Thanos Quest #1 (2012)

Thanos) peers into the Infinity Well. Challenged by one of Death)'s minions, Thanos says he needs its insights if he is to perform the task set him by Death: killing half of the universe’s population. He tells Death he needs the six Soul Gems to complete this task. She allows him to do so, especially upon learning that her foe, the In-Betweener), possesses one of them.

Journeying to the Nexus of Reality where the In-Betweener is held prisoner by Chaos) and Order), Thanos helps free him, under the pretense of needing his help to rebel against Death. He neglects to tell him he will be powerless once freed. Thanos takes his gem and departs. Death challenges him over his purported rebellion but Thanos insists it was only a ploy. He warns himself to be cautious lest he reveals his true plan too early.

Thanos next confronts the Champion) and engages him in battle. To defeat him, Thanos enrages him to the point where he literally destroys the planet they are standing on, leaving him stranded in space. In desperation, Champion agrees to give Thanos his gem if he will transport him to another planet. Thanos agrees though he lets him plummet through its atmosphere instead of transporting him to its surface.