Silver Surfer Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring the Silver Surfer (Norrin Radd) throughout Marvel Comics. It may not encompass every one of his appearances but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the Marvel Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Jump to: Silver Age – Bronze Age – Marvel NOW!

Silver Age

The Silver Surfer was introduced in the Silver Age. He does not have any appearances prior to this point.

Norrin Radd debuted in the Fantastic Four series, in which he played an important role at various points. He then went on to star in his own solo series, where his individual background and history was given more attention.

Fantastic Four issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Tales to Astonish issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Silver Surfer issues are from the Vol. 1 series

Notes

1. These issues mostly focus on Hulk and have the Surfer in a supporting role. However, they may be of interest for readers looking to see the first interactions between these two. As an additional note, the Silver Surfer only makes a very brief appearance in Tales to Astonish #92 that only serves to set up his appearance in #93.
2. Only the Silver Surfer story from this issue is relevant to this reading order.

Bronze Age

The Bronze Age picks right up on the Silver Surfer's Silver Age adventures without any continuity changes. His actions in this era often reference his origin story and his actions through the Silver Age.

Norrin Radd's appearances through this era are dominated by his role as a member of the Defenders. He plays a part in this team from their formation, to their first few adventures, to some of their adventures far later on. Besides this, the Silver Surfer has a few significant roles alongside the Fantastic Four and even has a few solo appearances. Plus, he plays a supporting role in other comics.

Sub-Mariner issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Defenders issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Thor issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Fantastic Four issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Avengers issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Tomb of Dracula issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Incredible Hulk issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Silver Surfer issues are from the Vol. 2 series

Notes

1. This is mostly a Thor story but may be of interest to readers who want to see these two characters interact. As an additional note, the Surfer's appearance in Thor #192 is mostly a cameo that sets up his larger role in Thor #193.
2. Though the Silver Surfer appears as a member of the Defenders throughout this event, he has a relatively small impact on the event as a whole. The large number of characters in this event often relegate the Surfer's contributions to the background.
3. This is mostly a Dracula story but may be of interest to readers who want to see these two characters interact.
4. This issue is a flashback clearly taking place long before this era. However, it was published around this time and, thus, we placed it here to best reflect the narrative surrounding the Surfer from this era. Also, only the Silver Surfer story from this issue is necessary for this reading order.
5. This is mostly a Hulk story but may be of interest to readers who want to see these two characters interact.
6. The Silver Surfer ends up only having a small, supporting role in this issue. It may be of interest to some readers but does little to develop the Surfer or provide unique interactions.

Marvel NOW!

The Silver Surfer's adventures in this era directly continue his adventures from the previous era, without any major continuity changes. However, his adventures rarely reference events from recent eras. Instead, they reference his origin and a few other comics from the Silver Age, which makes this era pretty accessible to newer readers.

The Silver Surfer's main narrative in this era is told through his solo series. Besides this, his other appearances are pretty small and, typically, focus more on other characters.

Daredevil issues are from the Vol. 3 series.
Silver Surfer issues are from the Vol. 7 series.

Notes

1. This is mostly a Daredevil story but may be of interest to readers who want to see these two characters interact.
2. These stories are mostly about Groot. However, they help further establish a friendship between the Surfer and Groot, which makes for a great reading experience in some places. As an additional note, the Surfer's appearance in Groot #2 is mostly a cameo that sets up his larger role in Groot #3.