Silver Surfer: Parable

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Silver Surfer: Parable
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Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
Format Limited series
Publication date1988 – 1989
No. of issues2
Main character(s)Heroes:
• Silver Surfer
Villains:
• Galactus
• Rev. Colton Candell
Creative team
Written by Stan Lee
Artist Moebius
Letterer Moebius
Colorist Moebius
EditorJeff Youngquist

Silver Surfer: Parable is a two-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics in 1988 and 1989. The story was written by Stan Lee and illustrated by French artist Moebius (Jean Giraud). The series is an out-of-continuity story that explores themes of religious fanaticism and humanity's relationship with power and faith. It won the Eisner Award for Best Finite/Limited Series in 1989. [1]

Contents

Publication history

Silver Surfer: Parable was originally published as a two-issue mini-series through Marvel's Epic Comics imprint in 1988 and 1989. The collaboration came about after Moebius expressed interest in working on an American comic, and Stan Lee provided a six-page plot outline from which Moebius created the art, including the coloring and hand-lettering. [2] The story was later collected into a graphic novel.

In 2019, a 30th Anniversary Oversized Edition was released by Marvel Comics. This edition, published in hardcover, features the main story in an oversize format (13.25 x 9.5 inches) and includes making-of material, extra Moebius art, his Marvel covers, and a double-sided poster. [3] The series has also been reprinted in various languages and formats worldwide, including Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and Turkish editions.

Plot summary

Issue 1

A massive spacecraft plummets to Earth, landing in a major city and causing global panic. The being that emerges is Galactus, who announces himself as a new god for humanity. He promises an end to war, poverty, and crime, declaring that humanity is free from all man-made laws and sin. This leads to widespread anarchy as society breaks down.

Meanwhile, the Silver Surfer has been living on Earth as a disillusioned vagrant, his surfboard wrapped and hidden. He observes the chaos and recognizes his former master, Galactus. A declining televangelist, Reverend Colton Candell, seizes the opportunity to regain relevance by proclaiming himself the prophet of Galactus. The Surfer confronts Candell, warning him of the danger, but is dismissed. Candell's sister, Elyna, however, is intrigued by the Surfer's courage.

The Surfer then confronts Galactus directly, reminding him of his past pledge not to harm Earth. Galactus argues that he has technically kept his oath; he has not attacked, but is merely allowing humanity to destroy itself. When the Surfer tries to reason with the people, they turn on him for challenging their new deity. Galactus joins the attack, blasting at the Surfer and causing massive destruction to the city.

Issue 2

To prevent further destruction, the Silver Surfer retreats, but Galactus's ship finds him and brings him back to continue their battle. Elyna, realizing the error in following Galactus, attempts to intervene by piloting a helicopter to confront the world-eater. However, one of Candell's men shoots her, fatally wounding her.

As the Surfer and Galactus fight, Elyna's helicopter loses control. The Surfer breaks away to save her, but Galactus strikes him with a powerful blast, sending both the Surfer and Elyna crashing to the ground. Elyna dies from her injuries, and the event is broadcast worldwide. Witnessing Galactus's brutality, the global populace turns against him. Seeing that he has lost their worship, Galactus gracefully concedes, releases the Surfer, and departs Earth.

Later, at the United Nations, world leaders thank the Silver Surfer and, in a reversal, ask him to become their new leader and object of worship. Horrified that humanity is seeking another deity, the Surfer performs a Zero-Approval Gambit: he acts like a tyrant, making harsh demands to deliberately tarnish his own reputation. The crowd turns on him, and he leaves Earth, once again alone. Reverend Candell, having seen the error of his ways, is the only one who understands the Surfer's sacrifice, but his voice is drowned out by the angry mob.

Themes and analysis

Parable is a philosophical story that delves into themes of religious fanaticism, blind faith, and the human desire for messianic figures. Stan Lee stated that his goal was for readers to "find themselves contemplating the destiny of man, and... questioning some basic tenets." [4] The narrative contrasts Galactus as an Old Testament-style, fire-and-brimstone god with the Silver Surfer as a Christ-like, self-sacrificing figure who lives among the people as a pauper and rejects worship.

The story explores the idea that "power is all" and questions whether divinity is determined by unfeeling strength. It also examines how charismatic but manipulative leaders can sway the masses toward self-destruction. The ending is characteristically bittersweet for the Silver Surfer; he saves humanity but must remain an outcast, and his moral victory comes at the cost of an innocent life.

Artistic style

Moebius employed a minimalist, loose, and sketch-like art style for Parable, a departure from the typical Marvel house style of the time. He also hand-lettered the entire book, giving it a unique, energetic feel that complemented the art. [5] His cinematic eye is evident in the book's sense of scale, with Galactus portrayed as an overwhelming, stationary presence for much of the first issue. Moebius was responsible for all visual aspects of the book, including pencils, inks, colors, and lettering.

Collected editions

The series has been collected into various editions, including:

Reception and legacy

Silver Surfer: Parable was met with critical acclaim and won the Eisner Award for Best Finite/Limited Series in 1989. Stan Lee considered it one of his favorite Silver Surfer stories that he ever wrote. [7] Reviewers have praised the book for its timeless and thought-provoking narrative, with its commentary on power and fanaticism remaining relevant decades after its publication.

The collaboration between two comic legends from different continents has been noted as a significant event in comics history. The story was also referenced in the 1995 film Crimson Tide.

See also

References

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