Norrin Radd, aka the Silver Surfer, sacrificed his freedom to become the herald of Galactus and save his planet. A staple character in the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe, Silver Surfer returns with a brand-new series. Setting the stage for an all-new Marvel superhero, this issue introduces a mystery that beckons the Sentinel of the Spaceways to investigate. Written by John Jennings with art by Valentine De Landro, colors by Matt Milla, and letters by Joe Sabino, Silver Surfer: Ghost Light #1 is an intriguing start to a new adventure.
Silver Surfer: Ghost Light #1 introduces readers to Toni Brooks and her family, who have just moved to the quiet town of Sweetwater. Toni’s uncle was a scientist who became secluded from the family, went missing, and was eventually declared dead. There is an air of mystery surrounding what exactly he was doing and how he might have died. He did, however, have the foresight to have a will in place, leaving his house to his sister. The large house is perfect for Toni and her family and has enough space to accommodate their grandmother, so they can look after her more easily. Toni and her brother, who appear to be in their mid-teens, are bored to tears in the quaint town after having lived in New York City, but mysteries abound around their new home, and some investigation leads them to something stranger than they could’ve ever imagined.
Jennings’ writing is solid, if a bit reserved. This issue carefully establishes the setting and characters. Jennings gives the audience a glimpse into each character’s mental state as they adjust to their new surroundings. The interactions between Toni and her family are the emotional backbone of the issue, and they’re fun to read. Jennings does a great job of realistically portraying each character. Throughout the issue, he hints at a larger mystery and plants seeds for what will surely be major plot points as the series progresses.
De Landro’s art is a perfect fit for this issue. Much of the story focuses on ordinary circumstances and conversations in a home or a car, but when things escalate to more superheroic situations, the contrast in art is effective. The visual pacing really stands out in this issue. De Landro highlights small moments effectively, making each scene feel like an organic conversation unfolding. Big events feel alien and out of this world, allowing the reader to experience the same surprise and sense of wonder as the characters.
Milla’s colors are wonderful throughout Silver Surfer: Ghost Light #1. The lighting in many of the scenes is fairly normal, perfectly applied to reflect the mundane setting. He makes each display of cosmic power feel otherworldly and vibrant. The depth and variance in these highlights are stunning to see, and they work brilliantly in contrast to the shadows on each page. Sabino’s letters are just as excellent. He helps Jennings establish a rhythm in the numerous important conversations in this issue.
This issue isn’t jam-packed with cosmic action like some readers might expect. Instead, it establishes a grounded cast of characters and thrusts them into a mystery beyond their understanding. The setting itself is an important character in this issue, and the introduction of a new Marvel hero is always exciting. With Silver Surfer: Ghost Light #1, Jennings and the rest of the creative team deliver a compelling start to a new tale with major ramifications for the mythos of the Sentinel of the Spaceways.
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