Eternal The First Herald of Galactus
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is undoubtedly one of the most successful entities out there with complexities flowing all over and a beautifully interwoven story. The first three phases of the MCU have collectively been referred to as the “Infinity Saga” because they were unified by the driving theme of Thanos and the Infinity Stones. Phase 4 has been disrupted and delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, and as a result, viewers are still trying to figure out the overarching themes of Phase 4 and beyond. But more than that, one of the most surprising choices in the Phase 4 slate is Chloé Zhao’s Eternals. This will introduce a new group of superheroes into the MCU, characters who have actually always felt tangential in the comic book universe. Marvel’s Eternals movie could introduce the first herald of Galactus.
In large part that is because of the strategic vision of Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. Under his leadership, Marvel has developed a reputation for playing the long game. There’s an episodic nature to the MCU, comparable to a traditional TV series, in that each film leads on to the next.
Only a few little precious little detail has been revealed by Marvel regarding the film, like the movie has been pushed back to November 2021. But then, leaked merchandise has revealed more about the characters’ costumes and their abilities, and also the possibility that the movie might introduce Galactus. An Indian website recently launched a page dedicated to Eternals merchandise, and it contained brief descriptions of the characters and their powers. It stressed more on just how strong the Eternals are, and it seems like Ikaris is the version of Superman for Marvel. Sersi can manipulate and transmute matter at a touch, and Druig has the psychic ability to control the minds of men.
The powersets are notably more spectacular than almost anything seen in the MCU to date, but intriguingly, all are linked to something called “cosmic energy.” Now, this aims towards something really important, it is reminiscent of the cosmic energy that empowered the Fantastic Four in the comics. That’s why we believe that it could lead to Galactus and his Heralds. Indeed, it is surely no coincidence that all the various abilities attributed to the Eternals in the MCU have been demonstrated by the Heralds of Galactus in the comics, most notably by the Silver Surfer.
One of the recently-published descriptions follow the same format, establishing a given Eternal’s powers, their role in Eternal society and culture, and their attitudes towards and interactions with humanity. The only exception is Makkari, played by Lauren Ridolfi, who has been excitedly touted as the first deaf superhero in the MCU. The description stands out –
“Makkari is the fastest woman in the universe. She uses her cosmically powered super-speed to scout planets for the Eternals. As the only deaf Eternal, the sonic boom that accompanies her cosmic running does not affect her.”
Anyone familiar with the comics will find this role reminiscent of the Heralds of Galactus. In the comics, a Herald of Galactus is one who is empowered to travel across the cosmos seeking out planets for the Devourer of Worlds to consume. These Heralds of Galactus help guide Galactus to the uninhabited planets in order to sate his appetite, and some people become Heralds in order to save their own homewards, and consequently become some of Marvel’s most powerful superheroes; examples include the likes of the Silver Surfer and Firelord, Others, such as Terrax, are malicious and malignant beings who use the Power Cosmic for their own brutal ends when they have finally parted ways with Galactus.
Comics state that Galactus was originally a humanoid from the planet Taa. After surviving the destruction of his universe he was reborn in our own as an intrinsic part of the balance of the cosmos, bringing death, and thus allowing rebirth. But as far as Marvel is considered, it is highly doubtful that they will walk on the same approach. It’s really not hard to imagine Marvel taking a different approach with Galactus.
In a scene in Guardians of the Galaxy, we saw the Guardians look at a recording of a Celestial using the Power Stone to judge a world – and the shape of the staff used to contain the Power Stone was identical to Galactus’ helmet. The Celestials are said to be extinct in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2. Ego believed himself their sole survivor – but Galactus could well be the real last of his kind, continuing his role in judging worlds. If this is the case, then Makkari could be an Eternal who has been charged to serve him, granted cosmic power to travel between worlds and seek out planets worthy of judgment.
But, bringing Galactus this soon into the MCU Phase 4 would be a shame, because this character in particular holds a lot of potentials and can reign hell on almost every character. Rather, Eternals – which already looks set to introduce the Power Cosmic – could formally establish the existence of the Devourer of Worlds ahead of his debut in a later movie.
