I had no idea what to expect going into Silver Surfer: Black #1. With the creative team of writer Donny Cates and artist Tradd Moore, I had no doubt what I was going to read was going to be good.

Silver Surfer: Black #1 spins out of Guardians of the Galaxy #1. The galaxy’s defenders have been sent into a black hole and this is the story of Silver Surfer’s journey.

Spinning out of a comic, there’s always the worry you may need to know what happened before. Cates has done a masterful job of catching new readers up and allowing them to enjoy the journey. The comic really is about that journey and not the past. Silver Surfer is taken to an alien world… and where it goes from there, I’d rather not say.

Cates has delivered a comic that’s a must for anyone interested in the epic tale he’s telling in the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe. From Guardians of the Galaxy to Venom, Silver Surfer: Black fits right in and then some.

The issue has that philosophical feel about it as Surfer reflects on his history and the situation he’s in. It’s a different kind of comic with a more laid back feel about it embracing the comics of the past.

That’s helped by Tradd Moore‘s art. Moore has a unique style and here it works to enhance the feel of the comic. Dave Stewart provides the color and together they create an aesthetic that hearkens back to classic Kirby without trying to copy him. There are homages to the classic style he brought to Marvel’s cosmic, especially in the backgrounds. But, Moore sticks to his own style enhanced by Stewart’s vibrant colors. Clayton Cowles‘ lettering stands out as well with the alien language he brings. It begs you to attempt to decipher it and see what’s said.

If the issue isn’t on your radar, it should be. As someone who has never liked the Silver Surfer as a character, this debut issue has me wanting to read more immediately. Add in that this is a chapter in Cates’ bigger plan makes it a must.

Story: Donny Cates Art: Tradd Moore
Color: Dave Stewart Letters: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.65 Art: 8.65 Overall: 8.65 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review