If the biggest threats in the Marvel Universe were ranked, Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, would probably rank atop the list. However, despite making multiple attempts to destroy Earth, Galactus considers the planet of humans to be among his favorite - and he's done plenty to ensure it's survival.
Galactus was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and first appeared in the epic Fantastic Four saga "The Galactus Trilogy." In the three-issue story, Galactus is summoned by the Silver Surfer to feed on the planet. While the Surfer eventually turns against Galactus and teams-up with the Fantastic Four to stop him, the giant villain's first introduction to Marvel Comics (and many appearances since) have focused on him trying to feed on Earth. But, it turns out Galactus does more to help Earth than harm it.
In Marvel Comics #1000, a new side of Galactus is shown. In the one page story "The Farmer" by Ryan North, James Harren and VC's Travis Lanham, Galactus monologues about how Earth only views him as a threat, when in reality, he's done plenty to help the planet from getting destroyed. He tells the story of a sheep (Earth) and a farmer (Galactus). In the tale, he says a sheep may live their entire life without seeing a farmer and they may never understand what they do for them. "She may never realize that she is his favorite," and will "only known the farmer at the end, when it's time to harvest. When it hungers." Galactus says three facts remain "Without the farmer, there is no farm. Without the farm, there is no life. and a service that is never known on Earth is no less true."
Galactus' words are juxtaposed with images of a fight with Thanos. Like the sheep, Earth will never see the battles he had to take on in order to protect it. They only see the slaughter, or in Galactus' case, when he feeds. The story shows that Galactus has stopped threats nearly as big (or even bigger) than himself from destroying Earth - although, that doesn't excuse his past transgressions. While the heroes might not see Galactus as an ally, the fact he's continually prevented the Earth from being wiped out - in this case by Thanos - oddly makes him one of Earth's greatest heroes without the planet knowing about it. It's too bad he needs to feed on planets, otherwise, Galactus would make a welcome addition to Earth's mightiest heroes.
No comments:
Post a Comment