Nova #1 Advanced Review

| February 19, 2013 | Comics | No Comments

Writer:  Jeph Loeb
Penciler:  Ed McGuinness
Inker:  Dexter Vines
Colorist:  Marte Gracia
Letterer:  Comicraft’s Albert Deschesne

*SPOILER FREE REVIEW*

With Marvel Studios deciding to greenlight a Guardians of the Galaxy movie, Marvel comics has decided to revive the cosmic-side of their universe.  Instead of having their cosmic titles off in their own pocket of the Marvel universe, they will be more incorporated into the Earth books.  The two titles kicking things off will be Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Nova #1 no longer stars Richard Rider, but a new helmet-wielder named Sam Alexander.  This is the same boy playing Nova in the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series.  The question to begin this new series is how did Sam Alexander gain the power of the Nova force?

What I Liked

I am not the biggest Jeph Loeb supporter.  For one, he’s the man behind the cancellation of the animated series The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.  I haven’t read any of his comic book stories in the last 10 years either.  I have to admit that I enjoyed this first issue.  Loeb wants to recapture the original magic of a teenaged Peter Parker with Sam Alexander and does a decent job of this.  We meet Sam and his family, who will most likely double as his supporting cast.

Ed McGuinness’ art is beautiful.  I’ve always found McGuinness’ characters to look like they are cartoons brought to the pages of a comic book.  The colors by Marte Garcia help bring a spark to each page.

Guardians of the Galaxy members Rocket Raccoon and Gamora guest-star.  Through various interviews Loeb and Guardians of the Galaxy writer Brian Michael Bendis have stated that both GOTG and Nova will have a connection, but will not be completely tied together.  So you can read one without reading the other.

What I Didn’t Like

I have been a fan of Richard Rider (the previous Nova) since he was a member of the New Warriors back in the 90’s.  To see the book Nova revived and Rider not being a part of it is sad for me.  Plus Sam is such an unlikeable character on Ultimate Spider-Man.  It will take a lot for me to warm up to him.  Something also tells me that Loeb’s writing will leave me scratching my head than actually enjoying what I’m reading.

Summary

Marvel has made a big deal out of bringing back Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy.  Both properties are represented in this first issue.  It is safe to say that Nova will be integral to the larger Marvel universe, for no other reason that Marvel wants us to see him as a big deal.  Nova appeared in Avengers vs. X-Men and has two of Marvel’s heavy hitters Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness on the creative team.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nova join either the Guardians of the Galaxy or Avengers within the next year.  As far as an introductory issue, Nova #1 does a decent job of debuting our newest Nova, Sam Alexander.

This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network.  They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/

#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE

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