Jason Aaron and Simone Bianchi explore Thanos' origin in "Thanos Rising" #1, available in April as part of Marvel NOW!

Following his appearance in the special post-credits scene in "The Avengers," viewers were chomping at the bit to discover more about Thanos, the purple-skinned, power-hungry Mad Titan. While his origin is somewhat well-known by comics fans, Thanos' history hasn't ever fully been explored in depth -- but come April, Marvel Comics has announced a series that will explore Thanos' mysterious history written by Jason Aaron and drawn by Simone Bianchi in "Thanos Rising."

Part of the publisher's Marvel NOW! initiative, the limited series will explore the origins of Thanos, bringing readers a new perspective on the Avatar of Death.

"This is without a doubt one of the creepiest stories I've ever gotten to write for Marvel. It's the origin of an outer space serial killer, the story of the universe's weirdest romance and a grand cosmic tragedy, all wrapped up in one," writer Jason Aaron said via press release. "This is me taking five issues to really dig into the head of a space-faring world conqueror, mass murderer and hopeless romantic. I love writing stories with villains as the main character, and this book is about Thanos all the way."

The press release indicates that the series will not only explore Thanos' origin, but also answers the question, "How does this story set up one of the biggest events in Marvel history?" Thanos' expanded role in the Marvel Universe shouldn't come as a surprise to fans -- aside from the concentration on expanding the Marvel Universe to the actual universe with Marvel NOW! series like "Nova" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," Thanos creator Jim Starlin revealed that the Mad Titan will appear in Marvel Studios' upcoming films "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "The Avengers 2."

"Thanos Rising" is likely the result of the changed plans Marvel Editor Steve Wacker referenced when Joe Keatinge and Rich Elson's "Thanos: Son of Titan" origin series was cancelled last July. At the time, Wacker clarified the cancellation via Twitter, stating, "Plans of changed on Thanos. Nothing too dramatic, we just jumped the gun a [bit]."

Check out the full press release below.

Official Press Release

This April, the true origin behind the most villainous force of the year is revealed in Thanos Rising #1,kicking offthe all-new limited series from the blockbuster creative team of writer Jason Aaron (Thor: God Of Thunder) and artist Simone Bianchi (Wolverine)!As part ofMarvel NOW!,Thanos Risingjoins a number of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry's top creators join the top Super Villains to deliver all-new series, great for new and veteran readers alike!

Prepare for a visceral tale of tragedy, deceit and destiny like you've never seen before as readers dive into the shrouded history of the most talked about villain of the Marvel Universe. Who is Thanos, and where did this demi-god of death and destruction come from? And how does this story set up one of the biggest events in Marvel history?

"The story of Thanos' rise to power would make Shakespeare shudder," said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Entertainment. "The epic saga of a young boy, born in blood on a planet far, far away, who grows to become one of the most powerful and terrifying forces in the Marvel Universe, 'Thanos Rising' takes a cold, hard look at the eternal question: Are some people just born evil?'

Marvel NOW!is the culmination ofMarvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. WithThanos Rising,Marvel NOW!ensures fans will discover an entirelynew perspective on the origin of Thanos.

"This is without a doubt one of the creepiest stories I've ever gotten to write for Marvel. It's the origin of an outer space serial killer, the story of the universe's weirdest romance and a grand cosmic tragedy, all wrapped up in one," explained writer Jason Aaron. "This is me taking five issues to really dig into the head of a space-faring world conqueror, mass murderer and hopeless romantic. I love writing stories with villains as the main character, and this book is about Thanos all the way."

Each issue ofThanos Risingincludes a code for a free digital copy on theMarvel Comics appfor iOS and Android devices. Additionally, each issue ofThanos Risingfeatures special augmented reality content available exclusive through theMarvel AR app- including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.

This April, Jason Aaron and Simone Bianchi redefine what it means to be mad inThanos Rising #1!

THANOS RISING #1

Written by JASON AARON

Art & Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI

ON SALE APRIL 2013!