REVIEW: ‘Marvel Gold 76’ Issue 1

Marvel Gold ’76 Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Stephanie Phillips, art by Madibek Musabekov, Colors by Luis Guerrero, and letters by Joe Caramagna.

In Marvel Gold ’76 Issue 1, Star-Lord, Nova, and Jack of Hearts find themselves protecting a normal janitor from the man who never misses: Bullseye. This comic is very random, but that is what makes it exciting and inviting. This quarter of characters are important because they all debuted in 1976, and that’s why they are in this book.

Phillips finds an incredible way to put the three cosmic heroes in the path and firing line of a very grounded, Earthly villain in Marvel Gold ’76 Issue 1. At first, Star-Lord approaches the janitor, who is being targeted by Bullseye, and questions are already being asked.

But very quickly, Marvel Gold ’76 Issue 1 changes into something much more cosmic. The target quickly turns the comic into something where the fate of the whole universe is at stake. Just one life is already worth saving, but the story contains something much larger. This makes the clash even more engaging and profound, with a conclusion far more devastating than expected.

Phillips writes and portrays all four characters beautifully, especially given how hard it must be to bring them together. The trio of heroes are all cosmic heroes, and so it’s not unlikely for them to collaborate. Nova and Star-Lord have worked together before, but Jack of Hearts is a wildcard.

Marvel Gold ’76 Issue 1 seems to take place around when the characters debuted, because of how Peter Quill and Richard Rider talk like they’re not overly familiar with each other, just their reputations. Perhaps a caption detailing the time would have helped clarify when the story takes place.

These versions of the characters are somewhat blended too, and that makes them interesting. The best example is Star-Lord, because the original iteration was more of a serious space-soldier, not the comedic approach James Gunn and Chris Pratt cemented. And yet, the first line Star-Lord says is about mixtapes. Nova is noble and tough, but still young and not as battle-worn as he would later become.

But all three quickly become heroes and protectors when they try to save the janitor. Phillips’ writing of Bullseye is exceptional, especially considering the power of his opponents in Marvel Gold ’76 Issue 1. He really doesn’t miss. Other issues see some of his throws and shots go wide. But here, every shot connects, and that is terrifying.

Bullseye has this narrow-minded focus on getting his target. It evens the playing field, and even for some pretty powerful heroes, they have trouble dealing with Bullseye. The janitor’s story is new, and it has a beautiful sadness to it.

The art is absolutely gorgeous. The most striking aspect of the designs is the use of Peter Quill’s very first concept, which is a far cry from many other looks in subsequent comics. Nova and Jack of Hearts have largely remained unchanged throughout their history, and the same is true of Bullseye. Their original designs have stood the test of time.

Jack of Hearts has sometimes been derided for his look, but Musabekov stunningly captures in Marvel Gold ’76 Issue 1 just how powerful and unnerving he is as a character. He crackles with energy, with half os his face horrifically scarred. The fighting is also sensational. The three heroes rely largely on flight, energy, and power.

Meanwhile, Bullseye is athletic, precise and a fighter. Anything in his hand is a weapon, and that is demonstrated several times. The clashes between the styles are fantastically illustrated, with so many confrontations throughout Marvel Gold ’76 Issue 1. It’s a lively comic that often bursts forward, but Bullseye can also cause bloody, brutal devastation and force much more powerful cosmic beings to use their strength.

It’s amazing that for almost the entirety of Marvel Gold ’76 Issue 1, the janitor is just a normal man, terrified and completely oblivious to why he’s being hunted. The facial expressions are absolutely heartbreaking towards the end, on both the janitor and the heroes who have to deal with what comes next.

The colors are stunning—Nova and Jack of Hearts radiate energy like extremely powerful light bulbs. Nova has a blue tinge, Star-Lord fires a yellow energy beam, and Jack of Hearts generates a pink/puple shade. This helps diversify them when the blasts fly everywhere and reinforces that they are bringing these alien powers and weapons to Earth. Bullseye has a much darker color palette that allows him to disappear into the shadows. The lettering is very easy to read.

Marvel Gold ’76 Issue 1 is a perfect example of why Marvel’s toybox is so terrific. This one-shot celebrates the company’s history and the characters that have made it such an iconic, bristling universe, from the streets to the stars.

Marvel Gold ’76 Issue 1 also highlights how a creator can take four characters who don’t usually belong together and make a compelling story out of them. It’s an almost limitless sandbox. And even in a one-shot that should simply be a showcase of the four characters, there is a beautiful depth and heart within it.

Marvel Gold ’76 Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.