This sort of works - under all of the real expectations. It is true to our expectations. Heck, it's even a bit witty! The line in particular at the beginning about Ninjak saying, "We've fought, now let's team up." That's pretty good. The commentary about much of the Tickle Me Elmo of the time is great, too. Nice and topical - and who at the time didn't want to blow up one of those dolls, right? But the comic just isn't working. For some reason, the book is dull, unimpressive, and really wrecks even X-O being around, too. Not certain where this book is aiming still. Eight? Are these kids even trying to regularly walk around a comic store? I'm some big dork, and I rarely bring my eight-year old around the store. Nice try, but fail
I've never been a big fan of the Silver Surfer
But I can really appreciate everything that the character brings to the Marvel Universe. He may really be the first environmentalist super hero. Certainly he's the first one in the Marvel Universe, right? And this was a pretty great idea to bring in a bi-monthly book - but at a double length. I'm not certain, but my guess is that the book probably faltered because of its cost. For a comic reader to pick up the book, and justify spending twice as much? Can't see it happening. Especially when the story is longer, but also fills up with a story about the Watcher. Most of the tale follows a re-telling of his tale, but also investigates his own origins. Really a parallel to Magnus, Robot Fighter - with the complacency of an advanced society. And he sacrifices his own existence, and his true love that his society may continue to exist - and hopefully rebuild itself. The Watcher story tells yet another tale of why intervening isn't what the team should do. Just watch. Just see. Otherwise.... NUCLEAR WAR!