The Silver Surfer, adrift in existential turmoil, finds himself drawn once more to the planet Earth – this time accompanied by Nova, the former herald of Galactus. She seeks familiarity and joy, diving through a blazing star with reckless abandon, while the Surfer remains haunted by the imperfections of the cosmos he helped shape.

Nova’s desire to return to her birthplace leads them to Earth’s orbit, but their arrival does not go unnoticed. Earth’s defenders, the Fantastic Four, mistake the pair for threats and launch a barrage of molecular weaponry. The confrontation escalates until Nova and the Surfer are bound together by chain-like energy constructs, forcing them to combine their powers to break free.

Seeking anonymity, the two cosmic beings attempt to blend into Earth’s culture, donning human attire and navigating the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Their presence, however, ignites a media frenzy, spearheaded by an opportunistic reporter named Sidney Young. As the Surfer and Nova are thrust into the spotlight, the public’s adoration quickly spirals into chaos. Crowds gather, desperate for healing and salvation, while law enforcement responds with escalating force.

The Surfer, unwilling to let innocents suffer, erects a shimmering energy barrier to separate the masses from the authorities. He uses his cosmic power to heal the wounded, further cementing his status as a messianic figure. Yet this act of compassion only deepens the divide – some see him as a saviour, others as a threat to Earth’s autonomy.

Amidst the turmoil, the Fantastic Four confront the Surfer not with hostility, but with curiosity. Reed Richards reveals that their own powers were born from cosmic residue left behind during the Surfer’s previous battle with Galactus. In a moment of revelation, Nova realises the Surfer inadvertently created Earth’s greatest champions.

But peace is fleeting. The crowd’s demands grow insatiable, and the Surfer, overwhelmed by their desperation, prepares to depart. Young, ever the manipulator, persuades him to stay – arguing that Earth needs a leader of cosmic vision. Intrigued, the Surfer agrees to address Earth’s leaders, hoping to guide the planet toward enlightenment.

The Hunger | Down to Earth (Part 2)