Nebula - Grandchild, or Liar?
One of the lingering controversies concerning the life of Thanos revolves around a figure who became infamous for her actions following Thanos' death in Marvel Two-in-One Annual #2. I'm talking about the Space-Pirate, Nebula, who used not only Thanos' armada, but also his very name on her path to accomplishing her goals.
You see, Nebula has long-claimed to be the Granddaughter of Thanos.
So, I asked Titanos, who contributes to both the Eternals Message board, but also the Captain Marvel and Silver Surfer boards, to compose an article that addresses this issue. He came through in short order:
The Nebula Thanos controversy re-visited
by Titanos
I've always speculated that Nebula's claim of being (Thanos's Grand-daughter
)might be true. Why? In early flashbacks Thanos was shown with Death as
his lover in the guise of a blue skinned female. What if Death possessed
that alien female in a similar fashion that she did 'Marlo'( as revealed in
Captain Marvel-vol 3 # 18), to be with Thanos as a lover in a more
physical way. Then, she later leaves the host body for whatever reason...who now
( as a result of Death's relations with Thanos ) was left pregnant with Kraa
and Zorr ( I believe they were twins ), the latter of which at some later point fathered
Nebula.
For those who don't know of 'Zorr The Conqueror', he first appeared in Nova Vol.1
#1 ...he was revealed to be Nebula's father in the Nova-vol 3 series. When
Nebula came to Earth seeking to avenge his death. She wrongly believed the
current Nova (Richard "Rick" Rider) was responsible. However, Zorr was actually
killed by Rider's predecessor Centurion Nova-Prime (Rhomann Dey).
Kraa was revealed to be Zorr's brother in the Nova-vol 2 series: an
intergalactic Warlord who also blamed Nova for his brother's Death.
Now I realize there's been a great body of evidence that negates Nebula's
claim ...after all the easiest conclusion one could make was that Nebula
was just using Thanos's nafarious name further her own reputation.
So, lets look at the body of canonical evidence against her claim:
Silver Surfer # 38 vol-3 the conclusion of "The Rebirth of Thanos." arc: Thanos arrives on his old ship Sanctuary III and immediately deposes Nebula who claims to be his Granddaughter. He burns her with his eye beams
as she takes off begging for mercy. In this issue, Thanos seems to deny any relation to Nebula... However, he never flatly states 'yes or no' despite the fact that he seemed insulted that she would even insinuate the he would father children.
Other evidence against Nebula's claim: Following her defeat at the
conclusion of the Infinity-Gauntlet saga, the Eternals of Titan found that
she does not possess any of Thanos's DNA.
Strong evidence I agree... however, let's take a look at speculation and
some evidevce that supports her claim...
Infinty Gauntlet #2: When Thanos finally has ultimate power
within his grasp, he transports Eros to his location. But curiously he
also had 'Nebula' there as well... but why? If she was nothing to him
why bring her there at all? I've heard speculation that Starlin just
had Nebula there to provide Thanos with a way to lose. Granted, that may be
true, but the impression was given that Thanos wanted members of his
family there to witness his triumph. Later, when she gained ultimate power (ie the Infinity Gauntlet ) she
still referred to him as "Grandfather".
As for his seeming denial of any relation to her in the above mentioned SS 38, my thoughts are that for the most part Thanos percieves life itself as an abomination. So his seeming denial of any relation to Nebula doesn't come as a shock. From his perspective, as Mistress-Death's Champion and Lover, the idea of him siring children (whether knowingly or not ) would be abhorrent. It would represent a betrayal of his ideals, not to mention his 'lover'.
Secondly, the DNA evidence ...or lack thereof. Well I postulate that when Nebula possessed the Gauntlet she may have been somehow altered on a genetic level. Before she possessed it she was literally a walking corpse. Thanos's eyebeams could've done alot more than simply burn her... they could've effected her on a molecular level. After she took possession of the Gauntlet and re-made herself, she could've altered herself sub-conciously on a molecular level, thereby negating the DNA evidence .
On a final note, both Nebula's father Zorr and his brother Kraa bear quite a strong physical resemblence to Thanos .
Whether or not Nebula is truly Thanos's Granddaughter is still open to speculation. Some comic readers, myself included, speculate that she truly is, while others maintain she is not. However until Marvel decides to fully explore this mystery, the controversy will continue.
Webmaster's Notes:
A well-written and researched article no doubt, and I appreciate the submission. I myself would like to add a couple of items, on both side of the issue...
The case against Nebula: The fact that Thanos preserved Nebula's shambling corpse is not mysterious at all. By his own claim, Thanos preserved her in a state between life and death, thinking it to be a thing of beauty. His intention was to impress Mistress Death with his 'creation', claiming that the undead Nebula was his greatest accomplishment. Death, however, was unimpressed.
The case for Nebula: We know that Elysius used the DNA of her deceased lover, Mar-Vell, and combined it with her own to create Genis, Mar-Vell's "son". Is it not possible that some unknown woman pulled the same stunt with Thanos' DNA? Who would have done such a thing and for what reason is unknown, but it could explain much.
Again, my thanks to Titanos!
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