Ebony maw is probably the most dangerous of thanos' lieutenants of the black order, not because of his physical power but his mental power. A seducer and manipulator, ebony maw is a psychological mastermind.

ebony maw was sent after doctor strange as part of thanos' invasion. This helped maw learn the secrets of the illuminati as well as the location of thanos' son thane, who was an inhuman.

when maw discovered thane, he had just been exposed to the terrigen bomb and released his inhuman power - the power of death. Maw saw this is a great opportunity to be more powerful with thane at his control than working with thanos. Maw designed a suit to contain thane's power but also trapped him in an energy field. Ebony maw gave thane to thanos as tribute.

while thanos and the cull obsidian were in battle with the avengers, maw released thane from his field to save the world from thanos and thus use his powers of death. After thane incased thanos in a state of 'living death,' maw and thane left earth to begin their move across the universe.

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