'Silver Surfer: Requiem' Issue Three Review: Are we aware of the universe's beauty?

We believe that hindsight is a great tormentor. Where we only realise the importance of something once it's over or gone, as things come to an end. The issues of the Silver Surfer: Requiem have in some ways been covering such concepts, not necessarily from the Radd himself, but those around him. It shows the impact the character has on the people he comes across, and more so in his later part of life to which his end is nigh. Dying, with about a month left, he says his goodbyes to Earth and ventures into deep space, heading back to his own homeland to see it one last time. And in the process stumbles across various galactic civilisations. And of course, these civilisations still engage in various idiotic quarrels. Incapable of accepting each other's miniscule differences, and in the process spreading immense suffering and the spilling of blood in the name of something supposedly higher than themselves. Coming across a vast war in deep space, Silver Surfer is summoned to one of the ships, with the belief that it is him that can stop this conflict.

The conflict is not between man, but two almost identical lifeforms that have managed to technologically advance at the exact same pacing. Their thirst for blood spilling comes from their disagreement over which God to worship. Both believing in something other. And that's it: their conflict a result of religion. They erect vast statues to honor their Gods, considered sacred zones that can't be damaged. Silver Surfer finding this whole conflict stupid, unacceptable. And refuses to pick a side at their request. Stating that both sides are equally wrong. Particularly calling out the elites which sit back and watch the horrors unfold, comfortable in their ships and far from the real war. Sending innocents to die for their comfort.

This was an emotional issue given it distances itself from the humanity side of things. Showing that regardless of the location in the universe, there are still idiocies leading to disagreements that result in conflict and death. And how the system built for many civilisations has leaders being the ones to live lavish lifestyles as the common folk are sent to die, told to hate and to kill those who in the end are basically no different to them. It's how Silver Surfer reacts to all of this that I found most interesting: disagreeing with both sides, rejecting their proposals and just going rogue. His solution is simply to destroy the weapons and ships of both sides. Particularly their religious statues. Removing that of which is sacred, and then teaching the people that if war cannot touch that of which is sacred, then make every location sacred. If holy people cannot engage in war, make every person holy. Build the foundations of a civilisation that cannot result in conflict by law. Force peace upon themselves. Silver Surfer being the voice of force in this instance, destroying everything that led to their generational conflict to begin with.

It was a particularly raw narrative for the third issue, which has Silver Surfer in a state in which he just doesn't care. Seeing beyond the nonsense at this point. No interest in engaging with such idiocies. And in the end the war is stopped, the people coming to their senses, and then finding strength in the actions of the Silver Surfer. And the tragedy of them inevitably hearing that not long after this event, he had died. Thus giving the end part of this story a more reflective approach, showing how his influence had managed to bring joy and peace to many. From the perspective of those who had really been touched by his presence.

I can't help but think that as this comic progresses, it gets better and better. The art even more impressive than the last. That painterly look and the incredibly display of galactic scale. The Silver Surfer's movement throughout it all. This is a true work of art, both in its emotional engagement and the story it tells.