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| − | {{ | + | {{Superherobox| <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics--> |
| − | + | image=[[Image:Galac553.png|250px]] | |
| + | |caption=Art by [[Andrea Di Vito]] | ||
| + | |character_name=Galactus | ||
| + | |publisher=[[Marvel Comics]] | ||
| + | |debut=''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #48<br> (March 1966) | ||
| + | |creators=[[Stan Lee]]<br>[[Jack Kirby]] | ||
| + | |alter_ego=Galan | ||
| + | |species = <!--optional --> | ||
| + | |homeworld = '''Galan''': Taa<br> '''Galactus''': [[Cosmic egg#Influences on science fiction|Cosmic Egg]] | ||
| + | |alliances = [[Herald of Galactus|Heralds of Galactus]] | ||
| + | |aliases = Ashta | ||
| + | |supports=<!--optional--> | ||
| + | |powers =Possessor of the '''[[Power Cosmic]]'''<br>Control over the four [[fundamental interaction|fundamental forces]] of the universe<br>Cosmic awareness | ||
| + | }} | ||
| − | + | '''Galactus''' is a [[fictional character]], a cosmic entity in the [[Marvel Comics]] [[Marvel universe|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".<ref> 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</ref> <ref>''Marvel Spotlight: Fantastic Four and Silver Surfer'' (2007; no month): "Jack Kirby's The Galactus Trilogy", by Erik Larsen, pp. 10-21 (unnumbered)</ref> | |
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| − | == | + | ==Publication history== |
| − | + | Following his introduction in the [[superhero]]-team title ''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #48-50 (March-May 1966), Galactus next appeared in a [[flashback]] [[cameo appearance|cameo]] in ''[[Daredevil (Marvel Comics)|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). | |
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| − | + | Galactus' [[origin story]] climaxed a series of appearances in ''[[Thor (Marvel Comics)|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 (comics)|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 (comics)|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 [[limited series|miniseries]] ''Galactus the Devourer'' (Sept. 1999 - March 2000). | |
| − | == | + | ==Fictional character biography== |
| − | '' | + | ===Rebirth=== |
| + | [[Image:Galan-galactus.jpg|thumb|left|190px|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 occurrance of the [[Big Bang]], which led to the present-day [[Marvel Universe]]. | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | 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 (comics)|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 (comics)|Eternity]]— to meet with Galan.<ref>[http://www.marvel.com/universe/OHOTMU:Data_Corrections_Fantastic_Four_2005 ''Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Data Corrections Fantastic Four 2005'']. URL last checked 2006-09-01.</ref><ref> ''Adventures of X-Men'' #12</ref> 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 current universe as Galactus.<ref name="svc">Super-Villain Classics #1 (May 1983)</ref> After the Big Bang and the birth of the current 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.<ref name="svc" /> |
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| + | Galactus is considered one of the five essential entities within the Marvel Universe alongside [[Eternity (comics)|Eternity]], [[Death (Marvel Comics)|Death]], [[Infinity (Marvel Comics)|Infinity]], and [[Oblivion (comics)|Oblivion]]. Galactus has been referred to as the "third force of the universe"<ref>''Silver Surfer'' vol. 3 #10</ref> alongside Eternity and Death. 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."<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #257</ref> | ||
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| + | ''Silver Surfer'' vol. 3, #18 (Dec. 1988) suggests that Galactus' metaphysical counterpart is the entity the [[In-Betweener]]. | ||
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| + | ===The Devourer of Worlds=== | ||
| + | [[Image:Devourworlds.png|thumb|right|400px|Galactus roams the universe in search of planets to sustain himself.]] | ||
| + | Galactus maintains his existence by devouring planets that have the potential for supporting life. He has consumed countless planets, resulting in the elimination of entire [[extraterrestrial life|extra-terrestrial]] civilizations. For this purpose, Galactus usually employs a Herald (see below) to scour the universe in search of suitable planets. | ||
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| + | 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 fully capable of devouring planets without its aid.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #257 (Aug. 1983)</ref> | ||
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| + | Due to his vast power and intrinsic, natural role in the universal order, Galactus considers himself a higher being than all non-abstracts, and as such has become more morally complex in recent decades, coming to embody a force of [[cosmos|cosmic]] nature and proving to be a necessary being for the universe to exist. | ||
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| + | [[Image:Gf 49 cover.png|thumb|left|''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #49 (April 1966), part two of "The Galactus Trilogy". Cover art by [[Jack Kirby]] and [[Joe Sinnott]].]] | ||
| + | Galactus has threatened to consume the [[Earth]] on several occasions. During the first encounter, the cosmic entity the [[Watcher (comics)|Watcher]], and, later, Galactus' rebellious herald, the [[Silver Surfer]], aid the [[Fantastic Four]]. Galactus is defeated when [[Mister Fantastic]] threatens him with the [[Ultimate Nullifier]], the one weapon capable of destroying him (the weapon is obtained by the [[Human Torch]] when the Watcher transports him to Galactus' vessel). Galactus leaves and vows to never attack the Earth again.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #48-50 (March-May 1966)</ref> Galactus does however, return to Earth space to seek the Silver Surfer<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #74-77</ref> and is eventually released from his vow by Mr. Fantastic so that he can stop the threat of the cosmic entity the [[Sphinx (Marvel Comics)|Sphinx]].<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #210 - 213 (Sept.-Dec. 1979)</ref> | ||
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| + | In one significant 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 strength that he is defeated by the combined efforts of the [[Fantastic Four]], the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]], and [[Doctor Strange]]. However, rather than watch Galactus die of hunger, [[Mister Fantastic]] uses a device powered by the thunder god [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]] to reinvigorate him. A grateful Galactus vows that Earth is safe from his feedings before departing.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #242-244 (May-July 1982)</ref> Mr. Fantastic's decision has consequences, however, as he is later placed on trial by a consortium of alien worlds for his actions. The [[Shi'ar]] preside over the trial, and look to execute Mr. Fantastic until the cosmic entity [[Eternity (comics)|Eternity]] is summoned by the combined effort of Galactus and the Watcher. Eternity then enables millions of alien onlookers to momentarily become one with the universe, temporarily granting them the clarity that Galactus is part of the natural order of the cosmos.<ref name="ff262" /> | ||
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| + | ===Temporary death=== | ||
| + | Galactus recently discovered he was "starving" to death due to an addiction to the life forces of living beings which offer no sustenance, and 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]].<ref>''Galactus the Devourer'' #1-6 (Sept. 1999 - March 2000)</ref> | ||
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| + | That great evil that Galactus spoke of emerged a year later in the form of the Biblical demon [[Abraxas (comics)|Abraxas]], the universal embodiment of destruction and the antithesis of Eternity. The Fantastic Four discover that most of the energy that Galactus took from planets was devoted to keeping Abraxas imprisoned as, if released, the entity will eventually destroy the entire [[Multiverse (Marvel Comics)|multiverse]].<ref>''Fantastic Four'' Annual 2001</ref> [[Franklin Richards]] pools his [[Celestial (comics)|Celestial]]-level power with that of his sister [[Valeria Richards|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 Reed Richards uses it to remake the multiverse into a version in which Abraxas never escapes. The Ultimate Nullifier is revealed to be an aspect of Galactus himself.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #478</ref> | ||
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| + | Soon after 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 (comics)|Quasar]] and [[Human Torch|Johnny Storm]], who is cosmically aware at this time. 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.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #520-523 (Jan.-April 2005)</ref> The ruse fails, however, as a fully reformed Galactus encounters the alien warrior [[Beta Ray Bill]] soon after.<ref>''Stormbreaker: The Saga of Beta Ray Bill'' #1-6 (2005)</ref> The manner in which the Power Cosmic finds Galan has not been revealed. | ||
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| + | ===Annihilation=== | ||
| + | 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 (comics)|Annihilation Wave]] frees them. Knowing of their escape, Galactus augments his herald the Silver Surfer and engages them.<ref>''Annihilation: Silver Surfer'' #1-4 (June - Sept. 2006)</ref> The battle brings Galactus into contact with the beings [[Thanos]], [[Drax the Destroyer]], and [[Annihilus]], the mastermind behind the Annihilation Wave. The Annihilation Wave is destroyed by a blast from Galactus, resulting in armistice between all parties.<ref>''Annihilation'' #1-6 (Oct. 2006 - March 2007).</ref> | ||
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| + | ==Powers and abilities== | ||
| + | Galactus wields the immeasurable '''[[Power Cosmic]]''' and has been described as "the most powerful creature in the universe."<ref>''Annihilation: Silver Surfer'' #2 (2006)</ref> | ||
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| + | As such, Galactus is able to employ the limitless cosmic energies within him to produce nearly any effect he desires, including size-alteration,<ref>''Rom the Space Knight'' vol. 1, #27</ref> the molecular restructuring and [[nuclear transmutation|transmutation]] of matter,<ref name="ss1">''The Silver Surfer'' vol. 1, #1 (Aug. 1968)</ref> the [[teleportation]] of objects—even entire [[galaxy|galaxies]]—across [[space]] and [[time]],<ref> ''Rom the Space Knight'' vol. 1, #27 </ref> the erection of impenetrable [[force field (science fiction)|force fields]],<ref name="ss1" /> the creation of [[Parallel universe (fiction)|interdimensional]] [[Portal (fiction)|portals]],<ref>''Thanos'' #3 </ref> [[telepathy]],<ref> ''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #242 </ref> [[psychokinesis|telekinesis]],<ref> ''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #49 </ref> and cosmic awareness on a universal scale.<ref> ''Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars'' #9 </ref> | ||
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| + | Galactus has even shown the abilities to create sentient life in the form of Tyrant,<ref>''Cosmic Powers Unlimited'' #2</ref> resurrect his herald Morg,<ref>''Silver Surfer'' vol. 3 #76</ref> manipulate mortal souls,<ref>''Silver Surfer'' vol. 3, #49</ref> and remake dead worlds—including their populations — in every detail.<ref>''Silver Surfer'' vol. 3, #130 </ref> | ||
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| + | 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 — though not defeating — a starving, weakened Galactus.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #243</ref> | ||
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| + | As the oldest known living entity in this universe, Galactus employs technology that by Mr. Fantastic's own admission—perhaps the most brilliant mind on Earth—he cannot even begin to grasp.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #210 (Sept. 1979)</ref> | ||
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| + | [[Image:Galactuspov.PNG|thumb|right|Galactus as various species perceive him: Panel from ''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #262 (Jan. 1984). Art by [[John Byrne]].]] | ||
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| + | [[Image:Bd galactus-visage.jpg|thumb|left|Galactus without his helmet as percieved by a human]] | ||
| + | ==Physical appearance== | ||
| + | Although Galactus is usually perceived in humanoid form, each species perceives Galactus in a form resembling its own.<ref name="ff262" /> As a being who is both an abstract entity (e.g. [[Death (Marvel Comics)|Death]], [[Eternity (comics)|Eternity]], et al) and a physical creature, Galactus' true form and nature are beyond the capability of mortal beings to comprehend. | ||
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| + | As Galan, he was a humanoid, but as Galactus, his true form is unknown. He has adopted the appearance of a roughly humanoid energy being on at least three occasions.<ref>''Silver Surfer'' vol. 3, #10 (April 1988), ''Infinity Gauntlet'' #5 (Nov. 1991), and ''Super-Villain Classics'' #1 (May 1983)</ref> | ||
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| + | ==Heralds== | ||
| + | :''Main article: [[Herald of Galactus]]'' | ||
| + | Galactus has over time appointed a number of beings to act as his Herald, with each being bestowed a fraction of the Power Cosmic so as to locate planets suitable for consumption. His known Heralds to date have included the [[Fallen One]],<ref>''Thanos'' #11</ref> the [[Silver Surfer]],<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #48</ref> [[Air-Walker]] (and later Air-Walker robot),<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol.1 #120</ref> [[Firelord]],<ref>''Thor'' vol. 1, #225</ref> the Asgardian [[Destroyer (Thor)|Destroyer]] armor,<ref>''Journey into Mystery'' vol. 1, #228</ref> [[Terrax]],<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #211</ref> [[Nova (Frankie Raye)|Nova]],<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #244</ref> [[Morg]],<ref>''Silver Surfer'' vol. 1, #70</ref> [[Red Shift (comics)|Red Shift]],<ref>''Galactus the Devourer''#1 - 6 (1999 - 2000)</ref> the [[Human Torch]],<ref>As Herald - ''Fantastic Four'' vol. 1, #520-523 (Jan.-April 2005)</ref> and [[Stardust (Marvel Comics)|Stardust]].<ref>''Stormbreaker: The Sage of Beta Ray Bill'' #1-6(2005)</ref> Curiously many of Galactus' Heralds have either rebelled against him, betrayed him, or been cast aside. | ||
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| + | In stories in alternate and parallel realities, Galactus also used other heralds: [[Plasma (comics)|Plasma]], [[Dark Angel (Marvel Comics)|Dark Angel]], [[Dazzler]], [[Aunt May#Golden Oldie|Golden Oldie]], the [[Fantastic Four]], [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]], Ardina, Starglow, [[Dominas]], and [[Superman]]. | ||
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| + | ==Other versions== | ||
| + | ===Ultimate Marvel=== | ||
| + | :''Main article: [[Ultimate Galactus trilogy]]'' | ||
| + | [[Image:Galadultimate.png|thumbnail|''[[Ultimate Extinction]]'' #5 (July 2006), with Gah Lak Tus. Cover art by Brandon Peterson.]] | ||
| + | Ultimate Galactus, called '''Gah Lak Tus''', was introduced in a trilogy written by [[Warren Ellis]]. Gah Lak Tus is first mentioned by [[Vision (Marvel Comics)#Ultimate Visions|Ultimate Vision]], an early-warning system for worlds under threat by Gah Lak Tus, 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#Ultimate Charles Xavier|Professor X]].<ref>''Ultimate Nightmare'' (2004); ''Ultimate Secret'' (2005) & ''Ultimate Extinction'' (2006): '''need specific issues''' unless Prof. X contacted him in every issue of all three series.</ref> | ||
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| + | ===Epic Illustrated=== | ||
| + | The [[anthology]] comics-magazine ''[[Epic Illustrated]]'' published "The Last Galactus Story" by [[John Byrne]]. 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. The story's conclusion was never published, but it involved Galactus combating a rogue Watcher until the death of the universe. When only Galactus and his herald, Nova, remain, Galactus removes his helmet, releasing a new Big Bang. With the end of Galactus and the birth of a new universe, Nova is shown as having transformed into the Galactus for that universe.<ref>[http://www.byrnerobotics.com/FAQ/listing.asp?ID=3&T1=Questions+about+Aborted+Storylines#57 the Frequently Asked Questions on John Byrne's website]</ref> | ||
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| + | ===Amalgam Comics=== | ||
| + | In the Amalgam Universe, Galactus merged with [[Brainiac (comics)|Brainiac]] to create [[Galactiac]], who devoured planets to replenish his energy cells, but simultaneously shrank parts of them to study at his leisure, much like the early, pre-Crisis Brainiac had done with the city of [[Kandor]]. | ||
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| + | ===MC2=== | ||
| + | Galactus, accompanied by a new herald named [[Dominas]], appears in the [[MC2]] universe, in the [[Last Planet Standing]] limited series.<ref>''Last Planet Standing'' #1 - 5</ref> | ||
| + | At its conclusion, Galactus merged with the Silver Surfer and evolved into a new form, actually becoming the source of a completely new form of energy, the "Power essential"; he then proceeded to undo all the damage and death he had caused over the aeons. | ||
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| + | ===Earth X=== | ||
| + | Galactus also appears in the non-canon ''[[Earth X]]'' series. In ''Earth X'' Galactus was one of the three essential entities in the universe as he kept the [[Celestial (comics)|Celestials]] in check. By destroying planets, which were really "eggs" of the Celestials, he prevented the Celestials from overpopulating the universe. In its previous incarnation, the universe was brought to a premature end by the overpopulation of Celestials.<ref>''Earth X'' #1 - 12 (2000 - 2001)</ref> | ||
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| + | ===Heroes Reborn=== | ||
| + | Galactus appears in the pocket universe created by Franklin Richards - after the events of the [[Onslaught (comics)|Onslaught]] saga - and deploys several heralds at once and actually succeeds in consuming the Earth twice, although this is undone by [[Doctor Doom]] with the use of his time machine.<ref>''Heroes Reborn'' (1996 - 1997)</ref> | ||
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| + | ===Mangaverse=== | ||
| + | Manga Galactus appears as a gigantic, planet-sized lifeform (similar to [[Ego the Living Planet]] ) and once fed upon the planet Earth millions of years ago, causing the extinction of the dinosaurs. | ||
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| + | ===Marvel Zombies=== | ||
| + | Galactus appears in his "classic" form and battles the ''[[Marvel Zombies]]'', and meets his death when he is consumed by the zombie entities, who weaken him using powers they have stolen from the [[Silver Surfer]].<ref>''Marvel Zombies'' (2005 - 2006)</ref> This version seems considerably weaker, and also seems to retain his humanic form rather than switch to a different one when he is eventually killed. The Universe is not robbed of a Galactus, however; the Zombies who manage to devour him somehow gain 'Galactus' suits as well as the being's powers, and become an unstoppable force dedicated to attacking perfectly healthy planets without warning, devouring the inhabitants as well as the planet itself. | ||
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| + | ===Exiles=== | ||
| + | The [[Exiles (Marvel Comics)|Exiles]] encountered one reality where Galactus was actually the restorer of worlds, and was pursued by the Silver Surfer, who sought his death. | ||
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| + | ==In other media== | ||
| + | ===Television=== | ||
| + | * Galactus appeared in the 1967 version of ''[[Fantastic Four (1967 TV series)|The Fantastic Four]]'' voiced by [[Ted Cassidy]]. | ||
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| + | * Galactus appeared in the 1994 version of ''[[Fantastic Four (1994 TV series)|The Fantastic Four]]'' with Silver Surfer voiced by [[Tony Jay]]. In his first appearance, he and Uatu have a brief conversation before Galactus sets up his energy converter. After Reed Richards threatens him with the Ultimate Nullifier retrieved from his planet, Galactus leaves, but condemns Silver Surfer to be confined in Earth's [[solar system]]. Later on, Doctor Doom steals Silver Surfer's powers and tries to steal Galactus' powers and fails. The Fantastic Four had to ask for Galactus' help to fight Ego the Living Planet. When Terrax tricks Galactus into eating a poisonous planet, the Fantastic Four, Thor, and Ghost Rider had to fight him until Galactus was cured and Terrax is reduced to a worm-like creature. | ||
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| + | * Galactus appeared regularly in the ''[[Silver Surfer (TV series)|Silver Surfer]]'' cartoon series voiced by James Blendick. Instead of condemning Silver Surfer to Earth, he moved Zenn-La to another galaxy. He was one of the only characters on the show to be CGI-based. | ||
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| + | ===Video games=== | ||
| + | [[Image:Galactus close up.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Close up CGI image of Galactus from the game Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]] | ||
| + | * Galactus appears in the videogame ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'' voiced by [[Gregg Berger]]. He is seen attacking the Skrull homeworld. In order to defeat Doctor Doom, the heroes had to steal the Muonic Inducer from him. Based on the conclusion of the game, there is a possibly for a sequel since Galactus vows revenge on the heroes who stole from him. | ||
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| + | * Galactus also has a small appearance in the [[video game]] [[Silver Surfer (video game)|Silver Surfer]], released in 1990 for the original 8-bit [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]. | ||
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| + | ===Movies=== | ||
| + | * Galactus is an element in ''[[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer]]'' which was released in June, 2007. The official novelization of the film refers to Galactus as the ''Gah Lak Tus'' - the name of the Ultimate version. Galactus is not in his normal form but is instead a giant cosmic cloud which seems to have gathered a lot of negative criticism since fans expected the humanoid form of Galactus. However, the cloud does contain a burning mass shaped like Galactus's helmet and casts a shadow on Saturn in that shape. Galactus is also sentient, but he does not speak | ||
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| + | ==See also== | ||
| + | * [[Herald of Galactus|Heralds of Galactus]] | ||
| + | * [[Taa II]] | ||
| + | * [[Ultimate Nullifier]] | ||
| + | * [[Cosmic entities (Marvel Comics)]] | ||
| + | * [[Marvel Universe|Marvel Universe Concepts]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Footnotes== | ||
| + | <div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;"> | ||
| + | <references /></div> | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==References== | ||
| + | *[http://www.comics.org/ Grand Comics Database] | ||
| + | *[http://www.maelmill-insi.de/UHBMCC/ The Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators] | ||
| + | *[[MarvelDatabase:Galactus|MDP: Galactus]] - Marvel Database Project | ||
| + | *[http://www.marveldirectory.com/individuals/g/galactus.htm Marvel Directory - Galactus] | ||
| + | * [http://www.knightmare6.com/faq/cosmic_entities_marvel GameFAQ's Comic Book FAQ: Marvel Cosmic Entities] | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Category:1966 introductions]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Marvel Comics immortals]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Marvel Comics aliens]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Marvel Comics cosmic entities]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Extraterrestrial supervillains]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Marvel Comics characters who can fly]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Marvel Comics supervillains]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[de:Galactus]] | ||
| + | [[es:Galactus]] | ||
| + | [[fr:Galactus]] | ||
| + | [[it:Galactus]] | ||
| + | [[nl:Galactus]] | ||
| + | [[pt:Galactus]] | ||
| + | [[fi:Galactus]] | ||
Revision as of 05:30, June 20, 2007
Galactus is a fictional character, a cosmic entity in the Marvel Comics 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".[1] [2]
Publication history
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).
Fictional character biography
Rebirth
Originally named Galan of the planet Taa, Galactus is the sole survivor of the Big Crunch of the universe that existed prior to occurrance 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 current universe as Galactus.[5] After the Big Bang and the birth of the current 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 five essential entities within the Marvel Universe alongside Eternity, Death, Infinity, and Oblivion. Galactus has been referred to as the "third force of the universe"[6] alongside Eternity and Death. 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]
Silver Surfer vol. 3, #18 (Dec. 1988) suggests that Galactus' metaphysical counterpart is the entity the In-Betweener.
The Devourer of Worlds
Galactus maintains his existence by devouring planets that have the potential for supporting life. He has consumed countless planets, resulting in the elimination of entire extra-terrestrial civilizations. For this purpose, Galactus usually employs a Herald (see below) to scour the universe in search of suitable planets.
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 fully capable of devouring planets without its aid.[8]
Due to his vast power and intrinsic, natural role in the universal order, Galactus considers himself a higher being than all non-abstracts, and as such has become more morally complex in recent decades, coming to embody a force of cosmic nature and proving to be a necessary being for the universe to exist.
Galactus has threatened to consume the Earth on several occasions. During the first encounter, the cosmic entity the Watcher, and, later, Galactus' rebellious herald, the Silver Surfer, aid the Fantastic Four. Galactus is defeated when Mister Fantastic threatens him with the Ultimate Nullifier, the one weapon capable of destroying him (the weapon is obtained by the Human Torch when the Watcher transports him to Galactus' vessel). Galactus leaves and vows to never attack the Earth again.[9] Galactus does however, return to Earth space to seek the Silver Surfer[10] and is eventually released from his vow by Mr. Fantastic so that he can stop the threat of the cosmic entity the Sphinx.[11]
In one significant 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 strength that he is defeated by the combined efforts of the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and Doctor Strange. However, rather than watch Galactus die of hunger, Mister Fantastic uses a device powered by the thunder god Thor to reinvigorate him. A grateful Galactus vows that Earth is safe from his feedings before departing.[12] Mr. Fantastic's decision has consequences, however, as he is later placed on trial by a consortium of alien worlds for his actions. The Shi'ar preside over the trial, and look to execute Mr. Fantastic until the cosmic entity Eternity is summoned by the combined effort of Galactus and the Watcher. Eternity then enables millions of alien onlookers to momentarily become one with the universe, temporarily granting them the clarity that Galactus is part of the natural order of the cosmos.[13]
Temporary death
Galactus recently discovered he was "starving" to death due to an addiction to the life forces of living beings which offer no sustenance, and 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.[14]
That great evil that Galactus spoke of emerged a year later in the form of the Biblical demon Abraxas, the universal embodiment of destruction and the antithesis of Eternity. The Fantastic Four discover that most of the energy that Galactus took from planets was devoted to keeping Abraxas imprisoned as, if released, the entity will eventually destroy the entire multiverse.[15] Franklin Richards pools his Celestial-level 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 Reed Richards uses it to remake the multiverse into a version in which Abraxas never escapes. The Ultimate Nullifier is revealed to be an aspect of Galactus himself.[16]
Soon after 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. 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.[17] The ruse fails, however, as a fully reformed Galactus encounters the alien warrior Beta Ray Bill soon after.[18] The manner in which the Power Cosmic finds Galan has not been revealed.
Annihilation
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.[19] The battle brings Galactus into contact with the beings Thanos, Drax the Destroyer, and Annihilus, the mastermind behind the Annihilation Wave. The Annihilation Wave is destroyed by a blast from Galactus, resulting in armistice between all parties.[20]
Powers and abilities
Galactus wields the immeasurable Power Cosmic and has been described as "the most powerful creature in the universe."[21]
As such, Galactus is able to employ the limitless cosmic energies within him to produce nearly any effect he desires, including size-alteration,[22] the molecular restructuring and transmutation of matter,[23] the teleportation of objects—even entire galaxies—across space and time,[24] the erection of impenetrable force fields,[23] the creation of interdimensional portals,[25] telepathy,[26] telekinesis,[27] and cosmic awareness on a universal scale.[28]
Galactus has even shown the abilities to create sentient life in the form of Tyrant,[29] resurrect his herald Morg,[30] manipulate mortal souls,[31] and remake dead worlds—including their populations — in every detail.[32]
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 — though not defeating — a starving, weakened Galactus.[33]
As the oldest known living entity in this universe, Galactus employs technology that by Mr. Fantastic's own admission—perhaps the most brilliant mind on Earth—he cannot even begin to grasp.[34]
Physical appearance
Although Galactus is usually perceived in humanoid form, each species perceives Galactus in a form resembling its own.[13] 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.
As Galan, he was a humanoid, but as Galactus, his true form is unknown. He has adopted the appearance of a roughly humanoid energy being on at least three occasions.[35]
Heralds
- Main article: Herald of Galactus
Galactus has over time appointed a number of beings to act as his Herald, with each being bestowed a fraction of the Power Cosmic so as to locate planets suitable for consumption. His known Heralds to date have included the Fallen One,[36] the Silver Surfer,[37] Air-Walker (and later Air-Walker robot),[38] Firelord,[39] the Asgardian Destroyer armor,[40] Terrax,[41] Nova,[42] Morg,[43] Red Shift,[44] the Human Torch,[45] and Stardust.[46] Curiously many of Galactus' Heralds have either rebelled against him, betrayed him, or been cast aside.
In stories in alternate and parallel realities, Galactus also used other heralds: Plasma, Dark Angel, Dazzler, Golden Oldie, the Fantastic Four, Thor, Ardina, Starglow, Dominas, and Superman.
Other versions
Ultimate Marvel
- 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, an early-warning system for worlds under threat by Gah Lak Tus, 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.[47]
Epic Illustrated
The anthology comics-magazine Epic Illustrated published "The Last Galactus Story" by John Byrne. 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. The story's conclusion was never published, but it involved Galactus combating a rogue Watcher until the death of the universe. When only Galactus and his herald, Nova, remain, Galactus removes his helmet, releasing a new Big Bang. With the end of Galactus and the birth of a new universe, Nova is shown as having transformed into the Galactus for that universe.[48]
Amalgam Comics
In the Amalgam Universe, Galactus merged with Brainiac to create Galactiac, who devoured planets to replenish his energy cells, but simultaneously shrank parts of them to study at his leisure, much like the early, pre-Crisis Brainiac had done with the city of Kandor.
MC2
Galactus, accompanied by a new herald named Dominas, appears in the MC2 universe, in the Last Planet Standing limited series.[49] At its conclusion, Galactus merged with the Silver Surfer and evolved into a new form, actually becoming the source of a completely new form of energy, the "Power essential"; he then proceeded to undo all the damage and death he had caused over the aeons.
Earth X
Galactus also appears in the non-canon Earth X series. In Earth X Galactus was one of the three essential entities in the universe as he kept the Celestials in check. By destroying planets, which were really "eggs" of the Celestials, he prevented the Celestials from overpopulating the universe. In its previous incarnation, the universe was brought to a premature end by the overpopulation of Celestials.[50]
Heroes Reborn
Galactus appears in the pocket universe created by Franklin Richards - after the events of the Onslaught saga - and deploys several heralds at once and actually succeeds in consuming the Earth twice, although this is undone by Doctor Doom with the use of his time machine.[51]
Mangaverse
Manga Galactus appears as a gigantic, planet-sized lifeform (similar to Ego the Living Planet ) and once fed upon the planet Earth millions of years ago, causing the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Marvel Zombies
Galactus appears in his "classic" form and battles the Marvel Zombies, and meets his death when he is consumed by the zombie entities, who weaken him using powers they have stolen from the Silver Surfer.[52] This version seems considerably weaker, and also seems to retain his humanic form rather than switch to a different one when he is eventually killed. The Universe is not robbed of a Galactus, however; the Zombies who manage to devour him somehow gain 'Galactus' suits as well as the being's powers, and become an unstoppable force dedicated to attacking perfectly healthy planets without warning, devouring the inhabitants as well as the planet itself.
Exiles
The Exiles encountered one reality where Galactus was actually the restorer of worlds, and was pursued by the Silver Surfer, who sought his death.
In other media
Television
- Galactus appeared in the 1967 version of The Fantastic Four voiced by Ted Cassidy.
- Galactus appeared in the 1994 version of The Fantastic Four with Silver Surfer voiced by Tony Jay. In his first appearance, he and Uatu have a brief conversation before Galactus sets up his energy converter. After Reed Richards threatens him with the Ultimate Nullifier retrieved from his planet, Galactus leaves, but condemns Silver Surfer to be confined in Earth's solar system. Later on, Doctor Doom steals Silver Surfer's powers and tries to steal Galactus' powers and fails. The Fantastic Four had to ask for Galactus' help to fight Ego the Living Planet. When Terrax tricks Galactus into eating a poisonous planet, the Fantastic Four, Thor, and Ghost Rider had to fight him until Galactus was cured and Terrax is reduced to a worm-like creature.
- Galactus appeared regularly in the Silver Surfer cartoon series voiced by James Blendick. Instead of condemning Silver Surfer to Earth, he moved Zenn-La to another galaxy. He was one of the only characters on the show to be CGI-based.
Video games
- Galactus appears in the videogame Marvel: Ultimate Alliance voiced by Gregg Berger. He is seen attacking the Skrull homeworld. In order to defeat Doctor Doom, the heroes had to steal the Muonic Inducer from him. Based on the conclusion of the game, there is a possibly for a sequel since Galactus vows revenge on the heroes who stole from him.
- Galactus also has a small appearance in the video game Silver Surfer, released in 1990 for the original 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System.
Movies
- Galactus is an element in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer which was released in June, 2007. The official novelization of the film refers to Galactus as the Gah Lak Tus - the name of the Ultimate version. Galactus is not in his normal form but is instead a giant cosmic cloud which seems to have gathered a lot of negative criticism since fans expected the humanoid form of Galactus. However, the cloud does contain a burning mass shaped like Galactus's helmet and casts a shadow on Saturn in that shape. Galactus is also sentient, but he does not speak
See also
- Heralds of Galactus
- Taa II
- Ultimate Nullifier
- Cosmic entities (Marvel Comics)
- Marvel Universe Concepts
Footnotes
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Marvel Spotlight: Fantastic Four and Silver Surfer (2007; no month): "Jack Kirby's The Galactus Trilogy", by Erik Larsen, pp. 10-21 (unnumbered)
- ↑ Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Data Corrections Fantastic Four 2005. URL last checked 2006-09-01.
- ↑ Adventures of X-Men #12
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Super-Villain Classics #1 (May 1983)
- ↑ Silver Surfer vol. 3 #10
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #257
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #257 (Aug. 1983)
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #48-50 (March-May 1966)
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #74-77
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #210 - 213 (Sept.-Dec. 1979)
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #242-244 (May-July 1982)
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedff262 - ↑ Galactus the Devourer #1-6 (Sept. 1999 - March 2000)
- ↑ Fantastic Four Annual 2001
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #478
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #520-523 (Jan.-April 2005)
- ↑ Stormbreaker: The Saga of Beta Ray Bill #1-6 (2005)
- ↑ Annihilation: Silver Surfer #1-4 (June - Sept. 2006)
- ↑ Annihilation #1-6 (Oct. 2006 - March 2007).
- ↑ Annihilation: Silver Surfer #2 (2006)
- ↑ Rom the Space Knight vol. 1, #27
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 The Silver Surfer vol. 1, #1 (Aug. 1968)
- ↑ Rom the Space Knight vol. 1, #27
- ↑ Thanos #3
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #242
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #49
- ↑ Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #9
- ↑ Cosmic Powers Unlimited #2
- ↑ Silver Surfer vol. 3 #76
- ↑ Silver Surfer vol. 3, #49
- ↑ Silver Surfer vol. 3, #130
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #243
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #210 (Sept. 1979)
- ↑ Silver Surfer vol. 3, #10 (April 1988), Infinity Gauntlet #5 (Nov. 1991), and Super-Villain Classics #1 (May 1983)
- ↑ Thanos #11
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #48
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol.1 #120
- ↑ Thor vol. 1, #225
- ↑ Journey into Mystery vol. 1, #228
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #211
- ↑ Fantastic Four vol. 1, #244
- ↑ Silver Surfer vol. 1, #70
- ↑ Galactus the Devourer#1 - 6 (1999 - 2000)
- ↑ As Herald - Fantastic Four vol. 1, #520-523 (Jan.-April 2005)
- ↑ Stormbreaker: The Sage of Beta Ray Bill #1-6(2005)
- ↑ Ultimate Nightmare (2004); Ultimate Secret (2005) & Ultimate Extinction (2006): need specific issues unless Prof. X contacted him in every issue of all three series.
- ↑ the Frequently Asked Questions on John Byrne's website
- ↑ Last Planet Standing #1 - 5
- ↑ Earth X #1 - 12 (2000 - 2001)
- ↑ Heroes Reborn (1996 - 1997)
- ↑ Marvel Zombies (2005 - 2006)
References
- Grand Comics Database
- The Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators
- MDP: Galactus - Marvel Database Project
- Marvel Directory - Galactus
- GameFAQ's Comic Book FAQ: Marvel Cosmic Entities
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