Sunday, May 20, 2012

THOR VS SILVER SURFER

THOR VS SILVER SURFER

THE DEFINITIVE WRITE UP ON THE POWER OF LIGHTNING AND STORM VS THE POWER COSMIC


By
John "THE MEGO STRETCH HULK" Cimino


When fanboys talk about the Super-Heavyweights of comics, there can be no doubt that the Mighty Thor and the Silver Surfer will rank at the top of their lists. It's almost impossible for them not too, because when it comes down to pure overall power, these two are almost without equal. Thor is the Asgardian God of Thunder, an unparalleled warrior who wields the mighty, mystic Mjolnir war-hammer which is easily one of the most powerful weapons in the Marvel Universe. This magical weapon has granted Thor with such a vast array of powers that he has been worshiped by humans of Earth as their savior for thousands of years...now that's respect! The Silver Surfer is the first and greatest Herald of the Space-God, Galactus. He is the alien Sky-Rider of the Spaceways and possessor of the infinitely powerful -- Power Cosmic. With this energy seething through him, Surfer can do just about anything. Both characters (when written at their best) are possibly the most complete high-end superheroes in comics, so move over Superman!

But what makes Thor and the Silver Surfer so special is not just the fact that they possess untold levels of power that could shatter whole planets at will. But that they are both truly worthy possessors of that power. They are proud, noble spirits that will protect those who are in need no matter what the cost. Almost invincible god-like figures that truly understand how precious and fragile life is and it's this understanding that earns them such great admiration by their peers and great disdain from their enemies.

Because Thor and the Silver Surfer are such pure and noble souls, they can't help but be the targets of some of the major evils in the Marvel Universe who constantly want to corrupt them. Like the dreaded Mephisto, the Devil...

...or Thor's wicked stepbrother, Loki, the God of Mischief and Lies! But despite the odds, Thor and the Silver Surfer never falter in the face of such adversity.

It is this intrigue that has also made "Thor vs Silver Surfer" such a fascinating match up. Fans couldn't help but ask, who is truly the most powerful hero in the Marvel Universe, Thor or the Silver Surfer? What would happen if Thor and the Silver Surfer ever faced off against each other? Which is more powerful, Mjolnir or the Power Cosmic? And Stan Lee couldn't help but listen to viewer demand and give them what they wanted. And with the release of the grandiose Silver Surfer #4 (1969), the two heroes met in a clash for the ages. But the most interesting aspect of the fight was not the action and power displays, but the inner dialogue. Both characters knew deep down that the other was truly an honorable soul despite the situation they were in. It was this kind of compassion that showed their true character traits (and what made the issue an all-time classic).

It seems that despite being such an interesting and demanded match up, you would think that these two characters would have clashed more often than their history dictates. But in reality, "Thor vs Silver Surfer" is a rare occurrence in the annals of Marvel's history. I think it's because writers find it hard to come up with reasons to have them fight. Both characters are so pure in their cause of righteousness that it has to be difficult.

But despite their feelings, these heroes both answer to a higher power (Thor is commanded by his All-Father Odin and Surfer must do the bidding of Galactus) and their loyalty to them can sometimes make things difficult despite what they feel in their hearts, as seen in their clash in The Mighty Thor #1-6 (2011). Both Thor and the Silver Surfer are free spirits and are guided by their own fate, so this has led them to rebel against their master's quite often.

Despite the noble heart of the Silver Surfer, he must continually find planets for his master, Galactus to consume. This tragic way of life has led him to oppose the Space-God on many occasions.
And despite Thor's undying loyalty to his All-Father Odin and Asgard, he has continually rebelled against him and followed his own heart. 

Although Thor and the Silver Surfer have similarities with nobility and honor, they are totally different when it comes to their approaches towards life and situations. While Thor is a majestic, proud Norse-Warrior-God who enjoys everything in life and the occasional challenge to his "manhood". Surfer is more of a lost alien being that is out of touch with others and who continually rides the spaceways as a stranger in a strange land. He is more of a lonely, brooding, pacifist that longs to be with his love Shalla-Bal and back on his home world of Zenn-La. While Thor relishes being the hero and the champion of good, Surfer just wants to raise a family and live a normal peaceful life.

So when these two face off, it's a little depressing for me. Thor and Silver Surfer are two good guys that should always be on the same side fighting for what is right. But sometimes each are bound by a code of honor and obligation that is beyond them and this leaves them open to oppose anyone who is foolish enough to face them and challenge their power. Because let's make no mistake, when Thor and the Silver Surfer cut loose, there is usually more "Kirby Krackle" being emitted from the comic book pages than any reader can be prepared for.

Okay, enough with the background, let's get to the combatants...


TALE OF THE TAPE




Name: Thor

Height: 6’6”

Weight: 640lbs

Real Name: Thor Odinson

Origins: Born in a cave in Norway, Odin (Father), Gaea (Mother)

Home Base: Asgard

Nicknames: The God of Thunder, The Prince of Asgard, Goldilocks, The Thunderer, The Blondhair, The Son of Odin, Vingthor the Hurler, Longbeard’s Son, Hrodr’s Foeman, Veur, Hloriddi, Donar, Jormungand’s Fear, The Warrior-Born, Long-hair, The Champion of Asgard, The Greatest Warrior in all of Mythology

Powers: Superhuman strength, durability, stamina and mental fortitude greater than those of all other Asgardian Gods. While being the physically strongest of the Asgardians, if the battle pressed, he can enter into a state known as the "Warrior's Madness" ("berserkergang" in Norwegian) which will temporarily raise his strength and stamina tenfold, although in this state he will attack friend and foe alike. As a true Asgardian God he possesses unearthly senses, regeneration (with the aid of Mjolnir), self-sustenance, immunity to disease, resistance to some forms of magic, longevity (he is not truly immortal but relies upon periodic consumption of the Golden Apples of Idunn to sustain his extended lifespan, which to date has lasted many millennia) and he can survive in the vacuum of space unaided for a brief period of time. As the son of the Earth Goddess Gaea, he has also shown to have some control over the Earth. He has thousands of years of training in Asgardian arts of war, he is highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat, proficient with most Asgardian weaponry, highly skilled in the use of the war-hammer, sword and mace.

Weapons: Mjolnir; magical war-hammer made from virtually indestructible uru metal grants weather manipulation, energy projection and absorption, time manipulation, dimensional travel, electrical manipulation, matter manipulation and the most powerful of Thor's offensives, the God Blast (which taps into Thor's life force), the Thermo-blast and the Anti-Force (which counteracts another force). It can also be used to sense out the auras of evil presence. By throwing Mjolnir in the desired direction and then holding on to the handle's unbreakable loop, Thor can fly at supersonic speeds in Earth's atmosphere and travel faster than light in space. Mjolnir obeys Thor's commands as though it was alive and if Thor's will is strong enough, the hammer can pass through nearly any barrier to reach him should he so desire.

Favorite Expressions: Way too many pseudo-Shakespearean quotes to choose from. Thor always makes slightly long-winded speeches during combat.




Name: Silver Surfer

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 225lbs

Real Name: Norrin Radd

Origins: Planet Zenn-La, Deneb System, Milky Way Galaxy

Home Base: Mobile throughout the universe

Nicknames: The Surfer, The Sky-Rider of the Spaceways, The Sentinel of the Spaceways, The Silver Sentinel, The Space-Rider, Silverado, Chrome Dome, The Silver Savage

Powers: The Power Cosmic; granting superhuman strength, endurance, durability, senses and the ability to absorb and manipulate the universe's ambient energy for a variety of effects. He can navigate through interstellar space, dimensional barriers, and can fly at near-limitless speeds on his board entering hyperspace when he exceeds the speed of light. He has even proven capable of time travel on several occasions, even able to make others time-travel with him. He sustains himself by converting matter into energy so he does not require food, water, air, or sleep (although he occasionally enters a sleep-like meditation in order to dream); and can survive within nearly any known natural environment, including deep space, hyperspace, and even within black holes and stars. He can analyze and manipulate matter and energy, and molecularity restructure or animate matter at will such as causing vegetation to grow much quicker, even transmuting elements or creating objects. He can also project energy in various forms for offensive and defensive use, including the erection of force shields, bolts of cosmic force powerful enough to destroy entire planets, and create black holes. He can utilize the Power Cosmic to augment his superhuman strength to indeterminate levels. He can heal living organisms, though he cannot raise the dead, and he has proven capable of revitalizing and evolving organic life on a planet-wide scale. He can also alter the size of himself or of other matter, cast illusions, create interdimensional portals and microverses, phase through solid matter and exercise some level of control over the Astral Plane. His senses enable him to detect objects and concentrations of energy light years away and to perceive matter and energy in subatomic detail, including life energies of living beings. He can even see through time, and with concentration he can achieve limited perception of past and future events in his general vicinity. He has demonstrated telepathic ability, including mind-reading on occasion and has proven to be able to influence human emotion and sensation.

Paraphernalia: Cosmic Surfboard; this board is composed with the same impervious, cosmic-powered silvery material as the Silver Surfer himself. It is mentally linked to the Surfer; it moves in response to his thoughts, even when he is not in physical contact with it. It is totally indestructible, but on those rare occasions where it has been damaged or destroyed, the Surfer has been able to repair or even re-create it. The Surfer can attack opponents remotely by directing the board against them, and it is capable of absorbing and imprisoning other beings temporarily.

Favorite Expressions: "Now, I ride the Eternal winds once more! And none shall ever be my master!", "Time is long and fate is fickle ... My destiny still lies before me! And where it beckons — there shall soar the Silver Surfer!", "If die I must — let it be as I have lived — soaring swift and silent — striving for the right — no matter what the cost!", "Let my board and me again become as one! For I must leave this place of madness!", "Yet none is the master of one who wields the Power Cosmic!"


THE SLUGFESTS













The comics listed in this section are each time Thor and the Silver Surfer have squared off, had words and fought each other in actual official Marvel continuity. I will also explain each encounter in detail. Unfortunately, all fights and situations are not always so clear cut and I've tried my very best to be fair, objective and unbiased about the outcome of each battle. A "MATCH UP" is considered a round within a fight or face off confrontation. Since situations can be erratic in the story, there can be multiple outcomes between opponents in a fight. I will continually list each "MATCH UP" with a result and tally it. A "MATCH UP" will only result in a "WIN" if the losing character is rendered unconscious, teleported away against their will or immobilized in such a fashion that they are only freed by the other combatant or an ally. There may even be cases when a character gets a victory due to interference of their teammates, partners, etc. This may not be a definitive "WIN", but it will still be tallied against the losing opponent and explained so. When a character gets an "EDGE" result, they had the advantage at the end of the fight, but the opponent may still be conscious or fighting on, so it will not be tallied against him. A "DRAW" result means no one was victorious during that encounter. A "NONE" result means there was no way a logical result could be given in that confrontation or situation from the two characters facing off and this can occur for a number of reasons and will be explained in the text. And finally, an "UNKNOWN" result means the ending of the fight was never shown so a definitive result cannot be given. At the end, I tallied up the totals so you can come to your own conclusions and be the judge to see who holds the overall edge in this legendary battle.



 SILVER SURFER #4 (1969)
When fanboys talk about legendary comic books, there can be no doubt that this issue stands as one of the greatest and most influential ever made. Written by Stan Lee, drawn by John Buscema and inked by Sal Buscema, this comic boasts one of the greatest and most iconic covers EVER done and showcases a story and slugfest that is so masterfully crafted that rarely has anything surpassed it in the medium. The Marvel Silver Age is widely considered the greatest and most creative time period in the history of comics, this issue is one of the reasons why.

Wanting to once again destroy his stepbrother Thor, Loki searches the cosmos for a suitable pawn to use against his nemesis. Searching the cosmos, Loki finds the Silver Surfer and travels to Earth and engages the hero into battling him so he can test the Space Rider's powers. Convinced that the Surfer has the power to defeat his stepbrother, Loki tricks the Silver Sentinel into believing that Thor is evil and is intending to conquer Asgard.
Secretly boosting the Surfer's power with his magics, Loki sends Surfer to Asgard and manipulates events so that the Surfer and Thor engage in battle. The fight is fierce between the two powerhouses with Thor feeling something is amiss as he can sense the good within the Surfer. So not really wanting to hurt the Space-Rider, Thor holds back, which proves to be his undoing as the increased power of the Silver Surfer eventually drops the Thunder God.
However, the Surfer begins to realize that something is afoot because Thor's hammer cannot break free from his force-field, and it should be able to because it's magic is more powerful than his Power Cosmic. Surfer then realizes that Loki had been manipulating him from the start and increasing his powers. Thor now rises in anger and with one blow shatters Surfer's force-field to renew the fight. But Loki is furious that the Surfer failed in defeating Thor, returns him back to Earth, leaving Thor to believe that the Surfer was truly a noble being who had been manipulated by unseen forces. RESULT: EDGE SILVER SURFER (This fight result cannot be considered a "win" for the Silver Surfer because even though Thor went down due to his cosmic barrage, the Thunder God was never knocked unconscious and still pressing on. Plus, Surfer's powers were increased to an unknown extent by Loki while Thor never really cut loose and fought back. There are just too many circumstances to consider to give this fight a definitive result.)

TALLY: MATCH UPS: 1  THOR: 0 - SILVER SURFER: 0


 AVENGERS ANNUAL #11 (1982)
For his interference with an alien culture, Nebulon is exiled on Earth, where he is befriended by Thor, who convinces the Avengers that the former would-be world conqueror has reformed. Elsewhere, Supernalia, another native of Nebulon's planet, appears to the Valkyrie, the Gargoyle, and the Beast, claiming Nebulon intends to decimate the world, and he has taken the Avengers under his control. Enlisting the Silver Surfer, the Defenders confront the Avengers. Valkyrie will make the first attack on Thor while she is trying to talk some sense into him. Iron Man will then blast her and the rest of the Defenders through a wall and make an escape with Nebulon. He now teleports the Avengers to the Himalayas. RESULT: NONE

TALLY: MATCH UPS: 2  THOR: 0 - SILVER SURFER: 0

But soon the Defenders arrive to confront the Avengers in a mega-brawl. Thor fights with Valkyrie once again and her Pegasus in the sky (while not really wanting to hurt her) as the Silver Surfer takes on Iron Man in an epic battle. Thor, who has taken enough of Valkyrie's attacks finally hurts her with a lightning strike, but then he quickly saves her while she falls off her flying horse. This leaves the Thunder God wide open for a vicious elbow attack by the female goddess and he falls to the Earth below stunned. While he is falling, Surfer will take the opportunity to blast Thor with a Cosmic Bolt that totally knocks him out. Surfer will now renew his fight with Iron Man as they eventually knock each other out. But it's Captain America who stops all the fighting by dropping his guard and allowing the Beast to pummel him, this realization of what he is doing frees Hank from Supernalia's control. She then reveals that she is Nebulon's wife, dishonored by his choice of exile over death and determined to restore her honor by killing him, and that Nebulon had secretly been draining the heroes' energies for his own use with a hidden ennui device. Cap manages to turn the machine against Nebulon, unaware that it is fatal to his race, whereupon Supernalia, realizing that she too has now transgressed in Earth's affairs, leaps into the device's beam with her husband, and both perish. RESULT: NONE

TALLY: MATCH UPS: 3  THOR: 0 - SILVER SURFER: 0



 THE INFINITY CRUSADE #5 (1993)
When hero Adam Warlock takes possession of the artifact the Infinity Gauntlet, he expels the good and evil aspects of his being to become a totally logical being, who can therefore use the Gauntlet wisely. This act not only recreated his "evil" persona and old foe the Magus, but also freed the "good" persona, the Goddess. During the events of the Infinity War, the Goddess steals the five cosmic containment units collected by the Magus. She will collect a total of 30 and uses them to form a "Cosmic Egg" capable of fulfilling wishes. Using the Egg, she creates a planet called Paradise Omega, then the Goddess brainwashes and recruits many of Earth's superheroes including Thor to act as her army. The heroes chosen are susceptible as they are religious or have had a near-death experience. The heroes defend the Goddess while she meditates on how to rid the universe of all evil. While it becomes a huge hero on hero war, Thor and Silver Surfer are on opposite teams but never meet up and challenge each other. RESULT: NONE

TALLY: MATCH UPS: 4  THOR: 0 - SILVER SURFER: 0



 SILVER SURFER #86 (1993) 
While the Silver Surfer is passing by, he happens to notice Thor (who is being possessed by the Mind Valkyrie to go on a killing spree, while holding nothing back) is about to kill Beta Ray Bill. Surfer manages to intervene, and then he and the "insane" Thor begin to battle it out, giving Bill time to recover and join in. Surfer begins to get pummeled while trying to talk some sense into Thor as Bill will now take this opportunity to attack and stun the mad Thunder God. RESULT: EDGE THOR (while Beta Ray Bill was recovering, Surfer took a beating from Thor but never really fought back. And before the final blow with Mjolnir could be struck, Bill stopped the attack and saved Surfer.)

TALLY: MATCH UPS: 5  THOR: 0 - SILVER SURFER: 0

As Thor recovers, he speaks to the Mind Valkyrie and draws renewed vigor and strength from her. He rises angrily and shoots a lightning bolt that totally incapacitates Beta Ray Bill. The Surfer now sends his board to carry the unconscious Bill away from the battle while he engages Thor in a fight. Bill is intercepted by Lady Sif, who takes him back to Asgard. Now with his board back, Surfer doesn't hold anything back and battles it out with the mad Thunder God! But after an intense fight, Thor outclasses Surfer and sends him plummeting into a planetoid below them. When he arrives there to finish the job on the unconscious Surfer, Thor finds Pip the troll and Adam Warlock waiting for him. RESULT: WIN THOR

TALLY: MATCH UPS: 6  THOR: 1 - SILVER SURFER: 0



 WARLOCK AND THE INFINITY WATCH #23 (1993)
Warlock and Pip the troll arrive just before Thor is about to kill the Silver Surfer, Pip jumps out, but Adam says that he understands way Thor is lashing out. He does not understand, though, why Thor would turn to the Mind Valkyrie, one who does not exist. The Mind Valkyrie prods Thor to kill Warlock as well. As they engage in battle, the Surfer comes around and they both begin to attack Thor. Adam tries to subdue Thor with a karmic blast from his soul gem, but it has no effect on The Thunderer at all. Thor proceeds to beat the living hell out of both Warlock and the Surfer, while making a tremendous lightning and energy storm from Mjolnir. This all-powerful attack knocks out Surfer and stuns Warlock. As Thor grabs Warlock and is about to deliver the killing blow with Mjolnir, the Surfer's board slams into Thor from behind and begins to carry off both the Surfer and Warlock to safety. Coming back from unconsciousness, the Surfer realizes that Adam is controlling the board. Warlock states that Thor is still insane and using his Asgardian powers without any restrain (while being convinced by the Mind Valkyrie to do so) they must try once again to stop him even if it kills them. RESULT: WIN THOR

TALLY: MATCH UPS: 7  THOR: 2 - SILVER SURFER: 0



 THE MIGHTY THOR #470 (1994) 
In the previous issue, an insane Thor totally pummeled the Infinity Watch and took Drax the Destroyer's Power Gem, enhancing his already incalculable levels of power! Now Thor and the Mind Valkyrie arrive in Nidgar Keep, before continuing on to the city of Asgard. Silver Surfer and the rest of the heroes arrive and try to stop Thor once again. Elsewhere, Lady Sif and Beta Ray Bill decide to use the Norn stones to travel to Thor's side, once more in an attempt to stop him as well. Thor and the Mind Valkyrie easily dispatch of Silver Surfer and the heroes, when Sif and Bill arrive. Pip awakens the unconscious Silver Surfer, and they fly towards Thor and the Mind Valkyrie as Pip then teleports them to the sanctuary of Thanos, who is none too happy to have unexpected visitors. RESULT: WIN THOR (This fight cannot be considered a definitive "win" for Thor by any means as his powers were increased by the Power Gem.)

TALLY: MATCH UPS: 8  THOR: 3 - SILVER SURFER: 0 
   


 SILVER SURFER #88 (1994) 
Having transported himself, an insane "Gem-Powered" Thor, Silver Surfer, and the Mind Valkyrie to Thanos' ship, Pip the troll hides out on a balcony and watches the raging battle! Thanos locks up with Thor and the Mind Valkyrie engages the Silver Surfer. Thor and Thanos go toe-to-toe for a while, with Thanos apparently enjoying the beating he is receiving in this conflict. Surfer soon manages to defeat the Mind Valkyrie with his Power Cosmic. Thanos puts up a good fight but has no hope of truly defeating Thor who has the Power Gem enhancing his strength and powers, so he simply turns around and leaves the room. Thor thinks that Thanos is running from him, but The Mad Titan returns with a gun, and uses it to encase Thor in a stasis field. Just then, the rest of the heroes appear, when Thanos tells them that the field will not hold Thor for long, and if they are going to cure him, they should do so quickly because as soon as he is free, Thor will undoubtedly destroy them all. RESULT: NONE

TALLY: MATCH UPS: 9  THOR: 3 - SILVER SURFER: 0



 THE MIGHTY THOR #2 and 3 (2011) 
The Silver Surfer has arrived on Earth with a message to bring to Odin; Galactus is coming for Fallen Asgard to take the "Cosmic Seed" artifact he possesses. While Surfer makes his threats to Odin, Thor will attack the Herald from behind. Thor tells Surfer he must prepare to die if he continues to make his threats (The fight continues into issue #3). Surfer responds by engaging Thor in an intense battle. They go back and forth until Odin steps in and tells Surfer he will give Galactus nothing. The Surfer leaves as the Asgardians prepare for war to protect Asgard and the Earth. RESULT: DRAW

TALLY: MATCH UPS: 10  THOR: 3 - SILVER SURFER: 0



THE MIGHTY THOR #4 and 5 (2011) 
ASGARD RISES AGAINST GALACTUS! The World-Eater has come for the Cosmic Seed that is buried deep within the heart of Fallen Asgard. As Odin leads an assault wave of gods against Galactus, a wounded Thor must contend with the Silver Surfer once more in a battle in space. They go back and forth without either giving an inch. Soon as the two combatants are about to slam into each other, Thor speeds past the Surfer and slams into Galactus' head with such amazing force that it actually cracks the World-Eater's helmet and causes him to scream in pain. The impact of the incredible blow sends Thor hurling through deep space stunned. RESULT: DRAW

TALLY: MATCH UPS: 11  THOR: 3 - SILVER SURFER: 0


This unexpected maneuver angers the Silver Surfer as he slams into Thor, and they crash on Mars to renew their epic battle. They go back and forth once again, with both combatants taking tremendous shots from each other (the fight continues into issue #5). Finally, Lady Sif arrives to break them up and they team together to stop Odin and Galactus from destroying everything. RESULT: DRAW
  
FINAL TALLY: MATCH UPS: 12  THOR: 3 - SILVER SURFER: 0



OTHER ENCOUNTERS


Thor and Silver Surfer have fought a few times in non-cannon stories. Truth be told, despite some interesting stories, these issues don't count. I see them as writers' interpretations of “Thor vs Silver Surfer” battles without continuity restraints so they always have fun twists of “What could have been.” Listed here are the best of the best of the Thor and Silver Surfer battles that occurred outside of actual Marvel continuity.



WHAT IF #41 (1992)
As the Silver Surfer approaches Earth, Uatu the Watcher unsuccessfully attempts to shield the planet from being discovered, then contacts the Avengers. The Avengers futilely battle against Galactus and the Silver Surfer, and defeat seemed certain. Realizing the one chance to save the planet, Uatu broke his oath of non-interference, fighting Galactus directly himself. Even Uatu's power was not enough against Galactus, who defeated him; Galactus then consumed the powerful energies of the Watcher, temporarily satiating his eternal hunger. Afterwards, Galactus returned Uatu to the Watcher's Homeworld, where he was burned at a funeral pyre. The Silver Surfer, intrigued by the fact that a Watcher would sacrifice his life for humanity, elected to remain on Earth, and Galactus released him from his vow.



WHAT IF #70 (1995)
As Mr. Fantastic shows the Ultimate Nullifer to scare off Galactus, the Silver Surfer blasts him. The rest of the Fantastic Four will take off and hide underground. Soon the Avengers attempt to stop them and are all killed in the process. Thor is the last remaining Avenger and manages to crack the Silver Surfer chest in the battle before he is also killed off.



Variant Cover

MARVEL ZOMBIES #3 (2006)
Iron Man leads the charge of flying zombies against the Silver Surfer. The Surfer fends off the zombies with his energy blasts, cutting Stark in half at the waist and striking Moondragon down in the throng below. Stark manages to get hold of the Surfer's board and grapples him along with Nova and Vulture. The Surfer's skin is quite impenetrable, however, and Stark just breaks his teeth trying to take a bite. The Surfer manages to shake the trio, and quickly dispatches Nova and Captain Marvel. Thor is more successful and knocks the Surfer from his board when he shatters his makeshift hammer on the Surfer's face.
The Colonel leads the rush on the ground, telling everyone to keep the silver stranger off balance. This strategy doesn't amount to much, and the Surfer quickly dispatches the Vulture, Moon Knight Namor, and Falcon. Wolverine slashes at him, but the force of the blow just rips the adamantium bones from the rotten flesh of his arm. Wolverine ends up right by Stark's torso. Stark ask Logan to toss him into the fray so he can use what's left of his power for one more repulsor blast. Wolverine complies and tosses Tony into the melee as the Surfer takes out Speedball and Gambit.
Hank Pym watches safely from the shadows of an alley, very thankful that he took his time getting back from the lab. He decides to wait until this whole ordeal is over. Elsewhere on the sidelines, Spider-Man resolves to finally just pull off his dangling, broken leg. Banner feels the hunger setting in and transforms back into the Hulk. Rushing in, Hulk takes the Surfer from the other zombies restraining him and is rewarded with two energy blasts to the face. Surfer tries to make his escape on his board, with zombies close behind. An even more enraged Hulk leaps at the Surfer and bites his head off.


MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 #5 (2008)
While Thor and the Silver Surfer (or the zombie versions of themselves) never even clash in this comic, I had to list this issue because of a "Zombified" adaptation of the classic cover of Silver Surfer #4 is used. "Thor vs Silver Surfer" has never looked so "dead" before.
THANOS IMPERATIVE #4 (2010)
An evil Thor and the Revengers are but a few of the countless superhuman slave-soldiers controlled by The Many-Angled Ones within the dark realm of The Cancerverse. The strike-force team of the Silver Surfer, Beta Ray Bill, Gladiator, Quasar, Ronan and Nova battle and defeat them in this "Cosmic" soap-opera saga.



HEROIC TEAM-UPS




Thor and the Silver Surfer have had a few memorable adventures together over the years, whether they were one-on-one or with teams fighting on the same side. It is great to see such powerful and honorable beings using their powers together to fend off the forces of evil. Together they are a superpower, but they seem to make an "odd couple" type of pairing. While Thor is more open and trusting with people, Surfer is more introverted, aloof and out of touch among them. But together they have a mutual respect between each other and walk side by side as equals. Listed here are not all, but the best of the best of the Thor and Silver Surfer team-ups.



THE MIGHTY THOR #193 (1971)
High atop Mount Everest, Blader and Karnilla have summoned the Silver Surfer to come to the aid of Thor, who is now battling Durok, a powerful mystical creature created by Loki. The Surfer, after many betrayals from humans is apathetic to Balder's pleas for help, telling the God that he has no interest in the affairs of humans. But Balder eventually convinces the Surfer to go to Thor's aid and he speeds off on his cosmic surfboard. Arriving in Washington D.C., the Surfer finds Thor defending the city from Durok. Durok manages to gain the upper hand however and knock Thor out with some high voltage wires when their battle takes them into the sewer. Joining the fight, the Surfer commands his board to keep Durok at bay, while he attempts to use his Power Cosmic to revive Thor. 

It takes his Power Cosmic to its fullest potential in order to revive Thor from the brink of death. The Silver Surfer then tells Thor to attend to things in Asgard while he deals with Durok. Thanking the Surfer for his help, Thor teleports back to Asgard, where he finds that Loki has ordered Heimdal that Thor is not allowed to cross the Bifrost Bridge. Forcing the two to fight each other, the battle ends when Heimdal is accidentally knocked off the Bifrost. When Thor rescues his life, Heimdal tells Thor that he had no choice but to follow Loki's orders and allows Thor to pass.

At the gates of Asgard, Thor finds a trio of Storm Giants there to stop Thor from passing through. While back on Earth, the Surfer continues his fight against Durok, their battle takes them out front of the Washington Monument where the Surfer is overpowered by Durok's mystical bolts. Durok then shatters the Surfer's board, before departing and continuing his rampage. When the Silver Surfer revives, he uses his Power Cosmic to restructure his board and goes after Durok who is fighting off the National Guard.
Finding that Durok is far too powerful to be stopped, the Surfer knocks the creature on his board and flies beyond the speed of light, breaking through the fabric of time and space. Arriving in a distant future where the human race has exterminated itself, the Surfer leaves Durok behind in a apocalyptic future where he can harm nobody.
While back in present day Asgard, Thor fights off and defeats the three Storm Giants, and breaks into the palace where he comes across Sif as she is being fitted in a wedding dress for her forced marriage to Loki. Loki then arrives, and blasts Thor out of the palace, separating him from his hammer. With the 60 second limit that would lead to Thor transforming into Donald Blake ticking away, Loki sicks more Storm Giants on his brother, who wait for the transformation to happen so they might destroy the Thunder God once and for all. The story concludes in the next issue, but Thor and the Silver Surfer never meet up with each other again.



THE AVENGERS #215 (1982)
The Silver Surfer chances upon the Molecule Man's discarded wand, but proves invulnerable to its power of possessing the bodies of those who touch it, so the wand instead recreates the body of the Molecule Man. At his request, the Surfer relates his origin, which gives the insane evildoer the idea of emulating Galactus and destroying the entire planet. When the Surfer tries to stop him, the Molecule Man imprisons him easily. Soon the Surfer's board is sighted hovering near the Baxter Building and, since the Fantastic Four are away, Thor and the Avengers investigate. The board takes them to the Silver Surfer, who joins them in confronting the Molecule Man. The villain has erected a huge dome over the New Jersey countryside containing his newly constructed palatial headquarters. The heroes prove no match for the madman whose power now resides in himself, not in his ornamental wand. With a single gesture, he destroys Thor's hammer, Iron Man's armor, Captain America's shield, and the Silver Surfer's board. He then imprisons all but Tigra in a gigantic crushing machine and activates it. 



THE AVENGERS #216 (1982)
Unknown to the Molecule Man, the Avengers are saved by the Silver Surfer's cosmic power. While their foe is occupied repulsing an attack on his dome by the Fantastic Four, they gather in the basement of his headquarters to plot strategy. Although Thor and Iron Man are now merely the powerless Don Blake and Tony Stark, they insist on joining the assault. Meanwhile, Tigra, whom the Molecule Man has kept alive as a companion, attempts to murder him in his sleep, but cannot bring herself to do so. She discovers the others are alive, but before they can attack the Molecule Man, he locates them and is about to defeat them when Don Blake gets close enough to punch him in the nose. Unaccustomed to physical pain, he panics and runs, but when the heroes pursue him, he still proves powerful enough to down the Silver Surfer. Captain America, however, manages to deliver a single powerful blow, and the Molecule Man is knocked unconscious. While the others debate the morality of killing the insane menace, he regains his senses and to everyone's amazement, Tigra talks him into surrendering and seeking psychiatric help. He then restores Mjolnir, Cap's shield, and the Surfer's board, although Iron Man's armor proves too complicated for him to replicate. The Silver Surfer departs, as does Tigra, who has decided she is not comfortable dealing with the types of threats the Avengers face and tenders her resignation. 




SILVER SURFER: THE ENSLAVERS GRAPHIC NOVEL #58 (1990)
While this is not a Thor and Silver Surfer one-on-one team-up, it does include Thor and most heroes of Earth in a great Silver Surfer tale written by Stan Lee himself. The Surfer’s homeworld Zenn-La has already been depopulated by the awesome space slaver and Earth is next. Moving swiftly, and exploiting the good intentions of an Earth scientist, the Enslavers incapacitate all the world’s super-beings (including Thor) and prepare to enjoy their latest conquest. Now it's up to the Silver Surfer and one, lone Earth Scientist to save the world.




SILVER SURFER & THE MIGHTY THOR ANNUAL (1998)
While cruising over the planet, the Silver Surfer is surprised to discover a pair of Asgardian Ice Giants menacing a small island. He dispatches the two giants and goes to find Thor to see if he knows anything about it. They decide to travel into the past to investigate Asgard's destruction. Unbeknownst to them, Millennius has intercepted their temporal travel and brings them to his prison dimension. There, he traps Surfer and plans on draining the Power Cosmic from him to affect his freedom. Millennius goes to confront Thor, for he is the son of Odin, and the one responsible for his imprisonment. At first, Millennius and Thor battle back and forth until he gains the edge over the Thunder God. At the brink of defeat, Thor is saved by Surfer who now confronts Millennius one-on-one. Thor must leave the fight and go stop the growing energy that will soon free Millennius from his imprisonment. The Surfer and Millennius battle it out with the Surfer on the verge of defeat. But Thor is now finished with his task, and he returns the favor and saves Surfer from death. Now Thor and the Silver Surfer double-team Millennius and utterly defeat him as well as leaving the prison he is trapped in. 



THE MIGHTY THOR ANNUAL #1 (2012)
After a friend of Don Blakes turns into a luminescent being and flies off for space, Thor chases her to find her part of a hive mind of an alien race. This race seems to be working for a being called “The Other” who is fighting against another being known as “Scrier”. Scrier will approach Galactus and asked for his assistance. The Big G sends the Silver Surfer despite neither truly trusting the cosmic being requesting the help. 

When Thor comes across Scrier and the Silver Surfer, he wants to attack the giant cosmic being while Surfer tells The Thunderer to hear him out. When Thor stands down Scrier shows him what his plans are, but Thor still does not trust him. Eventually Thor and Surfer get swarmed by alien creatures, Scrier uses the imaginative potential of Thor and the Silver Surfer to unleash an army and endless variations on the two heroes! During the fighting the alien Rachel had turned into reverted to her energy form and joined Thor and Surfer. After the four of them give their all to get inside the fortress, where some alien was found, the creature gives up and it's revealed that Rachel isn't actually one of the creature's thralls. She, in fact, had been bait created by Scrier, to lure Thor here. 

Finally, a truce is made between Scrier and an inter-dimensional creature but to make this truce work, Scrier intended to give the creature Thor - to eat - to appease it for the time being. Galactus then arrives on the scene, ticked off like nothing else. He stops any deal of Thor giving up his life, decrying Scrier and this other as using Galactus and the universe as it's pawns and play field. Galactus wants this game between them both to end and is perturbed by Scrier's manipulations. So, all three of these cosmic entities try to blast each other into oblivion. Caught in-between Thor, the Silver Surfer, and Rachel try to stop his mess. Joining together and using Thor's hammer as a lightning rod -- the three of them combine their powers to attack all three of the cosmic forces and make them stop fighting. Realizing that Thor and their respective Heralds are correct, Scrier gives up, and the dimensional creature likewise relents and agrees to the truce without his bedtime Thor snack.


This issue has 6 different covers
BLACK KING #5 (2021)

In the final issue of this five-part series, the heroes have made their desperate last stand against the symbiote god. All the last combatants of heroes have assembled, and the story's stakes have come to the forefront as Venom, Thor and Silver Surfer lead the charge for the fate of the Marvel Universe. And over the course of the climactic battle, sacrifices are made, and bloody defeat is doled out. Venom (powered by the Enigma-Force) will make the final kill against Knull with an axe composed of both Thor's hammer, Mjolnir and Surfer's surfboard.



THE END??


To know the Marvel Universe you have to know about the "BIG 3." These 3 characters are at the top of the food-chain when it comes to levels of power for the greatest Marvel Heroes. These 3 characters strike the most fear and gain the most respect from opposing opposition. These 3 characters are without a doubt The Marvel hierarchy of ultimate power. They are The Incredible Hulk, The Mighty Thor and The Silver Surfer. Yup, these guys are the standard, and every other hero that wants to be deemed "super" is measured up against them to see how high up the ladder they are and regarded among peers. Here is how the "BIG 3" rank in certain categories between each other. 

Strength and Durability: Hulk  Skill and Mindset: Thor  Overall Versatility: Silver Surfer 

You can make an argument on who ranks second and third in each category between them, but there is no doubt that the character listed as number 1 is the rightful owner of that power-level. And if you read my other write ups; "Hulk vs Thor" or "Hulk vs Silver Surfer," you will notice that each of the "BIG 3" is so insanely powerful that they balance themselves out when it comes to fighting each other. While Hulk has the edge over Thor in their battles, Silver Surfer has the edge over the Hulk, which leads me to this write up where Thor has the edge over Silver Surfer.

"Thor vs Silver Surfer" is very interesting because both heroes are so vastly powerful that it's difficult to compare them. The only way is to break them down into individual categories and give a critical review on how they match up to each other. I listed these categories below and explained who has the edge in each and why. I should point out that regardless of who has the edge between them, both characters are "off the charts" when it comes to these categories and are rarely equaled by other heroes in the Marvel Universe.

Total Power: The Silver Surfer definitely has the edge on Thor when it comes to total versatile power at his disposal. With the Power Cosmic, he can do almost anything he wants. There probably isn't another superhero (in all of comics) that can truly match Surfer in all-out power output. While Thor is a close second and has an abundance of power in his own right, most of it is limited too his hammer Mjolnir. Surfer's energy flows within him, so if Surfer can manage to get Thor's hammer away from him, the Thunderer is in big trouble.

Speed and Agility: Both heroes at top speeds can fly beyond the speed of light. But Surfer can also enter hyperspace and if need be, possibly go even faster. He is more known and respected for his speeds throughout the universe, so he defiantly has the edge over Thor. As for reflexes and agility, Thor is super-humanly quick, but he is not near Surfer's level of mobility and reaction time (especially on his surfboard) as the Space-Rider can dodge meteorites and lasers with the slightest bit of ease. Surfer has a big advantage over the Thunder God in these categories.

Strength and Skill: This is where Thor has the edge and a huge one at that. While Surfer can use his energy to boost his strength to incalculable levels, Thor is already there. And it may be possible for Surfer to go beyond Thor's peak level of strength (I can leave that up to debate among fanboys), but does he have the skills to utilize it properly? And this becomes Thor's greatest advantage. Thor is a warrior-born with thousands of years in combat training, Surfer is a former astronomer and pacifist. He has no true fighting skills whatsoever. And what Surfer has been able to cosmically adapt into a fighting style with his superior speed and reflexes, it is still nowhere close too Thor's level.

Durability and Endurance: This category comparison is just way to close to give a definitive answer too. When both characters are written at their best, they can fight for days without tiring and withstand unearthly levels of punishment. It's anyone's guess who has the edge here, so I'll have to call it even.

Mind and Willpower: On a pure intellectual level, Surfer has the edge especially with his cosmic awareness. The Thunder God may not be a supra-genius like the Surfer, but he is very wise and intuitive in his own right. But when it comes down to using their minds during combat, Thor has a big edge here. He was built for war and his mindset is that of a pure warrior (he isn't called The Greatest Warrior in all of Mythology for nothing). As for willpower, both characters are almost without equal here. They are incorruptible and will continue to fight the good fight until death. But what gives Thor the slight edge over the Surfer is his ego. The Thunder God doesn't just want to win, he has to win. It's the viking-code and motivation to die in a glorious battle and enter Valhalla among his proud fallen comrades to celebrate all the legendary battles of his past. This is what Thor fights for; not just the victory, but the love and glory of the battle. Surfer doesn't have this type of motivation, he would rather just fly away and be alone to brood over his lost love Shalla-Bal.

Mjolnir and the Power Cosmic (overall observation): Unless the Surfer gets Mjolnir away from Thor, I think it's his fight to lose. While Surfer is capable of defeating just about any Super-Heavyweight in the Marvel Universe (and most of them pretty easily), Thor and Mjolnir pose some interesting problems for the Sky-Rider of the Spaceways. Despite Surfer's levels of power, the Power Cosmic cannot effect Mjolnir in anyway and it is capable of deflecting and absorbing Surfer's energy blasts (while firing them back at him). And Thor's level of fighting makes it a tough combination for Surfer to overcome, especially if Surfer decides to go hand-to-hand with the Thunder God (with boosted up strength or not). Sure, Surfer's speed and reflexes can make it a true challenge, but Thor has the experience to overcome this disadvantage and he most surely will. When you read the issues of Silver Surfer #86 and Warlock and the Infinity Watch #23, both characters are holding nothing back and Thor humbles Surfer, not once, but twice! Anyone looking at this match up with unbiased eyes can clearly see these advantages give Thor the overall edge in this fight.
During the Blood and Thunder story line, Silver Surfer fanboys have said that Thor was powered up, enhanced, etc. during his battles against the Silver Surfer and The Infinity Watch (before he got the Power Gem) and that is why he was able to beat them all to the brink of death. This letter from The Mighty Thor #474 (1994) proves them all wrong as Thor was just going all out and holding nothing back. This is a great example of how powerful and capable Thor can be, especially against the Super-Heavyweights of the Marvel Universe.

Now don't get me wrong. Can the Silver Surfer beat Thor on the battlefield? Of course he can, Surfer is just so ridiculously powerful on so many levels that he can win any fight he's in. But more often than not, he will lose against Thor. And if Silver Surfer fanboys have a hard time believing this evaluation or believing if Mjolnir could truly match the Power Cosmic, Surfer even states that Mjolnir's magic is more powerful than his Power Cosmic in Silver Surfer #4 written by the Surfer's biggest fan and co-creator, Stan Lee! There can't be anymore proof than that.

The overall score in 12 official fights show Thor with the edge 3 to 0 over Surfer. And this is no surprise to me because Thor is just a bad match up stylistically for Surfer. Thor's hammer Mjolnir is the perfect foil to the Power Cosmic, especially in the hands of someone as talented as the Thunder God. Yes, Thor's victories over Surfer can be argued against, but he is clearly shown to have the superior weapon and skill-set in them. I'm sure this will be debated on by fanboys, but isn't that what makes match ups so much fun? And regardless of who you think should win, you have to respect both characters because they have such compassion underneath all their god-like powers and that is what truly makes them... super!!!!


The Mighty Thor #22 (2012) "Thor vs Silver Surfer" variant cover

Thor #9 (2020) "Thor vs Silver Surfer" variant cover

Agree?? Disagree?? Let's hear it fanboys!!


Check out other "DEFINITIVE WRITE UPS" here:

Jack Kirby vs Alex Toth
http://hero-envy.blogspot.com/2013/06/jack-kirby-vs-alex-toth.html

 Superman vs Captain Marvel
Thor vs Ulik

Hulk vs Thor
Hulk vs Juggernaut




   John "The Mego Stretch Hulk" Cimino
John Cimino is a Silver and Bronze Age comic, cartoon and memorabilia expert that runs a business called "Saturday Morning Collectibles." He buys, sells, appraises and gives seminars on everything pop culture, so if you got something special, let him know about it. He contributes articles to ALTER EGO, RETROFAN, BACK ISSUE and THE JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR from TwoMorrows Publishing, runs the Roy Thomas Appreciation Board on Facebook and has appeared on the AMC reality show Comic Book Men. He also represents some of comicdoms biggest stars and brings them to a Comic Con near you. John likes to think he's the real Captain Marvel, people just don't have the heart to tell him he's just an obsessed fanboy that loves to play superheroes with his daughter Bryn. Contact him at johnstretch@live.com or follow him on Instagram at megostretchhulk.
Posted by John Cimino at 6:48 AM 52 comments
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