Thanos is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Iron Man #55 in February 1973 and was created by writer-artist Jim Starlin.
Quick Answer
Thanos had two sons in the Marvel comics universe: Thane and Eros, also known as Starfox.
Who is Thanos?
Thanos is one of the most powerful villains in the Marvel universe. He is known as the “Mad Titan” and his ultimate goal is to bring balance to the universe by wiping out half of all life. Here are some key facts about Thanos:
- Species: Eternal-Deviant hybrid
- Place of origin: Titan, moon of Saturn
- Abilities: Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, durability, and intelligence. Skilled in hand-to-hand combat and energy manipulation.
- Notable aliases: The Mad Titan, Master, The Most Powerful Being in the Universe
- Affiliation: Zodiac (ally), Black Order (leader)
Thanos believes there are too many lifeforms in the universe and that depletion of resources will lead to the extinction of all life. His solution is to use the Infinity Stones to instantly kill half of all life in the universe, bringing balance and preventing further strain on resources.
Thane – Son #1
Thane is the secret Inhuman son of Thanos. He first appeared in Thanos Annual #1 in 2014.
Thanos conceived Thane with an Inhuman woman named Ulyana. She kept Thane’s existence hidden from his father.
Like his father, Thane is an incredibly powerful being. He has the ability to trap people in amber constructs. Thane also possesses enhanced strength, speed, and durability.
When Thanos learned about Thane, he sought out his son in the hopes of molding him into an ally. However, Thane rejected Thanos’ overtures and allied himself with the Avengers in battling his father.
During the fight with Thanos, Thane used the amber construct ability to trap his father, immobilizing him.
Thane’s Key Facts
- Species: Inhuman
- Abilities: Amber construct creation, superhuman physical attributes
- Affiliations: Inhumans, Avengers
- First appearance: Thanos Annual #1 (2014)
Although immensely powerful like his father, Thane chose the path of a hero and helped defeat Thanos alongside the Avengers.
Eros/Starfox – Son #2
Eros is Thanos’ younger brother, also known as Starfox. He first appeared in Iron Man #55 in 1973.
Eros is an Eternal, the same ancient cosmic race as his brother Thanos. However, unlike Thanos, Eros resembles a human and has sought to live peacefully among them.
Starfox possesses various superhuman abilities common to Eternals, including strength, speed, stamina, durability, flight, and immortality. He also has the unique power to stimulate pleasure sensations in others.
Eros/Starfox Key Facts:
- Species: Eternal
- Abilities: Superhuman physical attributes, pleasure stimulation
- Affiliation: Avengers (former)
- First appearance: Iron Man #55 (1973)
Although brothers, Eros opposes Thanos’ destructive plans. He has fought against Thanos many times while allying himself with Earth’s superheroes.
How Many Biological Sons Did Thanos Have?
In summary, Thanos had two biological sons in Marvel comics continuity:
- Thane – Secret Inhuman son
- Eros/Starfox – Younger brother
These are the only known biological children of Thanos. Both sons inherited great power from their father, although they chose different paths.
Thane aligned himself with Earth’s heroes like the Avengers and used his abilities to defeat Thanos. Meanwhile, Eros/Starfox has alternately opposed and aided his brother over the long years while also protecting humanity.
Did Thanos Adopt Any Children?
In addition to his two biological sons, Thanos has also adopted multiple children during his time in the Marvel universe:
Gamora
Gamora was adopted by Thanos after he killed off her entire species. Thanos raised her to be a living weapon. However, Gamora would later betray Thanos and join forces with the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Nebula
Nebula is another daughter adopted and trained by Thanos. Like Gamora, Thanos cybernetically enhanced Nebula from a young age to turn her into a weapon. She often fought against her adopted sister Gamora.
Other Adopted Children
Thanos has adopted and trained several other children to serve him, including:
- Corvus Glaive
- Proxima Midnight
- Cull Obsidian
- Ebony Maw
These adopted children formed the Black Order and acted as generals for Thanos’ forces.
Conclusion
Although the Mad Titan Thanos had two biological sons, Thane and Eros/Starfox, he also adopted several children to serve as members of the Black Order. Gamora and Nebula were the most well-known of Thanos’ adopted daughters. Ultimately, while immensely powerful like their father, Thanos’ biological children turned against him and helped Earth’s heroes defeat the Mad Titan and his destructive goals.