Galactus in the MC2

 

Eons ago, we were all hotly anticipating the release of Marvel Studios Fantastic Four: First Steps. Mere millennia ago, the movie debuted on Disney+ and now, just centuries late, I would like to finally deliver this post about everyone’s favourite planet-devouring, eternally hungry space giant. This is Galactus in the MC2.

 

The prerequisite backstory: Galactus made his debut in Fantastic Four #48 after being preceded by his herald Silver Surfer, a figure of fear among the shape-shifting Skrulls which causes even Uatu the Watcher to break his vow of non-interference by attempting to hide the entirety of planet Earth from Galactus and warning the Fantastic Four of the space titan’s threat. Fantastic Four #48-#50 form a trilogy of issues known colloquially as ‘The Galactus Trilogy’.

 

Galactus’ origin would be first detailed in the pages of Thor #168 and #169. This story would be largely reprinted in Super-Villain Classics #1, reworked and combined with material from other prior appearances, albeit with altered and additional panels which changed the original context to harmonise and update elements of the story. This version of the tale is the one consistently referenced in future retellings, establishing Galactus (formerly a scientist Galan) was a survivor from a universe before the current Marvel Universe came into existence before becoming a universal threat with insatiable hunger.

 

It's possible that Galactus’ last MC2niverse-relevant appearance in the Main Marvel Universe (prior to the two universes branching into divergent realities) is 1996’s Fantastic Four #414, wherein Galactus clashes with powerful foe Hyperstorm, leaving the two trapped in a dimensional void. Alternatively, Silver Surfer (vol.3) #144 which was published in 1998 depicts the space-god Galactus’ return from this void.

 

Now let’s look at the Galactus of Universe-982 aka the MC2. During the events of the Last Planet Standing mini-series, Galactus is poised to destroy the entire universe in an attempt to rid himself of his never-ending hunger, having stockpiled the energy from planets across various galaxies. A gathering of the Great Powers of the Universe took place to discuss the threat posed to reality. The cosmic forces in attendance included Master Order, Lord Chaos, The In-Betweener, The Shaper of Worlds, The Stranger, The Gardener, The Collector and of course The Living Tribunal (Last Planet Standing #2).

 

The Great Powers of the Universe’s attempt to reason with the World-Eater one last time fails. Ultimately deciding they must destroy Galactus using a combined destructive bolt strong enough to wipe out the Earth and the entire Milky Way Galaxy, the Great Powers are halted in their attempt when Reed Richards is forced to use his Transdimensional Cannon's single shot on the cosmic beings (Last Planet Standing #3).

 

With Galactus enacting his final solution on Earth, the combined forces of the superhero community work to penetrate his force field and combat his doomsday weapon’s launch. When Spider-Girl, Stinger and American Dream manage to reverse the polarity of the device’s flow, the resulting backlash causes Galactus to be overloaded with enough energy to kill him and destroy the entire galaxy. As his end approaches, Galactus perceives the presence of Death coming to embrace him.

 

However, at the last moment, Galactus’ former Herald, the Silver Surfer encases them both within an indestructible ethereal force cocoon.  Soon after the assembled heroes of Earth witness the birth of a new gestalt entity composed of the Silver Surfer and Galactus which could harness a new form of energy known as The Power Essential (Last Planet Standing #5).

 

Fortunately, the newly birthed gestalt being composed of Silver Surfer and Galactus harnesses The Power Essential to reassemble The Vision, resurrect others killed during the battle and repair the mass destruction before departing the Earth with a new mission of restoration (Last Planet Standing #5).

I think it is important to mention at this point that the concept of reforging Galactus into a kind of cosmic ‘life bringer’ first appeared in the Last Planet Standing series written by Tom Defalco, pre-dating by nearly a decade a similar storyline in the Main Marvel Universe in the pages of Ultimates (vol. 2) series by writer Al Ewing. Just another example of the MC2 being ahead of the Main Marvel Universe!

 

I’d love to read suggestions for new names for the new being birthed in Last Planet Standing #5, and here’s hoping we see the silver celestial sentinel again some day.

 

Until I satiate my own endless hunger, I remain

 

frogoat

  

 

 

 

 

Carnage Was Nearly An Avenger?!

 

Sadly, Venom: Let There Be Carnage still hasn’t been released in my country, so I’m still riding that pre-viewing excitement for the film. So, I figured why not go all in on throwing out Carnage posts (I may not get this chance again) and detail a few MC2-related Carnage appearances that I’ve yet to discuss.

 

Firstly, and I can’t believe I missed discussing this one previously, but thanks to the MC2 A DAY blog, I was reminded that Carnage technically makes his first MC2 appearance in Spider-Girl #44 in a flashback to the events of Spectacular Spider-Man #217 where Peter Parker teams up with Ben Reilly to take down the symbiotic serial killer.

 

Secondly, and for now probably finally, did you know Carnage was nearly made a member of the Avengers of the MC2 way back in What If #105? It’s true, as evident from this early concept sketch by Ron Frenz for the Avengers cameo scene in the issue where we can see him alongside The Vision, Speedball (here known as Ricochet), the original Juggernaut, Jubilee and Thunderstrike. I imagine the implications of this cameo would have radically altered the MC2 going ahead! Interestingly, we don’t learn the identity of the person bonded with the Carnage Symbiote here either, so it again might not have been Cletus Kasady.

 

Just a nice quick post for today. Hopefully you haven’t noticed a huge dip in my output lately, as I’ve tried to bank a few posts for release this month. That said, I’m now officially tapped out. If there’s any specific topics, you’d like to see me cover on the blog, let me know!

 

Until I figure out the membership policy over at the Avengers Compound, I remain

 

frogoat

 

 

The Vision in the MC2

 

Now that WandaVision has begun streaming on Disney+ it feels like a good time to take a look at the MC2 incarnations of the show’s protagonists. For this next entry, we’ll be taking a look at the density-changing synthezoid Avenger known simply as The Vision.

 

Banner by Erundel: https://www.instagram.com/erundelsart

The Vision first appears in the MC2 when the MC2 itself first appeared in the pages of What If #105. This was in the form a one-panel cameo appearance on a screen communicating with an Avengers team comprised of Jolt, J2, Jubilee, Speedball and Thunderstrike. Most people tend to brush this off as an oddity that doesn’t fit the canon due to the team’s membership including characters who declined to stick around following the events of A-Next #1. However, I like to think this brief scene took place shortly after the end of that issue, with the older members being summoned back to Avengers Compound to give a formal report to The Vision about their adventure.

 

The first proper appearance of The Vision comes in the form of a flashback in A-Next #7. By this point, I’m sure you know the one: the last days of the original Avengers team. We learn that not only did The Vision join the team on their final mission, he was among the few to return alive. I’m speculating here, but I think this traumatic event took its toll on the synthezoid, as he seemingly retires from super heroics after making it home.

 

It takes a very long time to see The Vision in the synthetic-flesh, with him finally appearing in the pages of Last Hero Standing #3. It’s here we get the explicit mention of his current occupation as a special advisor to President G.W. Bridge. In this role, Vision is sent to investigate the possibility the disappearances present a threat to nation security. Once again, I want to point out the interaction between the Scarlet Witch and The Vision here. This probably warrants it’s own entire post.

 

When Loki mind-controls the Hulk to keep the assembled heroes from uncovering his plans, Vision attempts to stop him using his density manipulation abilities. It does not go well for him (Last Hero Standing #4).

 

The Vision does manage to stick around long enough to witness the passing of his fellow Avenger, Captain America and thanks to the magic of Thor, his ‘rebirth’ in the form of a star to inspire future generations (Last Hero Standing #5).

 

In Last Planet Standing #1, The Vision is placed in charge of the Avengers by G.W. Bridge following Reed Richards deep space warning message about a planetary threat. The Vision delivers the news to the assembled team of Avengers, who do not respond well to political interference (Last Planet Standing #2).

 

With the Fantastic Five back on Earth, Vision places the Avengers on standby much to the team’s chagrin. When the Fantastic Five engage Galactus’ herald Dominas, the Avengers ignore The Vision’s direction to remain on standby and head out to assist (Last Planet Standing #3).

With Galactus now on on Earth and the combined forces of the super hero community working to penetrate his force field and combat his doomsday weapon’s launch, Vision decides to join the fray. Tragically, will attempting to phase through the force field to shut it down, The Vision is killed (Last Planet Standing #4).

 

While not seen on-panel, following the birth of a new entity composed of the Silver Surfer and Galactus which could harness a new form of energy known as The Power Essential, The Vision was reassembled alongside others killed during the battle and the destruction repaired. He was said to be convening with Mr Fantastic, Mainframe and President Bridge (Last Planet Standing #5).

 

The Vision next appears at a secret meeting discussing the grave threat posed by the newly-returned Doctor Doom with the President of the United States G.W. Bridges, Mainframe and Tony Stark. After the crisis is ended, The Vision assesses the situation, noting Doctor Doom’s robot army have suffered a planet-wide systems failure, which Stark concludes is the work of Reed Richards (Fantastic Five vol 2 #5).

 

The final appearance to-date for The Vision in the MC2 is a tiny cameo in American Dream #4 where he is seen on a screen alongside other Avengers and reserve members searching for American Dream, though he does not take part in their later rescue mission.

 

I think the MC2’s Vision is a great character who we’d only scratched the surface with in terms of character exploration. There is a lot left unsaid between him and Wanda aka The Scarlet Witch and it appears The Vision feels he can continue to be of service by working with the President of the United States rather than as an active super hero. I can’t be the only person to notice he still demonstrates emotion more than once. I feel he’s suppressed a lot of his past trauma.

 

Until I manage to phase through solid matter like a wraith, I remain

 

frogoat