Herald of Galactus
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The Heralds of Galactus are characters that exist within the Marvel Universe and were created by the cosmic entity] Galactus. The Herald concept was introduced in Fantastic Four #48 (Mar. 1966) - with the character the Silver Surfer - by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
Contents |
History
The entity Galactus maintains his existence by devouring planets that have the potential for supporting life, and as such utilizes a Herald to scour the universe in search of suitable worlds. Upon pinpointing the requisite planetary body, the Herald signals Galactus, resulting in his arrival on the world's surface followed by the deployment of the Elemental Converter — a colossal machine capable of draining all life energy from the planet within minutes. If the world in question supports a sentient civilization, the Herald will often be forced into battle with inhabitants who attempt to drive Galactus away. Fantastic Four #257 (Aug. 1983)
This scenario resulted in the creation of what was at that time considered to be Galactus' first Herald, the Silver Surfer. The Fallen One is retrospectively introduced as Galactus' first Herald in Thanos #11, Aug. 2004 Galactus spares the planet Zenn-La when Norrin Radd offers in exchange his services as a Herald. Galactus transforms Norrin Radd into the Surfer. Silver Surfer #1 (vol. 1, Aug. 1968) Since Galactus' first encounter with Earth, he has had a total of eleven Heralds.
List of heralds
In the main continuity of the Marvel Universe:
- Fallen One - the first Herald. Revealed in Thanos #11, Aug. 2004
- Silver Surfer - the second Herald. First appears in Fantastic Four #48 (vol. 1, Mar. 1966)
- Gabriel the Air-Walker the third Herald. Android first appears in Fantastic Four #120 (vol. 1, Mar. 1972). Origin revealed in Thor #306 (vol. 1, Apr. 1981)
- Firelord - the fourth Herald. Thor #225 (vol. 1, Jul. 1974)
- Destroyer - the fifth Herald, and a temporary substitute. Given to Galactus in Thor #228 (vol. 1, Oct. 1974)
- Terrax the Tamer - the sixth Herald. First appears Herald in Fantastic Four #211 (vol. 1, Oct. 1979)
- Nova (Frankie Raye) - the seventh Herald. First appears as Frankie Raye in Fantastic Four #164 (Nov. 1975), exhibited superpowers in Fantastic Four #238 (vol. 1, Jan. 1982) and transformed into Nova in Fantastic Four #244 (vol. 1, Jul. 1982)
- Morg the Executioner - the eighth Herald. Appears as a Herald in Silver Surfer #70 (vol. 3, Sep. 1992)
- Red Shift - the ninth Herald. First appears in Galactus: the Devourer (Sept. 1999 - March 2000)
- Johnny Storm, the Invisible Man - the tenth Herald and a temporary substitute. Fantastic Four #520-523 (vol. 1, 2005)
- Stardust - the eleventh and most recent Herald. Stormbreaker: The Saga of Beta Ray Bill #1 - 6(2005)
Note: In addition to heralds, Galactus also employs the Punisher Cyborgs.
The Spaceknight Rom the Spaceknight once led Galactus to the homeworld of the Dire Wraiths, but was not truly a Herald. Terrax was at this time the true Herald of Galactus. Rom #26 - 27 (Jan. - Feb. 1982)
Alternate versions
- Dazzler - What If...? #33 (Jun. 1982).
- Golden Oldie - Marvel Team-Up #137 (Jan. 1984). Revealed to be a dream.
- Plasma - Fantastic Four #11 (vol. 2, Sep. 1997) Heroes Reborn version.
- Dark Angel - Cyberspace3000 #2 (Aug. 1993).
- Starglow - What If #37 (Feb. 1983). A recreated Shalla Bal.
- Ardina - The Silver Surfer TPB (1978). A clone of Shalla Bal.
- Dominas - Last Planet Standing #1 (Jul. 2006). A version for the MC2 universe.
- Kryptonian - Superman/Fantastic Four #1 (Apr. 1999).
- 'Sabretooth - Exiles #88 (Jan. 2007).
Powers and abilities
Galactus bestows the Power Cosmic on each Herald, which grants them a range of abilities, including extremely high levels of super strength, stamina, and durability (totally impervious to the rigors of space); enhanced reflexes; energy manipulation; molecular transmutation; a degree of "cosmic awareness" (ability to perceive the happenings of the universe); flight and the ability to travel at superluminal velocities in space.
As the Heralds are indirectly responsible for the destruction of many worlds and in turn extinction of many species, Galactus supresses all feelings of guilt and remorse in those of his Heralds who have a conscience. Despite this, some of Galactus' Heralds - such as the Silver Surfer and Nova - have rebelled and left their master. Fantastic Four #50 (vol. 1, May. 1966) and Fantastic Four #242 (vol. 1, May. 1982)