Torval is known to many as the most skilled armor smith in the universe. Torval is imprisoned in the Anvil on Annoval 14 for creating armor for criminal buyers. He is allowed a workshop and has created armor suits to protect himself and to pass the time.
He was met by the Silver Surfer to create a suit of armor to contain Jack of Hearts energy and save his life. He was uninterested in doing any charity work. Jack of Hearts attacked him when he refused but the Surfer stopped the situation. He told Torval that although he could not secure his release that he could possible get him a larger workshop. Torval agreed.
He created a new containment suit for the Jack of Hearts that contained his energy. Jack agreed to honor the Surfer’s words and made sure that Torval was rewarded for his service.