Silver Surfer (TV Series)

Silver Surfer is a series loosely tied to the Marvel Animated Universe. The series only lasted one season for a total of thirteen episodes starting on February 7th 1998 and ending May 16th, 1998.

The series was particularly darker than previous Marvel comic series.

Story
When Galactus arrives to consume Zenn-La Norrin Radd offers himself in exchange for his planet's protection. Galactus gives him a portion of his powers and he becomes the Silver Surfer, however he has lost his memories and conscience. Acting as the herald the Surfer finds world after world for Galactus. The Surfer is eventually freed and turns on his former master. Upon his return of Zenn-La the Surfer finds that the planet has been moved. The rest of the series deals with the Surfer trying to find Zenn-La and his beloved Shalla Bal while at the same time dealing with the horrors he committed under the control of Galactus.

Animation
The show was among the first to prominently feature computer generated imagery along with cel animation. The animation style was true to the graphic stylings of Silver Surfer creator Jack Kirby.

Cancellation
The show had high ratings and positive critical reception. However, Marvel was facing bankruptcy problems and could not afford to continue funding the show. Eight episodes were written for the second season but never made.

Continuity
In Fantastic Four the Silver Surfer arrives on Earth still under the control of Galactus. Galactus then traps the Surfer there with a cosmic ray barrier. In Silver Surfer the Surfer gains his independence after an encounter with Ego the Living Planet. The Fantastic Four would not have appeared in the series until the last three unmade episodes.