Thanos #2Thanos #2
Title: “Rebellion”
Writer: Jim Starlin
Penciller: Jim Starlin
Inker: Al Milgrom
Colors: Christie Scheele & Heroic Age
Editor: Tom Brevoort
The Recorder announces that he is recording the conference between Warlock and the Rigellian Grand Commissioner. Warlock says that he thinks that Thanos can be taken at his word as far as it concerns him wanting to make restitution. He says that he underwent a traumatic cosmic reversal that has changed him. The Commissioner asks if Thanos can be trusted. Warlock says that is the tricky part. He says that Thanos seems sincere, but that he has always been complex and an unstable personality. He says that he is unpredictable and that no one ever calls him the “sane Titan”. Warlock says that he advises the Commissioner to take Thanos up on his offer and then try to get him away from them as soon as possible. The Commissioner says that Thanos has been very cooperative and that he never thought that he would allow himself to be placed in the photonic block while they talked.
Thanos stands imprisoned within the photonic block as the Rigellian soldier stand around him. One says that he doesn’t look so tough. Another says that they should kill him, but another tells him to wait until they get the word.
Warlock tells the Commissioner not to count on Thanos’ amiability and that a mood change might cause them to face peril. Commissioner says that they should hurry then. He says that there is a problem on Rigel-18 that would require great power and guile to solve. Warlock says that those are Thanos’ specialty. Recorder asks Warlock how he came to travel with Thanos. Warlock asks the Commissioner what the “irritating device that keeps interrupting us” is. Commissioner says that he is a Rigellian archivist that is based on a race that they once conquered who eventually acted as their clerics. He explains that the race itself died out some centuries ago. Commissioner says that he would like to know more about Warlock since they are counting on him for so much.
Warlock starts by explaining that he was originally from Earth. He says that he was created by a group of scientists called the Enclave. He says that they made him to dominate mankind, but since he wasn’t “so inclined” he rebelled and left Earth. Warlock goes on and says that his power was amplified by a gift, from the High Evolutionary, called the Soul Gem. Warlock says that he battled the Man-Beast there, and that it was there that death first claimed him. Warlock says that he met Thanos after his resurrection, first as an ally against the Universal Church and then as an enemy. Warlock says that more often that not he has fought with Thanos against universal dangers. Warlock says that he was even there when Thanos forsook the power of the supreme being.
Warlock says that he travels with him now simply because their paths have converged and that he seeks to minimize any damage Thanos might cause. Suddenly a group of soldiers surround the Commissioner and tells him that they are relieving him of his duties because of incompetence. Because of the first encounter with Thanos, the problem on Rigel-18, and for even considering dealing with Thanos now. Warlock says that this is a mistake. The leader says that all he has to do is push a button and the photonic block will crush Thanos killing him. Thanos’ eyes begin to glow. One of the soldiers says, “Off to a prison cell for you, thrall.” Warlock says, “Thrall?” One says that he is lucky that they don’t execute him, but that he might prove useful later. Warlock starts fighting. They charge Warlock, but he dodges their attack. Warlock says that his senses tell him that each of them has increased their own mass so that they are his physical superior, and that while their weapons could easily subdue him that their fighting skills leave much to be desired. Warlock blasts the weapons with his Soul Gem and kicks the soldiers. He says that they have become dependant on their technological advantages as warriors. He says that they lack the brutal drive of the Skrulls, the discipline of the Kree, and the ruthlessness of the Shi’ar. Warlock defeats the last Rigellian. The Commissioner says that those were their elite forces. Warlock says that if they plan on staying in the colonizing business that they should acquire a higher grade of soldier. Warlock says that they had better hurry if they are going to save the soldiers guarding Thanos.
They rush in, but they are too late. All
twelve soldiers lie dead on the ground. Recorder says that a
high-level gamma explosion killed them all. Warlock says that
they have to find out what Thanos is doing now. Thanos calls them
into the next chamber. Warlock asks if Thanos couldn’t have
escaped without killing everyone. 
Thanos says
that they would have crushed him and that no innocents died
today. He says that he has been analyzing Rigel-3’s
geopolitical status and has devised several means to improve
their situation. He says that he has overcome a genetic problem
that was limiting their beta-soy production. The Commissioner
says that is the central data banks and that he shouldn’t be
able to access that without the proper clearance. Thanos says
that he has installed a better security system. He says that the
planet’s teleportation defense should come on twice as
quickly now, and that the propulsion systems of their star fleet
have been improved as well. Thanos says that much of their
technology is outdated in comparison to their neighbors. The
Commissioner thanks Thanos. Thanos says that there is another
matter he has to deal with now. The General says that there is
one last chance to save the rebellion and that the molecular
disruptor should take out even Thanos. Thanos says that he will
guarantee the loyalty of their army and improve the quality of
their gene pool with one act. Recorder asks what one act could do
that. Thanos says, “This one.” He lets off an eye blast
that kill the General. Warlock asks Thanos if he has ever
encountered a problem that didn’t require a “lethal
solution”. Thanos says, “Not many”. Warlock says
that if Thanos wants people to take his change of heart seriously
that he might try killing less people. Thanos says that he will
give that some thought after he deals with Rigel-3’s
problem. The Commissioner says that Rigel-18 needs help, but that
it may be more than he wanted to get involved with. Thanos says
that he will help them with anything. Commissioner says that if
Thanos could resolve this that it would more than make up for
what he has done to his people in the past. He says that he will
summon a ship, but Thanos says that Rigel-18 is within the range
of his teleporter. After getting the coordinates, they pass
through a portal. Recorder asks what kind of range the teleporter
has. Thanos says that if classified.
They stand on Rigel-18. Thanos says that the
Commissioner’s assessment of the situation was deficient. He
says that this isn’t a serious problem, but a major
catastrophe. Commissioner says that his approach was too fast for
them to teleport away. Thanos looks at the machinery dug into the
planet. He says that the construct is familiar and yet different.
Warlock asks if the Commissioner said he arrived a few days ago.
Commissioner says that it was three days ago. 
Thanos says,
“Now that is indeed odd. For Galactus the Devourer of
Worlds, is not known for lingering over a meal.”
The glowing yellow eyes says, “They have arrived. All goes as planned.”
Thanos says that mere weeks ago a snap of his fingers would have dispatched Galactus, but that his power now is “Lilliputian” compared to Galactus’. Commissioner asks if there is nothing he can do. Thanos says that he didn’t say that. Warlock says that the strange urge that was driving him has quieted. He says that he has reached his destination. Thanos says to never believe in coincidences. Thanos asks Warlock if he thinks he can drive off Galactus with his Soul Gem. Warlock says that he doesn’t sense any soul in the vessel. He says that Galactus must have a spirit beyond the Soul Gem’s power like Eternity and Infinity. Warlock asks if Thanos still intends to keep his promise to the Rigellians. Thanos says that he does. He says that it won’t be easy. He says that a plan must be made and special agents called in. Warlock asks if it is anyone he knows. Thanos says, “Of course.” He says that intelligence must be gathered before negotiations can begin. He says that Galactus would have eaten the world already if that were his intentions. He says that maybe they can relocate him if the proper inducements are offered. Warlock asks if that fails. Thanos says that they will try to thwart Galactus’ plans, but that if that fails he will have to kill him.
Power Cosmic rating: 8 out of 10
Another cool story. Warlock’s back history was also really cool to see. The fight sequence between Warlock and the Rigellians was classic Starlin. The dark eyes are intriguing since Starlin always comes up with such cool villains. Thanos vs. Galactus has the potential to one of the classic battles of all time. It figures in his first outing as a “force for good” Thanos would have to go up against the biggest, most powerful baddie there is.
Review and pictures by The Leader