Galactus

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Galactus


Interior art from Annihilation: Nova Corps Files (2006). Art by Renato Arlem.
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Fantastic Four vol. 1, #48
(March 1966)
Created by Stan Lee
Jack Kirby
Characteristics
Alter ego Galan
Homeworld Galan: Taa
Galactus: Cosmic Egg
Team
affiliations		 Heralds of Galactus
Notable aliases Ashta[1]
Abilities Possessor of the Power Cosmic

Galactus is a fictional comic book character, a cosmic entity in the Marvel Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby as an antagonist for the Fantastic Four, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four vol. 1, #48 (Mar. 1966), the first part of a three-issue story later known as "The Galactus Trilogy".[2]

Contents

Following his introduction in the superhero-team title Fantastic Four vol. 1, #48-50 (March-May 1966), Galactus next appeared in a flashback cameo in Daredevil vol. 1, #37 (Feb. 1968) before physically returning to Earth to retrieve his herald, the Silver Surfer, in actual and behind-the-scenes appearances throughout Fantastic Four #72-77 (March-Aug. 1968). He appears extensively in flashback, in the heretofore unrevealed origin of the Silver Surfer, in The Silver Surfer vol. 1, #1 (Aug. 1968).

Galactus' origin story climaxed a series of appearances in Thor vol. 1, #160-162 (Jan.-March 1969) and #168-169 (Sept.-Oct. 1969), the latter of which, by writer Stan Lee, penciler and co-plotter Jack Kirby and inker George Klein, revealed the character's beginnings. Super-Villain Classics #1 (May 1983) reprinted that 20-page tale with additions, edits, and deletions by writer Mark Gruenwald, pencillers John Byrne and Ron Wilson, and inkers Jack Abel and Vince Colletta to create an updated, 23-page origin story titled "Galactus". This in turn was reprinted as Origin of Galactus #1 (Feb. 1996).

Galactus has made numerous guest appearances throughout the decades, and starred in the six-issue miniseries Galactus the Devourer (Sept. 1999 - March 2000).

The Sentience of the Universe merges with Galan of Taa in the Cosmic egg.
The Sentience of the Universe merges with Galan of Taa in the Cosmic egg.

Originally named Galan of the planet Taa, Galactus is the sole survivor of the Big Crunch of the universe that existed prior to occurrence of the Big Bang, which led to the present-day Marvel Universe.

Galan was a space explorer investigating the impending end of his universe. Eventually, Taa was engulfed by a radiation plague that killed almost all its inhabitants. At the last second, Galan escapes the doomed planet in a star-ship with a few other survivors. Rather than perish from the lethal radiation that had extinguished all life across the universe, Galan proposes to his crewmates that they pilot their craft directly into the center of the Big Crunch. As he approaches the Cosmic egg — the focal point of the Big Crunch and the source of the exterminating radiation — his ship and crew are promptly destroyed. At the moment Galan's universe meets its end, the incarnation of that reality's Phoenix Force amasses the positive emotions of all living beings in the cosmos to preserve them from eternal damnation, enabling the "Sentience of the Universe" — that universe's incarnation of Eternity — to meet with Galan.[3][4] Within the Cosmic Egg the Sentience of the Universe reveals itself to Galan and informs him that though they both will die in the impending cataclysm, they will survive through a joint heir born into the next universe. The Sentience of the Universe then merges itself with the mortal Galan, establishing Galan as the sole survivor of the ensuing Big Crunch. This union ultimately leads to his rebirth in the present universe as Galactus.[5] After the Big Bang and the birth of the present reality, Galactus gestates in a cocoon of cosmic energy to complete his metamorphosis, and after millions of years emerges as an entity of vast cosmic power who is essential and intrinsic to the newly formed universe.[5]

Galactus is considered one of the three essential entities within the Marvel Universe alongside Eternity and Death and has been referred to as the "third force of the universe." [6] Eternity and Death consider Galactus a peer and a sibling, with Death actually referring to Galactus on one occasion as "husband, father, brother, and son." [7]

In the prime Marvel Universe, Galactus is one of the three beings that has representation on one of the faces of the Living Tribunal, with each face representing one of the essential forces of reality.[8]

Galactus roams the universe in search of planets to sustain himself.
Galactus roams the universe in search of planets to sustain himself.

Due to his vast power and intrinsic, natural role in the universal order, Galactus considers himself a higher being than all non-abstracts, coming to embody a force of cosmic nature and proving to be a necessary component for universal existence. Galactus maintains his existence by devouring planets that have the potential for supporting life; in so doing, he has consumed countless worlds, resulting in the elimination of entire extra-terrestrial civilizations. Frequently, Galactus utilizes a herald to scour the universe in search of sustenance. Upon pinpointing the requisite planetary body, the herald will signal Galactus, resulting in the Devourer's arrival on the world's surface and the deployment of the Elemental Converter — a colossal machine capable of draining all life energy from the planet within minutes. While the Converter makes consumption of the planet's energy more efficient, Galactus is capable of feeding without its aid.[7]

Galactus has appointed a number of beings to act as his herald, with each bestowed a fraction of the Power Cosmic. His known heralds have included:

Following the events of Annihilation, his current heralds are Stardust and the Silver Surfer.

Fantastic Four #49 (April 1966), Galactus' first appearance. Art by Jack Kirby & Joe Sinnott.
Fantastic Four #49 (April 1966), Galactus' first appearance. Art by Jack Kirby & Joe Sinnott.

Galactus has threatened to consume the Earth on several occasions. During the first encounter, the cosmic entity the Watcher and Galactus' rebellious herald, the Silver Surfer, aid the Fantastic Four. Galactus is defeated when Mister Fantastic threatens him with the Ultimate Nullifier, which was retrieved by the Human Torch from Taa II. Galactus leaves and vows to never attack the Earth again,[20] though he eventually returns to Earth, seeking the Silver Surfer.[21] On Earth, Mr. Fantastic petitions Galactus to stop the threat of the cosmic entity the Sphinx, releasing Galactus from his vow.[22]

In one encounter, Galactus returns to Earth in pursuit of his rebellious herald, Terrax. Galactus expends a considerable amount of energy in the pursuit, and finally arrives with the intention of consuming Earth to replenish himself. A hungry and weakened Galactus resolves the issue with Terrax, but is so diminished in power that he is defeated by the combined efforts of the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and Doctor Strange. However, rather than let Galactus die of hunger, Mister Fantastic uses a device powered by the thunder god Thor to reinvigorate him. Grateful, Galactus proclaims that Earth is safe from his feedings before departing.[23]

Mister Fantastic's actions have consequences, however, as he is later placed on trial by a consortium of alien worlds for saving Galactus, which would indirectly cause the deaths of the worlds Galactus would later consume. The Shi'ar preside over the trial, and look to execute Mister Fantastic until the cosmic entity Eternity is summoned by the combined efforts of Galactus and the Watcher. Eternity then enables the millions of alien onlookers to momentarily become one with the universe, temporarily granting them the clarity that Galactus is an essential part of the natural order of the cosmos.[24]

Galactus was apparently killed when the Silver Surfer turned Galactus' own Elemental Converter against him. As Galactus dies he warns that his death will allow a great evil to surface. After his death, Galactus' remains took the form of a star.[25] The great evil Galactus spoke of later emerged in the form of the Biblical demon Abraxas, the universal embodiment of destruction and the antithesis of Eternity. The Fantastic Four discovered that most of the energy Galactus took from planets was devoted to keeping Abraxas imprisoned. One can now see at this point that Galactus's actions though unfortunate and sometimes tragic are necessary to prevent the ultimate destruction of everthing as Abraxas planned the destruction of everything. [26] Franklin Richards pools his power with that of his sister, Valeria Von Doom, and reconstitutes Galactus, but the siblings permanently burn out their powers in doing so. The newly reformed Galactus reclaims the Ultimate Nullifier from Abraxas, and Fantastic Four leader Reed Richards uses it to keep Abraxas imprisoned. The Ultimate Nullifier is revealed to be an aspect of Galactus himself.[27]

Later, however, Reed Richards designs a weapon with the express purpose of stripping Galactus of the Power Cosmic. The creation of the device is made possible with help from Quasar and Johnny Storm, who is cosmically aware at this time.[28] The weapon succeeds in separating Galactus into his two core components — Galan and the Power Cosmic. Galan then exiles himself in another dimension, hoping that this act will prevent the Power Cosmic from finding him.[29] The ruse fails, however, as the alien warrior Beta Ray Bill encounters a fully reformed Galactus shortly afterward. [30]

Galactus is a member of a group of entities called the "Cosmic Balance". After a brutal civil war that only three beings survived — Galactus the Devourer of Worlds, Tenebrous of the Darkness Between, and Aegis the Lady of All Sorrows — Galactus imprisons his brethren in the Kyln, until the Annihilation Wave frees them. Knowing of their escape, Galactus augments his herald the Silver Surfer and engages them.[31] The battle brings Galactus into contact with the beings Thanos, Drax the Destroyer, and Annihilus, the mastermind behind the Annihilation Wave. The Annihilation Wave are destroyed by a massive blast from Galactus resulting in an armistice between all parties. The blast also destroys a Watcher along with at least three star systems. [32]

Galactus, as various species perceive him. Panel from Fantastic Four vol 1, #262 (Jan. 1984). Art by John Byrne.
Galactus, as various species perceive him. Panel from Fantastic Four vol 1, #262 (Jan. 1984). Art by John Byrne.

Galactus is the physical, metamorphosed embodiment of a cosmos, a result of the union between the Sentience of the Universe and Galan. [33] As such, Galactus wields the Power Cosmic and has been described as "the most powerful creature in the universe." [34] Galactus can employ the Power Cosmic to produce nearly any effect he desires, including size-alteration,[35] the molecular restructuring and transmutation of matter,[36] the teleportation of objects — even entire galaxies[35] — across space and time,[37] the projection of energy,[38] the erection of impenetrable force fields,[36] the creation of interdimensional[39] and intradimensional portals,[40] telepathy,[41] telekinesis,[42] and cosmic awareness on a universal scale.[43]

Galactus has even shown the abilities to create sentient life in the form of Tyrant,[44] resurrect his herald Morg,[45] manipulate mortal souls,[46] manipulate memories and emotions,[47] and remake dead worlds — including populations — in every detail.[47]

Galactus requires his armor to help regulate his internal energies. As Galactus must continuously feed to sustain himself, his power levels are inconsistent throughout any given period. For this reason, Earth's heroes have been able to achieve various degrees of success in repelling, or defeating, a starving, weakened Galactus.[48]

As the oldest known living entity in this universe, Galactus employs science that the most brilliant minds on Earth cannot begin to grasp. [49] The Ultimate Nullifier and Taa II are prime examples of Galactus' technology.

As a being who is both an abstract entity (e.g. Death, Eternity, et al) and a physical creature, Galactus' true form and nature are beyond the capability of mortal beings to comprehend.[33] Despite being frequently illustrated as a giant, armored humanoid, each species perceives Galactus to be a form it can understand.[24][1] Galactus has adopted the appearance of a roughly humanoid energy being on at least three occasions. [50]

Galactus has appeared in three projects associated with the DC Universe. Two of these appearances are not regarded as canon and exist as isolated one-shot publications, [51] while the third is referenced. [52]

Galactus also appears in the non-canon Earth X series. In Earth X Galactus is one of the three essential entities in the universe keeping the cosmic entities the Celestials in check. By destroying planets - actually "eggs" of the Celestials - Galactus prevents the Celestials from overpopulating the universe. [53]

The anthology comics-magazine Epic Illustrated #26-34 (Oct, 1984 - Feb. 1986) published the first nine serialized installments of a projected 10-part tale, "The Last Galactus Story", by writer-penciler John Byrne and inker Terry Austin. Each ran six pages, with the exception of part eight, which ran 12 pages. The magazine was canceled at this point, leaving the story unfinished.

Set 100,000,000 years in the future, Galactus devours a now uninhabited Earth. Accompanied by Nova, Galactus follows the trail of destroyed galaxies to the core of the Milky Way. Byrne wrote on his website that the story's conclusion involved Galactus combating a rogue Watcher until the death of the universe. When only Galactus and his herald, Nova, remain, Galactus cracks open his armor, releasing a new Big Bang. With the end of Galactus and the birth of a new universe, Nova is transformed into the Galactus for the new universe.[54]

The Exiles encountered one reality where Galactus is the restorer, rather than devourer of worlds; however, he only restores worlds that have been destroyed by the Blight, thus resulting in the rebellion of the Silver Surfer when he refused to grant the Surfer the power to restore his own world. [55]

Galactus appears in the pocket universe created by Franklin Richards - after the events of the Onslaught saga - and deploys several heralds at once. He actually succeeds in consuming the Earth twice, although this is undone by Doctor Doom with the use of his time machine until the Surfer is finally convinced to turn against his master and give the heroes the chance to drive Galactus away.[56]

In the Earth-2301 universe [57] the Manga Galactus appears as a gigantic, planet-sized lifeform (similar to Ego the Living Planet and Unicron). It appears to have a single massive eye and has tenticles which drain the life from planets. It is covered in various lifeforms (referred to as "Galactus Spores") which aid its digestive process. [58]

Galactus appears in "classic" form and battles the Marvel Zombies, who have recently consumed the Silver Surfer and acquired portions of his cosmic power. With the help of some advanced technology, they manage to overpower, ultimately defeat and consume Galactus, thus absorbing his powers and becoming his 'successors' and later traveling to different planets for sustenance.[59]

Galactus, accompanied by a new herald named Dominas, appears in the MC2 universe. [60]

Main article: Ultimate Galactus trilogy

Ultimate Galactus, called Gah Lak Tus, was introduced in a trilogy written by Warren Ellis. Gah Lak Tus is first mentioned by Ultimate Vision, which is an early-warning system for worlds under threat by Gah Lak Tus and describes Gah Lak Tus as an immense (approx. 100,000 miles long) group mind of city-sized robotic drones that attacks worlds using envoys (resembling the Silver Surfer) followed by a flesh-eating virus that destroys all life. After this the entity breaks open the dying world and sucks all thermal energy from the core. Gah Lak Tus considers all forms and expressions of organic life to be so abhorrent it believed itself desecrated when telepathically contacted by Professor X. It was eventually driven back by Mister Fantastic via his use of the Ultimate Nullifier- here a weapon that tapped into the energies released by the Big Bang of a young universe- destroying 20% of Gah Lak Tus's mass and forcing the drones to retreat. [61]

Galactus as he appears in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Galactus as he appears in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer

Galactus appears in the 2007 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, the story of which was based upon the character's debut and his Ultimate incarnation.[62] The official novelization of the film names the character as "the Gah Lak Tus". The film depicts him as a cosmic cloud which feeds on planets through holes bored by the Silver Surfer. The cloud is evaporated by the Surfer at the film's climax.

20th Century Fox's rationale for having the character as a cloud was to keep him discreet.[63] Visual effects studio Weta Digital convinced Fox to add physical hints of the comic book incarnation, such as a shadow and the fiery mass within the cloud resembling a helmet.[63] Director Tim Story claimed he made Galactus a cloud so that the future Silver Surfer spin-off film would have a chance to be unique and introduce the character as he normally appears.[64] J. Michael Straczynski, the spin-off's writer, confirmed Galactus is in his script and that "You don't want to sort of blow out something that big and massive for one quick shot in the first movie."[65]

  1. ^ a b Stormbreaker: The Saga of Beta Ray Bill #1 (March 2005)
  2. ^ Thomas, Roy, Stan Lee's Amazing Marvel Universe (Sterling Publishing, New York, 2006), "Moment 29: The Galactus Trilogy", pp. 112-115. ISBN-10 1-4027-4225-8; ISBN-13 978-1-4027-4225-5
  3. ^ Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Data Corrections Fantastic Four 2005. URL last checked 2006-09-01.
  4. ^ Adventures of X-Men #12
  5. ^ a b Super-Villain Classics #1 (May 1983)
  6. ^ Silver Surfer vol. 3 #10 (April 1988)
  7. ^ a b Fantastic Four vol. 1, #257 (Aug. 1983)
  8. ^ Silver Surfer vol. 3, #31 (Dec, 1989)
  9. ^ Thanos #11 (Aug. 2004)
  10. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #48 (March 1966)
  11. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #120 (March 1972)
  12. ^ Thor vol. 1, #225 (July 1974)
  13. ^ Journey into Mystery vol. 1, #228
  14. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #211 (October 1979)
  15. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #244 (July 1982)
  16. ^ Silver Surfer vol. 3, #70 (Aug. 1992)
  17. ^ Galactus the Devourer#1 - 6 (1999 - 2000)
  18. ^ As herald - Fantastic Four vol. 1, #520-523 (Jan.-April 2005)
  19. ^ Stormbreaker: The Sage of Beta Ray Bill #1-6(2005)
  20. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #48-50 (March-May 1966)
  21. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #74-77 (May-Aug 1968)
  22. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #210 - 213 (Sept.-Dec. 1979)
  23. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #242-244 (May-July 1982)
  24. ^ a b Fantastic Four vol. 1, #262 (Jan. 1984)
  25. ^ Galactus the Devourer #1-6 (Sept. 1999 - March 2000)
  26. ^ Fantastic Four Annual 2001
  27. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #478 (Jan. 2002)
  28. ^ As herald - Fantastic Four vol. 1, #520-523 (Jan.-April 2005)
  29. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #520-523 (Jan.-April 2005)
  30. ^ Stormbreaker: The Saga of Beta Ray Bill #1-6 (March-Aug. 2005)
  31. ^ Annihilation: Silver Surfer #1-4 (June-Sept. 2006)
  32. ^ Annihilation #1-6 (Oct. 2006 - March 2007).
  33. ^ a b Fantastic Four vol. 1, #522 (March 2005)
  34. ^ Annihilation: Silver Surfer #2 (July 2006)
  35. ^ a b Rom #27 (Feb. 1982)
  36. ^ a b The Silver Surfer vol. 1, #1 (Aug. 1968)
  37. ^ Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #9 (Jan. 1985)
  38. ^ The Silver Surfer vol. 3, #18 (Dec. 1988)
  39. ^ Thanos #3 (Feb. 2004)
  40. ^ Thanos #12 (Sept. 2004)
  41. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #242 (May 1982)
  42. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #49 (April 1966)
  43. ^ Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #9
  44. ^ Cosmic Powers Unlimited #2 (Sept. 1995)
  45. ^ Silver Surfer vol. 3, #76 (Jan. 1993)
  46. ^ Silver Surfer vol. 3, #49 (May 1991)
  47. ^ a b Silver Surfer vol. 3 #130 (Aug. 1997)
  48. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #243 (June 1982)
  49. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #210 (Sept. 1979)
  50. ^ Silver Surfer vol. 3, #10 (April 1988), Infinity Gauntlet #5 (Nov. 1991), and Super-Villain Classics #1 (May 1983)
  51. ^ Superman, Fantastic Four: Infinite Destruction (1999) and Darkseid vs. Galactus: The Hunger (1995)
  52. ^ JLA:Avengers # 1- 3 (2003 - 2004), in Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe (2006)
  53. ^ Earth X #1-12 (2000 - 2001)
  54. ^ Byrne Robotics: Frequently Asked Questions - Questions about Aborted Storylines
  55. ^ Exiles vol. 1, #86 - 87
  56. ^ Heroes Reborn (1996 - 1997)
  57. ^ Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes (2005)
  58. ^ New Mangaverse v2 #1 - 5 (2005 - 2006)
  59. ^ Marvel Zombies (2005 - 2006)
  60. ^ Last Planet Standing #1-5
  61. ^ Ultimate Nightmare (2004); Ultimate Secret (2005) & Ultimate Extinction (2006).
  62. ^ Ben Morse and Brian Warmoth. "2007 Preview: Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer", Wizard, 2007-01-15. Retrieved on 2007-06-27. 
  63. ^ a b Thomas J. McLean. "Fantastic 4: Weta Gives Rise to the Silver Surfer", VFXWorld, 2007-06-21. Retrieved on 2007-06-27. 
  64. ^ Tim Story. (2007). Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer audio commentary (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
  65. ^ Chris Carle. "SDCC 07: JMS Sheds Light on Silver Surfer Movie", IGN, 2007-07-27. Retrieved on 2007-10-07. 

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