Editorial: Who is Gamora?

Gamora
Played by Zoe Saldana  

Gamora is the last living member of the Zen Whoberi, a race that was killed by The Badoon (the same aliens who killed Star-Lord's mother). After her race was killed, The Mad Titan Thanos took her in as a daughter, while training her to become a killer. Gamora was hardened by Thanos, who did not give her the love that a child needs from a parent. Thanos' main goal in training Gamora was to take down Magus, the evil alternate personality of Adam Warlock. As an adult, she failed her mission, causing Thanos to join forces with Adam Warlock to take down Magus themselves. More after the jump!

Later, Thanos asked Gamora to befriend Adam Warlock, which Gamora agreed to do. However, during this time, she realized that Thanos had ill intentions. Once Magus was defeated, Gamora realized that Thanos intended to destroy everything in the universe. She turned against her adopted father and joined forces with Adam Warlock and The Avengers to take him down.

Eventually, Thanos obtained all six of the Infinity Gems. When all six are brought together, theyform The Infinity Gauntlet, a glove that when worn, gives one all the powers of the universe. Thanos used the Infinity Gauntlet to wipe out half of the universe. Gamora was amongst the half.

Nebula, Thanos' granddaughter (played by Karen Gillan in the upcoming film), managed to obtain the Infinity Gauntlet from Thanos. When she did, she restored all of the lives that Thanos had erased. Thus, Gamora was brought back to life.

After Thanos' defeat, Adam Warlock obtained The Infinity Gauntlet, due to Nebula's inability to handle the power. Adam found even himself unable to handle the power, so he created the Infinity Watch. He gave each of the Infinity Gems to a different being, for protection. Among these beings were Drax the Destroyer, Pip the Troll, and Moondragon. Gamora was given the Time Gem, which gave her uncontrollable visions of the future. After the Infinity Watch ended, Gamora and Adam Warlock fell in love and continued to journey together.

Years later, Gamora joined forces with Star-Lord, Ronan The Accuser, and Nova, to take down The Annihilation Wave, led by Annihilus. During this time, she began a romantic relationship with Nova (Richard Rider). Once the Annihilation Wave was defeated, Gamora was taken over and controlled by the Phalanx, used to infect Nova and Drax. Adam Warlock eventually reappears and defeats the Phalanx, releasing Gamora from thier control.

After both Annihilation Wars were over, Gamora joined a ragtag group of fighters whose mission was to prevent another Annihilation War from happening. They named themselves the Guardians of the Galaxy. Gamora is currently still fighting as a member of the team, although their members have decreased since.

In the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy film, she will be played by the beautiful and talented Zoe Saldana (Star Trek, The Terminal).