When Marvel fans are asked who their favorite villain is, they'll most likely say Thanos. From the comics to the screen, the cosmic threat has been a threat since the day he was introduced. As so many know from the MCU, Thanos made his first appearance onscreen in the post-credits scene of The Avengers with a sly, purple grin. While movie audiences were curious about the figure, Marvel readers knew what was on the horizon. After a decade of foreshadowing, the villain lived up to all our evil expectations before the Infinity Gauntlet era ended, but plenty of comic readers were left only somewhat satisfied.

In adapting Jim Starlin, George Pérez, and Ron Lim's The Infinity Gauntlet series, the Marvel Cinematic Universe failed to adapt one of Thanos' best character traits. The villain is deadly across the board, but rather than somber, the original take on Thanos was anything but stoic. At the start of their journey, Thanos is little more than a lovesick fool. The character's obsession with Death has largely defined his motivations in the Marvel Universe way back when, driving him to seek the Infinity Gems. However, the MCU did not quite nail that emotive aspect of Thanos, leaving comic readers wanting more from the larger-than-life villain.

In The Comics, Thanos Pines Fiercly For Death's Affections

Mistress Death's First Marvel Appearance Comes in Captain Marvel #26 by Mike Friedrich and Jim Starlin, Becomes a Focal Point of The Infinity Gauntlet 18 Years Later

In the original Infinity Gauntlet series, Thanos is brought back to life by Death herself to correct an imbalance in the universe. However, rather than merely sticking to the task at hand, he sees this second chance at life as an opportunity to win the love of Lady Death. Despite the fact that she won't so much as speak to him, Thanos is hellbent on impressing Death. He turns his granddaughter Nebula into a zombified corpse. He builds a shrine in Lady Death's image. He even snaps half the universe out of existence. Still, Death has no love to give Thanos despite his crush.

His infatuation with Death continues to dominate Thanos' comic storylines. While giving up on Death would solidify Thanos as the ultimate villain, the character is hardly able to do so. Of course, in the movies, Thanos is merely motivated to correct the universe's imbalance on his own accord. The two versions of Thanos had the same end goal in mind, but they went about genocide for very different reasons. Correcting the imbalance was always second to impressing Death in Thanos' mind in the comics, and he tried his best to seduce Lady Death whenever possible. The villain was very flowery with his affection, and that differs wildly from the Thanos we see on the screen.

Thanos' Love For Death Makes Thanos An Even Better Villain

His Signature Determination and Killer Instinct Derives from Unrequited Love

Compared to his MCU counterpart, the comic's take on Thanos is far more emotive and far less calculating. Thanos is practically a machine in the MCU as he was driven by one goal. However, in the comics, the surprisingly human trait of wanting love makes Thanos even scarier. Many of Thanos' most shocking moments were done spur of the moment as a last-ditch effort to impress Death. Committing to someone else who won't look in his direction is almost maddening, but that's exactly why Thanos is called the Mad Titan.

In the comics, Thanos won't rest until Death just looks at him or talks to him, let alone love him.

In the comics, Thanos refuses to rest until Death looks at him or talks to him. Even when it is obvious Death will never entertain Thanos' affection, Thanos only persists and escalates his obsessions. The villain's ion makes him infinitely scarier than the MCU's man with a plan. So while Josh Brolin's take on Thanos commands gravitas, it leaves out one of the character's most important traits.