ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘Heroes Reborn: Marvel Double Action,’ Issue #1

Heroes Reborn: Marvel Double Action #1 is written by Tim Seeley, penciled by Dan Jurgens, inked by Scott Hanna, colored by Chris Sotomayor, and lettered by VC’s Cory Petit. It is published by Marvel Comics. The one-shot presents a new take on Amazing Spider-Man #121-122-or more specifically, the night Gwen Stacy died at the hands of the Green Goblin. In the alternate world of Heroes Reborn, Sam Wilson/Falcon was the one to perish at the Goblin’s whims, leading to a crisis of confidence from his partner Nighthawk, Quite fittingly, the tale is labeled “The Death of the Dynamic Double.”

Continuing the alternate universe of Heroes Reborn, there are multiple shoutouts to various titles that Marvel would have published if this was its main universe and familiar characters occupying new roles. Titles like Squadron Supreme of America and Investigator Comics are referenced. Harry Osborn is the aide to Nighthawk’s civilian identity of delegate Kyle Richmond, while Nick Fury is the President of the United States. And Nighthawk’s enemies consist of Spider-Man’s foes, including the Goblin and Kraven the Hunter. It’s a nice look into what could have been.

The issue also covers an event that was previously referenced in the Heroes Reborn: Young Squadron one-shot. And it is an emotional haymaker, thanks to Seeley’s scripting. Even though the issue is written as if it’s the latest in an ongoing saga, Seeley manages to make it accessible for new readers. He also hits the emotional notes as well: with Richmond and Sam’s partnership, with Sam and Gwen’s friendship, with Richmond agonizing about his membership in the Squadron Supreme. Seeley also has Richmond delivering an impassioned speech about where and when superheroes shouldn’t interfere in the matters of man. It’s a speech that informs his final decision concerning the Goblin. The Goblin himself remains just as psychotic and sadistic as ever, proving that some things are a constant in every universe.

Jurgens and Hanna’s art is what sells the classic comic aesthetic of Marvel Double Action. Jurgens is well known for illustrating another superhero’s demise in “The Death of Superman,” and in this issue, he provides an art style that hews fairly close to John Romita Sr.’s work on Amazing Spider-Man #121-122. Hanna outlines the illustrations in bold line, enhancing the emotions of character’s faces-whether it’s Gwen’s tear-streaked face as Harry lies in a coma or Nighthawk’s face twisted in rage as he battles the Goblin. Topping things off is Sotomayor’s colors, which feature the same bright palettes that often accompanied comics in the ’60s and ’70s. Nighthawk’s blue and gold costume provides the perfect contrast to the Goblin’s green and purple color scheme, as well as the Falcon’s red and white costume.

Heroes Reborn: Marvel Double Action #1 puts a new twist on a classic Marvel story while keeping the tragedy and suspense intact. Seeing as Nighthawk is my favorite member of the Squadron Supreme, I thoroughly enjoyed this issue and would recommend it to new readers.

Heroes Reborn: Marvel Double Action #1 will be available on Wednesday, June 2 wherever comics are sold.