The One Below All and the Apocalypse of Galactus and Franklin Richards
In Marvel Comics, the The One Below All is a powerful entity mainly associated with the Hulk mythos, first introduced in the Uncanny X-Men series. While the definitive answer regarding the death of Galactus and Franklin Richards is still up for debate, recent Immortal Hulk issues have provided some answers amid the ever-evolving narrative of the Marvel Universe.
The Power Dynamics and the Unlikely Heroes
Galactus and Franklin Richards, both hailed as saviors and creators, do not seem to be within the reaches of the seemingly unyielding force of the Hulk, often depicted as a being of destruction and chaos. But Galactus, Galaan of Taa, is the final survivor of the 7th cosmos, transformed by Metatron into a being of energy crucial to the life of the 8th cosmos. Franklin Richards is a child born of Reed and Sue Storm, with the ability to create entire universes, formed to oppose Galactus in a cosmic dance of creation and destruction.
The Boulder That Was (()Not())() the Hulk
Despite his unbridled strength, the Hulk lacks the power to compete with these two cosmic entities. Even his most impressive feats of power, such as breaking infinite dimensions or celestial bodies, fall short when compared to the energy mastery of Galactus. A single blast from Galactus would evaporate Hulk in an instant.
The Revelation: The One Below All Emerges
Initially, the question of how Hulk killed Galactus and Franklin Richards seemed unfathomable. However, the latest issue Immortal Hulk 24 reveals that the entity behind these tragic events is The One Below All. This entity, although more powerful than any known cosmic being, requires a host to interact on the plane of existence. That host is the Hulk, chosen for his raw strength and durability.
A Demonstration of Power and Purpose
During the Immortal Hulk 25, Banner (who is the Hulk's alter ego, Dr. Bruce Banner) demonstrates the entity's true power by consuming Metatron and absorbing his power, a clear indication that the true perpetrator was not the Hulk or Banner but The One Below All.
The Apocalypse and the Empty Cosmos
When The One Below All possessed the Hulk, he was free to manipulate the cosmos as he saw fit. In the final act of this cosmic ballet, the Hulk destroyed moons, planets, and even became a god-like entity to suit the narrative's needs. The culmination came when the Hulk, now embodying the essence of The One Below All, broke the last star of the cosmos, symbolizing the end of the 8th cosmos.
The Formation of a New Cosmos
Following this cataclysmic event, the 9th cosmos formed, with the Hulk now assuming the role of Galactus in this new universe. The ultimate goal was to leave the cosmos empty, as is his nature, with no life remaining, including Franklin Richards and Galactus themselves.
Conclusion and Further Developments
While the Immortal Hulk series has provided insight into the tragic events, the Marvel Universe is a vast and ever-evolving landscape. Continued exploration through the latest comics and Marvel summaries will reveal any new developments in this ongoing saga.