ANNIHILATION: SILVER SURFER #2 - "Heraldpalooza" - Review & Spoilers

[Expletive Deleted]

A:SS (man, that's a lousy acronym) #2, out today, Giffen and Arlem . . .

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Last issue was all about setting up the Surfer's motivation and introducing some of the villains. This issue continues setting things up, bringing several former Heralds onboard and bringing Annihilus and Thanos together.

In terms of the Heralds, Red Shift and Firelord hook up with Surfer and fight some Seekers tracking them, Terrax fights some Seekers and gets captured, and Stardust talks a bit with the Big G himself about the current state of affairs.

Some of their status quos don't quite square with recent continuity, but I tend to think it doesn't matter. The more Heralds the better, after all.

The highlight of the issue for me was Annihilus's little chat with Thanos. They really do have a lot in common, and I'm really looking forward to their team-up (however short).

Profile pages this time around are Galactus and the Fallen One.

Anyone else?

[Lightbend]

Well, it makes sense that Big G could have snatched Stardust from the black hole. Stardust does seem to be one of the more non-psychotic loyal heralds he's had over the years.

Consider that the more loyal heralds to Galactus tend to be sociopaths. Morg was a murderer, Terrax a tyrant, Fallen One was...special. Stardust is loyal, but not ambling to kill Galactus. He's more of a curious, religious type.

Like Air-Walker, but not liable to die.

[Doom Hammer]

Great, great comic.

[Kent H]

Annihilus' throne is the throne room from the Death Star.

[drwho]

Okay, after reading this issue I gotta say I love the thing. My only pet peeve here is when did Galactus get so many heralds. I must be out of the loop or something but I dont have a clue who red shift is and who is this stardust girl. Overall great issue but why not bring back some memorable Marvel heralds like Morg.

[Expletive Deleted]

Stardust (http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix3/stardustgalactus.htm)
Red Shift (http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/redshift.htm)

[drwho]

Stardust (http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix3/stardustgalactus.htm)
Red Shift (http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/redshift.htm)

Okay that kind of helped but I do think those two heralds are lame. You think by now Galactus would get a clue when it comes to heralds or at least take their power away when they go against him. Seems like these days every few years when Galactus shows up Marvel thinks he has to have a new herald. Baah don't like that idea at all

[Will.S]

Okay, after reading this issue I gotta say I love the thing. My only pet peeve here is when did Galactus get so many heralds. I must be out of the loop or something but I dont have a clue who red shift is and who is this stardust girl. Overall great issue but why not bring back some memorable Marvel heralds like Morg.
Stardust and Red Shift are relatively new heralds so it's pretty easy to catch up, especially with Stardust since he/she was in the most current Beta Ray Bill mini.

As for the issue itself I bought it and skimmed it so I havent read it in it's entirety yet but I did read the Thanos/Annihilus conversation which was an awesome battle of wits as well as both having a level of reputation that they have to keep up. It's interesting that they've never met so this was refreshing, plus if they do go at it at some point I want to see it.

[garin]

Annihilus' throne is the throne room from the Death Star.
Yeah, how hilariously blatant was that?

I enjoyed the issue. In some ways, this feels like the most important of the minis.

[The Fury]

Read this the other day, when i got a preview copy. Excellent book. Love seeing all the Heralds about.

Just a shame Nova died so can't be in this.

[Keith_Martineau]

I can't be the only one wondering how Galactus returned from his unpowered Galan state at the end of Waid's Fantastic Four run. I truly hate it when big plot points like that are just ignored just so they can move on to some OTHER big story. They aren't going to appreciate it when the next set of writers and editors ignores the events of Annihilation.

[Nevets F]

I know Nova (the herald) is dead, which other Heralds are still out there that have not been brought into this series yet?

For that matter....anyone have a list of all Heralds of Galactus in proper order?

[Nevets F]

I can't be the only one wondering how Galactus returned from his unpowered Galan state at the end of Waid's Fantastic Four run. I truly hate it when big plot points like that are just ignored just so they can move on to some OTHER big story. They aren't going to appreciate it when the next set of writers and editors ignores the events of Annihilation.

Andy Schmidt has said that Galactus was already changed back before they started using him in Annihilation. I don't remember where he said it happened, but it happened somewhere.

[Expletive Deleted]

I know Nova (the herald) is dead, which other Heralds are still out there that have not been brought into this series yet? I think Morg is currently dead. Could be wrong, though.For that matter....anyone have a list of all Heralds of Galactus in proper order?Not counting established characters who briefly served as Heralds, like Dazzler or Johnny Storm, the order goes:

Fallen One
Silver Surfer
Air Walker
Firelord
Terrax
Nova II
Morg
Red Shift
Stardust

[Hiromi]

Okay that kind of helped but I do think those two heralds are lame. You think by now Galactus would get a clue when it comes to heralds or at least take their power away when they go against him. Seems like these days every few years when Galactus shows up Marvel thinks he has to have a new herald. Baah don't like that idea at all

Stardust thus far has been loyal, and doesn't show any signs of turning yet.

[Keith_Martineau]

Andy Schmidt has said that Galactus was already changed back before they started using him in Annihilation. I don't remember where he said it happened, but it happened somewhere.

Considering how many cosmically based comics Marvel publishes, I find this to be a dubious claim, if he said it. This only happened about 8 months ago in FF. If he was changed back, I doubt it'd have been hard to miss, or that nobody would know.

I think they just decided that he was back to normal, explanation be damned.

[Cestrian]

Andy Schmidt has said that Galactus was already changed back before they started using him in Annihilation. I don't remember where he said it happened, but it happened somewhere.

The Beta Ray Bill mini by Oeming. There was no explanation given there either.

[Soundrave]

Considering how many cosmically based comics Marvel publishes, I find this to be a dubious claim, if he said it. This only happened about 8 months ago in FF. If he was changed back, I doubt it'd have been hard to miss, or that nobody would know.


I think a lot of people know, it's fairly common knowledge. Just because one of the 10 people posting on this thread didn't respond to you within 5 hours doesn't mean "nobody" knows . . .

His appearance in the Beta Ray Bill Stormbreaker series happens chronologically after Waid's F4 story. It's all in the Fantastic Four OHOTMU from last summer. You should pick it up.

[Keith_Martineau]

I think a lot of people know, it's fairly common knowledge. Just because one of the 10 people posting on this thread didn't respond to you within 5 hours doesn't mean "nobody" knows . . .

His appearance in the Beta Ray Bill Stormbreaker series happens chronologically after Waid's F4 story. It's all in the Fantastic Four OHOTMU from last summer. You should pick it up.

Doubt I'd be able to find it now.

I'm truly curious. I was hoping the profile in the issue would address it. Can't anyone tell me?

[Zero Hunter]

I just figured Giffen decided to ignore what they did to Galactus in FF and put him back the way he SHOULD be. I am tired of writers trying to depower the Big G. He is a force of nature and should be treated as such.

I was so glad to see Stardust back. It really is one of the best Hearlds in a long time. Very loyal to the Big G and powerful. In the Beta Ray Bill mini it stood its ground against BBR with no problem. I definetly think it should be kept around for a while. Seeing Red Shift was a shocker. I never thought he would ever been seen again. I always though he was lamer than lame, but here he wasn't that bad really. I wish Terrax had not been caught and had joined up with the others. I love the dynamic when all of them are together. I do wish Morg would show up too though.

The highlight was definelty the the Thanos/Annihilus meeting. Those two are just too much alike to stay civil very long.

[Keith_Martineau]

I just figured Giffen decided to ignore what they did to Galactus in FF and put him back the way he SHOULD be. I am tired of writers trying to depower the Big G. He is a force of nature and should be treated as such.

I was so glad to see Stardust back. It really is one of the best Hearlds in a long time. Very loyal to the Big G and powerful. In the Beta Ray Bill mini it stood its ground against BBR with no problem. I definetly think it should be kept around for a while. Seeing Red Shift was a shocker. I never thought he would ever been seen again. I always though he was lamer than lame, but here he wasn't that bad really. I wish Terrax had not been caught and had joined up with the others. I love the dynamic when all of them are together. I do wish Morg would show up too though.

The highlight was definelty the the Thanos/Annihilus meeting. Those two are just too much alike to stay civil very long.

I agree that Galactus should remain the Big G. But Waid's final FF story was brilliant, and it left it open for Galan to become Galactus again---and that is a story I want to see told. I'm irritated that the story has NOT been told, has been ignored and glossed over for this.

Now, if it has been told, and I missed it, it'd be good if someone could give a synopsis here.

[Tien Long]

Just a general comment, I'm trying to get into the series. Like the fact that all the heralds of Galactus are coming together, but for some reason it still isn't clicking for me and I think that the art is the main killer. When I see the Silver Surfer, I like him to be throwing cosmic beams from his hands. The last couple of fight scenes have been somewhat unclear and I can't really tell what's happening.

[pesmerga316]

I keep seeing all these lists of Heralds but they are all missing one in particular, and that one comes off to me as the most powerful

I think Tyrant would annihilate anything the annihilation swarm through at him though, did they retcon him or something? Fallen One seems super powerful but still don't think he would be on Tyrants level

[Soundrave]

Just a general comment, I'm trying to get into the series. Like the fact that all the heralds of Galactus are coming together, but for some reason it still isn't clicking for me and I think that the art is the main killer. When I see the Silver Surfer, I like him to be throwing cosmic beams from his hands. The last couple of fight scenes have been somewhat unclear and I can't really tell what's happening.


I agree.

I think the SILVER SURFER art has been the weakest link in ANNIHILATION so far. I doesn't look like the artist got Stardust's hands right.

[Lord S]

I agree.

I think the SILVER SURFER art has been the weakest link in ANNIHILATION so far. I doesn't look like the artist got Stardust's hands right.
I second the comment on the art...I've already mentioned to Andy Schmidt that Arlem's drawing of Thanos bothers me. It sucks...it really sucks. I understand it's his 'interpretation'...but quite frankly, his interpretation sucks. Thanos is drawn as an African person, when he should be an alien. He looks way too much like Apocalypse. Don't even get me started on FireLord, or even Galactus.

[roundman]

This issue was an interesting set-up. Could there end up being an Annihilus v. Galactus battle coming up? Interesting.

Overall, this was a satisfactory issue. It suffered a bit from a middle issue syndrome, but it did its job: it left me wanting more.

Overall the Art was pretty good, but I do have some complaints. I'm not sure I like the new Firelord design. Maybe it'll grow on me. Also, I thought Annihilus' Seekers looked far too much like Terrax.

Overall, I hope Annihilation ends up wiping out some of these new heralds. Keep Terrax and Firelord, wipe out Red Shift, Fallen One, and Morg (if he's still around). I'm undecided as to Stardust, as I've never seen him/her before. There's just too many herald running around IMO.

[steve2275]

.......good art

[The Fury]

Overall, I hope Annihilation ends up wiping out some of these new heralds. Keep Terrax and Firelord, wipe out Red Shift, Fallen One, and Morg (if he's still around). I'm undecided as to Stardust, as I've never seen him/her before. There's just too many herald running around IMO.
I find it odd there are only these few Heralds in total.

We entered the whole Heralds thing with Silver Surfer. He left and since then there have been about 8.

Before then apparently there was only Fallen One.

So for countless enos that Galactus existed he only ever had 2 heralds and now in 6 years there have been another 8.

I alwasy have the view that there are maybe another load out there somewhere, a few that did defy Big G, a left to find their own world in the universe. Those few seem very few for the amount of time Galactus has lived. Unless Silver Surfer and Fallen One were really that loyal for all those years.

[Expletive Deleted]

Keep in mind, Galactus doesn't actually need a Herald. He's got computers and automatons on his Worldship that can do the job well enough. Having a Herald just . . . makes things easier.

Galactus wasn't actually looking for a Herald when he found Zenn-La. He was just looking for dinner. Norrin offered to do the job unprompted (unless there's a retcon out there I missed).

Here's my theory. For whatever reason, the Fallen One didn't work out, and kind of soured Galactus on the concept of Heralds. Then, eons later, the Silver Surfer turned up and worked out great. So much so that when he finally rebelled, Galactus decided to find a replacement. He picked Air Walker, who again worked out great and even became Galactus's confidant. Then he was killed. And that's where the rest of our string of Heralds comes in.

Galactus doesn't need 'em, but they're handy and he's always looking for just the right mix of personality traits to ensure effectiveness and loyalty. Unfortunately, he has really, really lousy people skills.

Or not. I'm just spitballin' here.

[Nevets F]

The Beta Ray Bill mini by Oeming. There was no explanation given there either.

That's right, it happened in Beta Ray Bill. No explanation was given, but it wasn't The Annihilation books that changed him back, which was the original complaint.

[Zero Hunter]

I almost think that if they would switched the art teams for Silver Surfer and Super Skrull around it might have looked better. I like how the art looks in the Super Skrull mini, and kinda think that style would have been better sutied for the Surfer book.

[juggalotus]

It appeared that thanos will allign with annihilus so long as it suits his purpose. As soon as annihilus reveals that he wants to be supreme master of the U or whatever Thanos aint gonna have any of that

[cappa donna]

It appeared that thanos will allign with annihilus so long as it suits his purpose. As soon as annihilus reveals that he wants to be supreme master of the U or whatever Thanos aint gonna have any of that
Can't Thanos rip Annihulus apart anytime he wants to?

[Cthulhudrew]

Galactus wasn't actually looking for a Herald when he found Zenn-La. He was just looking for dinner. Norrin offered to do the job unprompted (unless there's a retcon out there I missed).

There have been two, I believe. The most recent is the Dark One (Thanos' "herald") who was revealed in the recent Thanos series to have been one of Galactus' first heralds (if not *the* first, I don't really remember).

It seems to me that it was stated somewhere that Tyrant was also one of Thanos' first heralds, or something on that level.

Given how well those two turned out, though, I could see where he might not have had any for quite some time until Norrin.

Also, until "recent" history, Galactus doesn't seem to have had as many problems with his eating habits as he currently does- I know it's been stated in places that he needs to eat more than he used to, and ever since he was beaten by Reed Richards on Earth in early issues of FF, he's had all kinds of troubles.

[Expletive Deleted]

Man, is there anything that isn't Reed Richards' fault?

[Lord S]

Dark One It's actually the Fallen One...whose specializes in Black Matter.

It seems to me that it was stated somewhere that Tyrant was also one of Thanos' first heralds, or something on that level. No, Tyrant was created as an equal, to keep Galactus company...until he wanted conquest, which irked the Big G, so he shrank him down to size.

[Max]

I can't be the only one wondering how Galactus returned from his unpowered Galan state at the end of Waid's Fantastic Four run. I truly hate it when big plot points like that are just ignored just so they can move on to some OTHER big story. They aren't going to appreciate it when the next set of writers and editors ignores the events of Annihilation.

Boy, thanks for bringing this up. I totally forgot about this. My thanks is in that I went back and reread those issues. Pure gold...I ended up rereading Waids' entire run. I forgot how great his run was. Of course, after reading, it only magnified my displeasure with JMS's run.

I agree with you, the depowering of Galatus is big news in the MU. Jeepers, it happened in the so called flagship book. I shouldnt have to look for a Beta Ray Bill book, whatever Beta Ray is, to learn about the Cosmic Power finding Galen. Someone mention the term "common knowledge" wah? So where in the main books was this mentioned?

As far as SS #2 I really enjoyed it. As a matter of fact I am in joying the whole Annihilation project. (at the expense of DC) I thought the art as a whole is decent. But I concur with the fight scenes being some what confusing. I look forward to the next installment.

[Expletive Deleted]

I think Tyrant would annihilate anything the annihilation swarm through at him though, did they retcon him or something? Fallen One seems super powerful but still don't think he would be on Tyrants levelTyrant wasn't a Herald. He could still show up, but he was something altogether different.

Tyrant (http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix2/tyrantgalactus.htm)

[Expletive Deleted]

His appearance in the Beta Ray Bill Stormbreaker series happens chronologically after Waid's F4 story. It's all in the Fantastic Four OHOTMU from last summer. You should pick it up.The sum total of the explanation given is . . .

Brought to Manhattan while Reed raced to find an alternate energy source for him, Galan was impressed by humanity's indomitable will and constant struggle against hardship, and he chose to exile himself extradimensionally rather than risk destroying it all when his power returned.

Apparently reverting to his old ways upon regaining his power, Galactus returned and recruited a new herald, Stardust, who worshipped his master and believed others should submit to him. Galactus then consumed the second home of the Korbinite race, though the people's life forces were preserved in a Meta-Orb.

[BeastieRunner]

I'm really enjoying this series and can't wait for more! I realy want a huge Herald vs. Annihilation Wave battle with some huge Silver Surfer blasts.

[Dark Soul # 7]

Finally found and bought this issue.

I liked it. As everybody says, the talk between Thanos and Annihilus was great, now I just feel that the two need to duke it out or something.
Galactus himself is getting worried and his former heralds are gathering to take on the Annihilation Wave. The seekers have a weakness, while that´s a good thing one can assume that it means that Annihilus has some minions than said seekers. Oh and I might be biased but I thought Firelord was really cool. Straight to the point and most likely pissed.

The only downside was Firelord´s new look. But hopefully DiVito will do better with it and actually make you know, firey.

[A.Warlock]

I liked Firelord's look, but his fire staff weapon thing didn't look right. Too much like a barbell than the weapon it's been shown as in the past.

Does anybody know what happened to the orb Thanos stole from Tyrant way back in Cosmic Powers (the last great cosmic series in my opinion).

And how did Galactus come back after the Ultimate Nullifier wiped out him, Tyrant, and Morg, not to mention Airwalker (who was part of Galactus' ship at the time) back in Silver Surfer a bunch of years ago (issue 109 or so)?

[TJ Shoun]

I'm just glad Annihilus - buggy, alien physiology and all - still likes humanoid fleshy T and A.

This should become canon.

[Arilou]

I kept wondering whether or not those err.... concubines, of his were actually Gamora clones. It almost looked like it in a few panels, and it would explain her out-of-characterness in Ronan.

Once I got a better look that theory was dismantled though.... Although I still think Annihilus prefers bugs. At least obviously the Bugs prefer *him*.

[Castaway]

Given that:
Everything is Reed Richards fault
Johnny Storm was (very briefly) a "herald"--and therefore touched by the cosmic power
Johnny Storm is in a coma
Nova is the sole survivor of his planet and a former New Warrior
The New Warriors were "the final straw"
It would be odd if (I know nobody wants to hear this) Annihilation and Civil War DON'T somehow meet-up?:confused:

[Lord S]

Given that:
Everything is Reed Richards fault
Johnny Storm was (very briefly) a "herald"--and therefore touched by the cosmic power
Johnny Storm is in a coma
Nova is the sole survivor of his planet and a former New Warrior
The New Warriors were "the final straw"
It would be odd if (I know nobody wants to hear this) Annihilation and Civil War DON'T somehow meet-up?:confused: Someone suggested in another thread that the Anniliation Wave approaching the Earth could be a way for the heroes to patch things up and become united...thus ending the Civil War.

I'm inclined to agree with that...I think it'd be some great reading.

[Dark Soul # 7]

Someone suggested in another thread that the Anniliation Wave approaching the Earth could be a way for the heroes to patch things up and become united...thus ending the Civil War.

I'm inclined to agree with that...I think it'd be some great reading.For the last time! Civil War and Annihilation will NOT connect!
It would be a cheap way out of the Civil War for one thing and another is that Civil War ends in November and Annihilation doesn´t end until January. Way to long apart if you ask me.
And since Annihilation is after Planet Hulk one can safetly assume that it´s after Civil War too.

[Lord S]

For the last time! Civil War and Annihilation will NOT connect! Spoken so matter-of-factly...and what exactly makes you the authority on the subject?

I'm simply voicing my opinion on what I wouldn't mind seeing. I don't think the endings of 'Civil War' or 'Annihilation' have even been written yet, so it's anybody's guess what will happen.

BTW, the two stories don't have to end at the same time to be connected...'Civil War' can end first, and the heroes could merge into the 'Annihilation' story.

But anyway, this is another thread altogether.

[Will.S]

I second the comment on the art...I've already mentioned to Andy Schmidt that Arlem's drawing of Thanos bothers me. It sucks...it really sucks. I understand it's his 'interpretation'...but quite frankly, his interpretation sucks. Thanos is drawn as an African person, when he should be an alien. He looks way too much like Apocalypse. Don't even get me started on FireLord, or even Galactus.Thanos, FireLord and Galactus all look fine to me since they still resemble what they have looked like for years. Thanos is big and purple with the skrull chin and bulged brow, Galactus is huge with all the armor and FireLord is all....fire'y.

The only thing that looked a wee it odd was Galactus with pupils but I don't think any of the tweaks are worth crying about. Plus Andrea DiVito seems to be drawing Thanos with more pronounced features so it's all good.

[bloodyarts]

I didn't have a problem with the art at all. In fact, I rather like it alot.

Only problem with Annihilation: Silver Surfer #2 so far is that Terrax seemed to be captured with little effort. Then again, he's not showing any signs of a battle in terms of scars, ripped clothing, etc. So maybe, he wanted to get captured so he could meet Annihilus and perhaps overthrow him. Terrax was a tyrant after all. This is certainly up his alley.

But won't it be a hoot if he tried that and ended up facing off against Thanos...

[Ultraman Max]

Bought both the first and second issues of thise mini as my "curiousity" pick-ups this time around, and I rather enjoyed them. The art is a bit of a mixed bag at times, Firelord,for example, looks imposing to a degree but not particularly eyecatching like he used to, but that's a small complaint.

I rather like how they're setting up a paralell exploration on just why Galactus is needed while the main story of the Annihilation wave takes place. He's essentially been set up now as the force that kept "our" expanding universe from growing too much too fast and thus preventing the inhabitants of the Negative Zone from noticing sooner.

I also like the format of exploring a massive event through the eyes of individual characters and was a little disappointed to learn that it's leading up to another mini-series rather than a bookend (I wasn't paying too much attention to the promotion of this, admittedly). The fact files (something I liked about the Nova issue I picked up as well) are a nice touch too, though stating the threat levels twice is a bit redudant.