| Galactus | |
Interior art from Annihilation: Nova Corps Files (2006). Art by Renato Arlem. |
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| Publication information | |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Fantastic Four #48 (March 1966) |
| Created by | Stan Lee Jack Kirby |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Galan |
| Place of origin | Galan: Taa Galactus: Cosmic Egg |
| Team affiliations | Heralds of Galactus |
| Notable aliases | Ashta[1], Ravager of Worlds, Devourer of Worlds |
| Abilities | Possessor of the Power Cosmic |
Galactus is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist and co-plotter Jack Kirby, the character first appears in Fantastic Four #48 (March 1966), the first part of a three-issue story later known as "The Galactus Trilogy". [2][3]
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In 1966, nearly five years after having launched Marvel Comics' flagship superhero title, Fantastic Four, creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby collaborated on an antagonist designed to break from the archetypal mold of supervillains of the time, and be instead a being of god-like stature and power.[3] This culminated in the introduction of Galactus in Fantastic Four #48-50 (March-May 1966), now known as "The Galactus Trilogy".[4] Both co-creators attributed their inspiration rising from a desire to break from the archetypal mold of supervillain at the time. As Lee later explained, "I created Galactus after we had done so many villains and wanted something different. I wondered, 'How could we get something bigger than a villain? Let's do a guy who's like a demigod — I like the name Galactus'. He comes from outer space and eats planets, or some stupid thing".[5]
Kirby described his Biblical inspirations for Galactus and an accompanying character, an angelic herald Lee dubbed the Silver Surfer:
| “ | My inspirations were the fact that I had to make sales. And I had to come up with characters that were no longer stereotypes. In other words I couldn't depend on gangsters anymore, I had to get something new. And ... for some reason, I went to the Bible. And I came up with Galactus. And there I was in front of this tremendous figure, who I knew very well, because I always felt him, and I certainly couldn't treat him the same way that I would any ordinary mortal ... and of course the Silver Surfer is the fallen angel. ...[T]hey were figures that have never been used before in comics. They were above mythic figures, and of course, they were the first gods.[6] | ” |
Kirby further explained that "Galactus in actuality is a sort of god. He is beyond reproach, beyond anyone's opinion. In a way he is kind of a Zeus, who fathered Hercules. He is his own legend, and of course, he and the Silver Surfer are sort of modern legends, and they are designed that way."[7]
The trilogy culminated in Fantastic Four #50 ( May 1966), which featured the Silver Surfer interceding for humankind against Galactus. After the trilogy, Kirby had not intended for Galactus to reappear, in order to preserve the character's tremendous presence.[8] Popularity among fans, however, prompted Lee to petition Kirby for Galactus' reappearance,[8] and the character eventually became a mainstay in the Marvel Universe.
Galactus returned for a cameo in Thor #134 (Nov. 1966), which hinted at a confrontation between Galactus and another Lee and Kirby character, Ego the Living Planet. The plot-line was left unresolved in the subsequent issues, as Kirby put the character on hiatus.[8] Galactus reappeared more than a year later, in a flashback cameo in Daredevil #37 (Feb. 1968) before starring opposite the Fantastic Four in Fantastic Four #72-77 (March-Aug. 1968) at the request of Lee,[8] and then in flashback in The Silver Surfer #1 (Aug. 1968). He eventually returns to Earth, however, seeking the Silver Surfer.[9]
Lee and Kirby then featured Galactus in a storyline in Thor #160-162 (Jan.-March 1969), which resolved the plot-line from issue #134. Issue #162 began the transition to Galactus' origin story, but the character makes an unexplained departure from the storyline. The absence of the character may be explained by miscommunication between Kirby and Lee; Kirby may have wanted to directly write Galactus' origin, while Lee may have had his own interpretation of the character's beginnings.[10] Galactus' origin finally appeared in Thor #168-169 (Sept.-Oct. 1969).
Two appearances showcasing new heralds followed in Fantastic Four #120-123 (March-June 1972) and Thor #225-228 (July-Oct. 1974), and subsequently appeared in Fantastic Four #172-175 (July-Oct. 1976) and #206-213 (May-Dec. 1979).
In 1983, writer Mark Gruenwald, pencillers John Byrne and Ron Wilson, and inkers Jack Abel and Vince Colletta collaborated to produce a more in-depth, 23-page origin story titled "Galactus", which appeared in Super-Villain Classics #1 (May). The story featured additions, edits, and deletions, and was later reprinted as Origin of Galactus #1 (Feb. 1996). This story redefined Galactus' origin as being Galan, the last survivor of the previous cosmos who at the end of the universe, enters a cosmic egg. 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. After the Big Bang and the birth of the present reality, Galactus gestates in a cocoon of cosmic energy in order to complete his metamorphosis, and after an undetermined period of time emerges as an entity of vast cosmic power who is essential and intrinsic to the newly formed universe. This version added additional information to the origin present in Thor #168 included Galactus constructing Taa II, in homage to his dead homeworld Taa out of the remains of Archeopia.[11]
The character returned in Fantastic Four #242-244 (May-July 1982) [12] and then Fantastic Four #257 (Aug. 1983), where his relationship with other cosmic entities was developed further. The entity Death notes that Galactus is "my husband and father, my brother and son." [13] This is followed by a cameo appearance in Fantastic Four #262 (Jan. 1984) and the appearance of the entity Eternity (Galactus refers to Eternity as 'Father') who asserts that Galactus is essential to the balance part of the natural order of the cosmos. [14] The necessity of Galactus and his role in the universe is developed over the next two decades and his representation as 'the type of evil that we can celebrate as a catalyst for the long-term good of all creation'. [15]
The same year, 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 cancelled at this point, leaving the story unfinished. According to notes at Byrne's website, the conclusion of the story would see a dying Galactus releasing his power causing a new big bang and transforming his herald Nova into the Galactus for the new universe.[16]
The following year, Galactus would place an important appearance in the limited series Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars (May 1984 - April 1985), and then again in Silver Surfer vol. 3 (1987 - 1998). The concept of the need for Galactus was revisited, as the Living Tribunal likens Galactus to one of the three essential forces - Equity (Galactus); Necessity (Eternity) and Vengeance (Death). [17] Galactus also featured prominently in the Infinity series of the 1990s, specifically Infinity Gauntlet #1-6 (July-Dec. 1991) and Infinity War #1-6 (June-Nov. 1992).
Galactus starred in the six-issue miniseries Galactus the Devourer (Sept. 1999 - March 2000), written by Louise Simonson and illustrated by John Buscema, which climaxed with the character's death. Simonson had originally conceived of the story arc to take place in third volume of the Silver Surfer, but the title was canceled due to dwindling sales. Simonson instead proposed a separate limited series, and at the time was initially doubtful that Marvel would approve what she believed to be a "radical" idea concerning "why the very existence of the Universe depends on the health and well-being of Galactus."[18] The series concludes with the death of Galactus at the hands of the Silver Surfer. As Galactus' body disperses, he warns that his death will allow a great evil to surface. After his death, Galactus' remains take the form of a star.[19]
This idea was developed in Fantastic Four Annual 2001, as it is revealed that the energy Galactus harvests from planets is devoted to keeping Abraxas - the universal embodiment of destruction and the antithesis of Eternity - imprisoned. [20] Realizing only Galactus can stop Abraxas, the Fantastic Four resurrect Galactus and he is instrumental in defeating Abraxas. It is also revealed that the Ultimate Nullifier is actually an aspect of Galactus' being. [21]
Galactus then featured in Marvel: The End #1-6 (May-July 2003), and the limited series Thanos #1-12 (Dec. 2003 - May 2004). In another appearance, a weapon designed by Reed Richards succeeded in splitting 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.[22] [23] The ruse fails; however, as the alien warrior Beta Ray Bill encounters a fully reformed Galactus shortly afterward.[24]
Galactus was also a central character in the Annihilation crossover, first appearing as a co-star in the four-issue miniseries Annihilation: Silver Surfer (June-July 2006) followed by a pivotal role in the six-issue Annihilation limited series (Oct. 2006 - Mar. 2007). Galactus then appears in the two-issue epilogue Annihilation: Heralds of Galactus (April-May 2007). Annihilation: Heralds of Galactus added further detail to the character's back story with the introduction of the "Proemial Gods". These beings attempted to control the universe before being imprisoned by Galactus in the Kyln.[25] Escaping during the Annihilation wave, the surviving proemial gods Tenebrous and Aegis Lady of All Sorrows attack and defeat Galactus and the Silver Surfer in battle. [26] An incapacitated Galactus is then imprisoned by Annihilus – the creator of the Annihilation Wave – who plans to use Galactus' Power Cosmic as a bomb to destroy all life in the universe. Drax the Destroyer manages to free Galactus who in retaliation unleashes a blast that destroys most of the Annihilation Wave and more than three star systems. This forces the surviving parties to form a truce.[27]
Galactus is the sole product of the union between the "Sentience of the [previous] Universe" and Galan, [28] and has been described as "the physical, metamorphosed embodiment of a cosmos." [29] As such, Galactus wields the Power Cosmic and was described as "the most awesome living entity in the cosmos". [30] Galactus can employ the Power Cosmic to produce nearly any effect he desires, including the molecular restructuring and transmutation of matter,[31] the teleportation of objects — even the Golden Galaxy[32] — across space[33] and time, [34] size-alteration,[32] the projection of energy with indeterminable destructive force,[35] the erection of nearly impenetrable force fields,[36] the creation of interdimensional[37] and intra-dimensional portals,[38] telepathy,[39] telekinesis,[40] and cosmic awareness on a universal scale.[41] Galactus has even shown the abilities to create sentient life in the form of Tyrant,[42] resurrect his herald Morg,[43] manipulate mortal souls,[44] manipulate memories and emotions,[45] and restore dead planets along with their population in every detail.[45]
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 necessary 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.
As a living force of nature, Galactus' true form - close to that of a humanoid star [46] - cannot be perceived by most beings,[47] and so each species perceives Galactus in a form they can comprehend, usually in a form similar to that of their own species. [14][1] Galactus also requires his armor to help regulate 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 the universe, Galactus employs science that the most brilliant minds on Earth cannot begin to grasp. Examples of Galactus's technology include the Ultimate Nullifier and Taa II. [49]
Galactus has appointed a number of beings to act as his Herald, with each bestowed with a fraction of the Power Cosmic.
In addition to his mainstream incarnation, Galactus has also been depicted in other fictional universes, in which the character's history, circumstances and behavior vary from the mainstream setting. In some stories, other characters serves as Galactus.
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.[50].
In contrast to his normal role, the Exiles featured a Galactus who restored rather than destroyed worlds. [51]
Galactus appears in the pocket universe created by Franklin Richards (after the events of the Onslaught saga) and deploys several heralds at once. [52]
Galactus appears as a gigantic, planet-sized life-form, and appears to have a single massive eye and tentacles to drain the life from planets. It is covered in various life-forms (referred to as "Galactus Spores") which aid its digestive process. [53][54]
Galactus battles the Marvel Zombies, who consume the Silver Surfer and acquire a fraction of his cosmic power. With the help of advanced technology, the Zombies manage to eventually defeat and consume Galactus. The Zombies absorb his powers, assume his role and travel to different planets for sustenance.[55]
A future Galactus, accompanied by a new herald named Dominas, appears in the MC2 universe.[56]
Ultimate Galactus, called Gah Lak Tus, was introduced in a trilogy written by Warren Ellis. Ellis noted in a 2005 interview that 'Gah Lak Tus is a compound entity - it needs to be able to surround a planet, and it needs to be able to survive tens of thousands of years in space, which is a hugely destructive environment.' [57] . 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 (160,000 km) 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. Reed Richards uses the Ultimate version of the Ultimate Nullifier- a weapon that channels the energies of another universe's Big Bang at the target- which destroys 20% of Gah Lak Tus's mass and forces it to retreat. [58]
Galactus has also appeared in three projects associated with the DC Universe. [59][60][61]
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".
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 Galactus' signature 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]
The Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz begins with the sentence "Of what import are brief, nameless lives... to Galactus?" [66]
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