When Did Gilgamesh Marvel First Appear In Comics?

I’ve always loved when comics pinch stuff from ancient myths — there’s this delicious little thrill when familiar names pop up. When I first saw Marvel’s Gilgamesh in a trade paperback, I blinked: same name, heroic vibe, but that’s where the neat overlap mostly ends. Marvel borrows the legend’s name and some mythic flavor, but the comics treat him like a superheroic figure built to fit into Marvel’s strange cosmology. Instead of a straight retelling of 'Epic of Gilgamesh', the character gets retooled with superpowers, team ups, and modern conflicts. He’s more of a nod or homage than a faithful adaptation. I like thinking of it like a cover song — familiar melody, different arrangement. If you’re curious, read the poem alongside the comic appearance. The original 'Epic of Gilgamesh' has this raw, ancient meditation on friendship, mortality, and the fear of death that comics don’t usually replicate beat-for-beat. But seeing how Marvel riffs on those big themes is its own kind of fun, and sometimes that contrast makes me appreciate the source material even more.

I got hooked on this stuff because of the art, and Gilgamesh is one of those characters who sticks with you. He was created by Jack Kirby and first showed up in 'The Eternals' #1 back in 1976. Kirby’s run introduced a whole cast of mythic, larger-than-life heroes and Gilgamesh fit right into that pantheon — a super-strong, ancient warrior whose name obviously nods to the Sumerian epic but is filtered through Kirby’s cosmic imagination. I still have a worn copy of that first issue, yellowed at the edges, and every time I flip through it I’m struck by how Kirby blended myth and sci-fi. Gilgamesh has popped up in various Marvel books over the years and even made it into the MCU’s 'Eternals' film, which brought a fresh spotlight to the character. If you like mythic characters reimagined through bold, pulpy comics storytelling, Kirby’s Gilgamesh is a fun rabbit hole to dive into.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately because I caught myself rewatching 'Eternals' on a rainy afternoon and got nostalgic about Don Lee’s take on Gilgamesh. To put it plainly: Marvel’s Gilgamesh has already shown up in the MCU—he’s one of the Eternals in the 2021 film, played with this grounded warmth that stuck with me. That appearance establishes him on-screen, so the question isn’t whether he’ll appear, but whether he’ll pop up again and where. From a storytelling perspective, I’d love to see him in more team-up settings. In the comics he’s this incredible powerhouse with a protective streak, so I can picture him showing up in Guardians-style crossovers or even the bigger Avengers-level conflicts. With the MCU leaning into multiverse stories and character crossovers, a Gilgamesh cameo or larger role feels plausible—especially if Marvel wants to explore more Eternal lore or use him as a thematic foil to heroes like Thor or Hulk. If you’re mixing him up with the famous Gilgamesh from 'Fate'—those are totally different characters from separate worlds, so don’t expect the anime version to pop into Marvel’s movies. But I’m optimistic: the MCU loves borrowing from its comics, and since Gilgamesh is already introduced, it’s really about timing and whether future scripts call for his particular vibe. I’d keep an eye on sequels, Disney+ tie-ins, and any league-style movies where his kind of brute-heart energy would shine.

If you want the core Gilgamesh experience in Marvel, start where he was properly introduced: the Jack Kirby run. Read 'The Eternals' (vol. 1) #1–19 — that’s the backbone. Kirby’s cosmic, mythic tone is exactly where Gilgamesh (the Forgotten One) feels most alive: huge-scale origin, mythic fights, and the character’s big personality moments. Those issues show him as the hulking, noble brawler and give you the Alderaan-sized lore that feeds everything later. After Kirby, I’d move to the modern retelling: Neil Gaiman’s 'The Eternals' mini-series (#1–7, 2006). Gaiman polishes the characters’ psychology and gives Gilgamesh quieter, more human beats. It’s shorter, beautifully illustrated, and acts like a perfect palate cleanser — you’ll see how a contemporary writer reframes that raw Kirby energy. Beyond those two pillars, skim his guest spots in various Marvel titles and look for collections like 'The Eternals: The Complete Collection' or an omnibus of Kirby’s run. If you like tracking down the small cameos, Marvel Unlimited and Marvel Database are lifesavers for locating every pro wrestling-sized punch he threw in other books. For me, the Kirby run plus Gaiman’s mini is the essential combo — everything else is icing or callbacks that make more sense after those reads.

I get a kick out of how Marvel takes something ancient and makes it cosmic. In the comics, Gilgamesh is basically Marvel's riff on the Sumerian king-hero, pulled into the whole Celestials/Eternals tapestry. Jack Kirby’s 'Eternals' introduced him as one of those long-lived, super-strong Eternals — immortals created or uplifted during the Celestials' experiments on early Earth. He shows up in mythic eras, gets worshipped as a hero or god in places like ancient Mesopotamia, and carries that mythic-warrior vibe through modern stories. He’s often portrayed as a powerhouse: huge strength, endurance, and typical Eternal-level longevity. Over the years writers have leaned into his role as a wandering champion — sometimes noble and protective, sometimes isolated and a little tragic — which is why older comics nicknamed him things like 'The Forgotten One' at points. If you like myth mixed with cosmic sci-fi, he’s an awesome bridge character, and I love spotting where the writers let Gilgamesh’s ancient legend bleed into modern superhero plots.

I still get a little thrill when Gilgamesh shows up on a page — there's something about that hulking, tragic, almost mythic presence that hooks me every time. If you want to see him as a main figure, the most consistent place to look is the various runs of 'The Eternals'. He’s one of the roster of immortals in Jack Kirby’s original work and pops up in later Eternals revivals, so those volumes give you the best long-form treatment of him and his backstory. Outside the Eternals books, Gilgamesh turns into more of a featured player in a few team-up and superhero titles: he shows up in multiple arcs of 'The Avengers' as a heavyweight ally and occasionally takes center stage in 'Thor' stories where the mythic angle makes him a natural fit. Marvel also drops him into solo-ish spotlight moments across anthologies and guest-appearance arcs, so you’ll find him carrying or anchoring short runs in things like anthology series or limited crossovers. If you want exact issues, bookmarking the Marvel Database or Marvel Unlimited and searching his alias 'the Forgotten One' will point you straight to issue lists and trades — that’s how I tracked down a couple of obscure Gilgamesh-centric issues that weren’t in the main Eternals collections.

King Gilgamesh: The Legendary Warrior-King of Uruk King Gilgamesh is one of the most iconic figures in ancient history and mythology, best known as the central character in the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest surviving works of literature. His tale, filled with adventure, existential questions, and profound lessons about life and death, has captivated generations for thousands of years. But who exactly was Gilgamesh, and what is the legacy of his story? Who Was King Gilgamesh? Gilgamesh is believed to have been a real king who ruled the ancient Sumerian city of Uruk, located in modern-day Iraq, around 2700-2500 BCE. While the exact historical details of his reign remain debated, his existence is often corroborated by Sumerian texts and archaeological findings. Gilgamesh's legendary status, however, largely comes from the Epic of Gilgamesh, a Mesopotamian poem that paints him as a semi-divine hero — two-thirds god and one-third human. This unique heritage played a significant role in shaping his character as a powerful and often impulsive ruler. The Epic of Gilgamesh: A Tale of Heroism, Mortality, and Friendship The Epic of Gilgamesh chronicles the adventures of Gilgamesh as he seeks to conquer death, achieve eternal fame, and understand the meaning of life. His journey is shaped by his complex relationship with his people, his overwhelming arrogance, and his profound existential quest. 1. Gilgamesh's Rule: A Hero with a Flaw In the early stages of the epic, Gilgamesh is portrayed as a powerful yet oppressive king. Though he is credited with building the walls of Uruk, symbolizing his might, he also exerts tyranny over his subjects. His arrogance and unchallenged rule alienate the people of Uruk, leading the gods to create a counterpart: Enkidu. 2. Enkidu: The Wild Companion Enkidu, created by the gods to humble Gilgamesh, begins as a wild man, living among animals in the wilderness. When Enkidu meets Gilgamesh, the two engage in a battle that ultimately leads to a deep friendship. This bond transforms both men. Enkidu teaches Gilgamesh the value of companionship and humility, and together, they embark on epic quests, including the defeat of the monstrous Humbaba and the slaying of the Bull of Heaven sent by the goddess Ishtar. 3. The Quest for Immortality The most defining feature of Gilgamesh’s journey is his quest for immortality. When Enkidu dies after the gods punish him for the duo's defiance, Gilgamesh is struck by the harsh reality of human mortality. Devastated by his friend's death, Gilgamesh sets out to find Utnapishtim, a sage who survived a great flood and was granted eternal life by the gods. Throughout his journey, Gilgamesh grapples with the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. Despite his best efforts, he ultimately learns that immortality is unattainable for humans, and that wisdom lies in accepting death as a natural part of existence. Key Themes of the Epic The Epic of Gilgamesh explores timeless themes that resonate with readers to this day: Mortality: The epic's most profound lesson is the inevitability of death. Gilgamesh’s journey reflects the universal human struggle to come to terms with mortality. Friendship: The bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is central to the narrative, showing how friendship can provide strength, solace, and meaning in life. Leadership: Gilgamesh’s growth from a self-centered ruler to a wiser, more compassionate leader highlights the transformative power of personal development and self-reflection. The Search for Meaning: Gilgamesh's quest for immortality symbolizes humanity's broader quest for meaning and purpose in life. Gilgamesh’s Legacy Despite his flaws, Gilgamesh's journey is one of profound personal growth and discovery. His story remains a cornerstone of world literature, influencing countless works in mythology, literature, and even modern pop culture. His legacy is not just as a king or a hero, but as a figure who embodies the human struggle to understand life, death, and what lies beyond. The Epic of Gilgamesh continues to be studied and adapted in various forms, from literature and film to art and philosophy, ensuring that the king of Uruk remains a lasting figure in human storytelling.

'Marvel: The First Marvel!' is a fascinating deep dive into the roots of the Marvel Universe, acting as both an origin story and a bridge to iconic later arcs. The series meticulously links early characters like the original Human Torch and Namor to modern counterparts, showing how their legacies echo through time. It's packed with subtle nods—Howard Stark’s inventions foreshadow Tony’s tech, while early Shield operations hint at future Hydra conflicts. The storytelling leans into retroactive continuity, weaving threads that later series like 'Captain America: Winter Soldier' or 'Invincible Iron Man' expand upon. Key artifacts, such as the Cosmic Cube, debut here before becoming pivotal in 'Avengers' crossovers. Even minor villains resurface decades later, their motives refined. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a masterclass in world-building, proving how foundational tales can evolve without losing cohesion.