Vanth Dreadstar

Vanth Dreadstar
Vanth Dreadstar in Dreadstar comicbook # 1, published by Marvel Comics Epic
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel/Epic, First, Malibu/Bravura
First appearance	The Metamorphosis Odyssey, Epic Illustrated Magazine # 1, Spring 1980
Created by	Jim Starlin
In-story information
Full name	Vanth Dreadstar
Species	Byfrexian
Place of origin	Byfrexia
Team affiliations	Dreadstar and Company
Notable aliases	The Cold Man, Dreadstar the Starslayer
Abilities	Possess a magical sword which gives him the powers of: Immortality Enhanced strength Rapid healing.

Vanth Dreadstar is a fictional comic book character created by American artist Jim Starlin. According to the new Overstreet Price Guide, Dreadstar was originally introduced in Epic Illustrated magazine #3 (Fall 1980). His first "solo" appearance was in Epic Illustrated #15 (December 1982). Dreadstar's sword's first appearance was in Epic Illustrated #1 (Summer 1980). It was revealed in issue #3 that Vanth had become one with the sword.

Dreadstar's original adventure, the "Metamorphosis Odyssey", ran in the first nine issues of Marvel Comics' Epic Illustrated (Spring 1980-October 1981). Eclipse Comics followed this with an original graphic novel, The Price, a black and white magazine which was subsequently reprinted in color in 1983 by Epic as the Dreadstar Annual.

The success of the character prompted Marvel to publish a Dreadstar comic book, the first title in their Epic Comics imprint, which debuted in November 1982. After 26 issues, creator Jim Starlin decided to take the series to a new publisher out of dissatisfaction with Marvel's royalty reporting and promotion.First Comics subsequently published issues #27-64 (November 1986-March 1991). Jim Starlin left the series after issue #40, and was replaced by Peter David as the writer. Between issues #39 and #40 Dreadstar also appeared in the Crossroads crossover, meeting Nexus and Grimjack, followed later by The Gift crossover. Several years after the First Comics title was canceled, Malibu Comics published six more issues, set after the end of the First Comics run, and featuring the daughter of Dreadstar (April 1994 - January 1995).

Vanth Dreadstar was born on the planet Byfrexia, a harsh and frigid world located in the Vega system. What is known of Vanth's story begins when, as a teenager, he is forced to witness the brutal slaying and devouring of his parents at the hands of snow beasts (later described as snow bears). Stranded and miles away from any settlements, he would surely have died of exposure and starvation had he not found the Sword of Power created and left there long before by Lord Aknaton. The weapon gives Vanth wondrous powers, allowing him not only to survive but to thrive.