Silver Surfer
Vol. 1 #1-5

August 1968
Silver Surfer # 1: "The Origin of the Silver Surfer!"  38 pages 
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: John Buscema
Inker: Joe Sinnott
Jay's Rating:
JJJJ1/2
Synopsis:
The Silver Surfer seeks solitude to brood over his exile. He has given up his freedom to save mankind, but in return they fear him and want to destroy him. The Silver Surfer recalls life on his home planet Zenn-La and how he craved excitement and adventure that it couldn't afford him. However, one day that changed. The planet devourer Galactus had decided to consume Zenn-La despite the futile efforts of the planet's defenses. Norrin Radd approached Galactus and offered his servitude if he would spare Zenn-La. Galactus agreed and transformed Norrin Radd into the Silver Surfer. 

Jay's Notes:

  • The Silver Surfer last appeared in Fantastic Four #60.

October 1968
Silver Surfer # 2: "When Lands the Saucer!"  40 pages
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: John Buscema
Inker: Joe Sinnott
Jay's Rating:
JJJJ
Synopsis:
The Surfer continues to be frustrated by humanity and fails to breach the barrier that keeps him a prisoner. He detects a menacing alien starship and attempts to warn people, but they attack him and arrest him. He then breaks out and confronts the aliens. The aliens call themselves the Badoon and attempt to fool the Surfer as to their real purpose. A young woman who had been taken captive reveals the truth at the cost of her life. The Surfer places her in suspended animation while he battles the Badoon's greatest weapon, the Monster of Badoon. He defeats the Badoon Monster and manages to drive off the Badoon starship. The Surfer returns the woman, but he's blamed for the alien attack and for harming the woman.

Jay's Notes:

  • First appearance of the Badoon and the Monster of Badoon.

December 1968
Silver Surfer # 3: "The Power and the Prize!"  40 pages
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: John Buscema
Inker: Joe Sinnott
Jay's Rating:
JJJJ
Synopsis:
The Silver Surfer, once again frustrated with mankind's savagery, unleashes his power on the Earth and disrupts all forms of energy. The Surfer's outburst catches the attention of one of Hell's masters, Mephisto, who sees the Surfer's nobility and purity as a serious threat. Mephisto uses Shalla Bal as bait to lead the Surfer deep into his domain. He tries to pursuade the Surfer to join him, but the Surfer stands his ground and opposes him. Mephisto sends all the evils of Hell at the Surfer and yet the Surfer still defies him. Mephisto then attempts to absorb the Surfer, but his spirit is too pure for him to contain. The Surfer tricks Mephisto into returning Shalla Bal to Zenn-La before the demon admits defeat.

Jay's Notes:

  • First appearance of Mephisto.

February 1969
Silver Surfer # 4: "The Good, the Bad, and the Uncanny!" 
Writer:Stan Lee
Penciller:John Buscema
Inker:Sal Buscema
Jay's Rating: JJJJJ
Synopsis:
Loki sets his sights on the Silver Surfer in another attempt to destroy Thor. He engages the Silver Surfer to test his power and finds him a match for Thor. Loki tricks the Silver Surfer into believing that only he can save Asgard from Thor. Loki takes the Silver Surfer to Asgard, where the Surfer is met with Thor's hospitality. Loki is forced to initiate a battle between Thor and the Surfer, and has supplemented the Surfer's powers with his own. Thor falls to the Surfer's power cosmic, but the Surfer, realizing how he was tricked, withdraws. Loki banishes the Surfer back to Earth.

Jay's Notes:

  • John Buscema's art for this issue is outstanding. 
  • This story's strength was its focus on Loki, rather than Thor. Loki uses the Surfer against Thor thorugh cunning and deceit. The Surfer is an innocent, but powerful victim caught inbetween their feud. 
  • Hats off to Stan and John for this one!

April 1969
Silver Surfer # 5: "-- And Who Shall Mourn for Him?" 
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: John Buscema
Inker: Sal Buscema
Jay's Rating:
JJJJJ
Synopsis:
The Silver Surfer steals Reed Richards' Space Scrambler and attempts to breach the barrier. He fails and the attempt knocks him unconscious and he crash lands back on Earth. A scientist, Al Harper finds him and offers to help him breach the barrier. They rig up a power harness that generates energy blasts they hope will confuse the barrier. On his way there, he meets up with the Stranger and learns that he plans on destroying the Earth. The Surfer abandons his quest for escape and confronts the Stranger while Al Harper search for the Stranger's bomb. Harper finds the bomb and sacrifices himself to disarm it. The Strange is impressed by Harper's sacrifice and decides that he may have misjudged the inhabitants of the Earth. He ceases the battle and leaves the Silver Surfer behind.

Jay's Notes:

  • The Stranger last seen in Tales to Astonish #89-90.
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