s one of the single most powerful, diabolical, brilliant and riveting villains in the Marvel canon. He’s like the Dr. Doom of space, but probably even smarter, and with better gloves.
So without further ado, if you’re looking to stride into Avengers: Infinity War with the confidence of this guy, or if you’re looking to enjoy the schemes of the Titan with the Purple Scowl in full, here’s the complete Thanos reading order guide. You can click each link below for full reading information. Enjoy!
Updated 12.24.20!!
Thanos Reading Order (Jim Starlin’s Cosmic Comics!)
- The Thanos Wars: Infinity Origin Omnibus
- Collects: Iron Man (1968) 55, Captain Marvel (1968) 25-34, Marvel Feature (1971) 12, Avengers (1963) 125, Strange Tales (1951) 178-181, Warlock (1972) 9-15, Marvel Team-Up (1972) 55, Avengers Annual (1967) 7, Marvel Two-In-One Annual (1976) 2, Marvel Graphic Novel (1982) 1, Material From Daredevil (1964) 105, Logan’s Run (1977) 6
- The above omnibus edition is released in conjunction with Avengers: Endgame and includes the next four Thanos stories on the list (Thanos’ first appearance through The Death of Captain Marvel (does not include Spidey Super Stories!)).
- Thanos’ First Appearance, Captain Marvel, And the Cosmic Cube
- Collected Issues Reading Order:
- Iron Man #55
- Captain Marvel #25 to #32
- Avengers #125
- Captain Marvel #33 to #34
- Collected Issues Reading Order:
- Thanos Returns – War w/ Adam Warlock
- Collected Issues Reading Order:
- Strange Tales #178 to #181
- Warlock #9 to #15
- Marvel Team-Up #55
- Avengers Annual #7
- Marvel Two-in-One Annual #2
- Collected Issues Reading Order:
- Avengers vs. Thanos
- A lot of readers have asked me “Hey, what about the Avengers vs. Thanos trade? Where does that fit?” It’s a good question, and essentially, Avengers vs. Thanos will give you a combined package of 1) Thanos First Appearance + Captain Marvel & the Cosmic Cube & 2) The Adam Warlock adventures. It also adds a few oddball Daredevil issues that technically involve Thanos. If you’re a purist, you’ll miss out on a few Warlock issues (#12 to #14), but all in all it’s a good trade that gets you the best of early Thanos stories!
- Spidey Super Stories #39
- This out of continuity comic for kids has gone down in history as one of the more hilarious Thanos stories possible. Witness the birth of the Thanos Copter!!!
- The Death of Captain Marvel
- Marvel’s first official Original Graphic Novel is – as you’d expect – a Jim Starlin Captain Marvel story through and through. Aside from simply being a classic and all-time great, though, Starlin does weave some Thanos throughout, and the graphic novel can fit within the larger Thanos narrative.
- Silver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos + Thanos Quest
- Collected Issues Reading Order:
- Silver Surfer #34 to #38 (series beginning in 1987)
- Thanos Quest #1 to #2
- Collected Issues Reading Order:
- Infinity Gauntlet
- Note that the above link will provide a full event reading order for the early 90’s Infinity Gauntlet. The comics included are based on the Infinity Gauntlet Omnibus
, although I have reordered significantly as the omnibus is a chronological mess. While I enjoy the Silver Surfer and Dr. Strange tie-ins, the core series is accessible on its own, and you can enjoy Infinity Gauntlet here!
- It’s at this point that I’d also recommend Comic Book Herald’s complete Infinity Saga reading order, which will give you all the tie-ins from Infinity Gauntlet through Infinity Crusade in the most detailed list.
- Note that the above link will provide a full event reading order for the early 90’s Infinity Gauntlet. The comics included are based on the Infinity Gauntlet Omnibus
- Infinity Gauntlet: Aftermath
- You could also pick up the Infinity Watch Vol. 1
here, which collects Warlock & the Infinity Watch #1 to #22. Only read Infinity Watch #1 to #7 prior to Infinity War, issues #8 to #10 are tie-ins, and #11 to #17 are included in the Infinity War: Aftermath.
- You could also pick up the Infinity Watch Vol. 1
- Infinity War
- The Warlock and the Infinity Watch tie-ins are the most highly recommended Infinity War tie-ins. Again, for the whole reading order details, check out the Infinity Saga guide.
- Infinity War Reading Order Checklist:
- Infinity War 1-6; Fantastic Four (1961) 366-370; Spider-Man (1990) 24; Deathlok (1991) 16; Daredevil (1964) 310; Warlock And The Infinity Watch 7-10; Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme 42-47; Silver Surfer (1987) 67-69; Wonder Man (1991) 13-15; Alpha Flight (1983) 110-112; Silver Sable & The Wild Pack 4-5; Guardians Of The Galaxy (1990) 27-29; Quasar 37-40; New Warriors (1990) 27; Marc Spector: Moon Knight 41-44; Nomad (1992) 7; Sleepwalker 18; Material From Captain America (1968) 408; Alpha Flight (1983) 109; Marvel Comics Presents (1988) 108-112
- Infinity War: Aftermath
- Includes Warlock & The Infinity Watch #11 to #17
- Includes Warlock & The Infinity Watch #11 to #17
- Infinity Crusade Vol. 1
- Collects: Infinity Crusade #1-3, Warlock Chronicles #1-3 & Warlock And The Infinity Watch #18-19
- Infinity Crusade Vol. 2
- Collects: Infinity Crusade #4-6, Warlock Chronicles #4-5 & Warlock And The Infinity Watch #20-22
- Thor: Blood & Thunder
- Reading Order:
- Thor #468
- Silver Surfer #86
- Warlock Chronicles #6
- Warlock and the Infinity Watch #23
- Thor #469
- Silver Surfer #87
- Warlock Chronicles #7
- Warlock and the Infinity Warch #24
- Thor #470
- Silver Surfer #88
- Warlock Chronicles #8
- Warlock and the Infinity Watch #25
- Thor #471
- Reading Order:
- Infinity Watch Vol. 2
- Collects: Warlock & The Infinity Watch #26 to #42
- Thanos: Cosmic Powers
- Includes Secret Defenders #12 to #14, and Cosmic Powers #1 to #6.
- Ka-Zar by Waid & Kubert
(Ka-Zar #4 to #11)
- Thanos vs Thor (Thor #18 – #25)
- Captain Marvel #17 to #19
- Infinity Abyss
- Thanos Ends the Marvel Universe (Marvel Universe: The End)
- 2003 – 2004 Standalone Thanos arc (Thanos: Redemption — Thanos #1 to #12)
- I’d consider jumping to my modern Marvel cosmic reading order at this point through Thanos Imperative. That will fill in the entirety of the Marvel Cosmic landscape around Thanos. Naturally, the mad Titan is a major player in all the events leading up to The Thanos Imperative.
- Thanos and Annihilation
- It’s worth noting here that Annihilation sparks modern Marvel Cosmic, and although these books are inherently indebted to the one and only Jim Starlin, he’s not involved directly in the saga. Nonetheless, the full Thanos narrative would not be complete without Annihilation through Thanos Imperative. You can view the full reading order here.
- The Thanos Imperative
- Seriously, this will be a much better read if you’ve been keeping up with Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy since Annihilation!
- Thanos Rising
- If you’ve been following me on Comic Book Herald for any amount of time, you know that I can’t stands Thanos Rising. Nonetheless, it’s an in-continuity part of the Thanos narrative. The book deals with the origins of Thanos, meaning in theory, you could place it first on any reading order. Personally I think that’d be a horrible mistake, as there’s no way this should define the character of Thanos.
- Deadpool vs. Thanos
- The four issue miniseries starring Deadpool and Thanos references a shared history between the characters in the introduction. This reference is to Deadpool #64 (series starting in 1997) when Thanos appears for a hot 20 seconds to “curse” Deadpool with eternal life. That’s all you need to know, and unless you’re doing a ’97 Deadpool binge (not a bad idea), the issue is unnecessary for a Thanos binge.
- Infinity
- Pay close attention to the New Avengers #8 tie-in!
- Thanos: A God Up There
- Thanos Annual #1
- The Infinity Revelation
- Thanos vs. Hulk
- The Infinity Relativity
- The Infinity Entity
- The Infinity Finale
- Time Runs Out! – New Avengers #24 to #33
- For the full reading order (which includes crossover with Avengers and Avengers World), you’ll want to check out the Secret Wars reading order.
- Secret Wars
- Infinity Gauntlet: Warzones!
– Infinity Gauntlet (2015) #1 to #5
- The “Warzones!” Infinity Gauntlet tie-in to Secret Wars is a fantastic miniseries from Gerry Duggan and Dustin Weaver. Obviously an out of standard continuity Thanos appearance, but an excellent read for fans.
- Infinity Gauntlet: Warzones!
- Thanos: Death Sentence
- “Death Sentence” is a prose novel by Stuart Moore and does not need to be included as part of any standard Thanos continuity. In fact, the novel falls in a nebulous modernized Infinity Gauntlet timeline, effectively beginning at the conclusion of Infinity Gauntlet but including the modern Guardians of the Galaxy and others. It’s an interesting read for Thanos-heads, and at its best reminds me of George R.R. Martin’s excellent Tuf Voyaging
.
- “Death Sentence” is a prose novel by Stuart Moore and does not need to be included as part of any standard Thanos continuity. In fact, the novel falls in a nebulous modernized Infinity Gauntlet timeline, effectively beginning at the conclusion of Infinity Gauntlet but including the modern Guardians of the Galaxy and others. It’s an interesting read for Thanos-heads, and at its best reminds me of George R.R. Martin’s excellent Tuf Voyaging
- Ultimates: Omniversal Vol. 2
- Although Ultimates Vol. 1
does not directly relate to Thanos, you’re going to enjoy this second volume a whole lot more if you’ve read the first six issues of Ewing and Rocafort’s Ultimates. It’s also one of my favorite All-New All-Different Marvel series.
- Although Ultimates Vol. 1
- The Unworthy Thor
- Thanos Vol. 1: Thanos Returns
- For the most accurate continuity between Unworthy Thor and Thanos by Jeff Lemire and Mike Deodato, I recommend reading:
- Thanos #1
- Unworthy Thor #1 to #5
- Thanos #2 to present
- Note also that Unworthy Thor is very much a Thor story that happens to feature Thanos, rather than the other way around. Familiarity with Jason Aaron’s extended run on Thor will go a long way to understanding the story.
- Speaking of Jason Aaron’s time writing Thor, issues #3 and #4 of Thor (2018)
feature Thanos cameos following up from his role in The Unworthy Thor.
- For the most accurate continuity between Unworthy Thor and Thanos by Jeff Lemire and Mike Deodato, I recommend reading:
- Thanos Vol. 2: The God Quarry
– Thanos #7 to #12
- Thanos: The Infinity Siblings
- Thanos: The Infinity Conflict
- Thanos: The Infinity Ending
- These three graphic novels mark the second trilogy by Jim Starlin and Alan Davis, and by all accounts, the final Jim Starlin Thanos stories ever told. Like the preceding 2010’s Starlin Thanos graphic novels, these stories are loosely part of Marvel canon, referencing modern events but not strictly occurring directly in the timeline. For example, there’s a specific reference to, I think, Rage of Ultron
, here that doesn’t really lineup with the previous Thanos series by Lemire and Deadato. So be it! I recommend reading right before “Thanos Wins” because the stories approach the Mad Titan from very similar angles, and are especially interesting to compare and contrast.
- These three graphic novels mark the second trilogy by Jim Starlin and Alan Davis, and by all accounts, the final Jim Starlin Thanos stories ever told. Like the preceding 2010’s Starlin Thanos graphic novels, these stories are loosely part of Marvel canon, referencing modern events but not strictly occurring directly in the timeline. For example, there’s a specific reference to, I think, Rage of Ultron
- Thanos Vol. 3: Thanos Wins
– Thanos #13 to #17, Thanos Annual #1
- Cosmic Ghost Rider
— Cosmic Ghost Rider #1 to #5
- I feel pretty weird about including a “Punisher as the Ghost Rider” story on a Thanos reading list, but trust me, it fits. This five issue miniseries follows hot on the heels of Donny Cates writing in “Thanos Wins” in a story titled “Baby Thanos Must Die!”
- Infinity Wars
– Particularly Infinity Wars Prime #1 and Thanos Legacy #1
- Guardians of the Galaxy
– Guardians of the Galaxy #1 to #6
- Thanos by Tini Howard
– Thanos (2019) #1 to #6
- Eternals by Kieron Gillen & Esad Ribic
Latest Additions:
Collects: Silver Surfer Rebirth (2022) #1 to #5
Eternals Vol. 1: Only Death Is Eternal
Collects: Eternals (2021) #1 to #6
Collects: Eternals (2021) #7 to #12
Thor by Donny Cates Vol. 5: The Legacy of Thanos
Collects: Thor (2020) #27 to #28, Thanos: Death Notes (2022) #1, Thor (2020) #29 to #30
Thor by Donny Cates Vol. 6: Blood of The Fathers
Collects: Thor (2020) #31 to #35
I’ve been recently catching up on my Thanos reading since Infinity Wars came out. My question is, where do the following fit in to this exceptional Thanos reading list?
– Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 4: Original Sin
– Avengers Assemble (Brian Michael Bendis)
– Infinity Incoming!
– Thanos: The Infinity Siblings
– Thanos: The Infinity Conflict
Are these duplicate efforts, have a place in this list, or perhaps are intentionally excluded? Thanks!
Hello Dave,
Thanks for the helpful reading guide and order on all things Thanos! I just wanted to send a word of thanks and mention an addition to the list that should be of interest. During the period involving the Thanosi (following the Ka-Zar and Thanos vs Thor storylines), the Avengers also face a doppleganger in the Celestial Quest story-arc (available as TPB at Amazon here https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/078516233X/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I mention this for completeness sake. Thanos refers to each of these three episodes in conversation with Gamora (in Infinity Abyss #3).
Thanks for sharing the order and collection.
Is that Spidey Super Stories issue listed here on MU? Can’t seem to find it anywhere.
Hey man, thanks for this awesome guide!
I do have a question though: In the big slipcase that was released, a lot of crossover stuff is included, relating to infinity War and Infinity Crusade. How necessary is this? Only some if it; the ones relating to the Infinity Gauntlet Omnibus and Infinity War are mentioned in your list, and I’m not quite sure what this crossover stuff really is.
Good question! I pass one of these mega sets in my comic shop every week now, and it’s all I can do to restrain from throwing $500 at the register and walking out with it.
I’m working through a lot of the more obscure tie-ins now actually as part of a mega Infinity Gauntlet guide. In general, I’d say if you’ve never read the events, these tie-ins aren’t going to make or break your enjoyment, but as I’m nothing if not obsessive, I’ll find a place for them!
Thanks man.
I’m kinda obsessive myself, and I know that if there’s a possibility for more stories and background to be had, I’ll want to have it.
I guess if some crossovers are worth reading, the rest of them probably are, too? I’m think because of what they add to the overarching story?
Where does Guardians of the Galaxy #19 fit into this reading order?
Which volume?
The last issue of GOTG written by Bendis, which was released around the same time as Unworthy Thor and Thanos #1.
First off I want to just say thank you for helping me collect these series of comics thus far it has been one of the best read through sagas EVER!!! However, I have almost all of this, albeit the annihilation series I will be ordering it soon, my question is where the hell did the gauntlets come from; who or what made them to house all that power, I have been reading and searching for this information and not one of these stories has been able to clarify what they are at this present moment, any help would be more than welcome
If you take a close look at Thanos’ “stock”, unadorned classic suit gauntlets, their design is identical to that of the Infinity Gauntlet, with the exception of the six scalloped recesses made to accommodate the Infinity Gems (and, in some depictions, raised piping surrounding them).
One can infer that the gauntlet on which the Gems were joined, then, was simply a lightly modified version of Thanos’ standard costume gauntlets. AFAIK this process has not been explicitly addressed and described.
Does someone know if there is a reading order if you have Infinity volume 1 and volume 2? I just can’t find something on the internet. Thanks!
Hickman’s “Infinity” does not exist in two volumes, and there’s a ton of Thanos stuff with “Infinity” in the title, so you’re going to have to be a lot more specific.
Well I bought all the books, but I’ve some questions…after infinity watch vol. 2 what comes next?because there’s no continuity for thanos and Gamora.(!)
Also after Thor vs Thanos comes infinity abyss, but how?after the events on TvsT what happened???how is gamora with warlock again…and how is thanos alive again?
The Infinity Abyss performs a really good retcon with how those events unfolded. I thoroughly enjoyed Abyss.
That was not Thanos fighting Thor, but one of his Thanosi simulacra.
So after reading infinity war shall I read infinity crusade and then infinity aftermath or the other way around?becouse at the beginning of IWA there’s some text “previously” explaining what happened before but the last 3 paragraphs tell something that’s not collected in IW TPB.
There’s no collection titled “Infinity Aftermath”. You’ll have to specify whether you’re referring to “Infinity Gauntlet: Aftermath” or “Infinity War: Aftermath”.
Dev,
If I would recommend anything just shoot for the collector/omnibus books as they will cover most of what you want. Start at the top of the list and work your way down.
Please can anyone help me through reading order… It is written comic book issue name and number but it doesn’t include year… For ex. Iron man #55, but iron man has many series so which series does this comic books belong” it would be great help if you can just say year of publication of each comic in this reading order. Thanks in advance…
To clear up any ambiguity or confusion, Dev, the list is formatted Event: Series #(Issue). “Issue” is synonymous with “number”. Where you seem to be having difficulty is with volumes. As the guide is written chronologically, and includes many one-shots and events, it should be easy for you to establish the volume numbers by cross referencing the listed issues with the Marvel Database (Marvel.wikia.com). Good luck.
amazing site!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!
my wallet is much “thinner” though… =)
Under the Infinity War reading order, Daredevil #310 is listed. Where did you find this issue? I couldn’t find it anywhere on Marvel Unlimited. Thanks.
http://marvel.com/comics/issue/8308/daredevil_1964_310
Thanks, but does anyone know where this issue can actually be read? It is not listed in Marvel Unlimited, and on this Marvel website, it says digital issue not available. It also is not in the Infinity War trade paperback, but it’s in the reading order for Infinity War, so thought I’d ask. Thanks.
I don’t know if you ever got your answer to this but according to comicbookdb.com Daredevil 310 was never collected. You would have to get the actual issue. It’s not expensive at all as you can get it on eBay for under a buck. It’s a dollar bin dive.
No, but I suspected as much. Thank you for the response. Somehow I kept hoping it would get added to MU
Infinity Crusade volume 2 includes Warlock and the Infinity Watch issues 20-22 and Infinity Watch volume 2 picks up at Warlock and the Infinity Watch issue 26. I can’t seem to find a comic book that includes Warlock and the Infinity Watch issues 23-25. Infinity Watch volume 1 doesn’t include them either. Is there any chance you could update your timeline to include the missing issues?
those issues, I believe, are found in Thor: Blood and Thunder. I haven’t read it yet but I’ve heard it’s a mixed bag. Thanos is in there, so it’s relevant.
Thanks, I found this fixed the gap between infinity crusade and Infinity watch
“Thor: Blood & Thunder” is written by Jim Starlin and Ron Marz, two of the very few writers to really understand and convey the subtlety of Thanos’ personality and motive structure (Starlin, unquestionably, being the final authority and guiding creator of “Ol’ Purple Puss”). I, too, have heard mixed things about it, but I’ve been excited to read it for yours. Will prove a verdict once I’ve picked it up.
Hmm, just tried to comment on this “Blood and Thunder” thread, but it seems to have been lost in the aether.
Anyway, pardon this somewhat useless speculation, but “Thor: Blood and Thunder” is written by Jim Starlin and Ron Marz, two of the only writers to ever truly understand and convey the subtlety of Thanos’ character and motive structure. While this ostensibly bodes well for the book – as does the fact that Odin, the Silver Surfer, and Beta Ray Bill, among others, show up – I, too, have heard mixed things about it, chiefly its mediocre Amazon reviews.
Irrespective of the general ambivalence around the book, I’ve been excited to read it for years. I’ll sound off on it once I’ve done so.
I´ve not yet read the Infinity watch vol. 2 but as I was scrolling the pages I found one informing that issues #23-25 (Warlock & Infinity watch – entire event) are available in Thor Blood & Thunder TPB.
I have the following books:
Silver Surfer : Rebirth of Thanos
Infinity Gauntlet
Infinity Gauntlet Aftermath
Infinity War
Infinity War Aftermath
Infinity Watch Vol. 1
Infinity Watch Vol. 2
Infinity Crusade Vol. 1
Infinity Crusade Vol. 2
I just need to know what the reading order is, and if I’m missing any books. My collection looks strong but I wanted to make sure. Thank you in advance
Where does Thanos Redemption fall on here?
I just updated so it’s more clear – Thanos Redemption is the 2003 to 2004 solo Thanos series including Thanos #1 to #12.
Just got infinity Entity. Any idea where that falls in the timeline yet? I’m guessing after infinity finale. Love the help with this though man thank you!
At the beginning of Infinity Entity, after Thanos Annual, it notes that it takes place after Infinity Relativity, and before Infinity Finale.
Updated!
Hey man, just found a copy of ‘Avengers The Legacy of Thanos. Do you know where that would fall in the Thanos timeline?
After death of Captain Marvel, before Rebirth of Thanos!
Should one read Thor: Blood and Thunder alongside Infinity Watch?
How are Thanos: Cosmic Powers and Deadpool vs. Thanos? I assume the latter is totally irrelevant to the overall Thanos storyline, especially with no Starlin involvement. And what about Thanos vs. Hulk? It seems to be part of the new Infinity OGN arc, but I’m not sure.
As far as Thanos vs Hulk is concerned, it merely sets up the events of The Infinity Relativity (explaining how normally spindly and insectoid Annihilus is suddenly colossal and musclebound). Thanos: Cosmic Powers I’ll be re-reading shortly, and will supply my verdict about its quality then, but in chronology it is on my shelf between Infinity Crusade and Infinity Abyss.
Deadpool vs Thanos I haven’t read yet, but I’ve heard mixed things, and the premise seems inherently flawed to me as there seems no feasible way to craft an interaction between such diametrically opposing personae without it falling flat. Hopefully someone else will be able to weigh in on it.
Hi Dave,
So glad I found this – immensely helpful!
I have purchased the Essential Captain Marvel Vol 2. and Warlock the Complete Collection as Marvel Masterworks Warlock Vol. 2 is rare and expensive! However, Marvel Team up issue 55 is missing from the former publication as it’s not a Jim Starlin. Is this issue really relevant and worth getting?
Thanks
Hi Dave quick question, I noticed Marvel recently released a new warlock and the infinity watch tbp which has issues 1-22 and is called a companion to infinity war. Would you recommend it or would it be better to stick to the reading order above? Thanks
Hey Tristan – as a lover of all things Starlin and an owner of most collections in which Warlock And The Infinity Watch were originally republished, I would ask you this: are you interested in reading the complete story arcs behind Infinity Gauntlet, Infinity War, and Infinity Crusade? Because, in addition to encompassing some of Starlin’s best work (and coming highly recommended from a Marvel Cosmic aficionado like yours truly), those are the TPBs in which the entirety of the first arc of Infinity Watch are collected.
Specifically, Infinity Gauntlet Aftermath contains W&tIW 1 – 6, Infinity War contains W&tIW 7 – 10, Infinity War Aftermath contains W&tIW 11 – 17, Infinity Crusade vol 1 contains W&tIW 18 – 19 (and Warlock Chronicles 1 -3), and Infinity Crusade vol 2 contains W&tIW 20 – 22 (and Warlock Chronicles 4 – 5).
In other words, by getting the above-listed TPBs over the Infinity Watch collection, you’ll be getting all of the issues it collects while simultaneously reading the contemporaneous storylines of which they’re originally a part. Getting only Infinity Watch vol 1, without intimately knowing the above stories, would leave you somewhat lost, and missing a significant chunk of the picture. Since I own the above TPBs, I’m skipping the Infinity Watch vol 1 collection, as – beyond obsessive completism – I see no reason to spend money on material I already own.
However, when Infinity Watch vol 2 comes out, I definitely recommend getting that, as AFAIK it’ll be the first time the second half of Warlock And The Infinity Watch will have been collected.
Thanks for the reply Thresk, I shall follow your advice. I have read infinity gauntlet and want to continue the saga to the end but wasn’t sure how many of the issues where scattered between books. So thanks again for the detailed answer.
Hey Dave, could you review Infinity Finale? I’m very excited to know your thoughts and opinions on it, especially considering this is supposed to be Jim Starlin’s last run with Thanos.
Definitely, I’m planning to write up a review for Finale & Entity, once Entity is released this summer.
I’ve been re-reading all the 70’s Starlin comics as part of My Marvelous Year in anticipation!
Thanks a ton for this reading list. For a long time I’ve been buying all things Thanos, but have only added them to my Thanos comic box until I could fill in all the gaps and make sure I had them in the right order before actually reading them. As of now I’m getting ready to start “A God Up There…”
Two things I’ve noticed so far are 1) All the Tie Ins (especially infinity gauntlet/war/crusade) are pretty much worthless. Some have minor nuggets that are relevant, but most are very loose connections. That being said 2) The “Infinity” 6 part is not this way. I only bought the 6 part and didn’t read any of the Avengers/New Avengers associated issues and I felt that left me lacking in parts of the story. Not to say that the 6 part was unreadable without them, but they are definitely part of the story and not just tenuously connected nuggests.
Again, thanks for this list. It’s been a great guide on my Thanos reading adventure.
I think you should update the list with infinity revelation, relativity and finale and also entity.
Oh I was noticing this Warlock collection, which basically seems to be the Masterworks collection minus the Marvel Team-up 55.
http://www.amazon.com/Warlock-Jim-Starlin-Complete-Collection/dp/0785188479/ref=pd_cp_14_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1CET3QPN8ZH0ECG8N00X
This collection is much better priced than the Masterworks collection, and Team-up 55 is on MU. I am wondering now, would it be better to go with AvsThanos or the Essential Marvel 2 + New Warlock collection route? Better to have those Daredevil issues or the Extra Marvel and Warlock and Strange Tales issues? Or maybe all 3 at this price? Hmm…oh the things to ponder…
Upon further review and discovering Essential Captain Marvel is in black and white (BOOOOO!), it seems to me for the money if I went with that much more reasonably priced Warlock collection plus read Marvel Team-Up 55 on MU, plus the AvsThanos trade, this would be the most cost-effective combo for completists who like to hold paper books in hand as much as possible. The overlap of issues would be minimal and for the price (compared to the Masterworks book), seems to me to be the best route to go. Does this seem to you to be an accurate assessment?
Yeah that seems smart. Essentials usually get you a great amount of story for the price, but yes, all black and white!
Awesome, thanks! A plan is set in motion then 🙂
Hey Dave! Thanks again for the great list! One question: when it comes to Infinity Gauntlet, should I get the omnibus, and it looks like maybe that omnibus also covers the above read: Silver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos + Thanos Quest? Am I missing something? Or would you recommend the individual trades as the better way to go? Thanks!
The omnibus is awesome and gets you all of the above plus Infinity Gauntlet tie ins from Silver Surfer, Doctor Strange and a few others.
That said, rebirth + ig as individual collections will be cheaper. If you’re dipping your toes and want to save a bit, I’d go that route.
Hey thanks! Awesome! I will have to see what is in the piggy bank, Ha! Can’t wait to dive into it. Having a blast working through the lists. Wish I had more time to work through them more quickly. And more money 😉
Thank you so much Dave. I started reading the Gauntlet last year and ever since that I’ve been trying to keep it with the cosmic series (Starling’s work therefore).
Would I be losing a lot in case I miss out the Thanos Returns – War w/ Adam Warlock? Could only find for $200 or more.
Thanks again for putting all stories in the chronological (readable) order.
Glad you enjoy – I think you should check out the Avengers v. Thanos collection. Only $25 and includes Warlock #9 to #11. You miss the Strange Tales #178 to #181 lead-up, and as much as I love Starlin’s cosmic madness, those issues only include one page of Thanos.
Thanks a lot Dave. I’ll get that one.
What do you think about adding Avengers: Celestial Quest?
I recently started reading comics again about a year ago and, Thanos being the greatest comic book character ever, I found your guide the best place to start. I wondered why you wouldn’t include Avengers: Celestial Quest on there. Although I found it to be an average read compared some of the other items on this list, I felt it was a good fit right before Infinity Abyss.
Good work. Can you maybe update it to include Starlin’s new stuff (Infinity Entity and Infinity Finale), and Thanos v Deadpool? The order is good, just wondering where that stuff goes in relation to everything else. Thanks!
I would like to see this update as well and Thanos Cosmic Powers too.
Cosmic Power and Deadpool v Thanos are both included in the order above, take another look 🙂
As for Infinity Entity and Finale, both will be added once those comics / graphic novels are released.
What about Thanos Redemption? I saw it on the inside cover of Infinity Abyss. Didn’t know it existed.
Thats the solo Thanos series from 2003. I think Redemption is just the name of the first arc.
thanks brother –
Like many, I read the infinity guantlet after the MCU got me hyped up for it. I loved it, got infatuated with Thanos and for the past 6 months I have been working my way down the list (Im up to the anhillation arc).
I somehow skipped Thanos vs Avengers but I see most of that was in the Essential Captain Marvel. I dont know if I need to own both… is it worth me selling Capt. Marvel and getting the TvsA instead? I guess what Im asking is…. Cosmic Cube aside, which do you prefer?
Thanks again Dave, you single-handly support my new hobby (Marvel owes you a cut of their $$$)
The biggest advantage of Thanos vs. Avengers is you get the core Adam Warlock / Thanos issues. It’s also going to be the most cost effective trade to enjoy those issues, since the Warlock masterworks are nearly $100 on Amazon. So when it comes down to it, I prefer Avengers vs. Thanos, it’s a nice collection.
Glad you enjoy the guides!
Seem to be missing
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avengers:_Celestial_Quest
It’s not on MU. Only noticed it by googling for Quoi, mentioned in Infinity Abyss.
Apparently it’s a bit of a nightmare:
http://witlessprattle.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/i-read-this-avengers-celestial-quest.html
Leaves you with “survivors guilt” and an “inability to feel emotions”.
Great!
Hahaha well then, I may have to find a copy!
Just added to MU. Have at it!
Hey,
Thanks for the tip a couple months back on the Thanos reading order!
I’ve managed to get my hands on the single issues which comprise infinity gauntlet aftermath, but I was wondering what order they appear in in the TPB? It looks as though Silver Surfer and Warlock Infinity Watch were running concurrently, so is it a case of switching between the 2 with every issue? Or read one set of issues then the other? And where does the random Doctor Strange issue pop up???
Thanks!
The Doc Strange (#36) is immediate Infinity Gauntlet aftermath. To my understanding, kind of an epilogue, and then you go into Silver Surfer #60. I don’t think you have to alternate Surfer and Warlock issues… I’m not 100% on that though.
Is Infinity Revelation and Infinity Relativity connected to Earth-616? Because i’m hardly found its connected to current Marvel event. Thanks and sorry for bad English.
It is Earth-616 for the most part… but in Revelation there’s an alternate universe. I’m not sure what Earth designation that is supposed to be yet.
I don’t know about this, but in the end of Hickman’s Infinity Thanos is petrified by Thane until Namor freed him and asked him to join his Cabal. And then goes the Time Runs Out and Secret Wars. If Revelation occur after Infinity, then it’s not possible for Thanos to wander in space again
This one’s tricky, but I think the assumption you have to make is that Starlin’s new Infinity trilogy is during the time after Thanos joins the Cabal (during Time Runs Out) and before Secret Wars. I base this on Thanos Annual #1 being described as “During the titan’s “living death” and also a prequel to the new Infinity trilogy.
That said, this is far from a perfect continuity. Starlin is largely playing with his own toys, and Hickman is using Thanos for separate purposes. Ideally, you’d read both on separate tracks.
Infinity Crusade has 6 issues. The link reference you gave to amazon only has the first half of the event. Was there a reason for this?
Can you update the list to reflect the Nova / GotG / Avengers: Time Runs Out appearances of ol’ Purple Puss? It’d really help my (nearly complete) efforts to collect 100% of Thanos’ trade / anthology appearances. Regards.
(I should also mention the recently-released “Infinity Relativity” and “Thanos vs Hulk”)
Hey! I just picked up Silver Surfer: Rebirth of Thanos and Infinity Gauntlet as my first Marvel comics. I quickly found that I would enjoy the story much more if I had read what came before. Does the Avengers vs. Thanos graphic novel cover the first two entries on this reading order, before Silver Surfer and Gauntlet?
Thanks!
Yes, that’s a pretty good trade to get both those stories. It skips a couple Warlock issues, but the meat is all there. Recommend checking it out!
Are the issues collected in Infinity Gauntlet: Aftermath on Marvel Unlimited yet? I am having trouble finding them!
Not on MU yet, hopefully in the near future!
Marvel Unlimited has several of the Aftermath issues 🙂 Thanks for the reading order(s) – been using your site for a few years now and its a great resource
Hi I definitely plan on reading this story arc however I’m a little confused as to where the graphic novel Avengers vs. Thanos fits in to the story line?
http://www.amazon.com/Avengers-vs-Thanos-Jim-Starlin/dp/0785168508/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431287364&sr=1-1&keywords=avengers+vs+thanos
That trade will largely cover the first two books, involving Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock. It’s a solid trade that blends in some oddball Daredevil stories, you’ll enjoy!
So are oh saying that having the avengers vs thanos would be the same as having captain marvel and Adam warlock so only own one of the other set or would it be just as good to own all three?
I’ve bought avengers vs thanos but I think that if your into cosmic you might like guardians of the galaxy and so I think it’s a winner buying the omnibus (solo classics) since you’ll get not only the stories collected on the Avengers vs thanos tpb but much more…
Just read Infinity Gauntlet for the first time and want to go back and read more leading up to it, some of the trades that collect the Thanos/Warlock war can be a tad expensive, does Avengers vs. Thanos do a good job of giving me the basic comics needed for that story?
Yeah definitely. The Avengers vs. Thanos trade basically combines the Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock stories, mixing in some Daredevil for good measure. It’s a good trade, you can’t go wrong there.
I was looking at this reading order and the cosmic reading order and noticed that on this list you had Marvel The End taking place after the Infinity Gauntlet, but The End taking place before on the cosmic reading order. Which would be the correct order to follow since I’m looking start reading from the beginning?
Thank you for your help and your lists are awesome! I only use your lists to go by!!
Infinity Gauntlet definitely takes place before Marvel: The End.
The cosmic reading order doesn’t start until the early 2000’s (minus Annihilation Classic), so you’ll be good following the Thanos order here for the Infinity Gauntlet arc.
Enjoy the comics!
What about Thanos Rising, and Infinity:Incoming? (I’m just assuming the latter involves him since he’s on the cover)
Great site, my buddy that owns a comic shop recommends it to all who ask for guides
That’s awesome, love the comic shop plug!
I sort of loathe Thanos Rising, but chronologically you can read that before any of the titles listed here. I wouldn’t recommend that approach but it deals with Thanos childhood. Personally I’d read through Infinity Gauntlet and then go back to Thanos Rising if you like.
Infinity: Incoming is basically prologue for Infinity which can be read last on the order here (the event took place in 2013). I enjoy Infinity, and Jonathan Hickman writes a solid Thanos.
I’ve been collecting the collection editions to try and learn more about thanos and was wondering if this is a good timline?
Thanos storyline:
Thanos rising
The rebirth of thanos
The infinity gauntlet
The infinity aftermath
The infinity revelation
Marvel the end
Infinity
Infinity companion
Inhumanity
I also have the infinity war as well but it hasn’t arrived.
Hi Matt – I’ve updated the guide above to answer your question.
Biggest difference is I would move The Infinity Revelation after Infinity (makes a slight reference to the event.)
Thanks for stopping by!
Awesome man, thank you!
Is there a reading order for Marvel Unlimited? I’m finding it hard to find the exact comics to follow on this page with using Unlimited…
good question. It’s coming!
Any update on this Dave? Really frustrating that some of these aren’t on Unlimited!!
Hey, one thing here (this is me just joking around, I’m not serious or anything)
“He’s like the Dr. Doom of space, but probably even smarter, and with better gloves.”
Thanos may be just that bit smarter than Dr. Doom, but his gloves are not as cool XD
Haha you may be right. Doom is just the coolest 🙂
What if it’s the infinity gauntlet though…
I think I read that Doom has 2 infinity gauntlets though (from other universes)
What about Infinity War? Infinity Abyss? Great story involving Thanos as well
This is awesome! Your reading orders combined with Marvel Unlimited are a god-send, many thanks.
Is there any chance we’ll be seeing something along the lines of this for Galactus/Silver Surfer? I’ve just finished re-reading the DnA cosmic stuff following your reading orders and am now looking to get into the more classic Marvel Cosmic stuff.
This is crazy! I’ve been missing buying comics for a little more than 15 years. The digital age is going to really help get back into something I use to love. It’s not the same as having something to touch and collect, but now I can go through the important stuff I missed. It seriously is netflix for comics and your site is a HUGE help with story lines. Keep up the great work. Thank you!
Glad you dig it! Enjoy the comics.
I thought Marvel first used the post credits scenes to introduce a character when Nick Fury was introduced in the post credits scene of Iron Man?
Hey man, your site is awesome. I’ve been using it to read everything in civil war and I even used it for age of ultron. I bought the age of ultron omnibus, and thought, “I bet his reading order is better”. And it was! Anyways, thanks, I’ve been filling in gaps of events I have never read, and civil war has been great. Just figured I’d post on the thanos page, cuz he’s my fav comic character. Keep up the good work! Check out my band if u have a chance: pinebox.org
Glad you dig the site man. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the comics!
So, I didn’t realize that the second part of Thanos: Redemption was basically an Annihilation prequel. I was wondering if there was anything else like that….and what I mean is: any cosmic stories that came right before Annihilation that sort of act as prequels like that. I mean, I love jim starlin, but I have read almost every cosmic thing he’s done, and I really like the “feel” of giffen’s work. Certainly a different tone.
Definitely the Drax the Destroyer miniseries.
I’ll have to think about any others…
Thanks man, I was confused about what silver surfer and nova were doing before the prologue. Or if it’s even relevant to the annihilation story. I loved the Drax miniseries, but as far as characters surrounding him: when did genis vell die, and when did phyla and moondragon hook up?
What about The Warlock Comic Infinity Watch? especially around issues 9 and 10 Thanos looms over that whole series as well as has appearances in it. Thanks for the review/ guide I lost a lot of comics moving.
That’s a really good call, I believe Warlock & The Infinity Watch (8-10) has some pretty good Thanos/Infinity Gauntlet follow up. I’m going to have to make a space for that in the order.
Thanks for stopping by!