Nikki (comics)

Last updated
Nikki
Nicholette "Nikki" Gold (Modern Comic Book Version).webp
Textless cover of Guardians 3000 #5
Art by Alex Ross.
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Marvel Presents #4
(April 1976)
Created by Steve Gerber
Mary Skrenes
Al Milgrom
In-story information
Alter egoNicholette Gold
Species Mercurian
Team affiliations Guardians of the Galaxy
Avengers
Abilities
  • Mercurian physiology granting:
    • Superhuman strength, speed, vision, agility, durability, and reflexes
    • Heat resistance
    • Pyrokinesis

Nicholette "Nikki" Gold is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Gerber, Mary Skrenes, and Al Milgrom, the character first appeared in Marvel Presents #4 (April 1976). [1] Nicholette Gold has been a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy at various points in her history. [2] [3]

Contents

Development

Concept and creation

Mercurians first appeared in The Defenders vol. 1 #26 (August 1975). Nicholette Gold was first referred to in FOOM #12 (1975). [4] Writer Steve Gerber later stated, "I wanted to [add] a girl – a Mercurian – because there wasn't one in the group. The conception was, I think, half mine and half Mary Skrenes'." [5] At the time Gerber stopped writing Marvel Presents, Nikki Gold still had no clearly defined powers, leaving his successor Roger Stern to fill in that aspect of the character. Stern reflected, "Nikki was the blankest slate. I saw her 'power' as being able to adapt to virtually any environment. Otherwise, how would someone who had been born on the planet Mercury been able to stand - much less turn somersaults - under standard Earth gravity?" [lower-alpha 1] [5]

Publication history

Nicholette Gold debuted in Marvel Presents #4 (April 1976), [6] and was created by Steve Gerber, Mary Skrenes, and Al Milgrom. [7] She appeared in the 2014 Guardians 3000 series. [8]

Fictional character biography

Nicholette "Nikki" Gold was born on the planet Mercury in the 31st century. She was rescued from an abandoned spacecraft by the Guardians of the Galaxy. She joined the Guardians, seeking excitement and adventure after years of solitude aboard the abandoned spacecraft. [9] She later joined with Vance Astro in a metaphysical union in a successful attempt to use the force of human love to destroy the Topographical Man. The sexual nature of this union embarrassed Vance, but not Nikki. [10]

Nikki traveled to the present with the other Guardians, and assisted the Avengers in battle against Korvac. [11] She traveled to the present again, and battled Hammer and Anvil alongside Spider-Man. [12]

Alongside the Guardians, Nikki later went on a quest to find the lost shield of Captain America, and battled Taserface. [13] She battled the Stark alongside the other Guardians. [14] She encountered Firelord. [15] She battled the super-humanoid team known as Force alongside the Guardians. [16]

During her time on the team, Nikki had a romantic relationship with Charlie-27, though they later amicably separated.[ volume & issue needed ] She became attracted to later Guardian recruits Firelord and Talon though both simply wished to remain friends.[ volume & issue needed ]

Powers and abilities

Nikki is a member of an offshoot of humanity who were genetically engineered to survive in the harsh conditions of the planet Mercury. She possesses superhuman attributes, such as superhuman strength, speed, vision, agility, durability, and reflexes. She can see in intense light. She has a high degree of resistance to heat and most types of radiation. Nikki has demonstrated an ability to increase the intensity of the flames radiating from her scalp, to the point of being able to briefly project the flames outward as an offensive tactic. [17] She has been shown using this ability to burn the hair from Charlie-27's scalp and eyebrows, [18] scorch opponents such as the evil mutant Blockade, [19] and lay down a wall of flame to repel attackers. [20] Another side effect of Mercurian physiology is a natural body temperature of several hundred degrees; [20] at one point, Nikki took up swimming to temporarily reduce her body temperature for Charlie-27's safety while they were in a romantic relationship. [21] Additionally, Nicholette Gold has achieved extensive proficiency in hand-to-hand combat and proficiency in gymnastics and sharp-shooting. She is self-taught from memory tapes. She is often armed with a neuronic frequency stun gun, a laser pistol, and various handgun-type weapons as needed.

Reception

Critical response

Deirdre Kaye of Scary Mommy called Nicholette Gold a "role model" and a "truly heroic" female character. [22] Bradley Prom of Screen Rant included Nicholette Gold in their "10 Best Members Of The Guardians Of The Galaxy Still Missing From The MCU" list. [23] Evan Lewis of MovieWeb ranked Nicholette Gold 10th in their "10 Female Characters the MCU Should Introduce in Future Phases" list. [24]

In other media

Notes

  1. ↑ Earth's gravity is more than twice that of Mercury's.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drax the Destroyer</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Drax the Destroyer is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Jim Starlin, the character first appeared in The Invincible Iron Man #55.

<i>Marvel Presents</i>

Marvel Presents was an American comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics. Twelve issues were published from October 1975 to August 1977.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Gerber</span> American comic writer

Stephen Ross Gerber was an American comic book writer and creator of the satiric Marvel Comics character Howard the Duck. Other works include Man-Thing, Omega the Unknown,Marvel Spotlight: "Son of Satan", The Defenders,Marvel Presents: "Guardians of the Galaxy", Daredevil and Foolkiller. Gerber often included lengthy text pages in the midst of comic book stories, such as in his graphic novel, Stewart the Rat. Gerber was posthumously inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shuma-Gorath</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Shuma-Gorath is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Englehart and Frank Brunner, the character first appeared in Marvel Premiere #10. Shuma-Gorath belongs to the Great Old Ones, a race of ancient eldritch beings who predate Earth. It is a recurring antagonist of the superhero Doctor Strange.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Starhawk (character)</span> Comics character

Starhawk is an antihero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He was created by writer Steve Gerber and artist Sal Buscema.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guardians of the Galaxy (1969 team)</span> 1969 superhero team by Marvel Comics

Guardians of the Galaxy is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Guardians first appear in Marvel Super-Heroes #18. The initial roster consisted of Vance Astro, Martinex T'Naga, Captain Charlie-27, and Yondu Udonta. Later members included Stakar Ogord, Aleta Ogord, and Nikki.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Martinex</span> American comic book character

Martinex T'Naga is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is depicted as being from an alternate future in the 31st century, and member of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yondu</span> Fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics

Yondu Udonta, or simply Yondu, is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The original version of the character is depicted as the last survivor of his species, a spiritual warrior who can control his arrows through sound waves, and a founding member of the original Guardians of the Galaxy from the 31st century of the alternate reality of Earth-691.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mantis (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Mantis is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Don Heck, the character first appeared in The Avengers #112. Mantis has been depicted as a member of the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy, as the bride of Kang the Conqueror, and as the mother of Sequoia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Valkyrie (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics superhero

Valkyrie is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Englehart and Sal Buscema, the character first appeared in Defenders #4. She is based on the Norse mythological figure Brynhildr. Valkyrie became a mainstay of the superhero team known as the Defenders and a close ally and one-time love interest of the god Thor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omega the Unknown</span> Comics character

Omega the Unknown is an American comic book published by Marvel Comics from 1976 to 1977, featuring the eponymous fictional character. The series, written by Steve Gerber and Mary Skrenes and illustrated by Jim Mooney, ran for 10 issues before cancellation for low sales. Despite its short run, it has endured as a cult classic due to its intriguing characters and unusual storytelling. A 10-issue series revamping the character was published from 2007 to 2008, written by novelist Jonathan Lethem and illustrated by Farel Dalrymple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charlie-27</span> Comics character

Captain Charlie-27 is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character usually appears in the Earth-691 timeline of the Marvel Universe as a member of the original 31st century incarnation of the team known as the Guardians of the Galaxy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jennifer Kale</span> Fictional character appearing in Marvel Comics

Jennifer Kale is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Steve Gerber and artist Rich Buckler, the character first appeared in Adventure into Fear #11. Jennifer Kale is Johnny Blaze's cousin and a sorceress who is part of the Cult of Zhered-Na. She has also been a member of the Legion of Night and the Midnight Sons at various points in her history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phyla-Vell</span> Marvel Comics superhero

Phyla-Vell is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Peter David and Paul Azaceta, the character first appeared in Captain Marvel vol. 5 #16. Phyla-Vell is the daughter of superhero Mar-Vell and the sister of Genis-Vell. The character has also been known as Quasar, Captain Marvel, and Martyr at various points in her history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erik Killmonger</span> Fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics

Erik Killmonger is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Don McGregor and Rich Buckler, he first appeared in Jungle Action #6. The character is commonly depicted as a skilled hunter and mercenary born in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, who holds a grudge against the country and its people after his biological parents were killed when he was young. Raised outside of Wakanda, he eventually returns as a revolutionary leader and terrorist to exact his revenge, and repeatedly challenges the nation's king and protector, Black Panther, who becomes his most prominent adversary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quinjet</span> Fictional flying aircraft carrier in Marvel

The Quinjet is a fictional jet aircraft appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist John Buscema, the aircraft first appeared in The Avengers #61.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supergiant (comics)</span> Comic book supervillain

Supergiant is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Jonathan Hickman and Jerome Opeña, Supergiant first appeared in Infinity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kraglin</span> Comics character

Kraglin is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by plotter Stan Lee, writer Ernie Hart and artist Don Heck, he first appeared in Tales to Astonish #46. He is a member of the Ravagers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mid-credits and post-credits scenes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe</span>

Mid-credits and post-credits scenes have been used in various Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media, since the beginning of the franchise with the 2008 film Iron Man. The use of such scenes as a whole has changed movie-goer expectations, and has received both praise and criticism. Individual scenes have been widely discussed, ranked, and criticized. In some cases, MCU films have multiple mid-credits and post-credits scenes, and MCU television series have employed them after some episodes.

References

  1. ↑ Kantor, Jonathan K. (June 11, 2018). "The 25 Most Powerful Guardians Of The Galaxy, Ranked". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  2. ↑ Jacobino, Nick (April 13, 2017). "Every Guardian of the Galaxy Ever". Marvel.com . Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  3. ↑ Aguilar, Matthew (April 21, 2017). "Kevin Feige Confirms Secret Miley Cyrus Role In Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2". ComicBook.com . Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  4. ↑ "GOTW – Nicholette "Nikki" Gold". GeoCities . June 29, 2022. Archived from the original on April 9, 2003. Retrieved April 9, 2011.
  5. 1 2 Buttery, Jarrod (July 2013). "Explore the Marvel Universe of the 31st Century with... the Guardians of the Galaxy". Back Issue! (65). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 26–27.
  6. ↑ Feyrer, Avery (October 30, 2021). "Guardians Of The Galaxy: Every Marvel Character In The Game". TheGamer.com. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  7. ↑ Gullapalli, Vishal (October 30, 2021). "56 Marvel comic book references in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy". Polygon . Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  8. ↑ Allan, Scoot (May 8, 2023). "15 Most Powerful Members Of the Original Guardians Of The Galaxy, Ranked". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  9. ↑ Marvel Presents #4 (April 1976)
  10. ↑ Marvel Presents #7
  11. ↑ Avengers #172-177
  12. ↑ Marvel Team-Up #86
  13. ↑ Guardians of the Galaxy #1
  14. ↑ Guardians of the Galaxy #2-3
  15. ↑ Guardians of the Galaxy #4
  16. ↑ Guardians of the Galaxy #5-6
  17. ↑ Sayne, Haiden (April 15, 2022). "10 Best Hairdos In The Marvel Universe". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  18. ↑ Guardians of the Galaxy #32
  19. ↑ Guardians of the Galaxy #39
  20. 1 2 Guardians of the Galaxy #41
  21. ↑ Guardians of the Galaxy #8
  22. ↑ Kaye, Deirdre (November 16, 2020). "Looking For A Role Model? These 195+ Marvel Female Characters Are Truly Heroic". Scary Mommy . Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  23. ↑ Prom, Bradley (November 30, 2022). "10 Best Members Of The Guardians Of The Galaxy Still Missing From The MCU". Screen Rant . Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  24. ↑ Lewis, Evan (March 23, 2023). "10 Female Characters the MCU Should Introduce in Future Phases". MovieWeb . Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Classic Guardians of the Galaxy Character Pack". Xbox.com . Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  26. ↑ Raymond, Charles Nicholas (December 19, 2017). "LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 Gets Guardians of the Galaxy 2 DLC". Screen Rant . Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  27. ↑ Birks, James (December 19, 2017). "Guardians of the Galaxy steal the spotlight in the latest LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 DLC". TheXboxHub.com. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  28. ↑ Maria, Alex Santa (November 10, 2021). "Every Marvel Hero In Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy". Screen Rant . Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Nikki Gold Voice - Guardians of the Galaxy (Video Game)". Behind The Voice Actors. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  30. ↑ MacReady, Melody (December 2, 2022). "Every Character In The Guardians Of The Galaxy Game, Ranked". Screen Rant . Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  31. ↑ Bayne, Aaron (March 17, 2022). "Guardians Of The Galaxy Nikki: Who Is She?". www.ggrecon.com. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.