It's somewhat terrifying to realize that this issue of Silver Surfer marks 50 years since his first appearance in an issue of the Fantastic Four (#48, if I remember correctly).
And I bought that issue at the newsstand when I was 10 years old. (Pause while I shudder inwardly.)
The character was created by Jack Kirby, who decided Galactus (hey, he's also 50 years old now) needed a herald, and apparently threw the Surfer into that issue as something of an afterthought.
The character connected with fans and with Lee, and a few years later was given his own series.
His career has been hit-and-miss over the years, with some terrific stories, including work by John Buscema, John Byrne, Mobius, Steve Englehart, Marshall Rogers, Jim Starlin, Ron Lim and many others.
These days the Surfer's adventures are in the more-than-capable hands of co-writers Don Slott and Michael Allred, with Allred doing the art and Laura Allred providing color art. They've infused the series with a real sense of wonder - and a lot of humor and humanity.
This issue, as befits an anniversary issue, ties a major threat to the planet Earth (and the rest of the universe, too) back to the Surfer's origin, pits the hero again a certain rock-skinned former opponent, and throws in a big contingent of Marvel's heroes to boot.
It's a lot of fun! Wonder what they'll do for the 100th Anniversary? And will I be around to see it? (Now THAT would be a miracle!)
Grade: A-
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