If there is a doomsday figure which hangs like a sword of Damocles over the sentient species of Known Space, it is the being known as the Galactus the Devourer of Worlds. Very little is known about Galactus, even the eldest races do not know a time where he was not a threat. Some believe he predates the arrival of the Celestials; a refugee from before the big bang in a previous incarnation of the universe. Others believe he is a manifestation of the universe's need for death and renewal.
Whatever is the origin, Galactus is an imposing figure, towering 30 feet in the air. He is encased in purple and blue armor which covers most of his body, his head adorned with a great horned helmet. His body contains seemingly infinite level of cosmic energy, allowing him to create and destroy at his whim. Although he does not need any assistance, he travels in his great Worldship he calls Taa. Being slightly smaller than Earth's Moon, the Worldship can fly at superluminal speeds and has equipment that improves the efficiency of his world digestion.
Although his power seems endless, the truth is that Galactus needs regular nourishment. To do without regular feeding robs him of his powers, reduces his stature, and brings great pain and anguish. The only way that he may replenish such great reserves as by consuming worlds, specifically habitable worlds which possess sentient life. Using equipment within his Worldship, he converts the entire world to energy, then sinks down toward the center of the planet to absorb the power. Such a move results in the destroys of every living thing and provides enough nourishment for up to a week before he must search out a new world.
Because finding a suitable world is not easy, Galactus has gathered together a number of individuals he calls Heralds to aid him. Granted a portion of the Power Cosmic, these Heralds gain the ability to fly at faster-than-light speeds and a host of powerful abilities. Once a world is found, they are to announce the arrival of Galactus to the native population before returning to their master to order to guide him to his feast.
Though individuals generally encounter only one Herald at a time, Galactus has multiple Heralds throughout known space. Currently Airwalker, Firelord, RedShift, Stardust, and Terrax the Tamer serve Galactus as Heralds but he holds the Silver Surfer as the favorite and most trusted lieutenant.
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