Galactus has arrived.

Summoned by Terrax’s ambition and the Surfer’s past defiance, the Devourer of Worlds descends upon Earth, his ship casting cables of destruction into the planet’s crust. The Surfer, still weakened from the Enervator’s assault, rallies Nova and the Fantastic Four to resist the impending annihilation. But the challenge is immense – Galactus is not merely hungry; he is wounded by betrayal.

Terrax, drunk on power and cosmic fury, ambushes the Surfer in orbit. Their clash is brutal, a ballet of bolts and bearhugs, until the Surfer’s board – having absorbed solar energy – restores his strength. With renewed resolve, he hurls Terrax back toward Earth, then races to confront his former master.

Across the globe, chaos reigns. Big Ben crumbles, the Great Pyramid splits, the Parthenon shudders, and Lady Liberty is shattered. Nova and the Fantastic Four scatter to stem the tide – Johnny seals volcanoes with fire, Sue halts sinkholes with force fields, Ben braces collapsing towers, and Nova welds fissures shut with flame. Yet the devastation continues.

The Surfer reaches Galactus, pleading for mercy. But Galactus, wounded by abandonment, refuses. Their exchange is not of fists, but of philosophy – father and son, creator and herald, justice and hunger. Galactus lashes out, hurling the Surfer to the moon in a cosmic bolt of rage.

From the lunar crater, the Surfer rises. He returns to Earth, where Terrax has infiltrated the Baxter Building, seeking his lost axe. Reed Richards and the Surfer trap him in the Negative Zone, sealing away his fury. With Terrax neutralised, the Surfer and Reed unite their minds and technology.

The solution: the Dream Weaver, a device capable of projecting illusions so vivid they become reality. Powered by Terrax’s axe and the Surfer’s essence, it casts a vision into Galactus’ mind – a universe teeming with beings like himself, calling him home. Enraptured, Galactus withdraws, his ship vanishing into the stars.

Earth is spared.

In the aftermath, the Surfer addresses the people, offering gratitude rather than glory. Nova chooses to remain, drawn to the warmth of human connection. The Surfer departs alone, soaring into the cosmos once more.

But far away, in a molten chamber of crimson light, Shalla-Bal watches. Her heart burns with sorrow and vengeance. Beside her, Mephisto smiles.

Down to Earth (Part 2) | –