Silver Surfer (TV series)

Silver Surfer, also known as Silver Surfer: The Animated Series, is an animated television series based on the Marvel Comics superhero created by Jack Kirby. The series aired for one season on the Fox Kids Network in 1998.

Overview
Blending cel and Computer animation, the series is rendered in the style of Silver Surfer co-creator Jack Kirby.

While inspired by various Silver Surfer comic book stories, the series alters the original mythos in some key ways. The most notable change is the removal of the Fantastic Four from The Galactus Trilogy, the story that serves as the foundation for the first three episodes of the series. In this version, the Silver Surfer, who has had the memories of Norrin Radd partially restored to him by Thanos, protects Earth from the hunger of Galactus because it reminds him of Zenn-La.

Many other characters from Marvel's cosmic stable appear in the series, including The Watcher, Ego the Living Planet, Pip the Troll, Drax the Destroyer, and Adam Warlock. Most of the characters featured in the series differ from their printed-page incarnations. For instance, Thanos serves Lady Chaos rather than Death and Adam Warlock is an alien supersoldier designed to fight the Kree.

The series utilizes a serialized storytelling approach. As with many Silver Surfer comic book stories, episodes tackle a range of social and political issues, including imperialism, Slavery, non-violence, and environmental degradation.

The series was cancelled after one season. Eight episodes were written for the second season before production was shut down. According to series creator Larry Brody, the cancellation was the result of a legal dispute between Marvel and Saban Entertainment.

Critical reception
Some viewers praise the series for its stylish and intricate mix of animation, as well as for evoking Jack Kirby's designs. Others criticize the lack of complex characterization and the verbose, repetitive monologues of the main character.

DVD releases
In the U.K. the complete series on two discs were to be released by Liberation Entertainment on July 28, 2008 however because of the closure of the U.K. division of Liberation Entertainment the release was cancelled. The rights have now been picked up by Clear Vision LTD who released the set on May 11, 2009.

All 13 episodes are available on Netflix Instant and Marvel's website.