Marvel has announced a new Fantastic Four prequel focusing on the Silver Surfer’s origin. Last summer, Marvel’s “First Family” made its proper MCU debut in Fantastic Four: First Steps. The film, set on an alternate Earth in the MCU multiverse, introduced new and unique wrinkles to the Fantastic Four’s 60+ year lore.

One of these was a new version of the Silver Surfer. In the mainline Marvel continuity, the Silver Surfer was Norrin Radd, of the planet Zenn-La. Radd offered himself to Galactus as a herald, in exchange for sparing his planet and his beloved Shalla Bal. Galactus took Norrin up on the offer, and the rest is Marvel history.

Yet the MCU’s incarnation of the Silver Surfer flipped this story on its head. Instead of once being Norrin Radd, the Silver Surfer was actually Shalla. Other than the change of identity, everything else about the character remained the same. Now, a year after her debut, Marvel is finally exploring her origins.

The Origins of the MCU’s Silver Surfer Will Finally Be Revealed

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Today, Marvel announced Fantastic Four: First Foes: Shalla-Bal #1, written by Charles Soule and drawn by Mark Buckingham. Marvel’s description of the book reads as follows:

Years ago, in order to save her planet, astronomer Shalla-Bal gave up her freedom to become the sustenance-seeking Herald of the intergalactic Devourer of Worlds, Galactus! Now, for the first time, learn the secrets of her transformation, her journey and the horrifying decisions that she had to make!

The book is a follow-up to Fantastic Four: First Foes, which, like Shalla-Bal, is set in the movie universe, and will feature the Mad Thinker.

Artist Mark Buckingham, who will also draw First Foes #1, was excited to return for another round with the Fantastic Four. Praising Dan Slott, his collaborator on First Foes, Buckingham had similar kind words for Charles Soule, the writer of Shalla-Bal. Marvel quoted Buckingham on its website as saying:

Already spoiled rotten to have had superstar writers Matt Fraction and Dan Slott collaborate with me on this Fantastic Four series, I was over the moon to discover I’d be joined by the incredible Charles Soule for this next installment!

Just like First Foes, Shalla-Bal will have a cover by Phil Noto.

The Silver Surfer Is a Marvel Icon, and For Good Reason

Fans Of All Political Persuasions Have Been Drawn to the Silver Surfer

The Silver Surfer, introduced at the height of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s run on Fantastic Four, became synonymous with the publisher. The Surfer was awarded his own title in the late 1960s, becoming a fan favorite as well as an icon of the developing counter-culture. Generations of fans have been drawn to the Surfer’s brooding but noble nature.

The character has appeared in live-action before they jumped to the MCU. In 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, a more comics-faithful version of Norrin Radd debuted. However, both the character, and the film as a whole, underwhelmed audiences, and the Silver Surfer would return to cinematic limbo.

The Silver Surfer’s Previous Live Action Version was Underwhelming

The MCU Version Was Met With Criticism From Fans, But the MCU Put Those Doubts to Sleep

Legal issues kept the Silver Surfer from appearing in the MCU. The film rights to the Surfer, as well as the rest of the Fantastic Four franchise, belonged to 20th Century Fox. When Marvel’s parent company, Disney, acquired Fox, the stage was set for both the Fantastic Four and the Silver Surfer to join the MCU.

As can be expected, the casting of a woman to play the Silver Surfer was met with fan derision, yet the cool factor of the final product cannot be denied. Actress Julia Garner brought the Silver Surfer to vibrant life, showing the character runs deep no matter what universe they are in.

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The Silver Surfer is Peak Marvel

While Fantastic Four: First Steps was a complete story, many of its side characters went undeveloped, and First Foes looks to fill that vacuum. The Fantastic Four have one of the richest, deepest lores in all of Marvel Comics, and to let it go to waste would be a shame, especially the Silver Surfer.

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Fantastic Four; First Foes: Shalla-Bal #1 will rectify this situation, by showing just how Shalla-Bal came to be the Silver Surfer. Marvel has remained mum on the book’s details, but it can be assumed that Norrin Radd will be involved in some capacity, as will Zenn-La. The rest, however, will remain a mystery until this Fantastic Four prequel hits this summer.

Fantastic Four: First Foes: Shalla-Bal #1 is on sale June 10 from Marvel Comics!