The Silver Surfer narrative, while distinctly unique in its structure, depicts the Silver Surfer as an epic hero and, in doing so, also fits the more specific format of the literary epic. At times, the comic series exhibits the characteristics of both an allegorical tale and a morally uplifting plot progression. The Silver Surfer's origin story expresses a distinct hierarchy of ethical values ​​(Gabilliet 207) and sets the framework for the Surfer's existence, placing him in a position to provide direct social commentary on the human race. This social commentary encompasses not only the personal opinions of the series creator, but also the greater moral compass of American culture as a whole. The Silver Surfer, formerly known as "Norrin Radd", hails from the planet "Zenn-La", an idyllic, almost heavenly place where advanced technology had eliminated all the frustrations and controversies of the world. This idyllic setting was only disrupted by the appearance of a quasi-divine interstellar entity known as "Galactus" who planned to consume all of Zenn-La for sustenance. Norrin Radd made a deal with Galactus, sacrificing contact with his lover, his civilization, his homeworld, and his entire life on Zenn-La in order to ensure the future security of his planet (Lavin). In return, Galactus granted Radd "cosmic power", allowing Radd to shape and bend space-time around him in order to do Galactus's will for the rest of time, acting as the "herald" of Galactus (Comtois). hungry, Galactus ultimately targets Earth for consumption; therefore, the Silver Surfer must then prepare the planet for destruction. Ultimately, based on the innocent pleas of a blind woman who seeks to bargain for the planet and the heroism of...... middle of paper ......l of Popular Culture 41.6 (2008): 934- 949. Literary Reference Center Plus. EBSCO. Internet. March 16, 2011. Goulart, Ron. Comics Encyclopedia: The Ultimate Guide to the Characters, Graphic Novels, Writers, and Artists of the Comics Universe. New York: HarperCollins Inc, 2004. Print.Greenfield, Stanley B. “A Touch of the Monstrous in the Hero, or Beowulf Re-Marvelized.” English Studies 63.4 (1982): 294. Literary Reference Center Plus. EBSCO. Internet. March 16, 2011. Marz, Ron et al. “Conflicting emotions.” The Silver Surfer 3.66 (June 1992). Print.- - - . “The sins of the fathers”. The Silver Surfer 3.67 (early July 1992). Print.- - - . “The Explorer.” The Silver Surfer 3.69 (early August 1992). Print.Misiroglu, Gina and David A. Roach, eds. The Book of Superheroes: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Comic Book Icons and Hollywood Heroes. Detroit: Visible Ink Press, 2004. Print.