By Ben Morse
Literally, figuratively, any way you want to cut it—Galactus equals "big deal" when it comes to the Marvel Universe.
Ever since Stan Lee and Jack Kirby first brought this truly elemental force to Earth with a planet-sized meal on his mind, Galactus and his various heralds—most famously the Silver Surfer—have served as a marker of epic events in the offing. We've learned more of the origins of this cosmic colossus in the years since, but much of his nature remains shrouded in mystery.
Nonetheless, there's no denying that Galactus and the Surfer have been at the center of some great stories over the years, and in celebration of his impending return on May 7 in the pages of NOVA #13, we asked that title's co-writers, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, as well as editor Bill Rosemann, to name some of their personal favorite tales.
THE TRIAL OF REED RICHARDS
FANTASTIC FOUR v1 #261-#262 (1983)
After the leader of the Fantastic Four goes with his morals and helps to save Galactus' life, a cosmic consortium headed by the Shi'ar places Mr. Fantastic on trial for imperiling future victims of the planet devourer's insatiable hunger. Called as a witness, Galactus appeals to Eternity to allow the assembled tribunal to see his larger role in the cosmos as writer/artist John Byrne moves the character far beyond the role of mere menace and into one much grander.
"It had the sort of epic scale I'm sure Stan and Jack would [have loved]," asserts Lanning.
BEYOND GOOD AND EVIL
SILVER SURFER: PARABLE (1998)
Stan Lee returns to two of his favorite creations and teams with acclaimed European artist Moebius to tell a Galactus story unlike any that had come before. In this out of continuity epic, Galactus returns to Earth with the Surfer in tow, but manipulates events so that the populace embraces him as savior rather than destroyer. Lee works heavy religious and philosophical undertones into a unique and powerful artistic voyage only an illustrator of Moebius' considerable talents could bring to life.
"It was amazing to see one comic book genius take on the creations of another and draw them totally differently but perfectly brilliantly," praises Abnett of Moebius' work on the Kirby-created characters.
GALACTUS VS EVERYBODY
FANTASTIC FOUR v1 #242-#244 (1982)
What begins as a fight between the Fantastic Four and rogue herald Terrax turns into a three-way free-for-all between Galactus, his former servant and the FF. Once Terrax goes down, the action becomes so extreme that the Avengers, Dr. Strange and even Spider-Man and Daredevil are forced to lend a hand!
"It was like when Howard Cosell called the [Muhammad] Ali/[Joe] Frasier fight," jokes Rosemann. "'Down goes Galactus! Down goes Galactus!'"
BIG JOHN
SILVER SURFER v1 #1-#17 (1968-1970)
Despite his competition including no less than the aforementioned Jack Kirby and Moebius among many other talented draftsmen, John Buscema may well have been the definitive Silver Surfer artist. With his smooth line work, larger-than-life figures and penchant for blockbuster action scenes, Buscema fit the bill perfectly to render the cosmic adventures of Galactus' former herald in his first solo series.
"He was a certifiable genius," proclaims Lanning of Buscema.
YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST TIME
FANTASTIC FOUR v1 #48-#50 (1966)
Lee and Kirby's very first foray into Galactus territory redefined the comic book epic. Using that staple of science fiction, the trilogy, the World's Greatest Creative Team concocted an earth-shaking and ominous masterpiece of impossible odds and the irrepressible human spirit that set the pace for all others to come.
"One of the most monumental stories in comics," insists Abnett.
"'What if the FF meet God,'" says Lanning, channeling Lee and Kirby. "You cannot get much bigger or better than the simple statement of intent that led to the creation of Galactus and the Surfer."
Galactus and the Silver Surfer return on May 7 in NOVA #13. While you're waiting, read other classic Galactus stories on Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited.
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