Book Reviews and More: Thanos Titan Consumed - Barry Lyga

Monday, 26 November 2018

Thanos Titan Consumed - Barry Lyga - MARVEL's Avengers Infinity War

Thanos Titan Consumed
MARVEL's Avengers
Barry Lyga
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN 9780316482516
eISBN 9780316482585
ASIN B07C79CFT8

To say I am a fan of Barry Lyga’s work would be an understatement! But even as a megafan I was amazed by this book. From the masterful pen of Lyga comes an origin story of one of the most hated villains’ in the comic universe. And yet while reading this book I could not help but find myself feeling empathy, sympathy, and even compassion for Thanos of Titan. I could not put the book down and read it in three sittings. It is a page turner, and to be honest has eclipsed all other comic novelizations I have ever read.

This book follows the life of Thanos of Titan, from infancy to learning about the infinity stones. From his first friend, to a first kiss, to killing a friend with his bare hands. It is hard to write about this book with out spoiling the story. But we read about his rejection from birth, by his mother, and his whole society, just because of the color of his skin. We read about his vast intellect, and his realization that his own people were doomed. And yet unbale to save them. Forced into exile, rescued and forced into near slavery. His first battle with asgardians. We read about the first few true friendships the titan had. And we read about his loss time and time again. The authors favorite line in the book is:

““Thanos!” His Lordship boomed with exhilaration. “You marvelous lavender bastard!”

And the book begins with these words:

“There are as many tales of the origins of the Mad Titan, THANOS, as there are stars remaining in the sky. This is but one of them.

It is also the truth.”

As truth it does not pull any punches. He clearly shows the rumours and legends that surround Thanos. But it does so through his eyes and his reasoning. It sheds a very different light on the man, the legends, and the rumours.

The story is tightly written. It was near impossible to put down, and for an hour after finishing it I just sat in silence thinking about it. In fact, I spent the whole rest of the day thinking about it. Since then I have shared with several friends and many are intrigued and picking up the book to read for themselves. Lyga has written a story in the Marvel Universe that is exceptional. It is exceptional in the quality of the story. It is exceptional in portraying characters we know, a few we love, and one till now we have hated, in a whole new light.

I read over 100 books a year. This story has surprised me more than any other fiction book I have read in the last few years! But even with as much as we learn about Thanos in this book, there are still many unanswered questions. And to be honest could not but hope that Lyga writes more backstories in this universe … Gamora, Yondu Udonta, Wong, so many more characters that it would be thrilling to read how Lyga would handle the stories.

But let me be absolutely clear, this is an exceptional read. Excellent for fans of the comic books, and stories, or the more casual fans of the movies. If you have been following the MCU at all you owe it to yourself to give this book a read! I am certain you will not be disappointed!