Avengers: Infinity War: Captain America vs Thanos Explained Via the Comics
Last week’s release of the new Avengers: Infinity War trailer had the internet a buzz. Maybe the most talked about scene was seeing Captain America hold off a Power Stone empowered Thanos. It’s an amazing feat and one that many might think impossible given the sheer force the Power Stone is capable of. Remember, this is the stone Ronan planned to use to destroy the entire planet of Xandar. How in the world could Captain America hold off Thanos? Well, the Infinity Gauntlet storyline by Jim Starlin provides an explanation.
In the pages of Infinity Gauntlet #4, Thanos has already wiped out half of all existence by simply snapping his fingers with a fully powered Infinity Gauntlet. In response, the Avengers and their allies have launched an assault on Thanos. It’s doomed to fail because Thanos’ powers are limitless. But there’s a catch. Despite, wiping out half of existence, Thanos has still not won Mistress Death’s heart. Mephisto whispers in the Mad Titan’s ear a plan to win her heart. He tells him, “All female hearts, even one as cold as Death’s, are warmed by the sight of raw courage. Courage such as is exhibited in Battle.” Mephisto continues, “But such bravery only exists when one faces the prospect of defeat. Meeting that standard would require balancing the terms of battle so these fools stood a chance of victory.” Thanos heartily agrees and decides to remove himself from the Time, Space, Reality, Mind, and Soul Stones.
The battle ensues and the Avengers and their allies launch a multi-tiered attack with waves of heroes attacking Thanos and simply being smacked down. When it appears Captain America is the only one left standing he attempts to deceive Thanos with an emotional burst. The deception works. Cloak traps Thanos in “a dark and fearful dimension.” But Thanos is too powerful and breaks free of Cloak and destroys the hero in the process.
After several more heroes fall to Thanos, Captain America appears to be the only Avenger left standing. In typical Captain America fashion he tells Thanos, “It’s not over until the fat lady sings, Thanos.” Cap continues, “As long as one man stands against you, Thanos, you’ll never be able to claim victory.”
The two then do battle, but Thanos has a trick up his sleeve and traps Captain America’s feet. He then smashes his shield into tiny pieces. But just as he is about to crush Captain America, Adam Warlock and the Silver Surfer make their move and attempt to steal Thanos’ Infinity Gauntlet.
The plan fails and Captain America throws one last punch at Thanos. Thanos simply backhands Captain America and knocks him unconscious.
However, the mere possibility that Thanos was almost defeated leads him to being channeling all the powers of the Infinity Gauntlet once again. It’s quite possible Thanos is doing something similar towards the end of the Avengers: Infinity War trailer. He might not actually be channeling the Power Stone or the Space Stone. Instead he wants to defeat Earth’s defenders by himself.
Avengers: Infinity War director Joe Russo has hinted this could be case. He explains why Thanos is not in his full battle armor.
“[Thanos] has a more casual approach in this film, and it’s very philosophical for him. It’s part of his character definition. It’s a spiritual journey for him to collect the Stones, and one with which he doesn’t need armor. Once he starts acquiring the Stones, he doesn’t need armor in the same way he did when he was a war lord. It’s a very symbolic costume.”
Do you think Thanos might not use the Infinity Stones as he rampages across the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Do you think Captain America will survive his encounter with Thanos?
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