Origins of Ebony
Like the others selected by the Titan in his murderous travels, Ebony Maw was “adopted” by Thanos. In doing so, Thanos gave Maw a new purpose and directive as a speechifying servant and warrior.
Mind Over Matter
Ebony Maw has powerful and destructive telekinetic abilities, capable of manipulating all objects within his vicinity to an impressive and extreme degree, even molding their respective shapes to fit his specific needs.
This telekinetic ability also enables Maw to levitate off the ground—and, in a sense, fly—making Maw one of the trickiest Children of Thanos to defeat. It gives him the extraordinary edge he needs to best Earth’s Super Heroes in his quest for Earth-bound Infinity Stones.
Maw is also an adept torturer and interrogator, using language and voice, as well as a vast knowledge of the most painful ways to extract information.
Ebony’s Enemies
Maw and his fellow Children have a pretty easy run of things, moving from planet to plant and horrifically halving the populations, including Gamora’s home world of Zen-Whoberi. Previous to landing on Earth in search of the Time Stone, Maw aids Thanos in the decimation of both Xandar and an Asgardian refugee ship, where he easily restrains Thor with bindings telekinetically molded and morphed from scrap metal.
On Earth, however, Maw faces formidable challenges in the form of Doctor Strange, Wong, Iron Man, and Spider-Man. Strange’s magical safeguards against the Time Stone being removed from his person bring out Maw’s most malicious tendencies.
Family Affair
Maw is unequivocally loyal to Thanos, fighting side by side with his fellow Children of Thanos—Cull Obsidian, Proxima Midnight, and Corvus Glaive—to secure his “father” the Infinity Stones and fulfill what he deems to be a worthy and righteous destiny.
Outside of Thanos, Maw is the most vocal member of the Children, often playing the role of proud purveyor of Thanos’ gift of death. Informing those being butchered that their sacrifice serves a higher, grander cause, Maw believes that Thanos is delivering both mercy and salvation.