Second Foundation

Second Foundation

April 25, 1998 TV Episode The Silver Surfer

Studio
Marvel Enterprises, Saban Entertainment
Distributor
Fox Kids Network, Teletoon

Synopsis

The Silver Surfer and Nova work together to find what they think is Zenn-La- and end up on the Skrull homeworld instead. Featuring: The Silver Surfer! Galactus! Nova! And a little lesson in Skrull reproduction from the Skrull Mother herself!

Characters

The Silver Surfer/Norrin Radd, Kiar, Maciag, Nova, Frankie Raye, Kili the Troll

Credits

Producing

Producer
Roy Allen Smith
Executive Producers
Avi Arad, Stan Lee, Eric S. Rollman
Co-Executive Producer
Matthew Edelman

Voices

Voice
Paul Essiembre (as Paul Essembre) (The Silver Surfer/Norrin Radd), David Calderisi (Kiar), Michael Copeman (Maciag), Tara Rosling (Nova, Frankie Raye), Elizabeth Hanna (Kili the Troll)

Music

Music
Shuki Levy

Editing

Editor
John Walts

Crew

Creators
Jack Kirby, Stan Lee
Developer
Larry Brody
Characters
Jack Kirby, Stan Lee
Character Animator
Emanuel Stone
3D Visual Effects Animator
Brian Thomas
Casting
Karen Goora
Production Design
Shannon Denton, Geoffrey Kater
Art Direction
Dale Hendrickson
Production Manager
Paula Comensky
Storyboard Artist
John Fox
Sound Re-Recording Mixer
Mark Ettel
Digital Artist
Robert J. Baldwin
3D Digital Artist
Adam Chrystie
Visual Effects
Joe Clasen, Geoffrey Kater
Visual Effects Coordinator
Kristen Fitzner
CGI Technical Director
Don L. McCoy
Creative Consultant
Larry Brody

Production notes

So, dude, this guy—I swear—he's like, made of metal or something, and, dude, get this: he, like, surfs freaking outer space. Whoooooooah...

Comic book superstar, herald of the planet-eating Galactus, and idol of surfers everywhere, Marvel Comics' Silver Surfer finally made it to television in 1998. Like many of Marvel's "Silver Age" heroes, the Surfer was a co-creation of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, who introduced the character in the pages of The Fantastic Four.

The Silver Surfer began his life as ordinary mortal Norrin Radd (years before "rad" became a slang term), citizen of the planet Zenn-La and beloved of the beautiful Shalla Bal. When the titanically tall Galactus came to devour Zenn-La, Norrin offered an alternative: If Galactus spared his planet, Norrin would forever serve as his herald, scouting out lifeless planets for the devourer to consume. Galactus accepted, transforming Norrin Radd into the sleek-bodied Silver Surfer, who would never again see his homeworld or his lady love.

The Silver Surfer flew through space on his silver board, and his strength and powers were augmented. Unfortunately, the transformation process also wiped out Norrin's memories. When his memories returned after a mental battle with the evil Thanos, the Surfer rebelled against his master, refusing to help him eat the planet earth. The Silver Surfer was banished from Galactus' presence, and as a final cruelty, the devourer had moved Zenn-La to a new location.

The Silver Surfer spent his time out among the stars, searching for his lost planet. His quest brought him into constant conflict with Thanos, Galactus, and such other Marvel Comics regulars as the Kree and Ego, the Living Planet.

Combined computer animation (especially for space scenes) and traditional animation.

This series aired for only 13 episodes, although Marvel had planned a second season with 13 more. Unfortunately, the Surfer was unable t ocomplete his quest, as Marvel's declaration of bankruptcy kept him from returning for a second season.