Marvel is officially expanding the lore of Earth-828 this summer with the announcement of Fantastic Four: First Foes – Shalla-Bal #1. This one-shot comic serves as a direct tie-in to the world established in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. It lands in comic shops on June 10, bringing a heavy-hitting creative team to the cosmic table. Writer Charles Soule and artist Mark Buckingham are steering this ship to explore the tragic beginnings of the film’s Silver Surfer.
The story focuses on Shalla-Bal’s life as an astronomer before her transformation. We saw the character’s debut as the herald of Galactus on the big screen, but this issue aims to show the actual cost of her bargain. She chose to sacrifice her own freedom to ensure the survival of her home planet. It’s a story about horrifying decisions and the heavy weight of a dark, cosmic destiny.
The Creative Powerhouse Team for Earth-828
Mark Buckingham is already a staple for this cinematic tie-in universe. He previously handled the art for The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) #1 and the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Foes (2026) #1. Having a veteran like Charles Soule join him for this installment adds significant weight to the narrative. Soule is widely respected for his character-driven work on titles like Daredevil and Star Wars.
FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST FOES – SHALLA-BAL #1
Written by CHARLES SOULE
Art by MARK BUCKINGHAM
Cover by PHIL NOTO
On Sale 6/10
Phil Noto provides the main cover art for the issue, ensuring it’ll stand out on the shelves. This project is part of a larger wave of “First Foes” one-shots that Marvel plans to release throughout the year. These books offer a bridge for fans who want more context than a two-hour movie can provide. They lean into the aesthetic of the early Marvel Age while grounding the characters in the specific continuity of the Marvel Studios film.
