On the far side of the Andromeda Galaxy, Galactus prepares to devour an uninhabited planet to stem his eternal hunger. Firelord comes to tell Galactus that the Proemial Gods are in league with the Annihilation Wave, only to discover that he has led the enemy right to his former master. Tenebrous and Aegis appear to battle Galactus, and when Firelord attempts to interfere he has to contend with the Gods’ new Herald – Nebula, wielding dark energy powers! While Firelord manages to fend off her attacks, he’s unable to protect Galactus, who falls to the power of the Proemial Gods. The former Herald only just manages to escape the dying planet as the Gods tear open a portal and leave with the Devourer’s unmoving form.

Gladiator, patrolling the space near Azimuth Station, is called back to the Shi’ar fleet’s flagship to witness a data transmission – a live broadcast of Galactus’ fall from the other side of the galaxy! The transmission is orchestrated by Thanos, who teleports onto the Shi’ar ship to demand the Praetor come with him as a hostage – willingly or not. Gladiator is unwilling, and the two fall to destructive battle. Despite Gladiator’s immense power, Thanos defeats him – he tells the watching Shi’ar that they have lost their greatest hero, and that the Empire should avoid conflict with the Wave if they want to survive. He then teleports away with the unconscious Gladiator as the flagship explodes.

In the wake of these events, resistance groups from across the Skrull and Kree Galaxies come to Hala to ask the aid of Ronan, the new leader of the Kree Empire. Ronan is reluctant to join forces with other races or groups, preferring the Kree to stand alone against the Wave – but Korath persuades him to listen, suggesting that these allies could take the brunt of the Wave’s attacks while leaving the Kree strong. Nova and Beta Ray Bill put forward the case for a unified front to fight the Annihilation Wave, and their argument is backed up by the requests of other groups and heroes. In the end, Ronan agrees to lend the strength of the Kree forces to the battle – just as word comes in of Wave attacks on the outskirts of Kree space.

Giants have fallen. But legions rise up to take their place.

The battle continues.