First Appearance: (robot) Fantastic Four #120,
(real) Thor #306Origin Issue: Thor #306
AIR-WALKER
First Appearance: (robot) Fantastic Four #120,
(real) Thor #306
Origin Issue: Thor #306
Real Name: Gabriel Lan
Aliases: None
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: Unrevealed
Eyes: Black
Hair: Unrevealed
Distinguishing Features: None
Occupation: Herald of Galactus,
(former) Captain of Xandarian starship
Citizenship: Planet Xandar
Place of Creation/Birth: Planet Xandar in the Tranta
system, Andromeda galaxy
Known Relatives: None
Known Allies: Firelord, Galactus
Known Enemies: The Ovoids, Fantastic Four, Thor
Intelligence: Above Normal
(5/10)
Strength: Superhuman Class 100 (11/12)
Flight Speed: Warp Speed (12/12)
Stamina: Godlike (9/10)
Durability: Godlike (13/14)
Agility: Enhanced Human (5/7)
Reflexes: Enhanced Human (5/7)
Fighting Skills: Xandarian Nova Corps training
Special Skills/Abilities: Familiarity with advanced
alien technology; interstellar navigation
Superhuman physical powers: The ability to manipulate
cosmic energy and convert it for a variety of uses, including the above listed attributes,
as well as projection of heat, concussive force, magnetism, electricity, molecular
re-arrangement and anti-gravity. Plus, the ability to survive the rigors of the
vacuum of space indefinitely, as well as traverse hyperspace unaided.
Superhuman Mental Powers: "Cosmic awareness,"
in this case, the ability to sense various energy signatures throughout space.
Special Limitations: None
Source of Superhuman Powers: Infusion of cosmic energy
and cellular restructuring by the world-devourer Galactus.
Personal Weaponry: "Horn of Galactus", this
trumpet-like device issued a hyper-space signal which summoned Galactus to
planets, which looked suitable for his energy consumption needs.
Origin: Gabriel Lan was the captain of the Xandarian explorer-ship Way-Opener, whose mission was to seek out and establish peaceful relationships with neighboring alien civilizations. Lan had previously distinguished himself in Xandar's military, the Nova Corps, and welcomed his appointment to an explorer-ship since he was filled with wanderlust and love of open space. Returning from his seven year tour of duty, Lan neared his home solar system when a spherical craft of an unidentified nature approached. A teleport beam took Lan from the bridge of the Way-Opener and brought him aboard the spherical ship into the presence of the world-devourer Galactus. Galactus announced that he was looking for a new herald to replace the defected Silver Surfer, and having scanned Lan's mind, deemed him an appropriate candidate. Hearing Galactus's offer of vast power and unlimited travel, Lan readily accepted and was transformed by a tiny fraction of Galactus's cosmic might into the Air-Walker, second of Galactus's great heralds. Voluntarily putting all thought of his previous life behind, the Air-Walker served Galactus faithfully for years, seeking out new worlds to suit his master's appetites. He came to befriend Galactus, and would pass long hours listening to Galactus's tales of the wonders and mysteries of the universe. One day after he had found a new world for Galactus to drain and was returning to Galactus's ship to tell him of it, the Air-Walker saw a fleet of warships in battle formation approaching. The ships contained members of the Ovoids, a highly advanced civilization, who feared Galactus's presence so close to their star system. The Air-Walker launched an attack on the Ovoid fleet and was struck down by Ovoidian weaponry designed to slay Galactus himself. Because Galactus was weak from hunger, he was unable to retaliate with full force and decided to retreat from that space sector. His power still at a low ebb, Galactus could not afford to give up any of his personal energy to resuscitate the dying spark of life in his faithful heralds. however, once he had renewed himself, Galactus transferred the consciousness of the herald who laid down his life for him to a perfect robotic replica. Still, there was something intangible missing from the replica, a vitality, a passion for the mysteries of space that Galactus liked in the original Air-Walker. Therefore, Galactus determined to dispatch the Air-Walker robot to Earth to reenlist his original herald, the Silver Surfer. The Surfer declined Galactus's invitation, however, and in battle with his new messenger, destroyed the Air-Walker robot. Galactus grimly abandoned both the Surfer and the defective Air-Walker robot. The Air-Walker robot was taken into custody by robots of the Machinesmith who sought to repair the robot but could not understand its alien circuitry. The Machinesmith did manage to accidentally activate the Air-Walker's self-repair functions, however, and after several months, the Air-Walker regained its artificial consciousness. Seeking a rematch with the Silver Surfer, the Air-Walker instead attracted the attention of the thunder god Thor. Thor damaged the robot in battle, apparently destroying its self-repair circuitry. The Air-Walker's remains were taken into custody by Galactus's third herald, Firelord, a colleague and friend of Gabriel Lan, the original Air-Walker. Firelord buried the robot's remains on an asteroid in the Tranta system near Xandar, with cosmic flame marking his grave.
Since then, Air-Walker has been rebuilt over and over, always ending up being destroyed only to be reborn again. In one encounter, Air-Walker was reportedly destroyed in a battle with another Herald, Morg [Caranerian]. His consciousness was transferred into Galactus' Worldship, which was eventually destroyed by the Ultimate Nullifier leaving Air-Walker's fate seemingly sealed.
However, the resourcefulness of Galactus should never be underestimated. The Air-Walker was reportedly rebuilt by Galactus into yet another body. Unfortunately, this body was destroyed by the Annihilation Wave's forces, led by Ravenous. It is unknown whether or not the Air-Walker can survive this latest destruction.
Significant Issues:
