Comic Review: Silver Surfer Black #3

Silver Surfer Black #3

Marvel Comics

Donny Cates, Tradd Moore, Dave Stewart

With Silver Surfer Black, the trio of Donny Cates, Tradd Moore and Dave Stewart seem to outdo themselves and beautifully craft an issue that was better than the last, wondrous issue. This comic is just glistening with cosmic admiration and love for everything related to the Silver Surfer and the Marvel Universe.

This issue begins with the Surfer dreaming of the past, where he was lying next to Shalla-Bal on his homeworld of Zenn-La. The narration that’s juxtaposed with this dream has Norrin Radd reminiscing of better times. Then, the dream becomes a nightmare as he witnesses death incarnate invade his planet. But it isn’t Galactus. It’s the Surfer himself. I enjoy Cates’ writing in this scene, especially. I love his characterization for Norrin and how he still feels guilty for his time as the Herald of Galactus.

After these somber pages, Surfer awakens on Ego, The Living Planet. Ego had assisted the Silver Surfer in his bout against Knull from the last issue. Surfer is weary and feels that, because of the black, he’s being destroyed internally. Ego confirms this theory but then feels like something has infiltrated himself. So, now it is up to the Surfer to help his new unlikely ally.

During the dream segment, artist Tradd Moore’s depiction of Zenn-La is gorgeous. The architecture and structure of the buildings have a peculiar look to them. I assume that’s to hint that what you’re seeing is, indeed, a dream. Of course, Moore’s art style is astonishingly other-worldly throughout the entire issue. The colors from Dave Stewart really make this book pop even more, as he sets the tone perfectly.

There are quite a few double-page spreads that are absolutely stunning. This issue is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful comics I have ever read. The writing, the art, the atmosphere – This issue has it all. The Silver Surfer doesn’t get a lot of the mainstream recognition that he deserves. Dan Slott and Michael Allred’s Silver Surfer series had managed to garner more mainstream attention, but the series had some mixed reactions due to the storytelling. I think Silver Surfer Black has what it takes to make people care about the Surfer again.

This comic in particular is one of the best issues I have ever read. Everything a person could want out of a sci-fi comic book is included within the pages of Silver Surfer Black – and we’re only just now at the halfway point of this series. Cates’ poetic writing, Moore’s awesome cosmic art, and Stewart’s eye-catching colors make for perfect comic book fun. If you’re somehow not reading this, get on it.
Donny Cates, I think you’re making Stan smile from ear to ear. He’s beyond proud. ‘Nuff said.