REVIEW: ‘Death of the Silver Surfer’ Issue 1

Death of the Silver Surfer Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Greg Pak, art by Sumit Kumar, colors by Frank D’Armata, and letters by Joe Sabino.

The Silver Surfer is on Earth again and targeted by a new agency that is willing to hunt aliens.

Death of the Silver Surfer Issue 1 delivers philosophy, but it also brings explosions and space opera. Just the first couple of pages demonstrate the enormous scale of the character and the mind-blowing feats he’s capable of before he launches himself at a human militia. There is a serene tone that pervades the book, which contrasts with the violence and chaos that the alien despises.

The structure can be jumpy, especially towards the end of the issue. It’s difficult to know what’s happening and to keep track of the passage of time. It’s purposefully complex because the characters don’t understand what’s happening either. There’s a terrific mixture of grounded human material and the externalities of the cosmos.

Pak wipes the main character superbly, both when he is on the panel and when others are searching for him. Pak demonstrates how unearthly the Surfer is with his mannerisms and attitudes. Some, like his friends in the Fantastic Four, don’t have an issue with it because they trust him. But others are afraid of his unpredictability whilst also wanting the power within him.

The Silver Surfer is a solitary figure with a placid and calm personality. He’s non-confrontational and despises mindless violence despite the immeasurable power within him. When he does go into a fight, he tries to end it with immense power as quickly as possible. He recognizes the damage he had done as the herald of Galactus and is now just seeking peace. He’s respectful and polite, a noble hero.

The other main character of Death of the Silver Surfer Issue 1 is Sandy Koh, a soldier in a suit of armor who works for a nefarious agency. A boss is controlling Sandy’s movements and assigning her missions. He was the villain in the first issues of Sam Wilson: Captain America, which Pak also co-wrote. He’s a phenomenal villain because you instantly hate him and want to punch him in the face. He’s smug, annoying, and grating, even for the characters around him.

Sandy Koh is immediately intriguing. She’s hard-working and heroic, but there is a cold-hearted side to her, too. She is the human anchor shrouded in sci-fi. Sandy is also an example of Pak’s continued championing of Asian American characters and storylines found throughout his work.

The art beautifully covers both sides of the spectrum inside The Death of the Silver Surfer Issue 1. There are many instances where the Surfer is just standing on his board in the air. Sometimes, he is among animals and nature. It shows how comfortable he is on his own. The design of the Silver Surfer is among the greatest of all time. He always looks calm and stoic, with an unnerving facial expression. The hairless, streamlined concept is timeless and beautiful. Then he unleashes some of that power, and we are reminded of how dangerous he is. Kumar illustrated incredible action that elevates Norrin Radd above any other armed forces or weapon on Earth.

The Silver Surfer embodies a classic superhero design with effective simplicity. In contrast, Sandy shows off modern ideas. She’s got a suit of armor with various weapons and shields, and it’s rife with details. It’s bulky, fitting right in with a 2000AD volume or the Sentinels series. Both look amazing, and it’s essential to recognize that a human requires all of these even to stand a chance of matching the Surfer’s immense power, whereas he can wave his hand while possessing only a cosmic surfboard.

The worlds around the characters are outstanding. There are vast expanses below them. There may be an army of soldiers, mechs, and tanks on the ground, about to launch into battle, or a mellow ocean. The more cosmic elements of the art are baffling. The planets and black holes are stunning, surrounded by Kirby crackles of energy. There are also glimpses of Galactus, that awe-inspiring purple behemoth.

The colors are gorgeous. The shades are captivating. Nature looks beautiful and ethereal, with blue skies and achingly pretty meadows. Space is equally jaw-dropping, awash with so many colors mixing together. The black hole is the most staggering. There is a void of black nothingness, ringed with intense white light and flickers of red. It’s haunting and shows the cosmos at its most deadly.

The Silver Surfer can match the power of all of those celestial bodies. His silver, metallic skin reflects the shades that surround him. This makes him look more at home within the world he’s in. The lettering is very easy to read, with gentle fonts that are comfortable and unobtrusive.

Death of the Silver Surfer Issue 1 has a captivating quality. The plot itself is still being developed, and the structure can be somewhat confusing. But there is something delightful about the aura the Silver Surfer emits. He is serene and such a monk-like figure, all while possessing more power than anyone else on the planet. Spending time with him is fascinating and fulfilling. Those flares of his intensity are shocking and raise so many questions. If this issue shows his death, what will it take to kill him?

Death of the Silver Surfer Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.