In a new preview for Marvel Comics' Eternals, it's revealed that Thanos the Mad Titan is not actually a Titan, but an Eternal himself. Despite having been born on the planet Titan and being born to Titan parents, it seems as though there's more to Thanos than meets the eye, allowing him access to far greater powers than non-Eternals could ever imagine. However, Thanos' new status already makes him a potential tool to be used, which is proven to be the case when it's revealed that he's been working for the Eternals' traitor Phastos.
In recent issues of Eternals from writer Kieron Gillen and artist Esad Ribić, the Eternals are in a crisis due to the Great Machine (the inner workings of Earth) failing. Not only that, but there's a traitor in their midst who's been in league with Thanos. Thanks to the recent reveal that the betrayer is Phastos, it's been confirmed that he was the one who granted Thanos access, allowing him to use the Great Machine to travel undetected as he went on a killing spree against Phastos' fellow Eternals after his resurrection. Now, Eternals #6 provides some key insights into how Phastos and Thanos joined forces, including the terms that were set for their uneasy alliance.
In the preview, a flashback from before the Great Machine's failure is revealed, seeing Thanos waking up strapped to an operating table with Phastos standing above him, seemingly being the reason for his body being restored after Thanos' defeat and banishment into a black hole. Apparently, Phastos pulled the Mad Titan out and repaired his body, albeit only with temporary fixes to keep him in line, promising a body that wouldn't eventually fail once their alliance concludes. But what's more shocking is that Phastos confirms that Thanos is a true Eternal as opposed to a Titan. Take a look at the preview pages for the upcoming issue:
Apparently, Thanos is identified by Phastos as a true Eternal, despite the fact he was born with the Deviant Syndrome that's responsible for his large frame and purple skin. However, his newly revealed status seems to be what allows him to use the Great Machine (once Phastos provided him with access). Phastos seems to have a dark new mission that puts him at odds with his fellow Eternals, which is no doubt what influenced him to recruit Thanos into his plans. Complicating things, while Thanos is working for Phastos, it seems as though both are fully expecting the other to betray them at some point, as both think that they are smarter and more cunning than the other.
In any case, it seems as though the Mad Titan is actually the Mad Eternal, and it's going to be interesting to see where his story goes from here as the other Eternals have begun to uncover Phastos' treachery. However, the preview sees Thanos battling with five of the greatest and strongest Eternals in existence and it doesn't seem as though they're making a dent in his armor. It's clear that it's going to take quite a lot to defeat Thanos as the series continues. Eternals #6 releases July 28th.