Marvel's Air-Walker (Gabriel Lan) Created By: Air-Walker, also known as Gabriel Lan, was created by writer Gerry Conway and artist John Buscema. He first appeared in "Fantastic Four" #120 in March 1972. First Appearances: "Fantastic Four" #120 (March 1972): Air-Walker makes his first appearance as a herald of Galactus. Major Comic Book Story Appearances: "Fantastic Four" #120-123: Air-Walker debuts and engages in a battle with the Fantastic Four. "Thor" #305-306: The story reveals the origins of Gabriel Lan and his transformation into Air-Walker. "Silver Surfer" Annual #6: Air-Walker is resurrected and faces off against the Silver Surfer. "Annihilation: Heralds of Galactus" #2: Air-Walker appears in a modern cosmic event storyline. Full Bio: Gabriel Lan was a highly respected and heroic captain in the Nova Corps, an intergalactic peacekeeping force. As a Nova Centurion, Gabriel demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership, earning the admiration of his peers. His life took a dramatic turn when he was chosen by the cosmic entity Galactus to become one of his heralds. Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, imbued Gabriel Lan with the Power Cosmic, transforming him into Air-Walker. As Air-Walker, Gabriel gained immense power, including superhuman strength, durability, and the ability to manipulate cosmic energy. He also gained the ability to fly through space and across vast interstellar distances. One of his primary responsibilities as a herald of Galactus was to seek out suitable planets for his master to consume. Air-Walker’s transformation came with a significant change in his appearance. He adopted a more robotic and ethereal form, complete with a set of majestic, flaming wings that allowed him to soar through the cosmos with ease. As a herald, Air-Walker served Galactus with unwavering loyalty, fully embracing his role despite the moral complexities of his missions. In his initial appearance in "Fantastic Four" #120-123, Air-Walker arrives on Earth as a harbinger of Galactus's arrival. He battles the Fantastic Four, demonstrating his formidable abilities. The conflict escalates as the Fantastic Four struggle to protect Earth from the impending threat of Galactus. Despite Air-Walker's power, the team manages to hold their ground, ultimately preventing Galactus from consuming the planet. The origin of Gabriel Lan as Air-Walker is further explored in "Thor" #305-306. These issues delve into his past as a Nova Corps captain and the circumstances that led to his transformation into Galactus’s herald. The story provides a deeper understanding of his character and the sacrifices he made in the service of a higher cosmic order. Air-Walker's story takes a tragic turn when he is destroyed in battle, and his consciousness is transferred into a robotic body by Galactus. This new incarnation of Air-Walker lacks the emotional depth and humanity of Gabriel Lan. The robotic Air-Walker continues to serve Galactus, but his interactions with other characters reveal the loss of his original personality and spirit. In "Silver Surfer" Annual #6, Air-Walker is resurrected and confronts the Silver Surfer, another former herald of Galactus. This encounter highlights the differences between the two heralds and their respective paths. The Silver Surfer, who had rebelled against Galactus, serves as a stark contrast to Air-Walker’s continued loyalty. Their battle is intense, showcasing the immense power that both heralds possess. Air-Walker also appears in "Annihilation: Heralds of Galactus" #2, a modern cosmic storyline that brings together several former heralds of Galactus. This story arc explores the legacy of the heralds and their ongoing connection to Galactus. Air-Walker's presence in this storyline underscores his enduring significance within the Marvel cosmic universe. Power Set: As Air-Walker, Gabriel Lan possesses a wide range of superhuman abilities granted by the Power Cosmic, including: Superhuman Strength: Air-Walker has strength far beyond that of a normal human, allowing him to engage in combat with powerful opponents. Durability: His body is highly resistant to physical injury, making him nearly invulnerable. Energy Manipulation: Air-Walker can project and manipulate cosmic energy for various effects, such as concussive blasts and energy shields. Flight: He can fly at incredible speeds, both within a planet's atmosphere and through the vacuum of space. Cosmic Awareness: Air-Walker has a heightened awareness of cosmic events and entities, allowing him to locate planets and sense disturbances in the universe. Friends and Allies: Air-Walker’s primary association is with Galactus, to whom he serves as a loyal herald. His relationships with other characters are shaped by his role as a herald and his duties to Galactus. Notable interactions include: Galactus: As his herald, Air-Walker is deeply connected to Galactus, carrying out his master’s will across the cosmos. Silver Surfer: Air-Walker has both allied and clashed with the Silver Surfer, another herald of Galactus, providing a complex dynamic between the two. The Fantastic Four: Air-Walker’s initial arrival on Earth brings him into conflict with the Fantastic Four, establishing them as adversaries.