Fantastic Four #50, Vol. 1

"The Startling Saga of the Silver Surfer"

Writer: Stan Lee
Penciling: Jack Kirby
Inks: Joe Sinnott
Color: George Roessos
Letters: Artie Simek

Original Price: $0.12
Current Value: $200.00

History Behind Issue: Continued from Fantastic Four #49, this issue marks the conclusion of the Silver Surfer's first appearance.

Plot: Silver Surfer, herald of Galactus, tries to reason with his master. He wants to leave earth and spare it from destruction. But Galactus does not budge. The Silver Surfer must use force, but he cannot defeat the devourer of worlds. Meanwhile, the Human Torch, mentally guided by the Watcher, returns from sub-space with the Ultimate Nullifier. And while the Silver Surfer dodges Galactus, Mr. Fantastic threatens to destroy the universe with the Ultimate Nullifier if Galactus does not retreat.

    In defeat, Galactus vows to spare earth if his Ultimate Nullifier is returned. But before he leaves, he removes the space-time powers of the Silver Surfer, exiling him on Earth. Alicia Masters thanks the Silver Surfer before he is off to explore the world.

    Galactus has landed on earth. The Watcher tries to persuade him into leaving the planet, but Galactus must devour earth in order to survive, even if it means life must suffer. Thing and Human Torch each try to attack the devourer of worlds, but both fail to even harm Galactus.

    Meanwhile, the Silver Surfer falls into the apartment of Alicia Masters. The blind Alicia senses the Silver Surfer is not of this world, but she also senses nobility in him. She offers him food, but the Silver Surfer doesn't need to eat. Instead, he converts the items into pure energy, so no gram of energy will be wasted.

    The Fantastic Four prepare to attack, but are stopped by the Watcher. The Watcher explains exactly what Galactus plans to do with Earth and how the Human Torch can stop him. While the Fantastic Four attack Galactus, the Watcher explains to the Human Torch what he must do to obtain the Ultimate Nullifier. The Human Torch travels time space distortion through the universe into the center of infinity, till his destination: a gargantuan space station which serves as the home of Galactus.

    Meanwhile, Galactus' watchdog, "The Punisher," defeats the Fantastic Four, who are powerless as Galactus begins the destruction of earth. Suddenly, the Silver Surfer finds something in Alicia Masters, in humanity, worth protecting. He will betray Galactus! His betrayal may disrupt the Watcher's plan and cause the destruction of Earth!

The End.

Comments: What can I say about a classic???  Story by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby...'nuff said.

Review written by James Pedrick