Have it ever been explain how Thanos can manipulate cosmic energy? Is that an innate ability, something granted to him by others or developed via experimentation?

I've always seen it as being innate to his character.

@the_kidd: Through meditation and certain mystical techniques, Thanos augmented his power in still other ways, enabling him to tap, transform, and direct vast quantities of cosmic energy for destructive force. He can emit blasts of plasma and cosmic energy of devastating power from his eyes and hands. I copied and pasted from his wiki seems this the source too his power's.

@rahiem9123: I noticed that but the Marvel Wiki stated otherwise so I was wondering if a comic gave a clear explanation for this ability.

Thanos is a superhuman mutant whose massive, heavy-bodied form was born with the capacity to synthesize cosmic energy for certain personal uses

@the_kidd: hmmm I would say check out Thanos rising since it's a origin story

@rahiem9123: Okay, thanks.

Although it's not been fully explained, I understand it that Thanos is an Eternal and it's part of their nature to manipulate Cosmic energy. Now, here's my headcannon to explain why he's insanely powerful.

It's known that Thanos has genetically and cybernetically enhanced himself (see wikis). What's also stated is that Eternals are generally only able to use their comsic power in one area only. So being super-strong, high telepathy, insane power blasts, or whatever. My theory is that Thanos trained his powers to their absolute limit in on area and then used his enhancements to hold his power manipulation at that point while then working on learning how to do something else.

So say a normal Eternal could become as strong as Prof X in Telepathy and as strong as World War Hulk in strength but not both at the same time. Thanos' manipulated his body to allow this.

It's an innate ability.