The Silver Surfer Series Review: MetaView Animated Series Reviews

Silver Surfer Cartoon / Animated Series Review

During the 1990’s ‘Marvel entertainment group, the at the time television branch of the comics publisher, had enjoyed some real success with animated adaptations of some of its most iconic characters. This had started with X-Men, which was achieving record ratings for the Fox kids network, largely due to a very successful partnership with production company Saban entertainment and the strong leadership of Fox executive Sidney Iwanter and Studio head Margaret Loesch. Who had a keen understanding of what it was that made these characters appeal to so many viewers.

In 1998 Fox released ‘The Silver Surfer’ an adaptation of the same titled character from the comics. The Silver surfer had made appearances before in the Fantastic Four animated series a few years earlier. But this series was set in a different continuity and would instead focus on the cosmic based characters of the Marvel Universe.
Sidney Iwanter approached television writer Larry Brody to be the showrunner. His previous work had involved writing on the animated star trek series as well as several of the live action star trek shows. Iwanter picked Brody after learning of his life-long love for the character.

The story focuses on Norrin Radd who lives on the planet of Zenn- Laa, a place of peace where all who seek greater understanding of its principals are welcome. Zenn- Laa’s importance as a beacon of hope to the universe, leads to the mysterious being known as the Watcher to break his sacred vow of silence in order to warn them of the imminent threat of Galactus, Devourer of worlds. With no hope of stopping a being of such incredible power Norrin Radd makes a bargain with Galactus. Offering himself as a herald to assist in searching worlds that will sate his incredible hunger, in return for sparing Zenn- Laa from destruction. Norrin Radd does this believing that he will be able to find uninhabited worlds, saving those teeming with life from annihilation. Galactus alters Norrin Radd at the molecular level turning him into the Silver Surfer. A being with incredible powers and the ability to traverse deep space by use of a cosmic surf board. I love the 60’s.