Jack Kirby--Silver Surfer Graphic Novel #1 Cover (Marvel 1978)
Artists: Jack Kirby (Penciller) , Mike Royer (Inker)
448 Views - 107 Comments - 77 Likes
Additional Images:
Earl Norem Cover
Artwork Details
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DescriptionThis one truly belongs in a museum. This is the original cover art for the Silver Surfer Graphic Novel #1, penciled by Jack Kirby and inked by Mike Royer. To me, this is the quintessential image of the Silver Surfer drawn by the artist who first created him. The art was intended to be the cover of the first graphic novel Marvel ever published, in fact it was used in the advertising for the book, but it was set aside when Stan Lee decided at the last minute that the book needed a more "prestigious" cover and hired paperback cover artist Earl Norem to paint the cover based on Kirby's layout. I think that was a unfortunate decision because, IMHO this Kirby cover is way superior to the painted cover. Clearly Jack went all out on the art, creating a breathtaking image of the Silver Surfer soaring off on his surfboard while an enormous Galactus attempts to stop him. The Surfer has never looked more majestic than he does here. And Galactus has never looked more godlike, rising imposingly over a cityscape of tiny, insignificant buildings. Behind the figures is a glittering background of Kirbyesque stars and planets--even a solar eclipse with the corona of a distant star peeking out from behind a planet. Mike Royer's stunning inks add a lot of drama to the piece. The thicks and thins of his brushwork were never more masterfully laid down. This art did not remain unpublished, it was eventually used as the back cover to The Jack Kirby Collector Magazine #5, but it deserved to be used as it was intended--As the cover to Jack Kirby's magnum opus. In my opinion it is one of the finest Silver Surfer covers ever drawn by Kirby, and I am thrilled to add it to my collection.Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Brian G
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
It don't get much cooler than that, Bill. What a great piece, congrats.
Paul P Spiderversity 
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
THIS is mind-blowing! Amazing add, Bill!!
REDEMAGNI CLAUDIO
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Wow, wonderful cover, by the great master Kirby with the Silver Surfer escaping the terrible Galactus.
Great Congratulations, Bill!
As always, you delight us with these masterpieces :)
Amir E
Member Since 2020
3 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Cosmic Kirby cover, Bill! Incredible Silver Surfer art—dynamic, bold, urgent. Characters practically rocket off the page fleeing Galactus. Congrats on acquiring this gem!
Andy Wurst
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Simply stunning - huge addition. Congratulations.
Steven Dilworth
Member Since 2012
2 - Posted on 1/17/2026
I am a HUGE Earl Norem fan, and I remember this cover like it was yesterday. It was a big part of the reason I bought the book.
HOWEVER...
I did not know this Kirby rendition existed. I am now sad Kirby's cover wasn't used. It is so much more dynamic than Earl's rendering. It's one of Kirby's finest works.
Congratulations on owning this piece of comic book history.
Damon Wright
Member Since 2008
2 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Absolutely perfect! I agree, no disrespect meant to Earl Norem, but this should have been the cover, it is GORGEOUS!!
Duke Fleed
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
This is awesome. Especially prefer/love Galactus in the OA over the color piece shown...it's got a lot more impact and immediacy. Congrats!
Kavi H
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
It doesn't get much better than this for Jack Kirby and Silver Surfer, wow!!!! Museum worthy for sure in the museum of Bill J! Congrats, truly an incredible image.
thomas derrick aka #1marvelfan
Member Since 2022
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
oh man, beautiful piece, center piece for any collection
James Dornoff
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Wow! An incredibly cool and historic cover, huge congrats on this beauty. This would have fit in beautifully to the Kirby Museum exhibit at the Skirball Center in Southern CA. Huge Congrats!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Hmm, the Earl or The King? Let's think about that for a second. DUH!
James S
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Belongs in a museum?! I thought the Bill J comic art gallery WAS a museum!
Ken Martin
Member Since 2005
2 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Well someone just won best cover of 2026. Congrats Bill.
Jason G
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Amazing Surfer cover by the king! It has everything you could want, the Surfer, Galactus, and even a beautiful woman! It doesn't get much better than this. Wonderful addition to your incredible collection!
Paresh Modi
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Huge Congrats Bill acquiring a truly spectacular Kirby cover!!
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
3 - Posted on 1/17/2026
A signature moment as it was Kirby's farewell to the character he created. Even the cover was out of his hands at this point showing why Marvel as a corporate entity couldn't get out of their own way to know how momentous this was in its own history.
Johnny M
Member Since 2014
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Very interesting write up about a cover that definitely should have seen the light of day. Congrats on the pickup.
Romain Verlier
Member Since 2009
2 - Posted on 1/17/2026
This is just mindblowing and i agree with you this is the best Surfer cover ever made !!!
Galactic Congratulations !!!!
Way to start the year !!!
Mark Levy
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
I almost fell off my chair - congrats on acquiring a masterpiece!
West Stephan
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
A Kirby piece is a must have for any Surfer collector. You should send this image to Marvel, perhaps they will use it on a cover in the future!
Red Raven
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Historic cover by the masters - Bravo my friend !!
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Wow, Wow, Wow, Wow, Wow!!! I'm speechless! This is a truly major achievement! CAF will look all the better for it! Huge congrats!
J. Lim
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Well it doesn't get better than Kirby Silver Surfer! I'm voting for this in next years best covers already lol
Joe Murray
Member Since 2006
2 - Posted on 1/17/2026
WOW, I think this is my all-time favorite Silver Surfer image, it's perfect, iconic, quintessential, and Kirby's best, I'll never forget those teeny little ad images, always wishing I could really see it, so thanks for that and a huge congratulations!!
Dino Mauricio
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Epic Surfer cover and a landmark Kirby masterpiece, congrats Bill!
Paul Roach
Member Since 2014
2 - Posted on 1/17/2026
The King - incredible! This is a stunning addition to your collection, and would be to any collection. The composition and design are amazing. The eye immediately sees the Surfer, but only then notices the background - first Galactus, and the the cityscape, bringing together all of the elements of the Surfer's saga. Wonderful.
David Kwock
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Wow what an amazing acquisition Bill! Love this piece so much; Kirby and Royer are my favorite pairing. Major congrats!
Will Tervay
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
When the word "iconic" is a vast understatement. Just incredible. Thanks for sharing!
Steve N. Comic/Fantasy Art
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
As classic as it gets!! Surfer proving that love is the pulse of the stars...
Chris K.
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Well, you're right. It does belong in a museum...good news is that your collection is its own version of one! A simply exquisite and striking Kirby Surfer cover - what a great addition to your collection, Bill!
Benedict Judas Hel
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
A Kirby Silver Surfer original cover? Stellar!
Comic Art Channel
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
Truly museum quality! You've outdone yourself.
brett feschuk
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
this GN is epic and doesnt get anywhere near the attention it should.
Seeing this original version is amazing.
Joshua Tan
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 1/17/2026
I saw this at auction and thought this would be an amazing piece in someones collection. I should have known it would be you! Huge congrats on an absolutely stunning cover by one of the greatest to have illustrated the Silver Surfer!
Sean Clarke
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
I remember seeing this version in the Marvel house ads as a kid and thinking "What the heck, why didn't they go with this one? It's by far the superior of the two versions." Also Royer's inks are sufficiently sharp here that I took it to be inked by Joe Sinnott until relatively late in life.
All respect to you and Galactus for reaching for what you want!
Casey A
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
Phenomenal addition, Bill. An absolutely iconic cover that could be shown anytime someone asked to explain Kirby's genius. WOW.
artless artmore
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
Otherworldly OA from the King himself. Such an amazing example
Rob Pistella
Member Since 2005
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
Stunning piece that is superior to the published version (and a rare misstep from Stan). Really this is PEAK Marvel greatness by the archtect of the Marvel universe. Well done Bill.
Tyler T
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
The composition soars, but Surfer's board pose is too good. Galactus is in the background like King Kong! Outstanding, Bill! Congrats on another piece of comic history!
T Shen
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
Oh my word, Bill. No disrespect to Earl Norem's cover but agreed, this would've been my first choice as well. This is huge!
Imran A
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
A fantastic Cover by Kirby, truly amazing and surprising it wasn't used considering how good it actually is.
John Espinoza
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
You should build that museum! This is already a galactic get but I all the more appreciate it with your write up!
F M
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
I'm with you in that I would have preferred this to be the cover but I'm sure the rationale was that a painted cover would have more "mass"/bookstore appeal.
Jared Simmons
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
Bill, in a collection of truly stunning pieces this one is at the top. Congrats on this amazing piece. I agree it's better than the painted cover on every way. I'm so happy for you my friend. I know you must be over the moon with this one.
Neon Dragon
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
An iconic addition to your collection! Congratulations!!
Malvin V
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
Wow! This is the iconic Silver Surfer cover! Congrats!
Carl Choi
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
Truly a museum piece and I'm not sure how you do it Bill, but somehow, someway, each piece you post on CAF levels up in ways I can't imagine. Love how much you love the art and love to see what you're picking up next! Amazing piece of history and happy to see that it's survived through the hands of corporate sabotage by editors who just didn't know what they had!
Eric B
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
Bill, you continue to curate a ridiculously fine collection. Jack Kirby + Silver Surfer + Galatus...wow. Congrats.
Peter Venkman
Member Since 2003
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
A museum quality piece indeed, just phenomenal !
Dave W
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
This is at the summit of marvel silver surfer art, IMHO. A monumental piece. Major congratulations!
Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 1/18/2026
Good to see you're locking down my Best of CAF 2026 vote early, Bill! :) Another simply -unbelievable- add to your world-class collection, and your write up is absolutely, perfectly spot on. This is a monster of an add, and even in the context of the dizzying percentage of indisputable "museum-worthy" pieces you already own, this is something very, very special. An absolute treat to see Royer inking Kirby's Surfer here, right? Sublime! :) This is timeless, classic magic, pure and simple; a firework launched years ago that will not fail to help guide and inspire -ALL- future generations. As long as there are humans, there will be people to kneel before this piece for what it represents and for the Giant at its source (and no, it's not Galactus :) ). BRAVO, Bill. Unbelievable (in the best possible sense)!! :)
Phill R
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 1/19/2026
Congrats for the addition to your incredible collection Bill! And thanks for uploading for everyone to view and enjoy. Truly, a museum piece by the King!
George H
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 1/19/2026
Absolutely stunning! Definitely should have been used, and I wouldn't be surprised if it's published again in the future.
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 1/19/2026
I've actually always loved the published cover. In fact, it's what drew me to the book in the first place. Painted covers on comic books were a rarity in the 1970's, and they made the material feel more adult. However, the thing that I've never understood is the decision to have the cover repencilled, but withthe same exact layout. What they should have decided was to provide Norem with a copy of these original pencils and ttold him to paint over them. Nevertheless, whether published or not, it doesn't change the fact that this illustration features one of the most powerful and dynamic images of the Silver Surfer and Galactus ever drawn, and we as fans are all very privileged to see it in glorious black & white! Congrats, Bill!
Michael Weigant
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 1/19/2026
Truly Magnificent ! This book was way ahead of it's time and still is in my mind.I feel honored myself owning some pages from this book of wonder and excitement.Glad you could put it in your collection and it will be incredibly hard to top this one,unless this is the final straw,lol.
Toni S
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 1/19/2026
It is very hard to try to say something original after almost 100 comments. 100 talks by its own. It can't be better. Very clean (pristine) museum level piece of art. Hats off man. You did it again...
Paolo Recano
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 1/19/2026
This Is a stunning example of Contemporary Art at all!
Kelsey S
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 1/20/2026
Dang! It doesn't get better than this! Thanks so much for sharing!
Ben Friedman
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 1/20/2026
Holy cow! A masterwork for sure! Not sure there is much I can add, other than, "wow."
A K
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 1/20/2026
Talk about a grail piece! Stan definitely made a big mistake in not choosing to use this gorgeous cover by the King. The Galactus, in particular, is magnificent. Congratulations on this great addition to your impressive collection!
Eranga Devasurendra
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 1/20/2026
I've got nothing to say that 101 people before me haven't already said. Stunning addition, Bill!
John Yon
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 1/21/2026
Iconic, historic, stunning, legendary, powerful, incredible!!! Nuff' said!
CJ Design
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 1/22/2026
Bill J...your gallery (and this) is over the moon.
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