Marvel’s decision to kill off Norrin Radd may not be the best move, especially after theSilver Surfer’s MCU debut. Initially a loyal herald who sought out worlds for his master to consume, Norrin Radd soon rebelled and became a cosmic hero. Since he broke free from Galactus, the Silver Surfer has battled universal threats and carved a path of redemption across the stars.
The Silver Surfer has participated in several major conflicts throughout the years. However, Norrin Radd currently enjoys a rare period of freedom. Withno Galactus to serve, Norrin Radd has retired peacefully on Earth. Unfortunately, the worst is yet to come.
Marvel Set Up The Silver Surfer’s Imminent Death
The Silver Surfer is currently growing acquainted with Earth and human society. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Alien Neutralization prepares to hunt down the most powerful extraterrestrial beings on Earth. Norrin Radd carries a target on his head, and Major Kelly Koh’s encounter with Skaar makes her the strongest contender to be the one who lands the fatal blow on the Silver Surfer.
Part of the reason why the BAN is targeting the Silver Surfer, specifically, is Norrin Radd’s immense Power Cosmic. But the Silver Surfer’s has also intervened in several conflicts around the world, putting him on the BAN’s radar. While Kelly Koh failed to capture the Silver Surfer once, it’s only a matter of time until the BAN finds a way to kill Earth’s mightiest alien.
Many Marvel characters have faced their death before.Death of Wolverinefound a way around Logan’s healing factor, andThe Immortal Thorrecently saw Loki kill Thor for good. These deaths are all real, but temporary. Norrin Radd will eventually return some time afterDeath of the Silver Surfer, but he’ll probably remain dead and be replaced by a new herald for some time.
Marvel Comics' Silver Surfer Will Be Replaced With A New Herald
Kelly Koh got a taste of the Old Power during her encounter with Skaar inDeath of the Silver Surfer#2. This may be the first hint at her eventual transformation into the new Silver Surfer. Koh is a decorated SHIELD and SWORD agent, as well as"the greatest BAN operative in the agency’s history.“Besides, Koh is increasingly hesitant about her job hunting heroes.
Marvel’s cover forDeath of the Silver Surfer #5features a female Silver Surfer with short hair standing in front of the herald’s surfboard. Clearly,Koh is bound to inherit the Power Cosmic from Norrin Radd soon. Whether Koh needs to kill Norrin herself in order to acquire his power and mantle is yet to be seen.
Apart from placing Norrin Radd in their crosshairs, the BAN have also awakened Galactus. This is the second major step in the direction of Norrin’s death and Kelly Koh’s transformation into Marvel Comics' next Silver Surfer. Perhaps after Norrin dies, Galactus will choose the closest living warrior, who may be none other than Norrin’s potential murderer, Kelly Koh.
Marvel’s Silver Surfer Replacement Isn’t Perfectly Well-Timed With The MCU
Marvel Comics’ new Silver Surfer is clearly intended to align withThe Fantastic Four: First StepsandShalla-Bal’s MCU debut. On paper, this is synergy; but in execution, the timing falls flat.Kelly Koh’s transformation will happen weeks afterFirst Steps' release, well after the peak of the movie’s marketing. The momentum that could have carried over into the comics has already begun to fade.
Worse yet,The Fantastic Four: First Stepsis underperforming at the box office. Despite Shalla-Bal’s positive reception, her movie’s dwindling numbers cast a shadow on her introduction. With no confirmation of Shalla-Bal’s return anytime soon, Marvel Comics’ new Silver Surfer risks passing under the radar without any meaningful connection to the MCU.
Also, Norrin Radd’s comic book death could backfire. Since the original Silver Surfer hasn’t appeared in a live-action movie since 2007, longtime fans may interpret his comic book death as a sign that Marvel is abandoning him. Ultimately, Norrin’s death could result in the opposite effect, shining the spotlight on how often Marvel has underutilized its classic Silver Surfer.
Norrin Radd Needs A Bigger Role In Marvel Comics Rather Than A Replacement
Outside of a few standout solo runs, such asSilver Surfer: Black, the original Silver Surfer has mostly lingered on the fringes of major events. Even in recent large-scale arcs likeEmpyre,King in Black, andJudgment Day, Norrin Radd has either played a minor role or been completely absent. Despite his immense power, Norrin has rarely been a protagonist.
Likewise,the full scope of the Power Cosmicrarely takes center stage. The Silver Surfer has the potential to shape galaxies and manipulate energy on an unimaginable scale, yet Marvel has hesitated to place him at the heart of its biggest crossover events. With so many new and reinvented heroes rising to prominence, the original Surfer has remained largely underutilized.
Still, Norrin Radd’s recent comic book death might not be a definitive farewell but a setup for his future resurgence. When Norrin inevitably comes back to life, he could return with much more relevance to the Marvel universe. A narrative reset could finally elevate theSilver Surferto the same league as Marvel’s top-tier heroes.
