Marvel Reveals Silver Surfer's Origins in Shalla-Bal One-Shot

Charles Soule and Mark Buckingham unveil the tragic origin of the Silver Surfer of Earth-828 in Fantastic Four: First Foes – Shalla-Bal #1, a comic one-shot tied to The Fantastic Four: First Steps film. The issue hits stores June 10.

This June, Marvel Comics continues to expand the history behind Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps with FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST FOES – SHALLA-BAL #1, a comic book one-shot by writer Charles Soule and superstar artist Mark Buckingham.

"I herald his beginning. I herald your end. I herald… Galactus!" Those haunting words spoken by Shalla-Bal spurred Marvel's First Family into action in last summer's blockbuster film. Now fans will discover more about the Silver Surfer of Earth-828 in this new one-shot, with Soule (Daredevil) bringing the story and Buckingham (Miracleman) returning after previous First Steps tie-ins including Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) #1 and the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Foes (2026) #1.

The Origins of Shalla-Bal

Each one-shot in this line is set within the world of the film, expanding its history by revealing the team's earliest adventures and the origins of their legendary adversaries. Years ago, in order to save her planet, astronomer Shalla-Bal gave up her freedom to become the sustenance-seeking Herald of the intergalactic Devourer of Worlds, Galactus. For the first time, readers will learn the secrets of her transformation, her journey, and the horrifying decisions she had to make.

"Already spoiled rotten to have had superstar writers Matt Fraction and Dan Slott collaborate with me on this Fantastic Four series, I was over the moon to discover I'd be joined by the incredible Charles Soule for this next installment. And over the moon, and far into deep space, is where we are going—to glimpse a dramatic and heartbreaking tale from Shalla-Bal's past," Buckingham shared.

Buckingham continued: "It continues to be a delight and utter joy to draw this book, and to have a whole issue to indulge in my love for the Silver Surfer, especially after seeing Shalla-Bal so exquisitely brought to life in the film. I've loved bringing the magic of the early FF stories and Marvel Studios' movie together and delving deeper into the universe of The Fantastic Four: First Steps."

What This Means for Marvel Fans

This expanding line of First Steps tie-ins lets Marvel Comics bridge the gap between its film universe and its comics legacy, giving readers a deeper look at Earth-828's cosmic history. For anyone who was moved by Shalla-Bal's heartbreaking turn in the film, Soule and Buckingham promise the definitive untold story of how a scientist became a cosmic herald. Pick up Fantastic Four: First Foes #1 on March 25 and preorder the Shalla-Bal one-shot at your local comic shop now.