On a somewhat related note to this week’s Forgotten Films feature on Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., here’s another strange Marvel oddity from the mid-90’s. Jay sent me a link to this strange 5-minute short film showcasing an impressive (although horribly clunky by today’s standards) CG version of the Silver Surfer. It originates from around the same time that those horrible Fantastic Four and Captain America movies were produced, but apparently it was actually three film students who put it together strictly as a labour of love. They did get permission from Marvel to use the character, although at the time they were told that it simply couldn’t be done. Take that Hollywood!

Director Erik Fleming has since gone on to direct episodes of The Surreal Life; if only he would have gotten a chance to direct a sequel, where Silver Surfer comes down all the way from outer space just save some kid’s lunch money! Check out the short film below and “marvel” at the best FX that 1994 had to offer. You can read a more in-depth history of the production over at Comics2Film.