For several years, Galactus has been one of Marvel Comics’ most formidable antagonists, making his debut in issues #48-50 of Fantastic Four, in a storyline titled “The Galactus Trilogy.” Over the course of his tenure at Marvel, it’s been clear that Galactus is almost unbeatable, and his presence is crucial for the universe’s survival – his planet consumption keeps the entire cosmos in equilibrium. However, he has taken on various roles over time, not always being just the World Devourer. He’s also fought in significant cosmic conflicts and even formed alliances with the most unexpected heroes.
Examining some of Galactus’s attempts to devour Earth, as well as the astonishing might he demonstrated in confrontations with deities and mythical beings, let’s delve into his most memorable appearances in Marvel Comics throughout the years.
10) The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #3-4
On multiple instances, Galactus, known for threatening Earth with consumption, has visited our planet. After Reed Richards saved his life, he vowed not to attack again. Yet, he’s made exceptions, sometimes seeking aid and other times intending to consume it regardless. During one such visit, Squirrel Girl attempted to prevent him through kindness. Galactus found her amusing, particularly her stories of defeating Thanos. Despite his original intent to consume the planet, Squirrel Girl presented alternatives that ultimately led to his departure. What made this story remarkable was that Galactus engaged in friendly conversation with Squirrel Girl and even parted with a gift before leaving – an event that showcased a rare, peaceful side of him.
9) Fantastic Four #48-50
In the debut of Galactus within Marvel Comics, specifically in “The Galactus Trilogy,” his arrival was indeed momentous, yet it’s not often celebrated as one of the greatest stories in the Fantastic Four series. Primarily, its significance lies more in historical context rather than narrative excellence. This storyline served as a launchpad for numerous Marvel Comics elements. For instance, Silver Surfer and Galactus were first introduced in these comics, while Watcher violated his oath by aiding Reed Richards – an event that marked the first time he obtained the Ultimate Nullifier. Reed’s ability to outsmart Galactus instead of engaging him in battle demonstrated how to defeat the World Devourer without resorting to combat.
8) Fantastic Four #262
On a later occasion, Earth once again became Galactus’s target. The Fantastic Four and the Avengers then united with the intent to subdue him in a physical confrontation. Injured and famished, Galactus succumbed in the battle. Yet, an unexpected turn of events unfolded as Reed Richards disclosed that Galactus was essential for the universe’s equilibrium. Defying all expectations, Reed Richards managed to revive Galactus. This act was documented in Fantastic Four #262. The Shi’ar Empire subsequently apprehended Reed and brought him to trial for the lives that Galactus would claim in the future. However, it was during this trial that Galactus and Eternity appeared, unveiling the true essence of the Devourer of Worlds. This revelation not only saved Reed’s life but also convinced Galactus to never threaten Earth again. As a result, Reed could finally reunite with his family.
7) Galactus the Devourer
Following the termination of The Silver Surfer comic series by Marvel Comics, there were several plot threads that needed resolution. To address this, Marvel published a six-issue miniseries titled Galactus the Devourer. Despite Galactus being the focus of the title, the miniseries primarily centered around the Silver Surfer, who was tasked with stopping his master who had fallen into madness and desired to consume everything in his path. Throughout this series, Galactus committed heinous acts, suggesting a destructive path. However, the Silver Surfer harnessed his Power Cosmic to launch an attack on Galactus, ultimately killing his master. Although the Surfer was tormented by what he had done, Galactus told him before his death that he knew he was succumbing to his madness and trusted the Surfer. According to Galactus, choosing the Silver Surfer as his herald was precisely because he would take action when his master went too far, which is exactly what the Surfer did. Before finally passing away, Galactus acknowledged that the Surfer had acted righteously.
6) Mighty Thor #1-6
The comic book series “Mighty Thor” showcased the confrontation between Galactus and the Asgardians. In the initial six issues, we saw a shattered Asgard on Earth, which became the perfect location for the growth of a powerful seed, reminiscent of Yggdrasil’s former place. This seed held the potential to sustain Galactus, drawing the Silver Surfer and his master to Asgard. With Thor powerless and Galactus approaching, both the Silver Surfer and Thor found themselves in a dilemma regarding the Galactus Seed, while Galactus and Odin prepared for a battle that could potentially end all life. This epic tale concluded on an uplifting note, hinting at a new path for Galactus with an unexpected new servant.
5) Fantastic Four #604
As a passionate film aficionado, I found myself immersed in Marvel’s First Family saga as depicted in Fantastic Four #604. The tale took an unusual turn with the arrival of Valeria, a daughter from another Earth who joined forces with Franklin Richards to support the team. However, their peaceful existence was shattered when they were pitted against insurmountable odds against the Mad Celestials. Desperate and outnumbered, hope arrived in the form of an adult Franklin Richards hailing from Valeria’s Earth. In a remarkable display of power, the two Franklins combined their abilities, with the grown counterpart declaring, “To Me, My Galactus!” This was because, on his Earth, Galactus served as Franklin’s herald rather than the other way around. Seeing the cosmic entity appear to aid Franklin was a thrilling moment. Together, they vanquished the Mad Celestials and saved the planet, marking one of Galactus’s rare selfless heroic acts. Truly an unforgettable episode in the annals of Marvel lore!
4) Doctor Strange #12-17
In 2019, Galactus made an appearance in the comic book series Doctor Strange, which presented an intriguing twist for the Cosmic Devourer. A sorcerer from an extraterrestrial realm with advanced knowledge descends on Earth seeking guidance to vanquish Galactus. Upon learning that Strange has no means to do so, the alien seizes all of Strange’s magical powers in one swift move, returns, and forces Galactus into the darkest realms of mysticism, jeopardizing the entire cosmos. This storyline was distinctive for Galactus as it unfolded within a realm of sorcery rather than science. When Dormammu took over Galactus, Strange found himself facing an epic showdown. After Galactus defeated Dormammu and usurped his magical power, he became more menacing than ever before.
3) Annihilation #1-6
The epic Marvel Comics event series known as Annihilation brought together cosmic characters such as the Guardians of the Galaxy, Nova, Kree Empire, Thanos, Galactus, and others in a crossover tale. In this storyline, Annihilation embarked on his scheme to conquer the universe and obliterate any beings who didn’t align with his Annihilation Wave. After ravaging numerous planets and civilizations, he even managed to overpower Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds. However, in a surprising turn of events, the heroes thwarted his plans by saving Galactus, allowing him to join forces with them in the climactic battle. Here, they witnessed the true might of this cosmic titan. For fans of Marvel’s cosmic universe and the worlds brought to life by Jack Kirby, this is the definitive Galactus storyline to delve into.
2) Hunger #1-4
Introduced in 2013, the comic book miniseries titled “Hunger” unfolded within the realm of the Ultimate Marvel Universe. The cosmic being Galactus, due to the occurrences in “Age of Ultron“, made his way into this universe. Upon encountering his counterpart Gah Lak Tus, these two Galactus entities merged, resulting in a formidable entity that was nearly impossible to defeat. This merger led Galactus to destroy the Kree homeworld and kill Captain Mar-Vell, which prompted Rick Jones to assume the role of a hero and confront Galactus. The tale presented Galactus at his most potent and ruthless, offering fans of the cosmic entity a fresh perspective. The ensuing battle eventually sparked the Cataclysm event series within the Ultimate Marvel Universe, as chaos continued to escalate there.
1) Ultimates Vol. 2
In my humble opinion as a movie critic, the first encounter with Galactus in the Ultimate Marvel Universe was thwarted by Nova. Fast-forward three years, and lo and behold, Galactus reappeared, but this time around, the stakes were dramatically different. A mysterious entity called the Cosmic Jailer was causing chaos, and this time, Galactus was summoned as a potential ally to unravel the enigma behind the Jailer’s identity and devise a strategy to halt their nefarious actions.
To add intrigue to the tale, Galactus found himself standing trial for his newfound existence due to his hunger being vanquished. This storyline proved exhilarating as it exposed the vulnerability of even cosmic titans like Eternity and The Living Tribunal to the cold embrace of death. Moreover, the narrative offered a captivating reinvention of Galactus’s journey, shifting the spotlight from his insatiable hunger to the exploration of his power and standing within the cosmos, making it his most riveting tale yet.
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2025-08-01 19:21