Thanos Nabs Shocking New Title, Making Him Marvel's Most Powerful Villain (Again) (2024)

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Phoenix #5

Marvel's Mad Titan Thanos has just found himself in a seat of power once more, with influence over the strongest armies in the galaxy, as he prepares to take on a god. The Deviant Eternal is a scourge who thrives on death and power, which is why he’s proven that when he has the resources at his disposal, he is unquestionably Marvel's top villain.

Phoenix #5 – written by Stephanie Phillips, with art by Alessandro Miracolo – positions Thanos as the series' next antagonist, after an epic climax to the book's first arc, which featured Jean Grey and the Phoenix ascending to become a singular being greater than a god.

The Galactic Council reacts to this development with aggression, believing the Phoenix to be a threat to their power. Furious at their frailty in comparison to the Phoenix, the Galactic Council calls on one proven leader to destroy the ascended X-Man: Thanos.

Thanos Is The New Leader Of Marvel's Galactic Council, As They Prepare For War With The Phoenix

Phoenix #5 – Written By Stephanie Phillips; Art By Alessandro Miracolo & Marco Renna; Color By David Curiel; Lettering By VC’s Cory Petit

Thanos now leads the Galactic Council, the governing body of the greater Marvel Universe, granting him authoritative control over the galaxy’s greatest empires and their armies. Thanos has conquered much of the galaxy with nothing but himself and his murderous rage. With the Infinity Gauntlet, the Mad Titan is an even more terrifying threat. Worse than that, there is now a militant force, of an unfathomable size, marching under Thanos’s orders. However, control of the Galactic Council means more than just soldiers and war; it defines galactic society.

Thanos doesn’t just command armies, he can now rule empires. With the influence he has at his disposal, transforming him into a puppeteer of politics and death, the galaxy sways as Thanos commands. Under his leadership, the galaxy will likely turn in on itself as “survival of the fittest” became the only law. Those most loyal to the Mad Titan will be gifted with power unlike any other, while no corner of the galaxy would know anything but war and bloodshed. If anyone doubts Thanos’s ability to lead, he’s already proven he can.

Thanos Has Always Been One Of Marvel's Greatest Threats Because Of His Abilities As A Leader

The Man Titan's Leadership Pedigree, Explained

When Thanos first appeared in Marvel Comics, he was on a quest to obtain the Cosmic Cube. Under his command was an army and fleet of loyal savages known as the Children of Thanos. Thanos had hundreds of warships at his disposal and hundreds of thousands fighting and dying in his name. After his first death, the militant force saw Thanos as a messiah, spreading his influence throughout the galaxy. Even without the warlord’s direct influence, the Children of Thanos continue to serve in his name.

Thanos’s empirical sway also already sweeps over a collective of planets and moons known as the Black Quadrant. He, on multiple occasions, has singlehandedly claimed command over the Chitari. Despite his already broad and growing empire, Thanos has rarely been usurped. In what moments he has, the Deviant Eternal has always returned to reclaim his throne. Most recently, Thanos was deemed as the Prime Eternal of Earth. Voted as the leader of his Eternal family, the Earth’s oldest leaders bowed under Thanos’s command.

With Leadership Of The Galactic Council, Thanos Controls The Galaxy's Empires

Thanos' Power Has Magnified Unimaginably

The Mad Titan has a long history, with his best stories – including his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – proving repeatedly that he is capable of more than senseless killing. While he may not possess the godly powers of the Phoenix, he does possess the perfect mixture of psychopathic tactical sadism and authoritative dominance to bend gods to his will. As Marvel heads into One World Under Doom, the rest of the Marvel Universe must prepare for “One Galaxy Under Thanos.”

Thanos has had an iron grip on the galaxy since he was only a young pirate. He alone is a scourge, but he is also a powerful emperor. His armies live to die in his name. The planets under his rule do so with honor and abject loyalty. Portions of the galaxy already churn crimson with the blood of his foes. With the Galactic Council under his control, Thanos now controls every empire. Through the influence of the Council, the entire galaxy bends under Thanos’ will, not with infinity gems, but with command.

Phoenix #5 is available now from Marvel Comics.