The REAL Origin of Adam Warlock

Adam Warlock is about to appear in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but how much do you know about his comic book origins? It’s a story that involved Ayn Rand, Jesus, the Vietnam War, and a whole bunch of people who just do not like Stan Lee.
Links to buy comics
Warlock by Jim Starlin amzn.to/3GyR0gg
Warlock by Roy Thomas amzn.to/3KOG0gr
Complete Warlock Omnibus amzn.to/3UquOe9
Lee & Kirby Fantastic Four amzn.to/43Q9eUB
(As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
Sources
Strange and Stranger The World of Steve Ditko
web.archive.org/web/202112060...
The Life and Death (and life and death) of Adam Warlock by Karen Walker
The Art of Jim Starlin: A Life in Words and Pictures
Comics: Between the Panels by Steve Duin & Mike Richardson
web.archive.org/web/200902180...
Big thanks to my friend Olivier for help on the color grade!

[@EyeballOrigami]

It means a lot to see someone look closely at a comic as serious, sincere and strange as this one. It blew my mind back in '75 and still does in '23.

[@stevensilver2880]

I think it’s so crazy how commercialized things can get and how often incredible gems are washed over and buried over time. I had the same interest in superhero’s and comic cartoons as any boy growing up is presented with. But never really cared to look at the comics until my 20’s where I found incredible stories and interpretations of life in the pages. The internet and videos like these are the reason I was able to find these lost stories, so I must ask what it was like to be there when it actually came out , were the majority of comic fans looking for “action movie” comics and not these deeper stories ? Or was it a much smaller dedicated fanbase. I personally realized how many incredible stories and story tellers are lost in the credits of these comics while reading all the swamp thing comics (What an incredible character) im not sure my point anymore here but it’s just insane how timeless some of these older comics are and how deep and nebulous they’d get

[@Deephouse_Gent66]

Yes! This material was excellent and unforgettable!

[@TheGrreatDane]

You're a gifted storyteller.

[@shew_bot3123]

@@_Illumina_ Telling events in an entertaining fashion is a story

[@treyjordan1284]

​@@shew_bot3123 literally like what is this dude going on about?

[@sssurreal]

@Illumina when you find out about news stories: 😮😮😮

[@colethecollector6742]

You're a nice person

[@joelman1989]

I agree!!!

[@warwolf6359]

Starlins run on Warlock was amazing! Still among the best of 70’s Marvel! Having Warlock confront his future self who was a complete inversion of everything he was and believed was brilliant.

[@matthewschwartz6607]

Is The Magus still around?

[@robgriego7746]

Wow, i discovered the magus during a fairly recent (last 25 years? Lol) GOTG arc I read on marvel unlimited. I also did not know Adam originated in the 70s

[@bbbabrock]

Starlin was fine in the Avengers movie he was in too.

[@abraxis20]

​@@matthewschwartz6607 The original was erased from time but Adam's work erasing timeliness that could lead to The Magus, was undone, so the possibility of Magus is always there. Even regular 616 Adam became The Magus during the whole Cancerverse event.

[@bbbabrock]

​@@matthewschwartz6607 He was the main bad guy in the Infinity War miniseries in the 90s. The Avengers movie was actually rather based on the first miniseries Infinity Guantlet. Infinity War was second. And the third and final series was Infinity Crusade.

[@thomassweeney1877]

Wow! I barely knew of this character but you made the story behind him so interesting and discussed the influences and themes well. I'm excited to see what you do next!

[@BobMinelli]

What's next is we watch as "the movie industry" fucks him up for us. 🤣

[@ecnalreleam]

I got a stack of comics that my parents found at a yard sale, when I was a teenager (I'm 30 now). A lot of it was involving the Infinity Trilogy. So, I've been a fan of Adam for most of my life. I didn't know that this was his behind the scenes origin, though. That's awesome! Between this and "The Page that Changed Comics Forever", it's obvious that you love comic book history. So I'm super excited to see what you put out next.

[@powerbadpowerbad]

I LOVE comic book history also,didn't know Starlin was a Vietnam vet,no wonder he did drugs,the story behind the scenes is just as interesting as the stories of Warlock.

[@cupoftea3499]

Yeah, my parents just bought a ton of comics for me and told me I could choose one every time I got an A on an assignment. Every time I got an A I would gun for an adam warlock comic. It made me genuinely sad how much they butchered him in the movie. I mean the whole adam reaching for god reference was extremely clever, because it is Adam, who is a god but is named after a man, reaching towards starlord, who is a celestial god like being but as a human. Where on both sides they represent god and adam.

[@HyperLuminal]

Please don’t stop making these videos. You’re an amazing orator and compiling, curating and producing these tales of the drama and intrigue within the comic industry is endlessly compelling and effortlessly captivating. These detailed snapshots of the sometimes gritty inner workings of a thing I love so much are fascinating. Even the stories I was passingly familiar with you’ve made seem brand new, and being able to share these videos with friends so they can hear these stories told far better than I’m capable has been equally wonderful.

[@yellowstarproductions6743]

agreed

[@awesometuck1559]

Two videos in and this is already one of my favorite channels on this website! Funny, informative, slick editing, and super interesting dives into comics history! Excited to see what's next!!

[@anthonybranch4712]

VERY accurate and articulate summary of the early career of Adam Warlock. I purchased all this stuff as it was hitting newsstands back in the '70s. And I can tell you that Jim Starlin's revamp of the admittedly ALREADY weird Warlock character(Space Jesus, anyone?) was MIND-BLOWING. As a Christian, I found Starlin's dark, megalomaniacal, cynic's take on organized religion to be ----- difficult. But I couldn't deny that it was BRILLIANT. (And since very soon afterwards, I've been able to appreciate what he was doing.) After his grand space opera run in Captain Marvel, it was astounding to see him craft a story about a suicidal paranoid with delusions of godhood, featuring a SCATHING critique on the company he was working for AT THE TIME, and actually GET AWAY WITH IT. (The cojones on this guy....!) NO ONE else in comics at the time was cranking out stories like this. It is no wonder; you could tell they were classics in the making, even then. Thanks matttt, for posting this amazing retrospective on Warlock. I hope it will lead many new readers to discover the character for themselves.

[@powerbadpowerbad]

You couldn't do those kinds of stories now,comic fans would cry-HAVOC !!!! Jim had very big-STONES. LOL. Then dissing the company he works for in a comic they published-OUCH.But,brilliant.

[@WuntaykTimmy1]

Thanks for sharing 🚶🏿

[@rocketshiptoaltair]

Grew up with Adam Warlock in the 70's and became my favourite comic character. This is a really cool look at the story of Adam. I didn't know all the back story of the writers but makes a lot of sense now.

[@BingBangPoe]

Amazing video and narration. Adam Warlock has always been a fascinating character to me. His whole on-the-nose religious references are intriguing, and while it is a shame he didn't appear during MCU's Infinity War and Endgame (since he played a huge role there in the comics) I'm curious to see how they'll handle him in Guardians of the Galaxy 3.

[@chrisprad8325]

What did you think?

[@acecutioner]

@@chrisprad8325 im not the original commenter but i will say i enjoyed his portrayal in guardians i just wished he showed up more, but he worked as a b plot and while i didn't like will poulter's casting before the movie, i actually enjoyed his performance and i hope to see more of him

[@MrRozyB]

Fantastic analysis, quality editing, and not afraid to go deep into the stacks. I'm not typically one to leave comments but I'm rooting for you man.

[@ianmcwilliams1275]

Okay so I saw your first video essay and it literally blew me away, art often takes a back seat in the commercialization of media, I like how you focus on the artists themselves and use the art to tell the story about the artists, I literally can’t wait for your next video!

[@CaptainTedStryker]

Starlin is one of my favourites. Dreadstar was my favourite comic for awhile, I'd love to see an adaptation of that universe.

[@powerbadpowerbad]

Dreadstar was a very-GOOD-run,wish someone would do a video retro on that series.I bought every comic that came out back then.Starlin is a-BEAST-of a talent.

[@christophertaylor9100]

Adam Warlock was such an interesting character and I LOVED the Starlin comics. They were crazy and bizarre but so creative and exciting.

[@patrickowens4294]

I love this underrated character. Warlock has huge potential that not many writers have capitalized on. Really, that's owed almost entirely to Starlin's take on the character.

[@simonamorim8178]

Can't tell you how appreciative I am of content that values the artistic merit and history of classic comics while not being half an hour overly long breakdown of every piece of unnecessary lore and plot. Production quality is great too.

[@davebowen7392]

You are already operating at the top of the KZbin comics game with your entertaining and insightful videos. It's a genuine joy. Thanks!

[@michaelk.vaughan8617]

Jeez, I was going to make a Warlock video. Now I can’t, because this is the greatest Warlock video that will ever exist! Thanks a lot!

[@raimondogenna7912]

This was great. And I loved your retelling of Starlin's writings and history with Warlock.

[@daleanderson1727]

I LOVE Adam Warlock, a love that has endured for many decades now, so it was nice to see someone like yourself paying him some tribute. Thank you.

[@wondashozen]

GOAT video essay coming out of nowhere and being there on the ground floor. One of my favorite things to have happen on this website. 🎉

[@anthonycbash]

Excellent content and quite fascinating even though I am not a comic book fan. The human story of artists trying to find meaningful expression in their work is what got to me. I am not a fan of religion either but I can appreciate that these two artists were just interested in putting something important to them into their work rather than giving up and giving into a purely economic, transactional relationship with their employer.

[@weaton72]

Damn didn’t expect the channel to only have two videos, this was actually really interesting

[@danielenright6161]

Found the first issue of Impact thanks to you. Spectacular work. New favourite channel.

[@allenmatsumoto6821]

Man, I haven’t had so much fun as your two videos since Steranko published his History of Comics. Great stuff, keep it coming!

[@temporary_error_3264]

You have only posted two videos and yet…. I keep thinking that you have this large repertoire so I go to your channel to watch more videos. It’s both an amazing and depressing experience.

[@batmanultra7]

The quality in these videos are CRAZY. Clearly a lot of research on your part which I respect so much. Glad you're touching on more in-depth topics, its so fun to watch!!

[@epicswag6771]

Great video man, super interesting topic and the video was very well produced. Hope you keep making videos because I can’t stop watching them!

[@notgary1111]

Adam Warlock is my all-time favorite character, and Jim Starlin (my all-time favorite writer) is the reason why. I'll never forget how psyched I was to see that Warlock-kills-self scene come full circle! I'd never before experienced storytelling at that level. Ten years ago (or so) I got to meet Jim Starlin at a comic convention. I *had* to ask him how he came up with his story ideas. "Drugs." Brilliant storyteller.

[@munkyzunkle1781]

@notgary1111 I am also a big fan of Starlin's brilliant art and writing talents, and I def understand the inspiration for the wild visuals more after reading your comment. Having had my own quite extensive experience with the source of his inspiration, I'm a little surprised that it never occurred to me before, because the voice that lives inside my head and sounds just like me, upon reading it, mumbled "oh... well... duh.", and moved on to something else it hasn't commented upon as of yet, but surely will fairly soon, I hope, because it's extended silence is starting to make me a bit nervous, lolol! Thanks for sharing the details of your interaction with one one of my all-time favorite Marvel creators. I am reminded of those amazing storylines and visuals quite often by the Infinity Gauntlet themed table in Zen Pinball, which imo, is the most faithful artistic interpretation of the original content of any of the Marvel tables they've released, which features AW and his old space-buddy The Silver Surfer joining forces to prevent Thanos from un-existing half of all life in the universe merely to impress his super-hot goth crush Lady Death! Have a great day!!! ✌️

[@notgary1111]

@@munkyzunkle1781And thank YOU for the pointer to Zen Pinball. I was unaware of its existence, but now I can look into it! Thanks! Have a great day too!

[@kuku8846]

I _just_ watched your video on Bernard Krigstein and wasn’t expecting a new video so soon-or that you only had two videos so far! Always exciting to find another comic book KZbinr and it’s neat that you’re covering lesser known topics. I’m excited to watch this one and also to see what other videos you’ll create-no pressure! I’d like to stress that last part as someone who enjoys creating (drawing, writing, etc) ahaha.

[@bfitzger2]

Ah, Strange Tales 178. I bought this as a teenager, and mind blown. Over the next few years, I bought every back issue that was mentioned as containing Him/Adam Warlock,, back to the first FF appearances (in the 1970s, this was affordable even for a kid). I knew Neal Adams was important, and Jim Steranko, but Starlin was the first comic creator where I wanted everything he'd ever done.

[@Fernando-jj3hn]

This is great. I’m looking forward to more of your content. You can really tell you put a lot of research into this.

[@tahahussein3254]

Incredible work, I loved it! Hope to continue seeing more from you. Both you and strange brain parts are my 2 favorite comic-centric yt channels.

[@kyburton]

I had no idea the last one was your FIRST video. These are fascinating stories and you're doing a great job telling them! Thanks for your work. Hope you keep going and that lots of people find you.

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I just finished watching all 4 of your videos, I hope you never change style. Your small personal comments on things are so good and engaging. youre not only spitting facts, but making it enjoyable to learn. youre amazing. im going to leave this exact comment on all 4 of your videos that are out right now, and come back to this in 10 years and see how you've been doing. I cant wait to join you on this journey

[@nickthewerewolf]

As a huge comic fan, I've been totally thrilled by both your videos so far! Excellent work! Looking forward to more! 🤗

[@olyrhys8724]

As a long standing and now somewhat aged comic fan, I have really enjoyed your videos. The presentation and the research are excellent. I thought I knew quite a bit about some of this already, but your knowledge and delivery of it in this way is superb. Thank you, subscribed and looking forward to more!

[@obj3d425]

The fact that you are a new channel is just mind blowing. I'm loving your videos super interesting and informative Thank you 🙏

[@ab-gail]

Thanks for the links to buy the each comic run. Super helpful!

[@emmybnye]

Amazing video - I feel like you just came outta nowhere and dropped some of the best comics content on the internet

[@Iamthegtard]

I really appreciate how well you present these essays

[@Spy_Mama]

Honestly, just came across your channel tonight, but I've been loving your videos. Used to be a big marvel comics fan but have found myself become jaded with how much both the comics and the movies tend to just use nostalgia and references as a clutch, but these videos have made me excited for capes stuff for the first time in a while. It's a reminder that when a thoughtful artist uses the conventions of genre to explore certain ideas or themes it can make something great.

[@epic_fil]

This was really an amazing video, thank you so much for making it! I learned a lot of little bits about that era of comics that I'd never known before! I hope you make another video delving into more of the Starlin classics, like Dreadstar; or some of his other obscure stories about Thanos on a quest, and some kind of gauntlet. . . .

[@mikeackYT]

Stumbled across this channel this morning as the TMNT video was suggested to me. Watched that and then this…subbed! Amazing content and quality!!!

[@blzimbub]

You have a great narrator voice, and put a lot of info into a short amount of time without feeling rushed. This video was to the point yet entertaining, your pace is perfect, and the whole production is so professional. Very nicely done!

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Dude, you found a way into my algorithm and your content has blown me away. Keep making vids!

[@yinkaoyekunle9533]

I was drawn in by your first video and then just watched them all. Looking forward to watching more of your work

[@jameswoollard6686]

I didnt realise that your last video was the first ever one...AWESOME content, so glad to have you on here. ❤

[@patrickowens4294]

Digging your videos. I honestly can't believe this is only the second one; I was getting ready to binge. The professionalism and polish are A+. Looking forward to more and subscribing.

[@balthazarasquith]

Awesome video man, gutted there's only 2 to watch lol. Looking forward to future output. Keep up the amazing work

[@geforcegtx10606gb]

A well made video! Barely knew anything about the character. But the fact that he was made to demonstrate certain viewpoints of his writers made this an interesting watch. Well done!

[@averywhere6921]

Loved your first two videos! Can't wait to see what you put out next! Thanks for your all you do putting these together, I know it's not easy! Welcome to KZbin!

[@brenmacdonald9189]

That is a wild ride! Enjoying your videos so far, and looking forward to where you take the channel!

[@georgewaters2533]

Dude…freaking LOVING your content!!! Please do more!!

[@reprintranch]

You're two for two. Nice work. One bit of info -- the practice of using the number/time 420 or 4:20 as indicating cannabis use was supposedly spawned by the H.P. Lovecraft short story "In the Walls of Eryx," which concerns an adventure on Venus. In the first few pages of the story, the protagonist encounters the effects of the dreaded Venusian mirage plants. Among other things, he says "Anderson had warned me of them, and described their appearance very closely -- the shaggy stalk, the spiky leaves, and the mottled blossoms whose gaseous, dream-breeding exhalations penetrate every existing make of mask." Our hero becomes very disoriented but eventually gets away from the hellish plant and as his mind clears he notes that "I looked at my watch and was astonished to find that the time was only 4:20." That is, only a half-hour or so since he first felt the effects of the plant. No mention of Scooby, though.

[@atomictraveller]

nice, it's always been puzzling to watch modernity completely miss lovecraft's ATMOM metaphor "6 ft. penguins" :p

[@derekr.8590]

Only 2 videos in and I think you're one of the best comic book KZbinrs. The touch of humor is appreciated too.

[@drapier9638]

I'm already so in love with this channel!!! Really good stuff man, keep it up 👍🏿

[@joeclarke7982]

2 videos in and I can tell this is going to be 1 of my favorite comic channels. Can't wait to see what you do next!

[@MadeForAI]

Dude your videos are beyond amazing ! Keep making more and more forever

[@fajam00m00]

That’s wild that this is just your second video. The first somehow cracked 1 mil in 3 weeks. Keep it up man! Definitely welcoming a new comic channel. I’ve watched too much Comics Explained and appreciate the fresh angle.

[@kangell21]

Awesome first two videos, Matttt. Really looking forward to more of your work. Kudos!

[@SpongeBobaFett]

Dude. Your videos are fantastic! Well done!

[@evertonveras498]

Amazing video, man! Personally, I love Starlin's approach on Adam Warlock and Thanos above any other artist this has worked with them. Keep up your good work!

[@immortalhulk1409]

These are so professionally done. I can’t wait for more!

[@alexl7213]

Adam Warlock vs Magus was the story that made me love Adam so much. He is my favorite Super-Hero. And then Disney came and made a joke out of him.

[@warriorbutton]

Wow only 2 videos and they’re both excellent, definitely subscribing to see what you make next

[@bluesblues465]

Sick video, I’ve watched all 3 on your channel so far. Really good content

[@jackdickens4198]

This was amazing and interesting. i had broken off of comics and appreciate all the loose ends you put together again. Great video!!

[@thecomickeeper5127]

Omg ive been reading these lately and just came upon your video . Amazing

[@andrewoneil9876]

Keep the content coming this is phenomenal work

[@alsothatguy]

Literally binged all your videos, and these are super inspirational! Great channel! Subscribed!

[@Captain_Maberu]

Amazing video! Some of the best comic content on KZbin!

[@TitularHeroine]

Awesome. Just..... awesome. Thank you SO much for these episodes!

[@IzzysIssues]

Thank you for all the work you put into your channel! A friend and I are starting a project about approaching comics through our respective lenses of academia, and your dives on the history of the medium itself is really inspiring

[@Cazaq]

Amazing work, mate. Both of these videos have put a smile on my face.

[@Sentinel04]

I have rewatched this video so many times. You present this very itneresting information in a funny, respectful, and creative way. Keep making videos!!

[@ric_gama]

I hope you continue with this deep dive into comics. I found this channel today and, man am I glad that I did

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You only have two videos on your page and already this is some incredible content. Also your added humor is fantastic.

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You're great at this. Watched your first video, subscribed instantly. You keep providing stuff I didn't know I wanted

[@TooFatTooFurious]

This was really good. I look forward to your future videos with great anticipation.

[@belleryphon15]

I watched your first video and then binged the others immediately afterward.

[@Hex-LeatherDaddy]

Love the video! Really well made and informative!

[@taraclarkson-seguin4208]

These are such incredible videos! I really hope you keep making them. Someone recommended the Ninja Turtles video to me, which is how I found the channel - I've read and watched so much content about the stories behind the Ninja Turtles, but yours was the first that had me tearing up.

[@LucasDarkGiygas]

Great video. Excited to see your next videos

[@_TheGreatOne_]

:))) Awesome. I really liked the ending! Can;t wait to see more videos from you. You got that storytelling gift.

[@raph-retro-comics]

Jim Starlin's run on Warlock broke my brain. After watching your video, the broken pieces have been collected into a dustpan. I hope you come across his Dreadstar run, which I feel is an extension or amalgamation of his Captain Marvel/Warlock run. Thanks so much for doing this!

[@briangarrett3668]

First video I can remember watching from here but definitely subscribed immediately after. Great info. If the other videos are like this I can't want to watch and learn more.

[@deanfenech]

Great job dude!! Keep em coming!!

[@anikagrawal4670]

Man.... Your Vods are crazy good like damn.

[@rbiznezz2]

Man… this was excellent. Looking forward to the next one

[@Xaviernisan]

Keep up the great work please :). I love your video essay style and prose. Perfect video length too, although longer vids or multi parters would be okay too!

[@danielmejorado6098]

This was an excellent analysis and deep dive into the creators behind the characters. And your presentation was perfectly executed.

[@pierrekjh7761]

Great quality. Learned a lot of stuff. Keep on.

[@FranczVarga]

Great work! Really enjoyed both your videos so far and I hope to see more soon!

[@adamatsya]

thanks so much mattt. this is a great, insightful overview. it is rare to find new insights in comics commentsry and your videos are the most thoughtful i have seen in ages. i am going to go dig these issues out for a re-read. thanks again!

[@jobrodgers-foster3403]

Incredible stuff! Thank you so much for this content!

[@chrisreager2614]

You are now my favourite comic tube creator. Thank you for everything you do.

[@ShadowCloud04]

These video are so good. Never been a real big comic reader, but these are so informative and fun.

[@darioscomicschool1111]

This is a banger Vid! Thank you soooo much for the fun and deep insights!

[@morganfarlie]

I don't know how or why my algorithm lead me here, but your first video was STELLAR and made me even more deeply appreciate my love for the Maus comics! Then I was recommended your third video and it reminded me so much of my childhood and its appreciation. So, of COURSE, I have to finish the set so far and this tale of the FASCINATING history of a comic book character I don't even know... Made me subscribe! Thank you so much for your videos and insights and understanding of the comic book world, I've only ever been peripherally interested, but now I'm going to eagerly await your next release!