MARVEL PREVIEW #1 MAN-GODS FROM BEYOND THE STARS

“Man-Gods from Beyond the Stars”
Writer: Doug Moench
Artist: Alex Nino

Far in the past an alien expedition arrives on the planet Earth. The aliens look like humans and are there to observe the primitive inhabitants. The inhabitants naturally assume the visitors are gods and start to give them offerings. The aliens have a strict policy of non-interference but the commander decides to break that rule in saving a girl from a sabertooth. His second in command mutinies and deserts to set himself up as a god. Meanwhile we learn the truth of the aliens. There was a war and a race of soldiers were created. When the war was over the soldier were dumped on Earth and this is the origin of the human race.

“Erich Von Daniken: The Man Behind A Phenomenon”

A brief biography of Erich Von Daniken the author of Chariots of the Gods and the founder of alien astronaut theory.

“The Chariots of Erich Von Daniken”
by Ed Summer

An article on Von Daniken’s theories and other theories about ancient astronauts.

“Facts On Danikenitis- the Von Daniken Phenonmenon”

A bibliography on the works of Erich Von Daniken. These include his three books a documentary, TV show and his lectures.

“The Books of the Gods”
by Ed Summer

A listing of all the books out there at the time about ancient astronauts.

“Good Lord!”
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artist: Dave Cockrum and the Crusty Bunkers

An expedition in the future is searching for proof of God. They land on a mysterious planet that at first looks like a paradise. But is has creatures that start to kill off the crew. The survivors come upon an amazing city. It has a temple with statues of alien that in the past represented the ancient gods like Zeus, Ra, Odin. It also has statues of the prophets Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed and Moses. A creature steps out and is killed. Then a strange darkness comes from the body. They have killed God and now the darkness will spread across the universe.

If you haven’t already guessed this is a very Erich Von Daniken inspired issue. Written at the height of his popularity it has two very interesting stories. The first shows that the aliens and humans on Earth have much in common. Both the alien expedition and the primitive tribe had the same power struggle. The second was way out there but also an interesting and enjoyable story.

The articles were also very informative about Von Daniken and what was out there at the time for ancient astronauts. This idea was probable ahead of its time. Now days we have I guess an army of graduates in ancient alien theory who populate the history channel. An interesting idea that didn’t to my knowledge go beyond this issue.