Gamora Zen Whoberi Ben Titan, known as Gamora, first appeared in Strange Tales #180 (June 1975), created by Jim Starlin. She is the last survivor of the peaceful Zen-Whoberis race, whose people were exterminated (in various retellings by the Badoon or the Universal Church of Truth). As a child, she was rescued and adopted by Thanos, who cybernetically enhanced her and trained her rigorously to become the universe's deadliest assassin, earning her the title "the Deadliest Woman in the Galaxy." Initially allied with Thanos in cosmic conflicts involving Adam Warlock and the Magus (Warlock's evil future self), Gamora eventually betrayed Thanos, joining Warlock and later becoming a guardian of the Time Gem as part of the Infinity Watch.
Gamora's path shifted toward heroism during the Annihilation events, where she fought alongside Nova and others against galactic threats, leading to her recruitment by Star-Lord into the modern Guardians of the Galaxy in 2008. She became a core member of the team, forming bonds (including romantic ones) and participating in major crossovers like Infinity Wars, where she briefly became the villainous Requiem after wielding the Power Stone. Her character has explored themes of redemption, family trauma, and independence, often clashing with her adoptive sister Nebula and father Thanos.
As of late 2025, Gamora continues as a key cosmic figure, with recent announcements positioning her as the leader of a reimagined Guardians team, the Imperial Guardians, in an upcoming 2026 series spinning out of the Imperial event, alongside members like Captain Marvel, Darkhawk, Brawn, and Cosmic Ghost Rider. She remains renowned for her superhuman strength, agility, regenerative healing, and unparalleled martial prowess, embodying a warrior seeking purpose beyond vengeance.