COVER BY: PAUL POPE WRITER: SIMON SPURRIER PENCILS: TAN ENG HUAT COLORED BY: JOSE VILLARRUBIA LETTERED BY: VC - CORY PETIT THE STORY: Phase-crucifixions! Astral squid-beasts! Conniving aristocrats! Tangled in all the obstacles and oddities of an exotic Empire, the Silver Surfer finds that his toughest test—to soothe the hatred of ancient enemies—is beyond even the Power Cosmic. But is he prepared to commit the ultimate atrocity to secure a chance for peace…? Cosmic craziness turns to darkness and death, as Spurrier and Huat's galactic extravaganza takes an unexpected turn with the surprise appearance of a looming figure from the Surfer's past… Rated A …$2.99 IN STORES: January 4, 2008