WARNING! Spoilers for What If…? Galactus Transformed Gambit? #1
Galactus, the iconic World-Eater of the Marvel Universe, always relies on a herald to help him scout planets ripe for consumption. This dependency has led him to select a slew of powerful beings to serve in this critical role. However, a recurring issue plagues Galactus: his heralds frequently betray him. Despite this pattern of disloyalty, Galactus continues to overlook the lesson that should accompany each new appointment.
The upcoming issue of What If…? Galactus Transformed Gambit? #1, crafted by Josh Trujillo, Manuel García, Ceci de la Cruz, and Travis Lanham, presents a fresh take as Galactus names Gambit from the X-Men as his new herald, granting him the Power Cosmic. While Gambit is initially expected to assist Galactus in his endeavors, he opts for a different path after his transformation.
Instead of serving Galactus, Gambit harbors intentions of returning to Earth to face his “unfinished business,”empowered now to pursue his own goals. His rebellion highlights a significant flaw in the dynamics between Galactus and his chosen heralds, as they consistently refuse to follow his commands.
Galactus’ Heralds: A Pattern of Disobedience
Gambit Turns Against Galactus Almost Instantly
Gambit’s legacy as a thief definitely influences his decision to rebel against Galactus. His storied career as a member of the X-Men also factors into his reluctance to yield to authority. With a history of battling for justice alongside his teammates, it is not surprising that he resists falling into line for Galactus, a figure whose desires fundamentally clash with the ideals upheld by Marvel’s heroes. Galactus’s expectation that Gambit would aid him in planetary destruction is where he goes awry.
This issue continues the rich tradition of What If…? narratives that explore alternative herald selections by Galactus. Previous stories, like What If…? Galactus Transformed Hulk? #1, also reveal a pattern: once empowered, the Hulk similarly defies Galactus’s commands, seeking to eliminate the cosmic threat himself. Repeatedly, characters chosen as heralds have demonstrated insubordination toward Galactus, raising questions about the feasibility of this approach.
The Historical Defiance of Galactus’ Heralds
How Galactus Creates His Own Adversaries
The issue of betrayal among Galactus’s heralds finds its roots in the very first herald, Silver Surfer, who originally volunteered with the intention of ultimately overthrowing Galactus. Other notable figures, including Tyrant and Terrax, have also come to resent their master. This trend emerges from Galactus’s hasty decisions to grant cosmic powers without adequate scrutiny, transforming former allies into formidable foes. Gambit is not an isolated case in this saga, and it is clear that without wiser choices, Galactus will perpetuate a cycle of creating new enemies.
What If…? Galactus Transformed Gambit? #1 is set to hit shelves on January 8, 2025, offering readers a deep dive into the complexities of these cosmic interactions.
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