Thanos Creator Jim Starlin Returning to 'Dreadstar'

Jim Starlin, the man behind Marvel characters Thanos and Gamora, is bringing back his creation Dreadstar.

Dreadstar, the comic book, was the flagship title of Marvel’s creator-owned Epic Comics line, debuting in 1982. Dreadstar, the character, was the sole survivor of the Milky Way galaxy who led a ragtag motley group of outlaws against two evil galactic empires.

The comic, fondly remembered by comic fans, was set up with Universal Cable Productions and Benderspink as a TV series earlier this year.

“I’ve been poking around an idea and with the TV show in development, I can start in on it,” Starlin told The Hollywood Reporter.

Starlin is a writer and artist, known for his runs on Iron Man and Captain Marvel in the 1970s. He made his mark with space-faring creations, which also included Drax the Destroyer, popularized in last summer’s Guardians of the Galaxy, and existential hero Warlock.

But for most of his work this century, he’s focused on writing. Even with Dreadstar he segued from drawing (and writing too, handing it off to author Peter David as the book switched publishers several times).

However, Starlin is not only writing the new Dreadstar story but is drawing the character for the first time in 28 years.

“Drawing for me is a love-hate thing,” he said. “It’s a younger person’s job. And so I tend to write for other people. But with this particular thing, I’m at a point financially that I can do whatever I want to at this point…and this is what I want to do.” He added, laughing, “Right now I’m trying to decide what I want Dreadstar’s uniform to look like.”

There isn't a publisher lined up - yet - as he wants to have several issues of the intended mini-series completed before seeking one out. (Starlin is also working on a series of six creator-owned one-shots but is keeping those details top secret for now.)

Like many an artist, Starlin considers his creations a reflection of himself.

“Warlock is my dreamer, Thanos is my dark side, and Dreadstar is the anarchist in me,” the Michighan-native said. “The character was never any good when it was peaceful. He’s a hero but his motivation is all messed up.”

Thanos is my dark side...

In more ways than one.