Taschen’s new XXL, galactic-sized Silver Surfer, Vol. 1: 1968–1970 is the latest from their Eisner Award-winning Marvel Comics Library line and is truly a sight to behold, acting as an awe-inspiring dedication to Stan Lee and John Buscema’s cosmic legacy. Taschen has released similar tomes for classic X-Men, Fantastic Four, Avengers, Spider-Man, and Iron Man comics, and their new Silver Surfer volume is just as breathtaking as the others. This massive, gorgeously bound hardcover volume collects the entire 18-issue 1968 Silver Surfer series, from writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, with art by Jack Kirby in the last issue.
It’s hard to even find the words to describe how satisfying it feels to crack open this ginormous volume of stunningly photographed pages from Lee and Buscema’s original work. The majesty and vibrancy of each page are mesmerizing, and Taschen lovingly printed each comic page on card stock that emulates the classic comic paper of the 1960s, transporting the reader back in time 60 years, while digitally remastering the colors and clarity of every panel. Weighing in at over 10 pounds, taking up more than a foot of space, and clocking in at more than 700 pages, reading the Marvel Comics Library – Silver Surfer, Vol. 1: 1968–1970 volume feels luxurious and rare as if you got special permission from a library to view an ancient text kept under lock and key.
The notation, history, and analysis by comic critic Douglas Wolk – author of the fabulous All of the Marvels – and Sal Buscema, Marvel artist and brother to Silver Surfer illustrator John Buscema, are perfect additions to the reprinted text, offering fascinating insight. The supplements to the writing and comics, like pieces of original artwork from the series and photographs of rare Marvel memorabilia, are rendered in gorgeous clarity, ideal supplements for Silver Surfer super fans, or those interested in deep Marvel history.
Unsurprisingly, this stunningly bound XXL hardcover volume has a steep price tag, making it less accessible to many casual comics fans. However, the Marvel Comics Library – Silver Surfer, Vol. 1: 1968–1970 volume is clearly meant to be a rare collector’s item, a piece of historic memorabilia on its own, to appreciate for a lifetime (or several lifetimes!). The quality at which it was lovingly produced and printed makes it a worthwhile investment for collectors, huge fans of Silver Surfer, or anyone who is craving the most epic and captivating coffee table book ever created.
The team at Taschen worked incredibly hard to create an authoritative and joyous prestige work honoring the impressive talents of Lee, Buscema, and Kirby and did so by paying close attention to important details that enhance the reading experience. From the materials chosen for the hardcover to keeping the original advertisements and letter pages from the 1960s comics, and the stunning cosmic blue of the inside covers, this collector’s item is thoughtfully designed and produced. Taschen’s Marvel Comics Library – Silver Surfer, Vol. 1: 1968–1970 is truly a work of art, honoring and appreciating the original material while respectfully elevating each page to turn reading the volume into a luxurious, nostalgic, and worthwhile adventure.
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