Galactus is a fictional character in Marvel Comics, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, who first appeared in Fantastic Four #48 (March 1966). Galactus was conceived as a being that broke the typical supervillain mold, with god-like powers but motivated by hunger rather than malice. Origin and Purpose Galactus was originally a Taa-an space explorer named Galan, who gained cosmic abilities by passing near a star. Writer Mark Gruenwald later expanded on this origin, presenting Galan as existing in the universe before the Big Bang. Galan merged with the "Sentience of the Universe" to become Galactus, an entity who must consume planets to sustain his existence. Galactus is a cosmic entity that serves a functional role in the upkeep of the primary Marvel continuity. The character's actions explore themes of genocide, manifest destiny, ethics, and natural/necessary existence. Galactus is sometimes accompanied by a herald, such as the Silver Surfer, and has been both an antagonist and protagonist. Powers and Abilities Galactus has mastery of the Power Cosmic. He consumes planets to sustain his life force. He can grant a fraction of the Power Cosmic to his heralds. He can remove the Power Cosmic from his heralds. Galactus is sometimes weakened due to a lack of sustenance. Heralds of Galactus Galactus often appoints heralds to locate suitable planets for him to consume. The Silver Surfer was the first herald to be introduced into the Marvel Universe. Other heralds include Air-Walker, Firelord, Terrax the Tamer, Nova II, Morg, Red Shift, Stardust, and Praeter. Some characters have served as heralds for only one storyline including the Destroyer, Rom the Space Knight, Dazzler, and the Human Torch. Publication History Galactus debuted in The Fantastic Four #48 (March 1966). The character's origin story was further developed in the graphic novel The Silver Surfer: The Ultimate Cosmic Experience! (1978), and reprinted in Super-Villain Classics #1 (1983). Galactus has appeared in numerous storylines, including Secret Wars (1984-1985), The Infinity Gauntlet (1991), and Annihilation (2006-2007). The character has been featured in a number of Marvel media such as TV series, video games and film. Other Versions Numerous versions of Galactus exist in alternate universes, such as Amalgam Comics, Bullet Points, Exiles, and Marvel Zombies. In Galacta, Daughter of Galactus, a "celestial parasite" within Galactus is revealed to have spawned a daughter who lives on earth. In the Ultimate Marvel universe, Galactus is a group mind of city-sized robotic drones called Gah Lak Tus. In one alternate universe, Galactus is depicted as restoring, rather than destroying, worlds. Redemption and Change In The Ultimates (2016), Galactus is transformed into "the Lifebringer," who is compelled to infuse dead planets with life, instead of consuming them. However, Galactus is later reverted to his "Devourer of Worlds" persona. The miniseries History of the Marvel Universe (2019) depicts Galactus as the in-story narrator, recounting the major events of Marvel continuity to Franklin Richards. In Other Media Galactus has appeared in various Marvel media, including television series, films, and video games. In the 2007 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Galactus was depicted as a cosmic cloud. Galactus will appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), portrayed by Ralph Ineson. The size of Galactus in this film is reportedly faithful to the comics, in a humanoid form rather than the cosmic cloud of previous film appearances.

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