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Silver Surfer (1968)

Silver Surfer (1968-1970) #3

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Silver Surfer's contempt for the human race seems to be growing by the second. Humankind’s rejection will become his fuel to destroying us all!

41 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2017

1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read

About the author

Stan Lee

7,563 books2,343 followers
Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.

With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.

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5 stars
21 (40%)
4 stars
17 (32%)
3 stars
12 (23%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Sophia.
2,781 reviews385 followers
June 8, 2018
This was a good issue that introduced the menacing Mephisto! The story was interesting and kept me entertained. Something that I noticed was that this character, the Silver Surfer and his comics are written in a way that feels different than any other issue. This makes the story more compelling as you're not sure what will happen! Overall, really good issue that introduced a fascinating villain and left us feeling excited for more!
Profile Image for Anna  Quilter.
1,687 reviews53 followers
August 28, 2025
THE POWER AND THE PRIZE
December 1968

"I shall reduce you to a random thought"

The Surfer comes to the attention of Lord of Evil - Mephisto who just can't stand his ultimate goodness...using Shalla Bal he tries to bend Surfer to his evil will.
not happening.
Great images of Mephisto..half in shadow on his throne...plotting..
plus..
TALES OF THE WATCHER- WHY WONT THEY BELIEVE ME ?
snappy little invasion story with an ending I didn't see coming.
71 reviews
June 28, 2021
The first appearance of Mephisto does not disappoint. He is as evil as he is powerful and I'll be damned if he isn't powerful. Many have pointed to the not-so-subtle biblical allegory to the Last Temptation of Christ (I might try to go more accurate with the book of Job, myself) but I think that it is, if anything, elevated by it. Isn't such a temptation what the Devil has in store for every good man and is it not the hallmark of the best men to resist him (at least in the Marvel Universe)? The art was more than beautiful and the story finally earned the 40 pages this title gives the Surfer story per issue. This was undeniably epic and ushered in the most diabolical (heh) villain to grace the pages of Marvel comics. I cannot call it anything less than a masterpiece
Profile Image for Ethan.
515 reviews34 followers
July 10, 2018
Another great Surfer ish! Probably my favorite yet. There was some amazing artwork, especially some of Mephisto’s panels and pages. The Watcher story had great art, too, despite being pretty ridiculous over all.

If I had one complaint, it’s that it doesn’t really explain who or what Mephisto is. I know, because it’s been roughly half a century since this hit the stands, but readers at the time must have had questions.
Profile Image for Jacob Robertson.
32 reviews
May 17, 2018
Surf’s Up!

It just gets better and better. The rampant hyperbole is contagious and now with all that I am I send you this review of pure enlightenment! Read this comic book and behold!
Profile Image for Davidus1.
243 reviews
February 20, 2022
Loved it! Classic battle with Mephisto. Silver Surfer was created by Stan Lee. Probably my favorite from Marvel. Recommended read. Love the reissue in digital on Amazon.
Profile Image for Shane Stanis.
497 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2024
My Marvelous Year Seven: 1968 pt2

Another double sized issue.

Read for epic art in Silver Surfer vs Mephisto, and another Watcher as Rod Sterling back up story (which happens to be a retelling of one of my favorite Tales to… tales).
Profile Image for Rychetage.
268 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2025
8/10 - The Last Temptations of Silver Surfer Jesus.

I loved this issue despite its evident plot flaws, because the good points greatly overcame the low points.
Let's start with the good points.

Mainly, Buscema's art is brilliant and gorgeous overall; the characters, the poses and environments are excellent, Mephisto's realm and his minions are greatly depicted. There are also some cool splash pages (like the one with Mephisto sitting on his throne).
The colour in this issue is also remarkable, complementing and emphasizing the artwork.

Next, Mephisto is a promising antagonist character. He is very credible as a tempting loquacious devil, resorting to bait and seduction, or using minions to sway anyone to do what he wants, rather than achieving it by brute force.

The low point is that the story has obvious weak points and that the overall tone is quite over dramatic. Everyone easily resorts to violence, even the misfit Silver Surfer that tries to teach humans, just the opposite. Add to this, the occasionally preachy Surfer and his excessive righteousness and pureness, what makes him at times unbearable.

Fortunately, it's counteracted with the amazing encounter with Mephisto in the second part.
By the way, Shalla-Bal may live in a highly evolved civilization, but they are still extremely gullible when a creepy guy appears out of nothing and makes you an offer.
Profile Image for Ali AK.
126 reviews
June 9, 2025
Was debating a 5 star rating here but I think I’ll save it for the next issue.
Mephisto was a lot of fun and this was the most Christ-like Norrin Radd has seemed since his sacrifice and rebirth. Here resisting all the earthly temptations the devil puts before him and again sacrificing his own happiness.

Mephisto was sickened by the Surfer’s goodness he didn’t want to spend anymore time with him 😂
Profile Image for Cammie.
13 reviews
May 25, 2025
(80%)
Part 1:
Surprised to find out this is the first appearance of mesphisto, the fight is being set up in hell is something interesting but overall good first half.
Part 2:
Mesphisto trying to tempt silver surfer in different ways was definitely a highlight showing his true good nature, a fitting but sad conclusion to the story, definitely one of the stand out issues at this point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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