With ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ now playing in theaters, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has officially entered a new era where power is all about cosmic purpose, ancient origin, and forces far beyond mortal comprehension.
Among the most jaw-dropping revelations in the film is the arrival of Galactus, the planet-eating cosmic entity whose mere presence changes the rules of what’s possible in the MCU. Naturally, fans are now asking: how does Galactus compare to Thanos? Is Galactus the new ultimate villain in the MCU?
Galactus Wields The Cosmic Power And Can Literally Devour Worlds
Galactus isn’t a villain in the traditional sense. He doesn’t seek chaos or revenge; he simply exists to feed on planets. That too, to maintain a strange balance in the cosmic ecosystem. However, that doesn’t mean he lacks destructive capability. ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ makes it clear: Galactus is a being of immeasurable power, and he’s not to be trifled with.
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From the moment the Fantastic Four step aboard Galactus’ enormous world-ship, his presence is overwhelming. His size, his voice, and his movements all signal that this is not just another powerful enemy. This is a force of nature. Though earlier trailers had fans speculating about his size, the film confirms he can manipulate his dimensions at will. He can become small enough to interact on Earth, yet large enough to dwarf entire planets.
In addition to his immense strength (he literally hurls The Thing into orbit without breaking a sweat), Galactus displays a broad range of powers. He is immortal, he has mind manipulation and telekinesis powers. He can manipulate cosmic energy to destroy, reshape, or control elements around him. In one scene, after having his eyes scorched by Johnny Storm, Galactus heals almost instantly, showcasing his regeneration abilities.
And perhaps most chilling: Galactus devours entire planets. We see the aftermath of these cosmic meals, and it’s haunting. He extinguished entire civilizations in seconds. His “Devourer of Worlds” title is not an exaggeration. Yet despite all this, Galactus isn’t a mindless monster. He has purpose, intention, and even shows a sort of twisted respect for those who challenge him.
Thanos May Have Had The Stones, But Galactus Has True Constant Power
Thanos was the MCU’s most formidable villain for over a decade, and rightly so. Without the Infinity Stones, he was still a terrifying warrior. He effortlessly bested Hulk in hand-to-hand combat. With the Gauntlet, he could bend time, warp reality, and erase half the universe with a snap of his fingers. However, here’s the thing: Thanos needed the Infinity Stones. Without them, while still powerful, he was beatable. With them, he became a god, but only temporarily.
In case you missed it: Why ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Will Succeed Where Every Other Versions Failed
Galactus, on the other hand, doesn’t need a gauntlet. His power comes from the Power Cosmic. This means Galactus doesn’t need to collect artifacts to wield ultimate power. He simply is that power. Thanos was ultimately killed twice. First by Thor in a moment of rage, then by Iron Man’s sacrificial snap in ‘Avengers: Endgame’.
Galactus? He survives. Even after the Fantastic Four’s best efforts, and with Franklin Richards’ immense power, Galactus isn’t destroyed; he’s merely pushed to the far reaches of the universe. Even the most powerful MCU heroes don’t measure up. Captain Marvel’s Binary form couldn’t defeat Thanos easily. Scarlet Witch’s chaos magic is a far cry from devouring worlds. Sentry, The Void, and even multiversal entities like Loki would struggle against Galactus.
