Galactus?

[Lord of Denial]

Galactus wields the power cosmic that allows him to do alomst anything he can imagine. He can control and transform energy of all types. So if he can transform all energy types why can't he just feed off stars and transform the energy to the type that can be found in planets?

I know he has a purpose and he is a fundumental force of the MU.

But given the nature of the Power Cosmic he should be able to do it.

[Slumber Hulk]

Its a matter of taste more. Planets teaming with life are just tastier.

[DDM]

Galactus lives off the lifeforce from planets. He cannot live on the sustenance of stars or other matter. It's like trying to feed a lion a salad.

[Lord of Denial]

Galactus lives off the lifeforce from planets. He cannot live on the sustenance of stars or other matter. It's like trying to feed a lion a salad.


You miss the point.

Galactus can transform one type of energy into any other type of energy he wishes via the power cosmic. With this ability it should be within his abilities to tranform the type of energy within a star to the type within a planet.

[Kirk G]

You miss the point.

Galactus can transform one type of energy into any other type of energy he wishes via the power cosmic. With this ability it should be within his abilities to tranform the type of energy within a star to the type within a planet.

He wouldn't be much of a threat if he could be diverted off to uninhabited stars without planets, now would he?:rolleyes:

I still recall how much controversy was stirred up when Byrne had him so hungry that he didnt even wait to set up his "elemental converter machine" that served as his silverware cutlery set... but instead sank directly into the planet and devourered the Skrull home world with all it's teaming lifeforms (seen in abundance in FF #37). You will recall in the early Thor issues circa 131-136 that the Skrull armada was terrified of him and ordered the entire Skrull gallaxy blacked out so that he would pass them by... So they gained about 300 issues or so (about five years) before he zeroed in on them and came back to feed...)

[Lord of Denial]

He wouldn't be much of a threat if he could be diverted off to uninhabited stars without planets, now would he?:rolleyes:


I know that.

I am just saying it is stupid to give Galactus such a obvious loop-hole. When it is just as easy to have given his energy conversion powers limits.

[Joe Acro]

Stars and planets are composed differently. For example, stars have nothing organic. Also, they are more chaotic, due to unpredictable bursts of energy or elemental reactions. I would assume that stars are too volatile and lack the versatile nourishment for Galactus to want to consume them.

[Alan2099]

So Galactus should use his energy to make energy he can eat? Sounds like he'd be putting forth a lot of effort to break even.

[davros42]

So Galactus should use his energy to make energy he can eat? Sounds like he'd be putting forth a lot of effort to break even.

Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner.

[Lord of Denial]

So Galactus should use his energy to make energy he can eat? Sounds like he'd be putting forth a lot of effort to break even.


His powers allow him to transform energy from one kind to another. How do you know how much energy it takes him to do it.

It's not fusion.

[Shellhead]

His powers allow him to transform energy from one kind to another. How do you know how much energy it takes him to do it.

It's not fusion.

It's not fusion, it's suspension of disbelief. If you can't accept comic book physics, you might want to check out some other, alternative hobbies, like stamp collecting and trainspotting.

[Black Atom]

His powers allow him to transform energy from one kind to another. How do you know how much energy it takes him to do it.

It's not fusion.

Maybe you're thinking that Galactus is breaking down the energy that exists in thriving organisms but I think what he eats is a bit more mystical and than that. He's apparently unable to synthesize "lifeforce" energy, which is probably more akin to spirits or souls.

[Lord of Denial]

It's not fusion, it's suspension of disbelief. If you can't accept comic book physics, you might want to check out some other, alternative hobbies, like stamp collecting and trainspotting.




It is just a point I observed and wanted to discuss. And seeing as I am on a board for that purpose seems like as good a place as any.

Or is this not a place for topics and discussion of opinions?

[Lord of Denial]

Maybe you're thinking that Galactus is breaking down the energy that exists in thriving organisms but I think what he eats is a bit more mystical and than that. He's apparently unable to synthesize "lifeforce" energy, which is probably more akin to spirits or souls.


Thank you!

Given the nature of the power cosmic I was under the empression that he could systhesize all energy forms. So I wondered if he could do that then why not just transform energy from another source into the type he needs.

Not I get that there are limites to his energy conversion. thanks again.

[Shellhead]

It is just a point I observed and wanted to discuss. And seeing as I am on a board for that purpose seems like as good a place as any.

Or is this not a place for topics and discussion of opinions?

Sure, we talk about stuff here. But your criticism of Galactus, while valid, goes all the way back to his creation in the 60's.

Back in the 60's, the Marvel policy was that when they goofed, they wanted their fans to come up with creative suggestions for how to explain away those goofs, rather than just complaining. They gave out No-Prizes to fans with sufficiently creative explanations, which lead to some confusion as the No-Prize was just an empty but nice-looking envelope.

Since Marvel is unlikely to retcon away all the old Galactus stories to address this flaw, complaining about it now and rejecting people's attempts to explain it away seems mean-spirited and frankly pointless.

[Lord of Denial]

Sure, we talk about stuff here. But your criticism of Galactus, while valid, goes all the way back to his creation in the 60's.

Back in the 60's, the Marvel policy was that when they goofed, they wanted their fans to come up with creative suggestions for how to explain away those goofs, rather than just complaining. They gave out No-Prizes to fans with sufficiently creative explanations, which lead to some confusion as the No-Prize was just an empty but nice-looking envelope.

Since Marvel is unlikely to retcon away all the old Galactus stories to address this flaw, complaining about it now and rejecting people's attempts to explain it away seems mean-spirited and frankly pointless.


I am not complaining I am making an observation one that I felt like discussing. And I felt that some explantations did not explain it fully so I discussed it further until i was given one that I felt did.

I am allowed to express my opinions and debate points. Should I just agree with whatever is given to me as an explanation without debate.

Defeats the purpose of the boards I would think.

[Black Atom]

Thank you!

Given the nature of the power cosmic I was under the empression that he could systhesize all energy forms. So I wondered if he could do that then why not just transform energy from another source into the type he needs.

Not I get that there are limites to his energy conversion. thanks again.

That's just the way I think of it. Even Galactus can't create life--at least in the divine sense as we tend to think of it--so it seems like a logical limitation on his power.

[DDM]

Maybe you're thinking that Galactus is breaking down the energy that exists in thriving organisms but I think what he eats is a bit more mystical and than that. He's apparently unable to synthesize "lifeforce" energy, which is probably more akin to spirits or souls.

Galactus feeds on the planet's lifeforce; however, the planet must have the elements in place for him to consume it. The planet may not have sentient life, but it must have the potential for life. Galactus consumes this type of planet. Galactus must feed once a month or die.

Galactus does not feed on the lifeforces of the planet's inhabitants.

[Lord of Denial]

Galactus feeds on the planet's lifeforce; however, the planet must have the elements in place for him to consume it. The planet may not have sentient life, but it must have the potential for life. Galactus consumes this type of planet. Galactus must feed once a month or die.

Galactus does not feed on the lifeforces of the planet's inhabitants.


Okay back to being confused.

[captain_unimpressive]

Galactus feeds on the planet's lifeforce; however, the planet must have the elements in place for him to consume it. The planet may not have sentient life, but it must have the potential for life. Galactus consumes this type of planet. Galactus must feed once a month or die.

Galactus does not feed on the lifeforces of the planet's inhabitants.

Exactly.
It's just that those crunchy, crunchy spines give Galactus his much-needed fiber.

[Hulk Strongest One]

Okay back to being confused.

Ok, it's like a Star Trek episode where some bizarre life form feeds off people's emotions or some other BS technobabble. Except he feeds off the life force of a planet, which may or not be inside the life itself, but is definitely part of the planet. Yeah, it's two layers of BS deep ("life force" and "life force in a planet apart from living organisms") but what ya gonna do...

[DDM]

Okay back to being confused.

John Byrne has a beautiful description in Fantastic Four #257 to describe Galactus feeds on the planet's lifeforce for food. The inhabitants die as a result of him feeding on the planet, but he does not feed on them. Depending how he feeds, the inhabitants may survive for a short time before starving to death since Galactus takes all the planet's nutrients for himself. In the case of the Skrulls, the planet shattered because Galactus had not fed in months.

[Alan2099]

Sure, we talk about stuff here. But your criticism of Galactus, while valid, goes all the way back to his creation in the 60's.

Back in the 60's, the Marvel policy was that when they goofed, they wanted their fans to come up with creative suggestions for how to explain away those goofs, rather than just complaining. They gave out No-Prizes to fans with sufficiently creative explanations, which lead to some confusion as the No-Prize was just an empty but nice-looking envelope.
I miss that. Now adays people just immedialty point out the flaws in the stories. I personally think it's more fun trying to make them fit.

[Joe Acro]

I am not complaining I am making an observation one that I felt like discussing. And I felt that some explantations did not explain it fully so I discussed it further until i was given one that I felt did.
What was wrong with my explanation (which, in the end, doesn't differ too far from what DDM stated, channeling Byrne)?

[Lord of Denial]

What was wrong with my explanation (which, in the end, doesn't differ too far from what DDM stated, channeling Byrne)?


I was talking about Black Atoms untill it to go shot full of holes kinda!

[Leunames]

That's just the way I think of it. Even Galactus can't create life--at least in the divine sense as we tend to think of it--so it seems like a logical limitation on his power.

Actually there is an old story involving the Silver Surfer. I forget the details exactly, but essentially Zenn-La was destroyed some time ago. While surfer was trapped in earth due to Galactus' barrier, Galactus felt some sort of empathy with the surfer and decided to re-create Zenn-La in every detail. Galactus reconstructed the planet, repopulated it with sentient life, and was so exacting in every small detail that surfer could not notice any change, not even the celestials knew the planet was recreated-but most impressive of all was that Mephisto himself could not detect any changes, which suggests that Galactus has abilities to reconstitute life in a manner that fools a being who manipulates souls.

[Lightbend]

Actually, Galactus CAN on stars-somewhat.

Back in Vol 3 of Silver Surfer, the Elders tried to destroy Galactus so that they could recreate the cosmos and become the equivalent of him. To do so, they gathered the Soul Gems (Infinity Gems), in a barren solar system, and set up a device while luring Galactus there. When Galactus came, they activated the device, which began sucking the energy from Galactus and fertilizing the worlds. As Galactus was weakening, he began shrinking-at one point becoming barely human size.

Nova did the obvious thing-she flew directly into the star and caused it to nova. The energy unleashed by this was enough that Galactus activated the elemental converter and fed himself with it, before then consuming the Elders.

Now, it's not certain whether Galactus fed on the energy of the exploding star, or fed on the planets which his stolen energy was transferred to. If it was the former, that means he CAN feed on a star-with the elemental converter. But if he feeds on a star, he's killing the star, and that can mean he'd be doing more damage.

Hence, feeding on planets may be the lesser of two evils.

[cappa donna]

Actually, Galactus CAN on stars-somewhat.

Back in Vol 3 of Silver Surfer, the Elders tried to destroy Galactus so that they could recreate the cosmos and become the equivalent of him. To do so, they gathered the Soul Gems (Infinity Gems), in a barren solar system, and set up a device while luring Galactus there. When Galactus came, they activated the device, which began sucking the energy from Galactus and fertilizing the worlds. As Galactus was weakening, he began shrinking-at one point becoming barely human size.

Nova did the obvious thing-she flew directly into the star and caused it to nova. The energy unleashed by this was enough that Galactus activated the elemental converter and fed himself with it, before then consuming the Elders.

Now, it's not certain whether Galactus fed on the energy of the exploding star, or fed on the planets which his stolen energy was transferred to. If it was the former, that means he CAN feed on a star-with the elemental converter. But if he feeds on a star, he's killing the star, and that can mean he'd be doing more damage.

Hence, feeding on planets may be the lesser of two evils.
Planets have the energy necessary to sustain life, stars don't directly. Life will never grow on stars, and he prefers the planets rich with the elements and resources critical to organic life. He could prolly absorb a star but what's the point, and I can wear a lampshade for a hat. Not really what he's looking for.

[Lightbend]

Planets have the energy necessary to sustain life, stars don't directly. Life will never grow on stars, and he prefers the planets rich with the elements and resources critical to organic life. He could prolly absorb a star but what's the point, and I can wear a lampshade for a hat. Not really what he's looking for.

True-it was the situation. From what I understood there, Galactus prefers planets-the energy is easier to convert. The Elemental Converter probably could convert raw stellar energy into something similar to what he needs, but it's probably a lot of power to do so. Hence, it's probably similar to why he uses the converter-cleaner conversion.

[kelsey]

he does wield the immeasurable power cosmic, i think when he has died his form was that of a star

he's truly one of the most powerful cosmic beings

[Titan76]

Galactus must feed once a month or die.
You know I have ran into this saying a few times on other boards and no one can ever gave me an issue in where it says this. So I will ask again.

Does anyone know what issue this is stated in?

[Kaiju]

You know I have ran into this saying a few times on other boards and no one can ever gave me an issue in where it says this. So I will ask again.

Does anyone know what issue this is stated in?


I think it was stated in the handbooks.

[DDM]

You know I have ran into this saying a few times on other boards and no one can ever gave me an issue in where it says this. So I will ask again.

Does anyone know what issue this is stated in?

The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Deluxe Edition #4 by extensive reseach from Mark Gruenwald, Peter Sanderson, Len Wein, & a whole host of Marvel's editors & writers to contribute to each profile.

After Galactus' birth, he fed on the nearby planet & did not feed again for another millineum, but at some point, he started to have to feed about once per month to curb his hunger pains. This is when Galactus transformed Norrin Radd into the Silver Surfer. And he started using Heralds to help him find planets to consume...

[Kaiju]

The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Deluxe Edition #4 by extensive reseach from Mark Gruenwald, Peter Sanderson, Len Wein, & a whole host of Marvel's editors & writers to contribute to each profile.

After Galactus' birth, he fed on the nearby planet & did not feed again for another millineum, but at some point, he started to have to feed about once per month to curb his hunger pains. This is when Galactus transformed Norrin Radd into the Silver Surfer. And he started using Heralds to help him find planets to consume...

Maybe they could retcon it by explaining that the energy he expended putting down The Fallen One, Tyrant, Tenebrous, Aegis, etc. depleted his stores of cosmic energy and that his hunger increased in as a result.

[Cthulhudrew]

I think Galactus just developed an eating disorder after being abandoned by his best friend the Silver Surfer. He should talk to Doc Samson. :(

[gunnerfan69]

I think Galactus just developed an eating disorder after being abandoned by his best friend the Silver Surfer. He should talk to Doc Samson. :(

I think you mean Doctor Strange surely...isn't Doc Samson a scientist?;)

[Cthulhudrew]

I think you mean Doctor Strange surely...isn't Doc Samson a scientist?;)

Psychiatrist, actually.

[gunnerfan69]

Psychiatrist, actually.

Oh...nvm then ;)

[Cthulhudrew]

Oh...nvm then ;)

Np. I didn't read it, but I think in his recent (and IIRC, poorly selling) Limited Series, they attempted to recast him as more of a psychiatrist/Doc Savage-type-engineer-tech-guy image, so that certainly could muddy the issue. Again, I'm not entirely certain they went that angle (solicits seemed to indicate that's what they were going for). From his introduction, though, he was always (and chiefly) a psychiatrist- these days notably specializing in superheroes and their supernormal psyches.

(I think that would make a really good series in and of itself, frankly, and wish they'd gone that route with Doc Samson's LS- exploring him as psychiatrist to the stars, as it were. Of course, I also would have loved to see him leading an Avengers Southwest team, as was proposed to him by the Vision oh so long ago.)

[bd2999]

For all of Galactus's power he cannot duplicate the energy of life. He can basicly create life or evolve it or whatever, but his powers go down with time. In order to replinish his powers he needs the unique combination of life and planetary elements to feed his hunger. Just how it works.

[kelsey]

Galactus wields the power cosmic that allows him to do alomst anything he can imagine. He can control and transform energy of all types. So if he can transform all energy types why can't he just feed off stars and transform the energy to the type that can be found in planets?

I know he has a purpose and he is a fundumental force of the MU.

But given the nature of the Power Cosmic he should be able to do it.

Didn't big G become a star when he died?

[DDM]

Didn't big G become a star when he died?

Yes, Galactus became something resembling a star in Galactus: The Devourer #6. However, given Galactus returned back to his corporeal form months later, his death was not a true death.

I think Galactus' true death is something similar found in Epic Illustrated called "The Last Galactus Story." In this tale, far, far into the distant future, Frankie Raye is still Galactus' Herald, Nova, who takes him to a familiar planet--Earth--to consume. Why? Galactus' oath was with Reed Richards who is long dead. And Frankie's world does not resemble the Earth she had known. Therefore, Galactus at last consumes the planet. More time passess, as the universe dies, Galactus at last dies. Yet--Galactus' faithful herald--Nova is changed as the new Sentience of the Universe transforms her into...Galactus! Frankie Raye is a female version of Galactus with her former life & former existence as much as Galactus was Galan in his dead universe. Hopefully, this story will be reprinted with Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne Volume 7.