What do you think?
Rate this book
Silver Surfer (1968) #1-18
The Silver Surfer Omnibus, Vol. 1
Norrin Radd sacrifi ced himself to save his planet and his true love Shalla-Bal from the world-devourer Galactus - but the price was servitude as mighty Galactus' herald, the Silver Surfer! Now, exiled on Earth, the Surfer struggles to understand the beauty and humanity of mortal men, and nobly seeks to heal the rifts that separate man from his brothers. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the pages of FANTASTIC FOUR, the Silver Surfer embodies Lee's socially conscious writing and Kirby's mind-blowing cosmic concepts - and here, he is joined by another creator who grants him a soul-wrenching humanity: the one and only John Buscema! Experience staggering and unique tales as mankind is explored through the eyes of an outsider. COLLECTING: SILVER SURFER (1968) 1-18; MATERIAL FROM FANTASTIC FOUR ANNUAL (1963) 5, NOT BRAND ECHH (1967) 13
576 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1968
16 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,566 books2,334 followersStan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 16, 2021
One of the most original characters in comics I have always thought. Now you can enjoy all the early adventures as originally conceived by the greats Kirby & Lee. Excellent collected edition. Very recommended
February 28, 2023
3.75 stars. So most know the story of how Galactus was about to consume Zenn-La and Norrin Rad offered himself up to be his herald so he would spare his home planet. Even though it meant becoming the Silver Surfer and leaving his love, Shalla Bal behind. Then over in the Fantastic Four comics, he teamed up with them defending the Earth, defying Galactus. For this, he punished Silver Surfer by putting a barrier around earth so he could never leave. This omnibus picks up from that point. This book has a bit of a sad and tragic feel to it. Tragic in the sense that all the humans here where he is trapped, fear him and always have their first instinct be to attack him. Sad because he just wants to free himself from the barrier around earth so he can return home to be with Shalla Bal. Stan Lee was on one as he told a pretty awesome tale of the Surfer dealing with these things. He was quickly losing his faith in the human race but still felt compelled to protect them. Throughout this book, he dealt with various opposition from the Badoon, Loki, The Stranger, Dr Frankenstein and the first appearance of Mephisto. He ended up showing off an on throughout this omni giving the Surfer all he could handle by dangling his love Shalla Bal in front of him. Even tho this was an older book from the 70s, it really was a smooth enjoyable read.
March 10, 2024
This is famously one of the series that caused Jack Kirby to finally leave Marvel. Silver Surfer is indisputably a Jack Kirby creation, and when Kirby heard about this Lee written and John Buscema drawn series, he left and brought the New Gods to DC. That said, I think this is some of the best work from both Lee and Buscema; unfortunately, it gets very repetitive and pretty bad in the middle. Maybe Kirby’s version of a Surfer learning to be human would have been better. It sounds like it would have had some much needed character development and change, which is what the book is missing. Buscema, however, is the real reason to get this as the art is always awesome, even when the story isn’t.
Silver Surfer #1 ⧫ 4 Stars “Origin of the Silver Surfer!”
This catches the reader up on the Surfer’s adventures so far and then goes into his backstory. I like his backstory more for its implications: how did such an introspective, human person become such a cold and distant sentinel? As is, it’s good, but it has a little too much work to do.
Silver Surfer #2 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “When Lands the Saucer!”
The start hits the Surfer’s ennui a little too hard, but the introduction of the Badoon is pretty cool.
Silver Surfer #3 ⧫ 5 Stars “The Power and the Prize!”
The rivalry begins: Surfer v. Mephisto! I actually didn’t know that this is Mephisto’s first appearance, and I love it. Is he a little stereotypical? Yes. However, he makes the perfect villain for a new hero teetering on the edge. Buscema’s art really sells it here, and I can’t wait for more.
Silver Surfer #4 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Good, The Bad and the Uncanny!”
This is more of a typical Loki story, though I really like the additions from Thor’s expanded cast and generally the cosmic scale of the whole thing. The battle is epically rendered, and the issue is strong overall.
Silver Surfer #5 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “–And Who Shall Mourn for Him?”
Honestly, I think this is great. Yes, it has some of the tropes of the time, but I genuinely like the series of events that finds the Socialist Surfer empathizing with the downtrodden. I’m not a fan of the Stranger, but his cosmic savagery works here, as does the tragic end of the unsung hero.
Silver Surfer #6 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Worlds Without End!”
It’s The Time Machine with a dash of Star Trek, but it’s enjoyable enough.
Silver Surfer #7 ⧫ 2.5 Stars "The Heir of Frankenstein!"
Surfer vs. Surfer should be cooler. Also, I thought Frankenstein’s monster was an alien robot? This version is slightly better…
Silver Surfer #8-9 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "Now Strikes the Ghost!" & "..To Steal the Surfer's Soul!"
These two issues were intended to go together, but the series was being reduced to 20 page issues, so it became a two-parter. I think it’s good despite the Ghost being goofy looking. Stan should have played up the lost soul thing as I think it could have been tied together a little better; however, I think the end really redeems it, making a fitting return for Mephisto.
Silver Surfer #10 ⧫ 2.5 Stars "A World He Never Made!"
The Shala Bal stuff is good, but the end is too direct. A misunderstanding? Really?
Silver Surfer #11 ⧫ 3 Stars "O, Bitter Victory!"
The tragedy boosts this somewhat, though this should be a more touchstone issue. The downhill slide of the series continues.
Silver Surfer #12 ⧫ 2 Stars "Gather, Ye Witches!"
Weird place for the Abomination to return. Not much more is accomplished…
Silver Surfer #13 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "The Dawn of the Doomsday Man!"
I like the premise, which is an improvement over the previous set, though the biggest issue with most of these is returning to people’s hatred and the status quo. Also, the Doomsday Man looks pretty cool.
Silver Surfer #14 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "The Surfer and the Spider!"
How do you know a book isn’t selling well? Guest stars! Spider-Man is actually an interesting match for the mopey Silver Surfer. It’s a shame the book isn’t really interested in character development for the Surfer. This is a fine issue and gets a little into the ethos of the characters.
Silver Surfer #15 ⧫ 3 Stars "The Flame and the Fury!"
Didn’t he go to the Fantastic Four? Isn’t freeing the Surfer one of Reed’s many spinning plates? I could be wrong, but I think so. This is a neat battle for stupid reasons.
Silver Surfer #16 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "In The Hands of... Mephisto!"
Okay, wacky start, but good ending. Mephisto is cool, and Buscema just gets to go all out.
Silver Surfer #17 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "The Surfer Must Kill!"
Another cool idea, but another rushed ending. This needed another issue to breathe. I really wanted more Fury and Shalla Bal, seemed like it might have been interesting.
Silver Surfer #18 ⧫ 3 Stars "To Smash the Inhumans!"
Love the setup, but the middle is nonsense. The status quo finally changes, and the book is canceled! That Jack Kirby Inhuman City is glorious, though. I’m glad this omnibus ends with some classic Jack Kirby Surfer.
Fantastic Four Annual #5 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Peerless Power of the Silver Surfer”
The first Surfer solo story, and the one that would lead to his solo series. It’s fine… I’m not a Quasimodo fan.
There’s also some Not Brand Echh, which is nice to have, but not worth reading.
Other Comics Reviews
Silver Surfer Omnibus #1
Marvel Two-in-One Epic Collection Vol. 1: Cry Monster
Fantastic Four: The Overthrow of Doom
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #1
Untold Tales of Spider-Man Omnibus
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #2
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #3
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #4
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #5
Spectacular Spider-Man Omnibus #1
Silver Surfer #1 ⧫ 4 Stars “Origin of the Silver Surfer!”
This catches the reader up on the Surfer’s adventures so far and then goes into his backstory. I like his backstory more for its implications: how did such an introspective, human person become such a cold and distant sentinel? As is, it’s good, but it has a little too much work to do.
Silver Surfer #2 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “When Lands the Saucer!”
The start hits the Surfer’s ennui a little too hard, but the introduction of the Badoon is pretty cool.
Silver Surfer #3 ⧫ 5 Stars “The Power and the Prize!”
The rivalry begins: Surfer v. Mephisto! I actually didn’t know that this is Mephisto’s first appearance, and I love it. Is he a little stereotypical? Yes. However, he makes the perfect villain for a new hero teetering on the edge. Buscema’s art really sells it here, and I can’t wait for more.
Silver Surfer #4 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Good, The Bad and the Uncanny!”
This is more of a typical Loki story, though I really like the additions from Thor’s expanded cast and generally the cosmic scale of the whole thing. The battle is epically rendered, and the issue is strong overall.
Silver Surfer #5 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “–And Who Shall Mourn for Him?”
Honestly, I think this is great. Yes, it has some of the tropes of the time, but I genuinely like the series of events that finds the Socialist Surfer empathizing with the downtrodden. I’m not a fan of the Stranger, but his cosmic savagery works here, as does the tragic end of the unsung hero.
Silver Surfer #6 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Worlds Without End!”
It’s The Time Machine with a dash of Star Trek, but it’s enjoyable enough.
Silver Surfer #7 ⧫ 2.5 Stars "The Heir of Frankenstein!"
Surfer vs. Surfer should be cooler. Also, I thought Frankenstein’s monster was an alien robot? This version is slightly better…
Silver Surfer #8-9 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "Now Strikes the Ghost!" & "..To Steal the Surfer's Soul!"
These two issues were intended to go together, but the series was being reduced to 20 page issues, so it became a two-parter. I think it’s good despite the Ghost being goofy looking. Stan should have played up the lost soul thing as I think it could have been tied together a little better; however, I think the end really redeems it, making a fitting return for Mephisto.
Silver Surfer #10 ⧫ 2.5 Stars "A World He Never Made!"
The Shala Bal stuff is good, but the end is too direct. A misunderstanding? Really?
Silver Surfer #11 ⧫ 3 Stars "O, Bitter Victory!"
The tragedy boosts this somewhat, though this should be a more touchstone issue. The downhill slide of the series continues.
Silver Surfer #12 ⧫ 2 Stars "Gather, Ye Witches!"
Weird place for the Abomination to return. Not much more is accomplished…
Silver Surfer #13 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "The Dawn of the Doomsday Man!"
I like the premise, which is an improvement over the previous set, though the biggest issue with most of these is returning to people’s hatred and the status quo. Also, the Doomsday Man looks pretty cool.
Silver Surfer #14 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "The Surfer and the Spider!"
How do you know a book isn’t selling well? Guest stars! Spider-Man is actually an interesting match for the mopey Silver Surfer. It’s a shame the book isn’t really interested in character development for the Surfer. This is a fine issue and gets a little into the ethos of the characters.
Silver Surfer #15 ⧫ 3 Stars "The Flame and the Fury!"
Didn’t he go to the Fantastic Four? Isn’t freeing the Surfer one of Reed’s many spinning plates? I could be wrong, but I think so. This is a neat battle for stupid reasons.
Silver Surfer #16 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "In The Hands of... Mephisto!"
Okay, wacky start, but good ending. Mephisto is cool, and Buscema just gets to go all out.
Silver Surfer #17 ⧫ 3.5 Stars "The Surfer Must Kill!"
Another cool idea, but another rushed ending. This needed another issue to breathe. I really wanted more Fury and Shalla Bal, seemed like it might have been interesting.
Silver Surfer #18 ⧫ 3 Stars "To Smash the Inhumans!"
Love the setup, but the middle is nonsense. The status quo finally changes, and the book is canceled! That Jack Kirby Inhuman City is glorious, though. I’m glad this omnibus ends with some classic Jack Kirby Surfer.
Fantastic Four Annual #5 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Peerless Power of the Silver Surfer”
The first Surfer solo story, and the one that would lead to his solo series. It’s fine… I’m not a Quasimodo fan.
There’s also some Not Brand Echh, which is nice to have, but not worth reading.
Other Comics Reviews
Silver Surfer Omnibus #1
Marvel Two-in-One Epic Collection Vol. 1: Cry Monster
Fantastic Four: The Overthrow of Doom
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #1
Untold Tales of Spider-Man Omnibus
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #2
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #3
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #4
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #5
Spectacular Spider-Man Omnibus #1
September 1, 2018
Golly, this was stupid.
In issue 2, the literal devil says that he cannot stand the Silver Surfer because of his intense purity of soul.
In issue 5, the Silver Surfer robs a bank and then, thinking better of it, steals money from gangsters. In issue, like 12, he destroys all human civilization for a few minutes. The Silver Surfer is an angry dude when he's not a tortured dude.
But I don't know. I really liked it anyway. Even if the authors have no idea what the Silver Surfer's powers are (and how he can revive exactly half of the people who die depending on whether the story should have a good or a bad ending.) Even if it got awfully repetitive. It just worked.
In issue 2, the literal devil says that he cannot stand the Silver Surfer because of his intense purity of soul.
In issue 5, the Silver Surfer robs a bank and then, thinking better of it, steals money from gangsters. In issue, like 12, he destroys all human civilization for a few minutes. The Silver Surfer is an angry dude when he's not a tortured dude.
But I don't know. I really liked it anyway. Even if the authors have no idea what the Silver Surfer's powers are (and how he can revive exactly half of the people who die depending on whether the story should have a good or a bad ending.) Even if it got awfully repetitive. It just worked.
December 10, 2019
La prima serie di Silver Surfer scritta da Stan Lee e disegnata da John Buscema che narra le origini e le prime avventure, una run che ha piu` di 50 anni ma che come disegni e soprattutto come tematiche rimane quantomai attuale.
Un omnibus per veri nostalgici marvel.
Un omnibus per veri nostalgici marvel.
March 20, 2016
Bastante repetitivo. Declamar al infinito, pegarse con alguien, cagarse en la humanidad, vuelta a empezar.
Read
March 24, 2016Reedición del Marvel Omnigold dedicado a Silver Surfer.
December 28, 2020
Truly the comic books' Silver Age.
November 24, 2022
(Zero spoiler review) 3.5/5
This one both frustrated and amazed in near equal measure. Typifying all that is outstanding and annoying about the silver age all at once. Swinging between an existential rumination on life and love, as well as a fairly formulaic look at the faults and foibles of humanity, and your typical, somewhat weak villain of the month. When this is hot, it is some of the finest comics Messiers Lee and Buscema have penned, and that is truly saying something. It's just a shame that when it isn't kicking goals, it is a fairly tiresome, tropesome trip down comics memory lane. Replete with all the expected appearances of the Fantastic Four and Spiderman, enough to boost whatever sales the Silver Surfer was achieving at the time.
I must admit, I was expecting something a little bit more here. This run is spoken of in fairly hallowed tones, and whilst I definitely see what the fuss is about, too often it lets itself down. Everything to do with the Silver Surfers struggle to get home to his one true love is excellent. Every tired silver age trope that holds him back had me rolling my eyes and making mental notes of which issues to skip during a reread. Lee does some stellar work here at times, although it is Big John who truly shines. The man is an out and out legend of the industry, deserving of all the plaudits he's received and more.
Cut out a third or more of the weaker issues, and this thing is straight fire. With them, then it is still a worthwhile read, but nowhere near the classic run it could have been. 3.5/5
OmniBen.
This one both frustrated and amazed in near equal measure. Typifying all that is outstanding and annoying about the silver age all at once. Swinging between an existential rumination on life and love, as well as a fairly formulaic look at the faults and foibles of humanity, and your typical, somewhat weak villain of the month. When this is hot, it is some of the finest comics Messiers Lee and Buscema have penned, and that is truly saying something. It's just a shame that when it isn't kicking goals, it is a fairly tiresome, tropesome trip down comics memory lane. Replete with all the expected appearances of the Fantastic Four and Spiderman, enough to boost whatever sales the Silver Surfer was achieving at the time.
I must admit, I was expecting something a little bit more here. This run is spoken of in fairly hallowed tones, and whilst I definitely see what the fuss is about, too often it lets itself down. Everything to do with the Silver Surfers struggle to get home to his one true love is excellent. Every tired silver age trope that holds him back had me rolling my eyes and making mental notes of which issues to skip during a reread. Lee does some stellar work here at times, although it is Big John who truly shines. The man is an out and out legend of the industry, deserving of all the plaudits he's received and more.
Cut out a third or more of the weaker issues, and this thing is straight fire. With them, then it is still a worthwhile read, but nowhere near the classic run it could have been. 3.5/5
OmniBen.
April 4, 2021
Classic cosmic Marvel right here. Stan Lee together with the great John Buscema and one of the most iconic characters that sprang from the pages off the Fantastic Four. Invented by Jack "King" Kirby who also gets two issues in this omnibus, this is very early Marvel and with only 18 issues one of the smaller omnis out there. The price was pretty steep for this one and could have been a little cheaper for the size of this book. The stories are classic Stan Lee, and there is a charm in there but also alot of stories we have seen before in Spider-Man and X-men, we see the Silver Surfer safe the day and at the end of the issue he is still the badguy somehow, i know this is a early work but it gets repetitive. We also see a villain like Mephisto return like 5 times. Its cool to see him battle Thor, Spidey and the FF but some of the dialogue can be pretty stale. I dont want to sound to harsh, there is alot to love but this is mostly a must for fans of the classic stuff. For a newer better run on The Silver Surfer, i suggest the classic Galactus trilogy or the Silver Surfer omnibus from Dan slott
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
January 20, 2025
La maravillosa obra de Lee increíblemente dibujada por e gran Buscema por la que no pasa el tiempo (ni el espacio, por supuesto).
El origen del surfista galáctico, el personaje depresivo más adorable del universo Marvel que, tras 18 números (17 ilustrados por Buscema) dejó un gran poso en el amante del ecosistema Marvel.
Los 7 primeros números son para enmarcar, con un guión demasiado melodramático (excesivo), pero brillantemente dibujado por un Buscema desatado. El número de Mefisto (#4) y el de Thor (#5) rozan la perfección de la viñeta ilustrada.
Una etapa imperdible para cualquier aficionado a Marvel al mundo del super héroe en general.
Excelsior!!!
El origen del surfista galáctico, el personaje depresivo más adorable del universo Marvel que, tras 18 números (17 ilustrados por Buscema) dejó un gran poso en el amante del ecosistema Marvel.
Los 7 primeros números son para enmarcar, con un guión demasiado melodramático (excesivo), pero brillantemente dibujado por un Buscema desatado. El número de Mefisto (#4) y el de Thor (#5) rozan la perfección de la viñeta ilustrada.
Una etapa imperdible para cualquier aficionado a Marvel al mundo del super héroe en general.
Excelsior!!!
October 5, 2025
A mixed bag. Silver age in general is just harder to get through than most eras. Most of this omni was half and half for me. Always loved the SS growing up and was interested to see his early adventures. Many of which are with Mephisto, which some just didnt make sense. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me, kind of feel. The SS though. Man, he is a tortured soul. Man can not find happiness for the life of him. Anyway, most ssues can be read as a standalone which I enjoyed and the art by big John Buschema was peak. 3 stars
July 13, 2021
A must own for a Stan Lee fan. You can hear his voice in each bubble of dialog. The art pops and is so crisp. Definitely some of John Buscema’s best art. The purity and plight of the Surfer is built on an idea of mankind overcoming war, anger, hate, and greed. It’s a noble story with aspirations of a better future. Nostalgia meets optimism. A classic.
September 27, 2025
Me esperaba mucho más la verdad. Soy fan de los Buscema, pero hasta el dibujo no me parece a la altura. Se pasa los 18 números llorando por su amor perdido, y los combates con diferentes personajes Marvel me parecen flojos....Tomo en mi opinión para curiosos y completistas, seguro que hay historias más divertidas de este interesante personaje.
November 13, 2022
Нягледзячы на тое, што я люблю гэтага героя, чытать гэты комікс я сябе прымушаў. Мабыць прычына таму, што малюнкі 60-ых мяне не вельмі падабаюцца. Гісторыя, так сама звычайная і не чапляла. Але на шляху да таго каб прачытаць усі коміксы з ім мне патрэбна было прайті праз гэта.
March 25, 2024
I'm giving this a 5* despite the spoof story at the end.
The Silver Surfer origin and subsequent stories are excellent. The artwork and imagination is superb. I think I may have found my favourite Super Hero.
The Silver Surfer origin and subsequent stories are excellent. The artwork and imagination is superb. I think I may have found my favourite Super Hero.
April 18, 2021
Some weird villains and repetitive plot but the beginnings of silver surfer cannot be denied!
December 27, 2022
Issue #5 with the character Al was the major standout here. Silver Surfer is a unique character, but the constant dour philosophizing does get monotonous.
May 23, 2025
This series started well, but like many comic lines, the stories ran out of creative steam within a year. But it did give us Mephisto...
January 5, 2016
Demasiado ingenuo para hoy, con su pseudoshakespeare, su aire hippy y un Buscema demasiado lejos de Conan, demasiado para que el hoy le siga el juego.
September 26, 2025
#5 Great
#13 Good
#15 Great
#16 Good
#17 Good
4.75
#13 Good
#15 Great
#16 Good
#17 Good
4.75
May 30, 2008
can't nobody fuck with norrin radd
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews