Goliath (Tom Foster)

Goliath
Tom Foster as Goliath Art by John Romita Sr..
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Black Panther vol.3 #23, (December 2006)
Created by	Reginald Hudlin Greg Pak Koi Turnbull
In-story information
Alter ego	Thomas "Tom" Foster
Team affiliations	Damage Control M.I.T. Revengers
Abilities	Superhuman strength and durability Size and mass manipulation

Thomas Foster is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is the fifth to hold the mantle of Goliath.

Tom Foster made his first appearance in Black Panther Vol. 3 #23 and was created by Reginald Hudlin, Greg Pak and Koi Turnbull. He subsequently succeeded in gaining superpowers and becoming Goliath in World War Hulk: Aftersmash #1, before appearing to join Damage Control in the same issue.

On the creation of Foster, Pak stated:

Assistant Editor Nate Cosby informed me that Reginald Hudlin had had a similar brainstorm for "Black Panther." So the offices coordinated a bit and a mysterious nephew of Bill Foster appeared in "Black Panther," then showed up later in "Incredible Hulk" #107 as one of the humans taking the Hulk's side during World War Hulk.

Tom played a major role in "World War Hulk" #4 as one of the humans who testified about the supposed crimes of Illuminati. My nefarious plan was always to have him take his uncle's mantle. And while I was brainstorming the "Aftersmash" one-shot with Mark and Executive Editor Tom Brevoort, I had this image of a giant splash page of Tom as the new Goliath helping rebuild Manhattan. I said, "I know the last page of the book," and things went from there. Now we're bouncing the character over to Dwayne for a star turn in "Damage Control" -- I can't wait to see what happens next!"

Tom Foster was introduced in Black Panther #23, when he and his family were visited by King T'Challa and Queen Ororo of Wakanda, following the murder of his uncle Bill Foster during the superhero civil war. Angry at the pro-registration forces for his uncle's death, Tom swore to continue his legacy by replicating the Pym Particles which give Bill his powers. To this end, T'Challa swore to assist him in any way he could, once Tom finished his studies at M.I.T.