Comics
Published March 12, 2026

'Fantastic Four: First Foes – Shalla-Bal' Comic Book Reveals the Silver Surfer's Origins in 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps'

This June, Marvel Comics continues to expand on the history behind 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' with 'Fantastic Four: First Foes – Shalla-Bal'#1 by Charles Soule and Mark Buckingham, the latest comic book one-shot set within the world of the film!

I herald his beginning. I herald your end. I herald… Galactus!

Those haunting words uttered by Shalla-Bal spurred Marvel’s First Family into action this past summer in Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps. This June, discover more about the Silver Surfer of Earth-828 in FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST FOES – SHALLA-BAL #1, a comic book one-shot by acclaimed writer Charles Soule (Daredevil) and superstar artist Mark Buckingham (Miracleman), returning following his work on previous The Fantastic Four: First Steps tie-in one-shots, including Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) #1 and the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Foes (2026) #1.

Each one-shot is set in the world of the blockbuster film, expanding on its history by revealing the team’s earliest adventures as well as the origins of their legendary adversaries. Who was Shalla-Bal before Galactus appointed her with a dark, cosmic destiny? The Fantastic Four: First Steps offered an exciting glimpse, and now, it’s time to learn the entire truth!

THE ORIGINS OF SHALLA-BAL!

Years ago, in order to save her planet, astronomer Shalla-Bal gave up her freedom to become the sustenance-seeking Herald of the intergalactic Devourer of Worlds, Galactus! Now, for the first time, learn the secrets of her transformation, her journey and the horrifying decisions that she had to make!

FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST FOES – SHALLA-BAL #1 Cover by PHIL NOTO

FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST FOES – SHALLA-BAL #1
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by MARK BUCKINGHAM
Cover by PHIL NOTO
On Sale 6/10

"Already spoiled rotten to have had superstar writers Matt Fraction and Dan Slott collaborate with me on this Fantastic Four series, I was over the moon to discover I'd be joined by the incredible Charles Soule for this next installment!” Buckingham shared. "And over the moon, and far into deep space, is where we are going. To glimpse a dramatic and heart breaking tale from Shalla-Bal's past, beautifully written by Charles, that takes place prior to the events in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

"It continues to be a delight and utter joy to draw this book, and to have a whole issue to indulge in my love for the Silver Surfer, especially after seeing Shalla-Bal so exquisitely brought to life in the film,” Buckingham continued. “I’ve loved bringing the magic of the early FF stories and Marvel Studios’ movie together and delving deeper into the universe of The Fantastic Four: First Steps." 

Pick up FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST FOES #1 on March 25 and preorder FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST FOES – SHALLA-BAL #1 at your local comic shop. Stay tuned in the months ahead for learn about more FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST FOES one-shots coming later this year!

Grab these comics and more at your local comic book shop! Or redeem then read your digital copy on the Marvel Unlimited app by using the code found in your print comic. Find and support your local comic book shop at ComicShopLocator.com.

To read your Marvel comics digitally, download the Marvel Unlimited app for iOS and Android devices. Gain an expansive catalog of 30,000+ comics spanning Marvel Comics history, plus access your entire digital library, including comics redeemed from print.

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