Tomes of Costumed Adventurers: Fantastic Four--Redemption of the Silver Surfer

Tomes of Costumed Adventurers

Welcome to the land of "reality", where scientific experiments, accidents, genetic heritage, and alien influences affect the lives of ordinary mortals. Join me as I observe the superhumans of planet earth and their struggles against equally powerful foes.

W A R N I N G !

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Title: Fantastic Four--Redemption of the Silver Surfer
Author: Michael Jan Friedman
Publisher: Boulevard Books
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1997

During his time as Galactus' Herald, the Silver Surfer was forced to do many things he learned to regret, including the condemning of populated worlds to satisfy Galactus' insatiable hunger. He turned against his former master, however, and now spends his existence seeking to atone for his crimes. So when, after following the Fantastic Four into the parallel plane of existence known as the Negative Zone, he learns that there is someone who may be this universe's version of Galactus approaching populated sections of the Negative Earth galaxy, he does his utmost to stop this force. What he learns, however, is that this entity's cause is mostly benign: he travels through the universe, seeding plantes with his gifts of life and energy. The Silver Surfer willingly makes his stand with the Fantastic Four against one of the Negative Zone's worst tyrants: Blastaar. But in doing so have they chosen the wrong side?

Fantastic Four--Redemption of the Silver Surfer revisits that fabulous foursome of superhero-dom: Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing. But the book also throws in several other well-known Marvel Universe residents, most obviously the Silver Surfer. However, long-time Marvel fans know that to enter into the Negative Zone is practically an invitation to involve Blastaar and Annihilus, two of the reigning powers in that alternate universe. And, through Norrin Radd's thoughts, we also get to see Galactus and Dr. Doom, however briefly. Not to mention Nova, who also bears ties to Galactus and the Fantastic Four (however major or minuscule). All in all, this makes for a terrific novel filled with Marvel favorites.

I'll be honest: the Silver Surfer isn't one of my most favorite characters. He's too, too serious for one thing, and way morbid and melancholy at times. He reminds me a lot of Cyclops of the X-Men, except that Cyclops can make jokes...occasionally. I don't think the Silver Surfer knows how to do that. Also, the Surfer has this tendency to brood about his time as Galactus' Herald. It played a major role in this book, but while this author handled it all right, it can become somewhat boring to hear the Silver Surfer constantly laying a guilt-trip on himself and seeking to always redeem himself. I know, it's a part of his character. Still, he could lighten up a little.

Fantastic Four--Redemption of the Silver Surfer does a good job of exploring the wonders of another universe that has already had weveral major impacts on the "mainstream" universe. And I guess it was inevitable that the other universe had to have its counterparts to celestial entities in this one, right?

Rating: Thumbs up! Guilt is heavy burden to bear, but does the Silver Surfer have a chance to finally lighten it?

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