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Marvel fans everywhere were surprised at the casting announcement of Ozark star Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer in the upcoming MCU Fantastic Four film, directed by Matt Shakman. However, this Silver Surfer won’t be Norrin Radd, the male Herald of Galactus most Marvel Comics fans are familiar with. Instead, it will be Shalla-Bal, a Marvel character with a history going back to the very first issue of Silver Surfer. For over five decades, Shalla-Bal has been a crucial part of the Cosmic Wanderer’s backstory.
Shalla-Bal, the Great Love of the Silver Surfer’s Life
In the comics, Shalla-Bal has long been a key player in the Silver Surfer’s lore. Although, she’s only ever been the Surfer herself in alternate universes to the 616. The main Marvel Universe’s Shalla-Bal first appeared in Silver Surfer #1 in 1968. She was the creation of Stan Lee and artist John Buscema. Ever since that first issue, Marvel has portrayed her as Norrin Radd’s greatest love. She’s even appeared in animated form, in the 1998 Silver Surfer animated series.
Like Norrin Radd, Shalla-Bal comes from the peaceful and advanced world of Zenn-La. Shalla-Bal met Norrin Radd when she was still a child, and bonded with Norrin thanks to a strange Zenn-La tradition. After the death of Norrin’s mother, her parents tasked Shalla-Bal with being his emotional companion. This was a Zenn-Lavian custom, to help a child deal with profound grief. Shalla-Bal was a happy-go-lucky child, while Norrin was extremely serious. Nevertheless, the bond between them was strong. As adults, the two fell in love and became a couple. However, when Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, comes to Zenn-La, their idyllic life is disrupted.
Mephisto and Doctor Doom Use Shalla-Bal as a Pawn Against the Silver Surfer
Norrin Radd saved his utopian world by offering himself to Galactus to become his herald, the Silver Surfer. By doing so, he had to leave Zenn-La, and his beloved Shalla-Bal, presumably for all time. Eventually, the Silver Surfer rebelled against Galactus, who confined him to Earth as punishment. The Surfer’s enemy, the demon Mephisto, used Shalla-Bal as a weapon against Norrin Radd. Mephisto brainwashed Shalla-Bal, making her think she was a peasant girl from Latveria by the name of Helena. The Latverian monarch Doctor Doom, a mortal enemy of the Surfer, even married her in a mock ceremony.
As retaliation for his Herald’s betrayal, Galactus consumed the life energies of his home planet of Zenn-La. However, he spared the lives of the inhabitants, allowing them to return to their now-decimated planet. He believed their suffering would hurt the Silver Surfer more than their deaths. Eventually, Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four frees the Surfer from his imprisonment on Earth, and he returns to his homeworld. But Shalla-Bal is not there, and he learns how his enemies Mephisto and Doom used her as a pawn. He uses the Power Cosmic to finally free his great love.
Shalla-Bal, Empress of Zenn-La
Shalla-Bal used her new power to restore life to her homeworld. The grateful Zenn-Lavians then crowned her as Empress of the Zenn-La. Despite the Surfer now being free of his Earthly confinement, Shalla-Bal refused to marry him, citing her responsibilities as ruler of Zenn-La. Eventually, she becomes designated as the “Keeper of the Great Truth,” tasked with spreading the culture of her homeworld across the known universe. Over the succeeding years, Shalla-Bal has been killed, resurrected, and even become her love Norrin Radd’s enemy. She even dated Norrin’s half-brother. These literally star-crossed lovers can never catch a break it seems.
In Other Marvel Realities, Shalla-Bal Is a Herald of Galactus Herself
In a 1982 issue of What If..?, we learn that Shalla-Bal became Starglow, a different Herald of Galactus. As part of the alternate reality of the series Earth X by Alex Ross, Shalla-Bal became a Silver Surfer herself. In that universe, Norrian Radd realizes that Galactus serves a necessary function in the universe. With that universe’s Galactus dead, he allows the High Evolutionary to evolve Franklin Richards, son of Reed and Sue Richards, to become the second Galactus. This new Galactus gives the Power Cosmic to Shalla-Bal, allowing for twin Silver Surfers to roam the galaxy together, seeking planets to sustain the Devourer of Worlds.
The Powers and Abilities of Shalla-Bal
As a native of Zenn-La, Shalla-Bal has an extremely long life span. The inhabitants of that world are essentially immortal. When the Silver Surfer granted her a portion of the Power Cosmic, plant life would grow wherever she walked. That is how she restored life to her devastated home planet. In the Earth X universe, she has access to the full Power Cosmic as the second Silver Surfer, which makes her almost a god. In the What If…? comics, she has another form of the full Power Cosmic as Starglow.
Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer of the MCU Fantastic Four
It is unknown how the filmmakers plan to portray Shalla-Bal in the MCU. Rumors suggest that Matt Shakman’s Fantastic Four will take place in an alternate reality from the Sacred Timeline. So it’s possible that in this universe, Shalla-Bal is the one and only Silver Surfer, offering herself as Galactus’ herald instead of Norrin Radd. Or, maybe as in Earth X continuity, she is one of two Silver Surfers doing Galactus’ bidding, and we just don’t know who’s playing Norrin Radd yet. We are sure to find out more as Fantastic Four begins production in the summer of 2024.
The post Who Is the FANTASTIC FOUR’S Silver Surfer, Shalla-Bal? Her Marvel Comics History, Explained appeared first on Nerdist.
Marvel fans everywhere were surprised at the casting announcement of Ozark star Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer in the upcoming MCU Fantastic Four film, directed by Matt Shakman. However, this Silver Surfer won’t be Norrin Radd, the male Herald of Galactus most Marvel Comics fans are familiar with. Instead, it will be Shalla-Bal, a Marvel character with a history going back to the very first issue of Silver Surfer. For over five decades, Shalla-Bal has been a crucial part of the Cosmic Wanderer’s backstory.
Shalla-Bal, the Great Love of the Silver Surfer’s Life
In the comics, Shalla-Bal has long been a key player in the Silver Surfer’s lore. Although, she’s only ever been the Surfer herself in alternate universes to the 616. The main Marvel Universe’s Shalla-Bal first appeared in Silver Surfer #1 in 1968. She was the creation of Stan Lee and artist John Buscema. Ever since that first issue, Marvel has portrayed her as Norrin Radd’s greatest love. She’s even appeared in animated form, in the 1998 Silver Surfer animated series.
Like Norrin Radd, Shalla-Bal comes from the peaceful and advanced world of Zenn-La. Shalla-Bal met Norrin Radd when she was still a child, and bonded with Norrin thanks to a strange Zenn-La tradition. After the death of Norrin’s mother, her parents tasked Shalla-Bal with being his emotional companion. This was a Zenn-Lavian custom, to help a child deal with profound grief. Shalla-Bal was a happy-go-lucky child, while Norrin was extremely serious. Nevertheless, the bond between them was strong. As adults, the two fell in love and became a couple. However, when Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, comes to Zenn-La, their idyllic life is disrupted.
Mephisto and Doctor Doom Use Shalla-Bal as a Pawn Against the Silver Surfer
Norrin Radd saved his utopian world by offering himself to Galactus to become his herald, the Silver Surfer. By doing so, he had to leave Zenn-La, and his beloved Shalla-Bal, presumably for all time. Eventually, the Silver Surfer rebelled against Galactus, who confined him to Earth as punishment. The Surfer’s enemy, the demon Mephisto, used Shalla-Bal as a weapon against Norrin Radd. Mephisto brainwashed Shalla-Bal, making her think she was a peasant girl from Latveria by the name of Helena. The Latverian monarch Doctor Doom, a mortal enemy of the Surfer, even married her in a mock ceremony.
As retaliation for his Herald’s betrayal, Galactus consumed the life energies of his home planet of Zenn-La. However, he spared the lives of the inhabitants, allowing them to return to their now-decimated planet. He believed their suffering would hurt the Silver Surfer more than their deaths. Eventually, Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four frees the Surfer from his imprisonment on Earth, and he returns to his homeworld. But Shalla-Bal is not there, and he learns how his enemies Mephisto and Doom used her as a pawn. He uses the Power Cosmic to finally free his great love.
Shalla-Bal, Empress of Zenn-La
Shalla-Bal used her new power to restore life to her homeworld. The grateful Zenn-Lavians then crowned her as Empress of the Zenn-La. Despite the Surfer now being free of his Earthly confinement, Shalla-Bal refused to marry him, citing her responsibilities as ruler of Zenn-La. Eventually, she becomes designated as the “Keeper of the Great Truth,” tasked with spreading the culture of her homeworld across the known universe. Over the succeeding years, Shalla-Bal has been killed, resurrected, and even become her love Norrin Radd’s enemy. She even dated Norrin’s half-brother. These literally star-crossed lovers can never catch a break it seems.
In Other Marvel Realities, Shalla-Bal Is a Herald of Galactus Herself
In a 1982 issue of What If..?, we learn that Shalla-Bal became Starglow, a different Herald of Galactus. As part of the alternate reality of the series Earth X by Alex Ross, Shalla-Bal became a Silver Surfer herself. In that universe, Norrian Radd realizes that Galactus serves a necessary function in the universe. With that universe’s Galactus dead, he allows the High Evolutionary to evolve Franklin Richards, son of Reed and Sue Richards, to become the second Galactus. This new Galactus gives the Power Cosmic to Shalla-Bal, allowing for twin Silver Surfers to roam the galaxy together, seeking planets to sustain the Devourer of Worlds.
The Powers and Abilities of Shalla-Bal
As a native of Zenn-La, Shalla-Bal has an extremely long life span. The inhabitants of that world are essentially immortal. When the Silver Surfer granted her a portion of the Power Cosmic, plant life would grow wherever she walked. That is how she restored life to her devastated home planet. In the Earth X universe, she has access to the full Power Cosmic as the second Silver Surfer, which makes her almost a god. In the What If…? comics, she has another form of the full Power Cosmic as Starglow.
Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer of the MCU Fantastic Four
It is unknown how the filmmakers plan to portray Shalla-Bal in the MCU. Rumors suggest that Matt Shakman’s Fantastic Four will take place in an alternate reality from the Sacred Timeline. So it’s possible that in this universe, Shalla-Bal is the one and only Silver Surfer, offering herself as Galactus’ herald instead of Norrin Radd. Or, maybe as in Earth X continuity, she is one of two Silver Surfers doing Galactus’ bidding, and we just don’t know who’s playing Norrin Radd yet. We are sure to find out more as Fantastic Four begins production in the summer of 2024.
The post Who Is the FANTASTIC FOUR’S Silver Surfer, Shalla-Bal? Her Marvel Comics History, Explained appeared first on Nerdist.
Getty Images By Kerane Marcellus ·Updated April 3, 2024
Our favorite thing about the street >TikTok and SSENSE or Net-a-Porter for all your pieces isn’t necessary when shopping for good basics or even accessories. Mid-priced brands like Madewell or accessible sites like Amazon, or just plain thrifting are alternative options you can look to.
Keep scrolling to learn all our tips and tricks for mixing high and low pieces in your streetsrc="https://www.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-1724005990-scaled.jpg" alt="How To Mix High and Low Pieces Into Your Wardrobe" width="400" height="600" />PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 02: Tamu McPherson wears sunglasses, a bi-color dark blue and pale blue denim jacket, a white t-shirt, a blue slit denim skirt, a bag, black leather ankle boots, outside Stella McCartney, during the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 as part ofParis Fashion Week on October 02, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
While you may want to stand out with your looks, a basic piece is integral to a well->J. Crew are solid options for affordable and durable basics.
Find A Similar “Mid-Range” Priced Piece
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 11: Sai de Silva wears earrings, a black oversized blazer jacket, a black top, a belt, white flared pants , pointed shoes , a bag, outside Tibi, on February 11, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images) You may be searching for the right pair of boots, sneakers, or mules for your closet, but don’t feel like they have to be from Chanel or Bottega Veneta. Look to mid-range brands like Madewell and Reformation for those pieces that you’ll need year-round without overspending. For accessories, if you’re obsessed with a piece, try looking on Etsy or Amazon rather than looking up pricy selects from brands of the moment.
Splurge Only After Saving
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 11: A guest wears sunglasses, earrings, a black long coat, an orange low-neck dress with a leather corset, a white leather bag, high heels black boots, outside Altuzarra, during New York Fashion Week,on February 11, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images) Sometimes it’s okay to splurge. “Treat yourself” is a timeless mantra however, it’s best to use it in moderation. Solely splurging on the things that have stayed in your carts for months is an ideal way to not overdo treating yourself–or you can even save for a few months. Sometimes this works in your favor if there is a sale. One rule of thumb is to look on other sites like The RealReal, Depop, or Vestiaire Collective to see if the same item is being sold for much less. A few months ago we talked to a financial advisor about the best ways to splurge on those extra-expensive items.
Key In On Quality Accessories
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 09: Emilie Joseph wears black sunglasses, diamonds earrings, a white minimalistic belted trench coat from Isabel Marant, a brown matte leather puffy handbag from Bottega Veneta, beige and gray shiny leather snake print pattern pointed / heels knees boots from Paris Texas, during a street >Edas, Khiry, and Bernard James rather than current fashion houses like Chanel because those pieces tend to be costume jewelry. For bags, focus more on classic silhouettes that aren’t trend-focused, those will sell for a good price in the future also. Avoid “Special Occasion-Pieces” 
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 10: A guest wears sunglasses, a green asymmetric mini dress with one side off-shoulder, the other side with long sleeve, fluffy parts, thigh high shiny leather boots , a woven leather bag from Bottega Veneta, outside La Pointe , during New York Fashion Week, on February 10, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images) Sequin dresses, tops, or skirts aren’t necessary to purchase for an expensive price unless you know you’re going to wear them regularly. So, avoid the pieces that lean on the gaudy side in favor of elevated basics like a midi skirt with a simple sequin trim or a shirt with a strategic cutout.
TOPICS: #fashionnews affordable fashion luxury fashionThe post How To Mix High and Low Pieces Into Your Wardrobe appeared first on Essence.
Wedding planning can be daunting, especially when you are unsure how many guests will attend. A couple decided to take matters into their own hands by disinviting people who did not RSVP in time.
“We are sorry you can’t make it to our wedding. Our RSVP deadline has passed and you unfortunately did not respond. We would have love to have you attend but final numbers have now been turned in and your presence will be missed,” reads the note that was posted by user ChiChi on X.
This is what they shared with guests. https://t.co/50z6RxA8o3 pic.twitter.com/5tPXVWOtLK
— Chi Chi (@BlackBarbie_Chi) March 13, 2024
The post, which has 11 million views, received many comments in support of the couple.
“Can’t lie, I’m very impressed they stood their ground. If you can’t take my wedding serious then you don’t deserve to be there.” one commenter said.
An X user who goes by the name of Trini87 said that he wished he had done the same thing.
I wish my wife and I had done this. It would have avoided so much stress as the venue needed to know our final numbers but people were taking too long to respond. Also, people RSVP’d as coming but never showed up. We paid $175 per plate for catering. Those spots could have gone…
— Darnell
(@trini87) March 14, 2024
“I wish my wife and I had done this. It would have avoided so much stress as the venue needed to know our final numbers but people were taking too long to respond. Also, people RSVP’d as coming but never showed up. We paid $175 per plate for catering. Those spots could have gone to others that we wanted to come but couldn’t invite because of our budget,” he said.
Some users thought the couple could have given their guests some grace.
“Such events should be attended by close family and friends…whom you can reach out to and remind them to RSVP – if you can create an ‘I’m sorry you missed’ you could’ve used that time to reach out to your people,” an X user wrote.
“Who puts the ACTUAL date on ANYTHING due??? I always lie by a week or two, work/personal, colleague/ friend or family. People have lives, factor that into dates & times. And, if it’s that important, call to follow upyou got 2 weeks.” X user Sophia wrote.
Were the soon-to-be newlyweds too harsh, or were they standing on business?
RELATED CONTENT: How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget