The Celestials in Marvel Comics: Origin and Significance

The Celestials, a powerful and ancient race in the Marvel Comics universe, hold a significant place in the narrative of cosmic sagas. They were created by the legendary comic book artist and writer, Jack Kirby, first appearing in his work The Eternals in the late 1970s.

Creation and Origin

The Celestials were initially conceived by the First Firmament, or the First Cosmos, before the multiverse came into existence. The First Firmament, a lonely being, created these divine beings, the Celestials, to serve as its servants. In comic pages, however, the exact creation process and the First Firmament's role were not fully detailed, leaving the origin somewhat enigmatic.

Events and Transformations

During the events of Ultimates 2, the Celestials faced a catastrophic extinction across all universes, brought about by the Logos. However, thanks to the efforts of the Never Queen and the sole remaining Celestial, titled 'One Above All' (not to be confused with the supreme entity 'The One Above All' who is the highest power in the Marvel multiverse), the Celestials were restored.

This pivotal event demonstrates the resilience and power of the Celestials. They are beings of almost limitless power and initially served the First Firmament, a manifestation of the First Cosmos. However, they rebelled against their lord's directive, desiring to foster life and evolution independently of the designated 'Plan' or 'Program' set forth by the First Firmament. This rebellion led to an epic celestial war, with the Celestials pitted against their counterparts, the Aspirants, who served as loyal servants to the First Firmament.

The First Firmament and Aftermath

The war was a long and bitter one, ending when the Celestials utilized unprecedented weapons to shatter the cosmos, causing the First Firmament to flee and split it into a multiverse. This event marked the beginning of the current seventh Cosmos and the multiverse we know in Marvel comics.

The First Firmament's escape and sundering of the First Cosmos created a new era of cosmic existence, with the Celestials going on to form a part of various cosmic narratives, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the EarthX universe.

Jack Kirby and the Celestials

Jack Kirby, the creator behind the Celestials, was a masterful storyteller who brought these cosmic beings to life. While Kirby did not fully explain their origins, he created a universe where the Celestials were 'space gods' beyond any Earth pantheon. His influence on the Celestials is profound, and the character has evolved through the contributions of various authors and storylines.

Key Sources

The Eternals by Jack Kirby (late 1970s) Ultimates 2 (2002) EarthX (various series) MCM (Multipolar Collection of Marvels)

The Celestials, through their powerful existence and remarkable journey, continue to captivate readers with their enigmatic presence and cosmic significance in the Marvel Comics universe.