Super villain.  Titan gone mad.  The destroyer.  Fascinated with death.  Thanos Rising, a Marvel NOW! title, is a mini-series about the origin of Thanos.

Written by Jason Aaron, the debut issue chronicles the life of Thanos from childbirth to school-age.  Thanos’ mother, the beautiful Sui-San, sensed danger as soon as she saw his eyes.  The story goes on to show a young Thanos being taunted at school.  But he always maintained a positive attitude, explaining his genetic mutation.  Thanos was very smart and friendly.   A group of kids even befriended him.  But things begin to change for the worse by the end of the story.

I am liking the story so far.  I just wish the “good Thanos” would have lasted at least until the next issue.  Let his anger and frustration build a little more.  But I won’t complain too much, because until now, I had no idea how Thanos became a villain.  I didn’t know if he was born evil, or if a life changing event caused him to turn bad.  I began to feel sorry for Thanos after reading this story.  An academically gifted child with a positive attitude, who didn’t let his mutation bring him down.

The artwork is great.  I have no complaints in that area.  Simone Bianchi, artist.  Simone Peruzzi, colorist.

Thanos Rising is a 5 issue mini-series.  By the end of the series, I want to know if Thanos was actually destined for evil.  I want to know if his mother was right.

I definitely plan to read the entire mini-series.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

I recommend this Marvel NOW! title Especially to readers who is familiar with Thanos and/or love super villains.