In the statement, Jim Starlin, who created Thanos professionally, expresses his special connection with this character by referring to him as "the baby I return to." This means that despite creating many other characters throughout his career, Thanos holds a unique place in his heart and is the one he revisits whenever working on Marvel projects.
The quote delves deeper into the emotional bond between an artist and their creation. Starlin's use of "baby" implies not just a professional attachment but also a personal and nurturing relationship with Thanos. It suggests that characters, especially those created early in a career, can become extensions of oneself and carry significant meaning for the creator beyond mere storytelling. Additionally, the phrase "whenever I work with Marvel," indicates that despite the passage of time and the numerous projects Starlin has undertaken over his extensive career, Thanos remains a constant and beloved presence.
Jim Starlin is an American comic book writer and artist best known for creating the character Thanos in 1973. His contributions to the Marvel Universe extend far beyond Thanos; he also introduced notable characters like Drax the Destroyer and Captain Marvel (previously known as Mar-Vell). Throughout his career, Starlin has been influential in shaping complex narratives and introducing philosophical themes into comic books, making him a significant figure in both the superhero genre and within Marvel's expansive universe.