Grandmaster can be said to be one of the central and influential figures in Thor: Ragnarok because he is the ruler of one of the planets in the Marvel universe. However, the Grandmaster who is present in the comics has very significant differences, starting from the power and also the abilities that are owned and not presented in the MCU.

The Dunia Games team will discuss some facts about Grandmaster that might only be found in comics. Let's see in more detail.

1. Once a Good Character

Grandmaster's debut in the Marvel Universe came in 1969 in Avengers issue #69. This character was the work of Roy Thomas and Sal Buscema, but at that time his role was not fully defined. In the narrative, he appears before Kang the Conqueror and challenges him to a race. Kang must choose between gaining the power to revive Ravonna, his lover, or facing the Grandmaster's threat that will destroy Kang's planet.

Although his actions weren't heroic, Grandmaster wasn't a villain. He is a figure who enjoys high-stakes games and challenges both heroes and villains. For him, the challenge is a greater pleasure than the end result. It is this pleasure that drives Grandmaster to find opponents all over the Marvel Universe whenever he feels bored and needs entertainment.

2. One of the Oldest Creatures in the Marvel Universe

Information regarding Grandmaster's background and his home planet was scant. Originally known as En Dwi Gast, his race belongs to the first group of intellectual beings created after the Big Bang. Additionally, he is a member of an influential cosmic group known as the Elders of the Universe.

Known as the last survivors of their respective races, the Elders spend their time indulging their personal obsessions and hobbies. The Collector first appeared as the first Elder in 1966, with the group finally forming in 1978. Other members of this organization include Ego the Living Planet (depicted in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 as Celestial) and The Champion of the Universe. They often team up to try to take on villains and superheroes alike, but often they are on the losing end of their battles.

3. Powers

Grandmaster, with his manipulation obsession, has a deep affinity for games and chance. With almost infinite longevity, he has traversed the centuries, learning games and competitions throughout the universe. He is very fond of uniting two opponents in unnatural conditions such as bringing the dead back to life or destroying planets.

As an Elder, Grandmaster possesses immense power that comes from "primordial power", the remnants of the Big Bang explosion. His abilities allow him to travel through time and space without the need for food or drink to survive. Coupled with his superhuman intellect and ability to read probabilities, he has searched for unwilling victims throughout the Marvel Comics multiverses. No one is safe from his sadistic games.

4. Grandmaster is Collector’s Brother

Each member of the Elders of the Universe is the last individual of their race, living an existence without family or other ties. Since the beginning of the universe, they were together, and will continue to be for centuries to come. In the process, they have formed a bond and friendship similar to a family relationship. One example of this kind of relationship is between Collector and Grandmaster. As we've said before, "Even if they belong to a different species and aren't related by blood, being part of a group like the Elders can create a strong bond akin to brotherhood."

The relationship between the two characters will also appear in Thor: Ragnarok, though the MCU version of their relationship may differ from its comic book origin. Maybe we'll get the chance to see them work together in future MCU movies.

5. Grandmaster Enjoyed Torturing the Avengers

Grandmaster, with his passion for the game, is indiscriminate in selecting his contestants, be they superheroes or villains. However, it cannot be denied that he really enjoyed the moments when he tormented the Avengers. These heroes often face tough tests, both as a team and individually, in the challenges they give.

In issues #69-70 of Avengers, the Avengers are kidnapped and become pawns in a game between Kang the Conqueror and the Grandmaster. Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and Goliath are scattered around the world and forced to fight one on one in various historical locations against opponents chosen by Kang. In fact, they were once forced to fight amongst themselves in a desperate attempt to avoid the extinction of both humans and Earth.

The Avengers, who have fallen victim to Grandmaster in various matches, will occasionally use their own manipulation (or even underhand) tactics to defeat Grandmaster. Whatever it takes to end Grandmaster's torture game.

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6. Grandmaster Can Resurrects the Dead

Within the many powers he obtained from the "primordial power", the Grandmaster held the ability to resurrect the dead. It is often offered as a "prize" for helpless participants in the game of roll, this ability being able to resurrect anyone who has died less than 30 hours.

However, this ability has limitations, as it was unlocked during the Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions series. The Grandmaster failed in his attempt to revive the Collector after he was killed (during the Korvac Saga), and found himself unable to revive his fellow Elders of the Universe. Alternatively, he challenges Death to a competition that uses every known hero on Earth as their game piece.

At the end of the story, the Grandmaster defeats Death but then learns that a life must be given to revive the Collector. In a surprising turn of events, the Grandmaster is willing to give up his life so his "brother" can return.

7. An Immortal

While Grandmaster can come off as arrogant and manipulative at times, his interest in the game does work in the Elders' favor - but not in the way you might expect (not that he won a challenge).

In collaboration with The Collector, Grandmaster managed to trick the East Coast and West Coast Avengers into fighting each other during their annual baseball game. This act serves as a diversion, while the two Elders then focus on kidnapping Lady Death and usurping her powers. After the match ends with only Captain America and Hawkeye surviving, Hawkeye manages to persuade the Grandmaster to take part in a game based on luck. Challenged to choose which of his last two arrows remained intact, Grandmaster (with the help of cheating from Barton) chose the broken arrow and lost the match.

Lady Death revives deceased Avengers and forbids the Grandmaster and other fellow Elders from returning to her world - effectively making them immortal - in Avengers Annual, #16.

8. Beaten by Daredevil in Coin Game

Grandmaster, renowned as a maestro of games that demand skill, strategy, and intelligence, has always had a weakness for games based on luck. It was in this weakness that his challengers found an opening to capitalize on the Grandmaster's innocence, and so easily turned the odds of victory in their favor.

In this Earth issue of Giant-Size Defenders #3, the Defenders team (assisted by Daredevil) are caught in a challenge between the Grandmaster and the Prime Mover, Doctor Doom's state-of-the-art arsenal against S.H.I.E.L.D. In their quest to prevent Earth's enslavement, the Defenders manage to win this contest for Grandmaster.

However, even though Grandmaster promised to leave Earth in its original state, he broke his promise and instead threatened to make this planet a breeding ground for new "pawns". Then, Daredevil presents Grandmaster with a final challenge: a simple game of luck which is tossing a coin. By utilizing his keen sensory abilities, Daredevil manages to predict the outcome of throws and defeat Grandmaster.

9. Grandmaster Is The Brain Which The Mind Stone Created

Infinity Gems (or Stones), which are objects of immense value, are central to the Marvel Comics universe and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. By harnessing these six power stones and the Infinity Gauntlet, their wielder has the potential to have control over the entire universe.

Thanos, known as the chaser of this power, has traveled arduous in his quest to collect all of the stones. His journey eventually led him to the Grandmaster, then the holder of the Mind Gem. The Elders of the Universe, intent on using the Infinity Gems, plot to reset the universe and become the new "Galactus" who represents them all. However, Thanos thwarted the plan and managed to steal most of the stones that the Elders had collected.

When Grandmaster held the last Mind Gem, Thanos challenged him to fight over the stone. On rare occasions, the Grandmaster tries to play underhanded to ensure his victory. However, Thanos also played sneaky and eventually managed to grab the gem, as depicted in the comic issue Thanos Quest #2.

10. MCU vs Comic

As expected, the addition of the Grandmaster character to the Marvel Cinematic Universe required several changes to fit the timeline. Though he reigns as one of the Elders of the Universe in the comics, the Grandmaster in the MCU has a mixed background.

This version of the character is the ruler of Sakaar. For those not familiar with the planet's history in the comics, this is the location of 2006's Planet Hulk storyline. Given that various elements from this arc have been integrated into Thor: Ragnarok, we wouldn't be surprised if the action in the movie takes place on this planet.

However, his relationship with the Collector will still be maintained because they will still be described as siblings, although in a different sense. No longer being "brothers" through Elders, the relationship between Collectors and Grandmasters can be based on blood ties or some other "immortal" bond between them. Fans have even suggested that the Grandmaster might even be a Celestial (like Ego the Living Planet).

So that's an interesting article about Grandmaster facts. Affordable top-ups and abundant benefits only on Dunia Games! You can also follow Dunia Games on Facebook and Instagram for news that is no less interesting.

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