Whose Dad is Worse: Thanos or Ego in the MCU?

When comparing the parental figures of MCU Gamora and Star-Lord, both characters have complex relationships with their fathers but in different contexts. This comparison delves into the parenting styles of Thanos and Ego, revealing the depths of their actions and motivations.

Thanos: The Brutal and Abusive Father

Father: Thanos

Relationship: Thanos is a brutal and abusive figure who adopted Gamora after slaughtering her family. He raised her to be a weapon, instilling a sense of loyalty through fear and manipulation. Gamora's upbringing was marked by violence and traumatic experiences, leading her to become a skilled assassin while grappling with the moral implications of her father's actions.

Despite his ruthless methods, Thanos' relationship with Gamora shows a certain level of love and determination to protect her, even if it means sacrificing everything. The depth of his motherly love and the trauma she experienced under his control make Thanos a complex and tragic character.

Ego: The Selfish Father Figure

Father: Ego the Living Planet

Relationship: Initially, Ego presents himself as a caring father figure to Star-Lord Peter Quill. However, it is later revealed that he has selfish motivations. Ego seeks to use Peter to help expand his own power and is willing to eliminate him if he does not comply. Although his actions are harmful, they stem from a desire for power rather than outright abuse.

Ego is portrayed as a character who uses his son as a means to his own ends, lacking the emotional investment and care that a real father would have. This selfishness and lack of emotional connection make Ego's actions more harmful in a different way compared to Thanos.

Conclusion: The Comparison and Analysis

While both fathers have caused significant harm, Thanos' abusive and manipulative nature arguably makes him a worse father than Ego. Thanos' treatment of Gamora is deeply traumatic and rooted in violence, whereas Ego's actions, although harmful, are more about neglect and exploitation rather than outright abuse. Therefore, Gamora's father, Thanos, is typically viewed as the worse of the two.

In the comparison, it is clear that Ego's lack of love and care for his children, particularly Peter, makes him even more unsuitable as a father. The murder of countless children to achieve his selfish ambitions is a disturbing and chilling aspect of Ego's character. In contrast, Thanos, despite his abusive methods, shows some level of loyalty and love for his own daughter, even if it is tinged with the need to achieve his twisted goals.

Ultimately, Thanos' deep love for Gamora and his real struggle with the consequences of his actions make him a more complex and nuanced character when compared to Ego. Ego's casual and indifferent attitude towards his children, even when they are in danger, makes him clearly the worse father between the two.