Galactus, known as the Devourer of Worlds, embodies a remarkable essence of cosmic power within the Marvel universe. Originating from Galan of Taa, who was designated by the Sixth Cosmos to absorb divine energies, he was reborn as an all-encompassing god of destruction. Despite this immense strength, Galactus is not invincible; he has faced numerous defeats at the hands of Earth’s formidable heroes. These encounters demonstrate that even cosmic titans like Galactus are susceptible to being thwarted.
Galactus stands out as a singular force in the Marvel cosmos. Although he may not hold the same rank as Marvel’s higher abstract entities, he nears his full cosmic potential. Yet, beneath the layers of the Power Cosmic lies a significant flaw—Galan of Taa remains human, revealing a sense of pride that can cloud his judgment. When confronted by the might of Earth’s greatest defenders, he often underestimates their capabilities. Below are ten notable defeats that indicate Galactus’s perceived weaknesses.
1. The Ultimate Nullifier Erases Anything From Existence
Fantastic Four #50 (1966) by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
When Galactus descends upon Earth, his loyal herald, the Silver Surfer, attempts to shield humanity from his master’s destructive intentions, albeit unsuccessfully. Amidst Galactus’s distractions, the Human Torch discovers one of the few weapons capable of countering him: the Ultimate Nullifier. Originally crafted by the Watcher Emnu, this device possesses the extraordinary power to wipe anything from existence.
When the Fantastic Four obtain the Ultimate Nullifier, they leverage its terrifying capabilities to compel Galactus to withdraw. With a grudging acknowledgment, Galactus capitulates on the condition that they return the device. Ultimately, he departs Earth, albeit temporarily, proving that even a god can retreat when faced with formidable opposition.
2. The Asgardian All-Father Kills Galactus
Thor #6 (2020) by Donny Cates and Nic Klein
Galactus is not only pursued by heroes; he also faces forces from his past. Before assuming his role as the Devourer of Worlds, Galactus was chosen by Black Winter, the Devourer of Universes. When Black Winter resurfaced, seeking to reclaim him, Galactus sought refuge in Asgard and attempted to enlist Thor as his herald.
Upon realizing Galactus’s ulterior motives, the enraged Thor strips the cosmic titan of his Power Cosmic, condemning him to death for his misdeeds. As Galactus teeters on the brink of annihilation, Thor ingeniously uses him as a vessel for a cosmic bomb, ensuring the demise of both Galactus and Black Winter.
3. Thanos Conquers the Devourer of Worlds
Infinity Gauntlet #5 (1991) by Jim Starlin and Ron Lim
After being resurrected by Lady Death, Thanos embarks on a relentless mission to harness the power of the six Infinity Stones and obliterate half of the universe’s population. Amidst this chaos, he successfully forges the Infinity Gauntlet, attaining god-like status. Thanos becomes an unstoppable force as he overcomes both heroes and cosmic powers.
The climactic battle that ensues culminates in an all-out war against the Mad Titan, where Galactus and other cosmic entities unite to confront him. Despite their combined might, they inadvertently amplify Thanos’s power. Ultimately, Thanos utilizes the Infinity Gauntlet to imprison Galactus and other cosmic beings in an eternal cage, solidifying his reign of terror.
4. Knull’s Ultimate Weapon Can Fell Galactus
Thor: God of Thunder #23 (2014) by Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic
In a future ravaged by Gorr the God Butcher, Thor’s granddaughters, the Goddesses of Thunder, rise to protect the universe. When Galactus seeks to consume what remains of Earth, King Thor intervenes, determined to safeguard his legacy. He wields Knull’s All-Black, the Necrosword, to confront the celestial threat.
In the ensuing battle, both Thor and Galactus meet their end, leading to a rebirth of Earth and the emergence of the Goddesses of Thunder as new protectors. The cyclical nature of power and rebirth symbolizes the shifting dynamics in cosmic conflicts.
5. Galileo and Michelangelo Defeat the Devourer
S. H.I. E.L. D.#3 (2010) by Jonathan Hickman and Dustin Weaver
In ancient times, a coalition of Earth’s earliest powers, including the likes of Apocalypse, formed the Brotherhood of the Spear to confront emerging apocalyptic threats. In 1582, when Galactus aimed for Earth, scientist Galileo and his future self, Michelangelo, devised a machine to harness humanity’s latent power for a cosmic strike against the interstellar giant.
This machine, however, carries the sacrifice of human lives as it draws on their essence. With their dangerous invention activated, they unleash a powerful blast that drives Galactus from Earth, instilling fear in him regarding humanity’s burgeoning potential.
6. Galactus Is Launched Into the Negative Zone
Galactus the Devourer #6 (1999) by Louise Simonson and John Buscema
Faced with Galactus’s insatiable hunger once more, the Earth unites its greatest heroes, including the Avengers and the Fantastic Four, to thwart his destructive path. With his new herald, Red Shift, Galactus’s chaos becomes unpredictable. The allies combine their forces to breach his defenses.
In a moment of strategic brilliance, they utilize Galactus’s own Elemental Converter against him, guiding him into a portal to the Negative Zone. With Galactus sealed away, a sense of victory is bittersweet, as his former herald, Silver Surfer, is left with conflicting emotions.
7. Doctor Doom Asserts His Dominance Over Galactus
Fantastic Four #8 (2019) by Dan Slott and Aaron Kuder
In an ambitious quest for total control, Doctor Doom aims to conquer Galactus, one of the universe’s most formidable beings. On his path to domination, he recruits Zora Vukovic, who becomes empowered by the Power Cosmic to act as a lure for Galactus’s attention.
When Galactus arrives, Doctor Doom unleashes the Big Bang Cannons, intended to alter Galactus’s atomic structure. This malevolent assault results in blending Galactus into Mount Doom, showcasing how even cosmic beings can be rendered powerless by Earth’s cunning foes.
8. The Fantastic Four De-Power Galactus
Fantastic Four #520-522 (2005) by Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo
When Sue Storm’s abilities are manipulated for nefarious purposes, Reed Richards makes the critical decision to swap her powers with the Human Torch, inadvertently attracting Galactus back to Earth. Pleased with Johnny’s newfound abilities, Galactus attempts to claim him as a herald but soon finds himself overpowered by the combined efforts of the Fantastic Four and Quasar.
Through relentless exertion, they drain Galactus, leaving only his colossal armor behind. As Galan of Taa emerges, free from his cosmic cravings, it exemplifies how teamwork among heroes can lead to overcoming even the mightiest foes.
9. Doctor Doom Becomes the Devourer of Worlds
Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Comics Magazine #10 (2001) by Erik Larsen and Ron Frenz
While the Fantastic Four are embroiled in their struggles, Doctor Doom capitalizes on the situation to target Galactus’s vast powers. Under the guise of strategic ingenuity, Doom employs a machine powered by the Cosmic Cube, successfully siphoning the Power Cosmic for himself.
As Doom ascends to his new role as the Devourer of Worlds, his reign is marked by devastation, a stark contrast to Galactus’s demeanor. Yet, this newfound power is short-lived, as Reed Richards manages to reclaim the Cosmic Cube and return the power back to Galactus, reaffirming the cycle of dominance within the cosmic hierarchy.
10. Squirrel Girl Defeats Galactus Through… Friendship?
Squirrel Girl, despite her seemingly whimsical nature, has consistently illustrated her prowess against formidable adversaries, including Galactus. When this cosmic giant sets his sights on Earth, she faces him alone, seemingly against all odds.
Employing her unique ability to connect with others, Doreen befriends Galactus, redirecting his attention away from Earth. She cleverly convinces him to spare the planet for a moon abundant with nut-bearing trees. In a surprising twist, Galactus expresses his gratitude by gifting Doreen a trading card, cementing their unexpected friendship.
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