Drax the Destroyer

Drax the Destroyer
Drax the Destroyer. Art by Gabriele Dell'Otto.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Iron Man #55 (February 1973)
Created by	Mike Friedrich Jim Starlin
In-story information
Alter ego	Arthur Sampson Douglas
Team affiliations	Guardians of the Galaxy Infinity Watch Legion of the Unliving Secret Defenders United Front
Abilities	Superhuman strength and endurance Energy blast projection Highly skilled in use of knives Ability to sense Thanos' location Psychic detection of others

Drax the Destroyer (Arthur Douglas) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/artist Jim Starlin, the character first appeared in Iron Man #55 (February 1973).

Arthur Douglas was a human whose family was attacked and killed by the supervillain Thanos. Needing a champion to combat Thanos, the being known as Kronos took Arthur's spirit and placed it in a powerful new body, and Drax the Destroyer was born. Drax's powers included enhanced strength and resilience, flight, and the ability to project energy blasts from his hands. The character often battled Thanos, and on occasion the superheroes Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock. He was also a member of the group known as the Infinity Watch.

In 2004, the character lost his flight and energy blasts, and a portion of his strength and resilience. This version of the character played a role in the crossover comic book storylines "Annihilation" and "Annihilation: Conquest", and became a member of the relaunched Guardians of the Galaxy. He has been featured in a variety of associated Marvel merchandise, including animated television series, action figures, and video games. Drax appears in the 2014 live-action film Guardians of the Galaxy, portrayed by Dave Bautista and will reprise his role in the sequel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Avengers: Infinity War.