Editing Galactus (section)

==Powers and abilities==
Galactus was created during the union of the [[Eternity (Marvel Comics)#Fictional character biography|Sentience of the (previous) Universe]] and Galan of Taa,<ref name="origin"/><ref name="Thanos #3">''Thanos'' #3 (February 2004). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref name="u6">''The Ultimates'' (vol. 3) #6 (April 2016). Marvel Comics.</ref> and is described as "the physical, metamorphosed embodiment of a [[cosmos]]."<ref name="fantastic522">''Fantastic Four'' #522 (March 2005). Marvel Comics.</ref> Although he is not an abstract, non-corporeal entity,<ref name="Quasar37">''Quasar'' #37 (August 1992)</ref> his true form cannot be perceived by most beings;<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #521 (February 2005). Marvel Comics.</ref> each species sees Galactus in a form they can comprehend, similar to their race or a [[deity]] of their religion.<ref name=stormbreaker1>''Stormbreaker: The Saga of Beta Ray Bill'' #1 (March 2005). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref name="ff262">''Fantastic Four'' #262 (January 1984). Marvel Comics.</ref> Galactus can also appear as a humanoid star when addressing fellow members of the cosmic hierarchy.<ref name="origin"/><ref name="SS10">''Silver Surfer'' (vol. 3) #10 (April 1988). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Infinity Gauntlet'' #5 (November 1991). Marvel Comics.</ref> Through his actions of consuming planets, Galactus serves as a cosmic test of survival for civilizations.<ref name="FF257"/><ref name="ff262"/> Additionally, the continued existence of Galactus ensures the confinement of the cosmic entity [[Abraxas (comics)|Abraxas]].<ref>''Fantastic Four'' (vol. 3) #48 (December 2001). Marvel Comics.</ref> As Galactus requires planets with the potential to support life, his existence also causes the extinction of entire [[Extraterrestrial life|extraterrestrial]] civilizations.<ref>''Thanos'' #6 (May 2004). Marvel Comics.</ref>

{{Anchor|Power Cosmic|Power Cosmic}}
The consumption of planets is what maintains Galactus' life and power. He usually employs the Elemental Converter, which converts matter into energy more efficiently, even though he is capable of feeding without it. Alternatively, Galactus can absorb energy directly from cosmic beings<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #414 (July 1996). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey'' #1 (August 2017). Marvel Comics.</ref> and even mystical entities—though with unpredictable results.<ref name="heraldsupreme"/> Processing this cosmic energy allows Galactus to utilize a force known as the '''Power Cosmic'''<!--boldface per WP:R#PLA--> to perform great feats, which have included universal [[Omniscience|cosmic awareness]],<ref name="Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #9">''Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars'' #9 (January 1985). Marvel Comics.</ref> [[telepathy]],<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #242 (May 1982). Marvel Comics.</ref> [[Psychokinesis|telekinesis]],<ref name="ReferenceA">''Fantastic Four'' #49 (April 1966). Marvel Comics.</ref> energy projection;<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #50 (May 1966)</ref> size alteration;<ref name="rom27">''Rom'' #27 (December 1979). Marvel Comics.</ref> [[Nuclear transmutation|transmutation]] of matter;<ref name="ss1"/> [[teleportation]] of objects across space,<ref name="rom27"/> the creation of [[Force field (fiction)|force fields]]<ref name="ss1"/> and [[Parallel universe (fiction)|interdimensional portals]];<ref name="Thanos #3"/> the [[Artificial life|creation of life]],<ref name="Godhunter"/><ref>''Cosmic Powers Unlimited'' #2 (August 1995). Marvel Comics.</ref> the [[resurrection]] of the dead,<ref>''Silver Surfer'' (vol. 3) #76 (January 1993). Marvel Comics.</ref> manipulating souls,<ref>''Silver Surfer'' (vol. 3) #49 (May 1991). Marvel Comics.</ref> memories and emotions,<ref name="ss130">''Silver Surfer'' (vol. 3) #130 (August 1997). Marvel Comics.</ref> and mass-scale events such as recreating dead worlds in every detail (including [[illusion]]s of their entire populations)<ref name="ss130"/> and destroying multiple [[planetary system]]s simultaneously.<ref>''Annihilation'' #6 (March 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref>

To aid in his search for suitable planets, Galactus frequently appoints an individual as his herald, granting each one in turn a small fraction of the Power Cosmic. This power replaces the [[Aura (paranormal)|auras]] (or [[soul]]s) of the recipient, with each wielder's physical form adapting to store the energy and in turn allow manipulation for feats such as energy projection.<ref>''Annihilation'' #3 (December 2006). Marvel Comics.</ref> Galactus is also capable of removing the Power Cosmic from the herald.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #242–243 (May – June 1982). Marvel Comics.</ref> Galactus has on occasion been severely weakened due to a lack of sustenance, and on one occasion was defeated while in this state by the combined efforts of both the Fantastic Four and the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]].<ref name="Fantastic Four 243">''Fantastic Four'' #243 (June 1982). Marvel Comics.</ref> In this weakened condition, Galactus has also shown susceptibility to [[Ikonn]]'s spell, which forces him to remember all of the beings that he has killed due to his feeding.<ref name="Fantastic Four 243"/>

Galactus also possesses scientific knowledge that is beyond comprehension as the oldest living entity in the universe. He is capable of building massive starships of his own design, humanoid robots called Punishers used to battle foes beneath his attention,<ref name="ReferenceA"/> the [[Ultimate Nullifier]] (a superweapon capable of destroying and remaking the Multiverse),<ref>''Fantastic Four'' (vol. 3) #49 (January 2002). Marvel Comics.</ref> and the [[Solar System]]-sized and [[Möbius strip]]-shaped [[space station]] named Taa II.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #210 (September 1979). Marvel Comics.</ref> Mr. Fantastic has speculated that Taa II may be the greatest source of energy in the universe.<ref name="Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #9"/>