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Galactus Reading Order, Your Essential Comics Guide

One of the most emblematic characters in the Marvel Universe, Galactus was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby to break out from the archetype of the standard villain. The god-like character was also not supposed to reappear after his now classic introduction in Fantastic Four. His popularity among fans led Lee to ask Kirby for more Galactus appearances.

Known as the Devourer of Worlds, Galactus fed himself by draining living planets of their energy, without regard for the moral dilemma that consume human beings and the superhero community. Galactus doesn’t act for power, love of money, and has no ill-feeling towards the living he kills in the process. No good or evil, he simply acts to survive.

And, almost 60 years after his debut, the Devourer of Worlds is still hungry for more. From his first confrontation with the Fantastic Four to his role in the Marvel Cosmic Saga, his connection with Silver Surfer, his confrontations with Thor, and more, you can now discover the most important stories featuring Galactus with our Essential Reading Order.

Related Article: Discover the origin story of Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

Galactus Comics Collection

The Origin Stories of Galactus

  • Thor (1966) #168-169 — The origin story of Galactus is revealed for the first time here! 
  • The Silver Surfer: The Ultimate Cosmic Experience! — Lee and Kirby reunited in 1978 for an out-of-continuity origin story of Silver Surfer and Galactus without the Fantastic Four and The Watcher.
  • Super-Villain Classics: Galactus – The Origin #1 — In 1983, The Origins of Galactus were also revisited in Super-Villain Classics #1 which assembled material from Fantastic Four #49, Thor #160, #162, #167, and #169 by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Vince Colletta, and George Klein, with new material by Mark Gruenwald, John Byrne, and Ron Wilson, with colours by Andy Yanchus and lettered by John Morelli. While this is based on previous works, the issue modifies Galactus’s origin story. 

Meet Galactus, Devourer of Worlds (1960s)

The World-Eater and his enigmatic herald, the Silver Surfer, came to Earth and made comic history in Fantastic Four! While Jack Kirby didn’t want the character to reappear, Galactus’s popularity led to his return, first in cameos in Thor #134 and Daredevil #37, then, in a new Fantastic Four story (#74–77) as Galactus wants his former herald back! The best way to collect Galactus’s first appearances would be with Silver Surfer Epic Collection: When Calls Galactus. Unfortunately, this volume is out of print right now, so you’ll have to turn your attention towards other books! 

The more Marvelophiles were reading about Galactus, the more interested they were in the character. After a flashback appearance in Silver Surfer #1, the Great Destroyer made his return to Earth in Thor, featuring the confrontation with Ego the Living Planet (#160-161) and Galactus’ origin story (#168-169)! 

After his origin story was revealed, Galactus disappeared for a time…

Galactus: Trials of a Cosmic Giant (1970s–1980s)

Galactus made his return to Earth with new heralds, although he still tries to re-enlist the Silver Surfer. As he can’t consume Earth, Galactus turned his attention towards Counter-Earth and came into conflict with the High Evolutionary. Then, the Fantastic Four sought him as they needed his help to stop the cosmic threat known as the Sphinx. 

Galactus started the eighties by appearing in Rom the Space Knight, where Rom’s world had to face his menace! It was only the beginning of an important decade for Galactus, which featured in John Byrne’s run on Fantastic Four!  The artist and writer gave him a greater purpose to his actions and connectd him to the cosmic order. This era contains several classic moments, such as the meeting between Death and Galactus, the transformation of Frankie Raye into Nova, the destruction of the Skrull Throneworld, and the famous story “Everyone versus Galactus.” The cosmic entity also plays an important role in Secret Wars. 

After years trapped on Earth, the Silver Surfer finally breaks free of Galactus’s barrier and returns to the stars to star in a new comic series! As Silver Silver and Galactus’s story is intertwined, Galactus has a recurring role in the title, collected in: 

  • Silver Surfer: Return to the Spaceways Omnibus
    Collects Silver Surfer (1982) #1, Silver Surfer (1987) #1-33 and Annual (1988) #1-2, Marvel Graphic Novel: Silver Surfer, Silver Surfer (1988) #1-2, Silver Surfer: The Enslavers, Fantastic Four (1961) #325, Super-Villain Classics #1 and material from Epic Illustrated #1, Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #1 and Marvel Fanfare (1982) #51.

    • The first eighteen of the series focused on the Elders of the Universe’s attempts to destroy Galactus and take his place.
    • Marvel Graphic Novel #38 is Silver Surfer: Judgment Day, in which Galactus clashes with Mephisto.
    • Silver Surfer (1988) #1-2 is also known as Silver Surfer: Parable, a classic story drawn by Moebius featuring Galactus. 

Galactus, a Cosmic Force (1990s)

In the nineties, Marvel went cosmic with Jim Starlin’s Infinity Saga. Galactus joined the fight against Thanos and confronted his former creation, Tyrant, while also dealing with his complicated relationship with the Silver Surfer and Nova.

  • Fantastic Four (1961) #337–341
    Collected in Fantastic Four Epic Collection: Into the Time Stream
  • Infinity Gauntlet Omnibus
    Collects Silver Surfer (1987) #34-38, 40, 44-60 (#48-50, and #55-60 for Galactus), Thanos Quest (1990) #1-2, Infinity Gauntlet #1-6, Cloak & Dagger (1988) #18, Spider-Man (1990) #17, Incredible Hulk (1968) #383-385, Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme (1988) #31-36, Quasar (1989) #26-27, Sleepwalker (1991) #7. It is recommended to read Silver Surfer and Doctor Strange for more context about Galactus’s actions. 
  • Infinity War Omnibus
    Collects Infinity War #1-6, Fantastic Four (1961) #366-370, Spider-Man (1990) #24, Deathlok (1991) #16, Daredevil (1964) #310, Warlock And The Infinity Watch 7-10, Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme 42-47, Silver Surfer (1987) #67-69, Wonder Man (1991) #13-15, Alpha Flight (1983) #110-112, Silver Sable & The Wild Pack 4-5, Guardians Of The Galaxy (1990) #27-29, Quasar 37-40, New Warriors (1990) #27, Marc Spector: Moon Knight 41-44, Nomad (1992) #7, Sleepwalker 18, Material From Captain America (1968) #408, Alpha Flight (1983) #109, Marvel Comics Presents (1988) #108-112. Similar to Gauntlet, the Fantastic Four tie-ins, Silver Surfer and Doctor Strange expand on Galactus’s role in the story.
  • Silver Surfer #81-82
    Collected in Silver Surfer Epic Collection: Resurrection
  • Silver Surfer: Dangerous Artifacts #1
    Collected in Silver Surfer Epic Collection: Into the Outer Void
  • Darkseid vs. Galactus: The Hunger #1
    Collected in DC Versus Marvel Omnibus

The decade concludes with Galactus headlining his first miniseries! Originally conceived as a story arc for Silver Surfer, writer Louis Simonson proposed the story as a limited series following the title’s cancellation. Galactus the Devourer explores “why the very existence of the universe depends on the health and well-being of Galactus.” (Marvelite)

Galactus Returns (2000s)

Galactus: The Devourer ended on a cliffhanger, which was resolved in a Fantastic Four arc written by Jeph Loeb. His cosmic role was reinforced and his immense power showcased once again during the Annihilation event, where he battled Annihilus. Over time, Galactus has increasingly been portrayed as a complex, morally nuanced force, while his relationships with his (potential) heralds continue to be a central focus.

Galactus, Deathbringer/Lifebringer (2010s)

From Deathbringer to Lifebringer to Deathbringer again! Galactus’ destiny took several turns during the 2010s, under the creative works of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, Jonathan Hickman and Al Ewing among others. He continued to play an important role in cosmic battle (such as in The Thanos Imperative), but also as a destroying force (Hunger/Cataclysm).

While Hickman introduced the concept of a cosmic bond between Galactus and Franklin Richards, Al Ewing completely transformed the nature of the character in his Ultimate series. For a short (and quite interesting time), Galactus became a Life Bringer. It was good the time that lasted, as he was reverted to his Deathbringer nature not long after.

Around this time, the Marvel Universe was destroyed and relaunched during the 2015 Secret Wars event, in which Galactus participates in battles across the multiverse

Galactus, Death and Rebirth (2020s)

Galactus allied with Thor to combat the Black Winter, a cosmic entity that devours entire universe. But this alliance will led to his demise, and Galactus will disappear for two-years, before being brought by Dan Slott at the end of the Reckoning War event. Following his return, Galactus had to calm his hunger in another universe, in Marvel’s Ultraman’s Universe! 

Did we forget an important issue? Did we make a mistake? Let us know in the comments!

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