Galactus Eating Planets Is Secretly the Watcher's Fault

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Marvel's Uatu the Watcher is a fan-favorite character, but despite his power, he rarely intervenes in the affairs of «lesser beings» even as they face the world-ending might of Galactus. The Watcher had made a well-known solemn vow never to interfere, but that hasn't stopped him from doing so on dozens, if not hundreds, of occasions. However in What If...? #41, Marvel reveals that the Watcher's power actually exceeds Galactus' and Uatu could have stopped him whenever he wanted, though it would require great sacrifice.

Both Uatu and Galactus debuted in the Fantastic Four's Galactus Trilogy. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the three-part series involved the Fantastic Four's efforts to stop the mighty Galactus from siphoning the Earth's energies, essentially eating the planet. Galactus was a rare breed of villain at the time; he didn't act out of malice or hatred towards humanity, but rather attacked out of an instinctual need to consume planets (he saw neither good nor evil in the act, but necessity). Because of both the villain, heroes, and the all-seeing Watcher giving out advice whenever possible, the trilogy is seen as a classic.

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In What If...? #41, the story plays out once more, only this time the Fantastic Four are nowhere to be found, and the Avengers take their place in the story. This small change leads to greater consequences, such as both the Silver Surfer and the Watcher deciding to intervene (though not before the Watcher and Thor fight). After the Avengers fail to take the FF's more considered role in stopping his attack, Uatu decides to directly intervene. Galactus kills the Watcher — but this act satiates his hunger and his attack on