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In Eternals: Thanos Rises #1, the ancient origin behind one of Marvel’s most legendary and powerful cosmic artifacts is finally revealed.
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Eternals: Thanos Rises #1, available now from Marvel Comics.
Even though the Eternals have been largely absent in recent years, they have always played an important role in shaping the Marvel Universe. Kieron Gillen, Dustin Weaver, Matthew Wilson and VC’s Clayton Cowles’ Eternals: Thanos Rises #1 explores the immortal heroes’ contribution to the birth of Thanos and the invention of one of Marvel’s most powerful weapons: the Quantum Bands.
The Quantum Bands first arrived on Earth in 1975’s Fantastic Four #164 (by Roy Thomas, George Perez, Joe Sinnott and Petra Goldberg) when a madman named the Crusader uses them to fight the Human Torch. Marvel’s first family learns that the Crusader had been tasked with using the bands to protect Earth, but he went mad after years of isolation. Mr. Fantastic eventually disarms the deranged former hero and takes the bands to SHIELD, where they are eventually discovered by Wendell Vaughn who equips them and becomes the first Quasar. Vaughn and his multiple Quasar successors use the bands to channel energy from the Quantum Zone which they use to fly and create powerful light constructs, similar to DC’s Green Lantern.
It is later discovered that the Quantum Bands were once controlled by the cosmic godlike character Eon, who gave the bands to heroes and tasked them with guarding the universe. For years, many believed that Eon created the bands, but there are very few concrete details about the origins of the mysterious and powerful weapon. Eternals: Thanos Rises endeavors to add a new chapter to the history of the Quantum Bands that began with a violent dispute between the Eternals about whether or not it is ethical or advantageous for the immortals to reproduce. A’Lars and several others are in favor of Eternals reproducing biologically, but A’Lars’ brother Zuras and his followers prefer leaving the growth of their species in the hands of the great machine. Eventually, their mother Daina puts an end to the debate by wiping the Eternals’ memories and sending A’Lars out into the universe to experiment with reproduction.
A’Lars reconnects with another exiled Eternal Sui-san, and the two build a new, powerful world on Titan where they attempt to have a child together. A’Lars reaches out to his father Kronos for help and guidance. Kronos gives the couple his blessing, but only on the condition that they get married. He then provides them with the Quantum Bands to use as wedding rings. The power of the bands makes it possible for two Eternals to reproduce, demonstrating the reality-shaping power of the weapons, but sadly the resulting child is full of rage towards its proud parents. With the help of the Quantum Bands, the couple has given life to the Mad Titan, Thanos.
When A’Lars realizes that his son is evil, he returns the bands to Kronos, but the result of their power cannot be undone. Thanos goes on to kill both of his parents and become the force of destruction he is today. When he takes the bands back, Kronos tells his son that “they [will] oppose Thanos, always.” As sad as it is, this opposition could be at the root of the weapon’s history of heroics. In opposing the spirit of Thanos, the Quantum Bands have given strength to generations of heroes all over the universe. It seems that the same power that gave life to the embodiment of evil has been saving lives ever since.
Marvel’s Eternals are the cornerstone of the universe’s mythology and their involvement with the Quantum Bands is a prime example of the lasting impact of their influence. It seems fitting that it would take the power of an Eternal to forge such a powerful and versatile weapon. While the bands have yet to stop Thanos’ reign of terror, their energy has opposed him and everything he stands for to great effect over the years.
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