When Norrin Rad found himself with scarcely the energy to live, he made his last wish to journey home to Zenn-La – to once more be with his people, and the love of his life, Shalla Bal. On the way, he encountered a warring pair of peoples, each of whom believed their race correct, and each of whom exploited their followers. Upon disbanding the tyrannical leaders and destroying the sources of their conflict, his final words to the faraway worlds he saved were these: “if sacred places are spared the ravages of war, then make all places sacred. And if the holy people are to be kept harmless from war, then make all peoples holy.”

The Silver Surfer has finally come to an end in his life, and must make peace with all that he holds dear.

A character as iconic and universally treasured as the former Herald of Galactus requires a distinct grace and sensitivity of artistry, and his death consequently requires utmost care.

J. Michael Straczynski’s highly eloquent and philosophical attribution more than suffices in his Marvel Knights limited series, “Requiem.”

It begins with a small spot on his celestial armor, which Dr. Reed Richards, much to his apparent dismay, insists will soon overtake his entire body. Since it’s bound to Rad’s own, the death of the Surfer will trigger the death of Rad, as well. There is absolutely nothing that can be done.

He journeys through the recesses of his mind, assisting Spider-Man and the population of Earth; and the cosmos, where he helps restore peace to a society measured by its years at war.

Esad Ribic’s spectacular art only adds to the sheer majesty of this cosmic masterpiece. With lush, vibrant colors and eerily realistic faces, as well as appropriately cast shadow and light, he weaves a world more than worthy of Straczynksi’s epic tale of hope and sacrifice.

More than anything else, it is a sensitive character study of Norrin Rad’s worth as a man, which nothing can express better than the words of Doctor Strange: “Some say a man can be measured by his enemies. Others say you are known by the quality of your friends. If the mix of varied minds who have given their every thought to your situation since they learned of it is any indication, then the quality of your soul is beyond human measure.”

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