Marvel Preview was the black and white magazine equivalent of DC Comics First Issue Special. It premiered a new series with every issue, and none, except for Star-Lord, appeared more than once. The first issue was published in 1975 with a great Neal Adams cover.
The inspiration for "Man-Gods From Beyond the Stars" was taken directly from the book Chariots of the Gods by Erich Von Däniken. This book was tremendously popular; you could find it not only in bookstores but in almost all supermarket checkout stands. The theory--or fantasy--that extraterrestrial visitors interacted with early civilizations was irresistible to people fascinated with UFOs and TV programs like In Search Of... (hosted by Leonard Nimoy). I didn't buy that stuff, but I certainly could buy any magazine with an Adams cover like this one.
The story was a pretty good yarn by Doug Moench, from a concept by Roy Thomas. But what was really surprising was the art by someone I never heard of before: Alex Nino! I was blown away by his unique vision and style. His panel construction and storytelling was also unique, as you can see in this panel, where a pre-historic woman is chased by a saber-toothed tiger. The alien captain observes from a vantage point and has to decide whether to break his non-interference pledge. He will, because he's crushing on this loincloth babe.
There are three things about Marvel Preview #1 that stand out: the cover, Alex Nino, and this last page where the captain admits to his ship-mate that he had not only violated the rules--he had sex with the loincloth chick! Nino's representation of her face amid the backdrop of the galaxy was incredible.
I followed Nino's work for a number of years after this story. I remember buying a huge coffee table book featuring the art of Alex Nino, with lots of original drawings and color work. Nuff said.
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