X-Men Gold #1 was to see a return to X-Men tradition but the controversy surrounding Ardian Syaf is overshadowing what was a solid debut.
The first item of note is the QS 5:51 on Colossus' t-shirt, a reference to Qur’an Surah 5:51 which warns against following Jewish or Christian leaders:
“Oh you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you – then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, Allah guides not the wrongdoing people.”
The other item in question was a panel featuring Kitty Pride where the longstanding X-Men character blocked out part of a jewelry store sign to read Jew, which was followed by signage which read 212. This was in reference to the "212 Protest" in Indonesia, where Muslims held a rally on December 12 (hence, 212) to denounce Jakarta's second-ever Christian governor.
Marvel
provided the following statement:
The mentioned artwork in X-Men Gold #1 was inserted without knowledge behind its reported meanings. These implied references do not reflect the views of the writer, editors or anyone else at Marvel and are in direct opposition of the inclusiveness of Marvel Comics and what the X-Men have stood for since their creation. This artwork will be removed from subsequent printings, digital versions, and trade paperbacks and disciplinary action is being taken.
Hello, Worlds...
My career is over now.
It's the consequence what I did, and I take it.
Please no more mockery, debat [sic], no more hate. I hope all in peace.
In this last chance, I want to tell you the true meaning of the numbers, 212 and QS 5:51.
It is number of JUSTICE. It is number of LOVE. My love to Holy Qur'an...my love to the last prophet, the Messenger...my love to ALLAH, The One God.
My apologize for all the noise. Good bye, May God bless you all. I love all of you.
-Ardian Syaf-
Syaf's Facebook post has predominantly been met with messages of support and applause from Muslims who agree with his surreptitious message.
With Marvel reprinting the issue and pulling it from digtial stores, first-run issues of X-Men: Gold
are selling upwards of 4x times their retail value of $4.99 on eBay. Variant issues are going for as high as $50.