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Nova (2013) (Collected Editions)
Nova, Volume 1: Origin
The New Human Rocket Returns!
Sam Alexander is a kid bound by the gravity of a small town--and a father whose ridiculous drunken fairy tales about a "Nova Corps" were just another heavy burden. But lucky for Sam, gravity soon won't even matter--and those troubles will be a billion miles away. It's a boy, a helmet and an intergalactic legacy! As Sam trains with the Guardians of the Galaxy's Gamora and Rocket Racoon, the helmet leads Nova into intergalactic conflict that will affect the entire Marvel Unvierse! Mysteries are revealed in this breathtaking new series by the best-selling, award-winning team of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness.
Collecting: Nova 1-5, material from Point One
Sam Alexander is a kid bound by the gravity of a small town--and a father whose ridiculous drunken fairy tales about a "Nova Corps" were just another heavy burden. But lucky for Sam, gravity soon won't even matter--and those troubles will be a billion miles away. It's a boy, a helmet and an intergalactic legacy! As Sam trains with the Guardians of the Galaxy's Gamora and Rocket Racoon, the helmet leads Nova into intergalactic conflict that will affect the entire Marvel Unvierse! Mysteries are revealed in this breathtaking new series by the best-selling, award-winning team of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness.
Collecting: Nova 1-5, material from Point One
158 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2013
17 people are currently reading
944 people want to read
About the author
Jeph Loeb
1,589 books1,376 followersJoseph "Jeph" Loeb III is an Emmy and WGA nominated American film and television writer, producer and award-winning comic book writer. Loeb was a Co-Executive Producer on the NBC hit show Heroes, and formerly a producer/writer on the TV series Smallville and Lost.
A four-time Eisner Award winner and five-time Wizard Fan Awards winner (see below), Loeb's comic book career includes work on many major characters, including Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Hulk, Captain America, Cable, Iron Man, Daredevil, Supergirl, the Avengers, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, much of which he has produced in collaboration with artist Tim Sale, who provides the comic art seen on Heroes.
A four-time Eisner Award winner and five-time Wizard Fan Awards winner (see below), Loeb's comic book career includes work on many major characters, including Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Hulk, Captain America, Cable, Iron Man, Daredevil, Supergirl, the Avengers, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, much of which he has produced in collaboration with artist Tim Sale, who provides the comic art seen on Heroes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
August 1, 2015
4.5 stars
How freakin' cute is this kid?! Let me just tell you...SOOO stinkin' cute! And Jeph Loeb wrote this? Wha..? The cat is both alive and dead, Schrödinger? My head just exploded! How is that even possible?!
This introduces Sam (who's adorable, in case you missed it).
He's the son of the high school's drunk janitor. Now, it's bad enough that he has to swoop in and fix the messes that his father is too intoxicated to take care of, but to make it worse, his dad also peppers his drinking with stories of his Glory Days...
In the Nova Corps.
Of course, Sam doesn't believe a word out of his vomit encrusted mouth, because he's obviously delusional.
But then his dad goes missing, and a green lady accompanied by a feral raccoon show up to return his father helmet...
This was a really really good volume to set Sam up as a new superhero in the Marvel universe, and I can see why some people have referred to him as a Miles Morales sort of character. He's got that same kind of innocent/adorkable appeal to him. He likes the sweet girl with the multicolored hair and piercings, he's nice to his little sister, and he does the right thing like a superhero should. But he's still a kid. You know, with all of that wild-eyed wonder at being able to fly to the stars!
Makes you want to ruffle his hair and give him a squishy hug!
Maybe that last part is just me?
Anyway, this was so much better than I expectedfrom Loeb.
I'm looking forward to catching the next volume as soon as I can!
How freakin' cute is this kid?! Let me just tell you...SOOO stinkin' cute! And Jeph Loeb wrote this? Wha..? The cat is both alive and dead, Schrödinger? My head just exploded! How is that even possible?!
This introduces Sam (who's adorable, in case you missed it).
He's the son of the high school's drunk janitor. Now, it's bad enough that he has to swoop in and fix the messes that his father is too intoxicated to take care of, but to make it worse, his dad also peppers his drinking with stories of his Glory Days...
In the Nova Corps.
Of course, Sam doesn't believe a word out of his vomit encrusted mouth, because he's obviously delusional.
But then his dad goes missing, and a green lady accompanied by a feral raccoon show up to return his father helmet...
This was a really really good volume to set Sam up as a new superhero in the Marvel universe, and I can see why some people have referred to him as a Miles Morales sort of character. He's got that same kind of innocent/adorkable appeal to him. He likes the sweet girl with the multicolored hair and piercings, he's nice to his little sister, and he does the right thing like a superhero should. But he's still a kid. You know, with all of that wild-eyed wonder at being able to fly to the stars!
Makes you want to ruffle his hair and give him a squishy hug!
Maybe that last part is just me?
Anyway, this was so much better than I expected
I'm looking forward to catching the next volume as soon as I can!
December 29, 2015
A wild ride with a heart - what's not to like? Sure, it's all a bit cheesy, but as a contemporary origin story for all ages I thought this worked quite well. The combination of family drama, humor and cosmic adventure reminded me of Slott and Allred's recent Silver Surfer relaunch, though it largely lacks that title's wit and ease. Still, Nova by Loeb and McGuiness feels fresh and lively enough and should appeal to fans of cosmic yet lighthearted superhero fare.
November 21, 2013
Wow.
I never thought I’d say this, but:
I really enjoyed this comic written by Jeph Loeb.
Really!
Sam Alexander is a high school kid in a dead-end American Mid-West town called Carefree. His drunk dad is the janitor of his school and is often so wasted Sam has to stay behind after the school day is done and do his dad’s job for him before helping to walk him home to pass out in his shed. But in his more conscious moments, Sam’s father tells him and his little sister fantastic cosmic stories of a time when he was part of an intergalactic superhero group called the Nova Corps, stories Sam believes are just drunken delusions or stories for little kids. Then one day his dad disappears and a talking raccoon with a gun and a green lady with a sword show up. Sam’s about to realise his dad wasn’t telling stories, the Nova Corps are real, and he’s about to become the latest – and greatest – of all the Novas! The fight for the universe and the search for his dad begins!
There isn’t much to say about Nova because it’s not a layered story, it’s not overly complex, it’s straightforward and simply a cool story. That said, stories that are just cool aren’t necessarily bad and Nova works just fine for what it is, which is a pretty straightforward superhero origin story.
It’s the setup though that really gets me – the dad telling stories of his past life as an intergalactic superhero, a time now long past leaving him with all the memories of the wider world out there and the disappointment that he’d never see it again. That’s a great angle, then factor in his son, the protagonist, and his journey of discovery, and it’s a really sweet, surprisingly really well put-together story.
I should say that I’ve never read a Nova book before – I have no idea who Nova is, who the Nova Corps are, so my reaction to this book is purely visceral, it’s not at all based on comparisons to what’s gone before, though I understand some long-time readers of the series dislike the direction Loeb’s taken it. From my standpoint as a reader completely new to the character, I found it fresh and enjoyable with Sam reacting like a teenager would to the crazy new things happening in comparison to his previously dull, go-nowhere life.
Which isn’t to say it’s not without its flaws – I’m still not entirely sure why Sam’s dad gave up being a Nova, especially as it was killing him not to be one. Was his wife that much of a bitch that she’d rather see her husband destroy himself than be a hero? Or maybe it was because he wanted to be with his kids or something, right? Or the Nova Corps went bad…? I never quite got this point in the story. And I’m not really sure what Nova’s powers are. At first he’s like a cosmic Rocketeer and then he can shoot beams from his hands like Iron Man’s repulsor blasts? And it’s all the helmet, right? Uh…ok.
I really liked the cameos from Rocket Raccoon and Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy, and Uatu the Watcher too (though Ed McGuinness makes him look a bit too Grey Alien-y around the eyes), as they introduce Sam to this strange new world he finds himself in. They’re fun, familiar characters and the trigger-happy, salty Rocket has some great moments with Sam as his new instructor.
The book’s appearance looks very cinematic, not least because it features the Chitauri and their giant whale ships from The Avengers movie . Ed McGuinness’s art is as polished and sleek as you’d expect and is wonderfully suited to the sparkling beauty of the cosmos where most of the book is set. McGuinness’ art on Earth isn’t bad but where he really shines is when the action takes off into outer space as Nova battles his dad’s old “buddies” and strafes enemy ships.
Nova is a really solid book, with some fun storytelling, wonderful art, and a likeable protagonist. I honestly picked this up thinking I’d be putting it back down after the first issue or two but read it straight through and kept turning back to the cover to see the writer’s credit: Jeph Loeb. Well, I’ll be! This is gonna sound weird but… good job, Mr Loeb? (goes out to see if the world has ended)
I never thought I’d say this, but:
I really enjoyed this comic written by Jeph Loeb.
Really!
Sam Alexander is a high school kid in a dead-end American Mid-West town called Carefree. His drunk dad is the janitor of his school and is often so wasted Sam has to stay behind after the school day is done and do his dad’s job for him before helping to walk him home to pass out in his shed. But in his more conscious moments, Sam’s father tells him and his little sister fantastic cosmic stories of a time when he was part of an intergalactic superhero group called the Nova Corps, stories Sam believes are just drunken delusions or stories for little kids. Then one day his dad disappears and a talking raccoon with a gun and a green lady with a sword show up. Sam’s about to realise his dad wasn’t telling stories, the Nova Corps are real, and he’s about to become the latest – and greatest – of all the Novas! The fight for the universe and the search for his dad begins!
There isn’t much to say about Nova because it’s not a layered story, it’s not overly complex, it’s straightforward and simply a cool story. That said, stories that are just cool aren’t necessarily bad and Nova works just fine for what it is, which is a pretty straightforward superhero origin story.
It’s the setup though that really gets me – the dad telling stories of his past life as an intergalactic superhero, a time now long past leaving him with all the memories of the wider world out there and the disappointment that he’d never see it again. That’s a great angle, then factor in his son, the protagonist, and his journey of discovery, and it’s a really sweet, surprisingly really well put-together story.
I should say that I’ve never read a Nova book before – I have no idea who Nova is, who the Nova Corps are, so my reaction to this book is purely visceral, it’s not at all based on comparisons to what’s gone before, though I understand some long-time readers of the series dislike the direction Loeb’s taken it. From my standpoint as a reader completely new to the character, I found it fresh and enjoyable with Sam reacting like a teenager would to the crazy new things happening in comparison to his previously dull, go-nowhere life.
Which isn’t to say it’s not without its flaws – I’m still not entirely sure why Sam’s dad gave up being a Nova, especially as it was killing him not to be one. Was his wife that much of a bitch that she’d rather see her husband destroy himself than be a hero? Or maybe it was because he wanted to be with his kids or something, right? Or the Nova Corps went bad…? I never quite got this point in the story. And I’m not really sure what Nova’s powers are. At first he’s like a cosmic Rocketeer and then he can shoot beams from his hands like Iron Man’s repulsor blasts? And it’s all the helmet, right? Uh…ok.
I really liked the cameos from Rocket Raccoon and Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy, and Uatu the Watcher too (though Ed McGuinness makes him look a bit too Grey Alien-y around the eyes), as they introduce Sam to this strange new world he finds himself in. They’re fun, familiar characters and the trigger-happy, salty Rocket has some great moments with Sam as his new instructor.
The book’s appearance looks very cinematic, not least because it features the Chitauri and their giant whale ships from The Avengers movie . Ed McGuinness’s art is as polished and sleek as you’d expect and is wonderfully suited to the sparkling beauty of the cosmos where most of the book is set. McGuinness’ art on Earth isn’t bad but where he really shines is when the action takes off into outer space as Nova battles his dad’s old “buddies” and strafes enemy ships.
Nova is a really solid book, with some fun storytelling, wonderful art, and a likeable protagonist. I honestly picked this up thinking I’d be putting it back down after the first issue or two but read it straight through and kept turning back to the cover to see the writer’s credit: Jeph Loeb. Well, I’ll be! This is gonna sound weird but… good job, Mr Loeb? (goes out to see if the world has ended)
August 3, 2018
So we're doing this buddy read where we're giving a second chance to some of the creators or characters we previously personally deemed hopeless. In my case, that's Jeph Loeb, a writer who I previously thought was entirely unable to write an intelligible comic based on my experiences with travesties like Hush, Daredevil: Yellow and Captain America: White, and just based on what I heard about his runs on Supergirl, Hulk and The Ultimates among many others. Well, Chris recommended that I read this first volume of Nova, and I was surprised to find out that it's really not that bad, especially by Loeb's standards!
As far as I know, this is the first Sam Alexander Nova book. I've read others before, like the excellent Nova: Resurrection and Sean Ryan's delightful run, which both followed up on the storyline that Loeb introduced here. Admittedly, I liked both of them more than Origin, but I can't belittle that with this book Loeb provided a solid foundation for other creators to work with. Sam Alexander is a fun protagonist — he's a young naive kid who is entirely out of his depth, and he's not very heroic at first. His father was previously a Nova, but through a series of events he ended up being a high school janitor, which causes Sam a bunch of troubles with local bullies. His dad then mysteriously goes missing, and Sam has to become a Nova himself in order to help him and save the world.
Unfortunately, it's the saving the world part where the book kinda lost me. The villain ended up being a painfully dull generic baddie, and the big showdown was just a punchy-punch superhero bore. And that's two out of five issues entirely devoid of any tension, character or interest. By Jeph Loeb's standards, mediocrity is still a huge achievement, but it's mediocrity nonetheless.
Still, three out of five issues ain't bad! That's three more issues than I ever expected to enjoy from Loeb, and at least they weren't a pain to look at thanks to Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines and Marte Garcia's significant artistic talents. It's not like I had to sit through an entire book of Tim Sale's disgusting artwork, right?...
...oh boy.
Coming soon: Shallow Comic Second Chance Buddy Read, Part II: The Long Halloween. Where I attempt to sit through an entire book of Tim Sale's disgusting artwork.
Dang.
January 24, 2016
Sam Alexander grew up with his Dad telling him about unbelievable tales of being a space cop of sorts, saving the universe, and working with a green assassin and a talking Racoon.
Sam's Dad is also a high school janitor and also a drunk. Sam doesn't believe a word his father says.
That is until the green assassin and the talking racoon show up to see Sam.
Sam realizes everything his father told him was true and he has become a Nova himself.
Nova Origin was an OK story. Sam himself is somewhat likable, but the storyline of, my father told me these crazy stories...it turns out it's true and now I must inherit his mantle, is one I've experienced far too often to be impressed by it. The introduction of a different type of Nova is a bit intriguing, but that was the only thing that even somewhat captured my interest.
This volume wasn't bad, but I find myself getting tired of high school students getting super powers and saving the world.
Sam's Dad is also a high school janitor and also a drunk. Sam doesn't believe a word his father says.
That is until the green assassin and the talking racoon show up to see Sam.
Sam realizes everything his father told him was true and he has become a Nova himself.
Nova Origin was an OK story. Sam himself is somewhat likable, but the storyline of, my father told me these crazy stories...it turns out it's true and now I must inherit his mantle, is one I've experienced far too often to be impressed by it. The introduction of a different type of Nova is a bit intriguing, but that was the only thing that even somewhat captured my interest.
This volume wasn't bad, but I find myself getting tired of high school students getting super powers and saving the world.
November 18, 2018
3.5 stars
Memo to the Marvel-Disney-Sony conglomerate:
In these days of out-of-control, bloated budgets and ever escalating running times for blockbuster superhero movies, might I suggest an adaptation of Nova, Volume 1: Origin for the big screen? Make it a tight, 90-minute film (with funny cameos by Guardians of the Galaxy teammates Gamora and Rocket, of course) with reasonable $$$ spent on talent and special effects. The storyline it will likely appeal to kids, teens, AND parents. Consider this and potentially you will rake it in at the box office.
Origin is a nice, streamlined opening chapter story about Sam Alexander, an average teenager in small-town southwestern U.S. who is suddenly thrust into the superhero orbit - both literally and figuratively - when he inherits his father's position in the Nova Corps. (The Corps is similar to DC's Green Lantern - an intergalactic policing / U.S Marines-style force with various 'best of the best' representatives from everywhere patrolling / protecting the universe.) It was a fun, lightweight read.
Memo to the Marvel-Disney-Sony conglomerate:
In these days of out-of-control, bloated budgets and ever escalating running times for blockbuster superhero movies, might I suggest an adaptation of Nova, Volume 1: Origin for the big screen? Make it a tight, 90-minute film (with funny cameos by Guardians of the Galaxy teammates Gamora and Rocket, of course) with reasonable $$$ spent on talent and special effects. The storyline it will likely appeal to kids, teens, AND parents. Consider this and potentially you will rake it in at the box office.
Origin is a nice, streamlined opening chapter story about Sam Alexander, an average teenager in small-town southwestern U.S. who is suddenly thrust into the superhero orbit - both literally and figuratively - when he inherits his father's position in the Nova Corps. (The Corps is similar to DC's Green Lantern - an intergalactic policing / U.S Marines-style force with various 'best of the best' representatives from everywhere patrolling / protecting the universe.) It was a fun, lightweight read.
October 15, 2016
Wow look at that. Sometimes you pick up a book you never thought you'd enjoy and end up smiling most of the way through. Surprise!
Nova: Origin is a neat little story because you really don't have to know much about the original. This is Sam's story and it's all about living up to his father's name and becoming the new NOVA! Which is basically like a space version of Iron-man suit...I guess. Listen, it's badass. Also Sam is very normal teen or just has fun being a damn hero. I love when they let their kid characters act like damn kids and be excited about shooting lazes out of their freaking hands.
The only negative I can think of is sometimes the characters feel a bit cliche and the huge exposition dump at the end of issue 4. But hey, that's just one little thing in otherwise fun and beautifully drawn story. Go check out Nova. It's FUN. Which is a nice change.
Nova: Origin is a neat little story because you really don't have to know much about the original. This is Sam's story and it's all about living up to his father's name and becoming the new NOVA! Which is basically like a space version of Iron-man suit...I guess. Listen, it's badass. Also Sam is very normal teen or just has fun being a damn hero. I love when they let their kid characters act like damn kids and be excited about shooting lazes out of their freaking hands.
The only negative I can think of is sometimes the characters feel a bit cliche and the huge exposition dump at the end of issue 4. But hey, that's just one little thing in otherwise fun and beautifully drawn story. Go check out Nova. It's FUN. Which is a nice change.
April 25, 2014
I really enjoyed this new Nova. I like the crisp and dynamic art of Ed McGuinness, which is a treat and I've always enjoyed Jeph Loeb-penned comics. This new Nova is a teenager named Sam Alexander who is a bit of a knucklehead by whose heart is in the right place.
A new teen-aged is what Marvel hopes will expand its adult-skewing readership base to include more younger readers. It's ironic that there are less young people reading comics which used to be the medium's bread and butter audience. Comics are for kids they used to say but not anymore since it usually adults who read comics these days.
A new teen-aged is what Marvel hopes will expand its adult-skewing readership base to include more younger readers. It's ironic that there are less young people reading comics which used to be the medium's bread and butter audience. Comics are for kids they used to say but not anymore since it usually adults who read comics these days.
March 15, 2022
4.5 Golden Stars
since I started Ultimate Spider-man animated series, I wanted to know who Nova is (like, was he even human? answer: yes (it's not spoiler, is it?) & how he got his powers. so best place to start was Nova: Origin.
there is one more Nova too, which happened before this one (I guess?), but I wanted to know Sam's story. he was such an interesting character in the cartoon, funny, clueless, adorkable & in frenemies rivalry with Spidey. I'm happy I've found it. Many things about him cleared for me!
since I started Ultimate Spider-man animated series, I wanted to know who Nova is (like, was he even human? answer: yes (it's not spoiler, is it?) & how he got his powers. so best place to start was Nova: Origin.
there is one more Nova too, which happened before this one (I guess?), but I wanted to know Sam's story. he was such an interesting character in the cartoon, funny, clueless, adorkable & in frenemies rivalry with Spidey. I'm happy I've found it. Many things about him cleared for me!
September 5, 2014
Am I the only person on the planet who just once wants to see an old man get some sort of super power instead of a kid?
April 14, 2025
This was pretty fun. Sam’s dad use to tell him and his sister all these fantastical stories about being in space and the Green assassin lady and a talking raccoon. Sam never believed him and thought it was excuses as to why he would be gone for extended periods of time. But when the green assassin lady and the talking raccoon actually show up after Sam’s dad goes missing, he realizes all the stories were true. This was a great set up for what is to come and now get me excited to read the rest of this run. Ed McGuinness’ art looked great and this book had some great action and cool story beats. Seems like the next volumes will be an entertaining ride.
August 29, 2014
Now that the Nova Corps has gotten a high profile new audience with the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, I am hoping ol' bucket-head might make a cinematic appearance.
This series, though, is a "reboot" featuring the original Nova's son as a kid superhero. Apparently intended to draw younger readers in, it's still a pretty sharp comic, firmly embedded in the Marvel Universe without requiring readers to be familiar with decades of canon.
Sam Alexander has an alcoholic father who is the janitor at his school. Sam is used to covering for his dad while listening to the old man's stories about how he used to be a galaxy-spanning superhero. Then one day his dad disappears, and following an appearance by a certain green-skinned babe and a talking raccoon, Sam finds himself in possession of the Nova helmet. Pretty soon he's off to the Moon, where he meets the Watcher, and then he's fighting off an alien invasion.
It's lots of fun, and one of the better kid superhero comics I've read. The tropes are thick and heavy, but this is a comic for teens, not a reinvention of the genre.
This series, though, is a "reboot" featuring the original Nova's son as a kid superhero. Apparently intended to draw younger readers in, it's still a pretty sharp comic, firmly embedded in the Marvel Universe without requiring readers to be familiar with decades of canon.
Sam Alexander has an alcoholic father who is the janitor at his school. Sam is used to covering for his dad while listening to the old man's stories about how he used to be a galaxy-spanning superhero. Then one day his dad disappears, and following an appearance by a certain green-skinned babe and a talking raccoon, Sam finds himself in possession of the Nova helmet. Pretty soon he's off to the Moon, where he meets the Watcher, and then he's fighting off an alien invasion.
It's lots of fun, and one of the better kid superhero comics I've read. The tropes are thick and heavy, but this is a comic for teens, not a reinvention of the genre.
May 30, 2021
This has been such a nostalgic read as I remember in 2015 watching a comicstorian video on youtube of it and finally getting to read it is a blast! The story is about this guy Sam who one day finds his father is missing and gets the space helmet of Nova and meets Gamora and Rocket and finding that all the stories his father told are true and then begins his adventure of finding his father, meeting Uatu the watcher, teaming with Rocket and Gamora and fighting Titus and Chitauri to save the earth with the Ultimate Nullifier at Stake and the ending was so good! This is one of the best "feel gold stories" I have and then again the art was really good, the story is simple and ends with optimism in a way!
May 12, 2019
4
Jeph Loeb has been a name associated with a lot of high end quality titles, and while I enjoyed Nova, the standard backstory element was hard to overcome. I think I should have found a title with a little more backstory and not the son inheriting a pre-existing suit. I enjoyed the book a lot and some of the story elements are easy to understand, but exposition is not my friend.
Why the 4?
The storyline was okay and the action was Marvelous - see what I did there? I thought this was a Nova storyline, not the son of Nova and that was my fault. The teenage storyline was the biggest bore for me and I don't feel we spent enough time investing in the characters background. There are moments covering this, but it is flipped to the side for a more action orientated plot. Good book, but I need to find more about the original Nova.
Jeph Loeb has been a name associated with a lot of high end quality titles, and while I enjoyed Nova, the standard backstory element was hard to overcome. I think I should have found a title with a little more backstory and not the son inheriting a pre-existing suit. I enjoyed the book a lot and some of the story elements are easy to understand, but exposition is not my friend.
Why the 4?
The storyline was okay and the action was Marvelous - see what I did there? I thought this was a Nova storyline, not the son of Nova and that was my fault. The teenage storyline was the biggest bore for me and I don't feel we spent enough time investing in the characters background. There are moments covering this, but it is flipped to the side for a more action orientated plot. Good book, but I need to find more about the original Nova.
September 9, 2014
I don't really have much to say about this one. It's not bad, not really. But neither is it great. It is, more than anything, expected. Sam Alexander is like any number of teen boy heroes I've come across: bitter, special, rebellious, somewhat whiny. Not a bad kid overall. Maybe a little annoying. My point is, I've met this kid hundreds of times. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Loeb doesn't embarrass himself with this kid, or his story. But although it's executed well enough, it just didn't have that little extra something that would make me want to keep reading. Just not for me, I guess.
February 14, 2016
4.5/5 This was pretty freaking adorable. Review to come. Possibly.
January 12, 2020
This is fantastic.
It has the sense of wonderment and opportunity that old Lee/Kirby origins had... the kid who realizes he’s acquired power and responsibility.
With modern pacing, modern dialogue and beautiful cosmic art, this really is a blast of a read. It’s fun, has some exciting cameos, and pretty much embodies everything that makes Marvel the best in the hero biz.
I couldn’t get enough of this, and I really cannot wait to read more.
It has the sense of wonderment and opportunity that old Lee/Kirby origins had... the kid who realizes he’s acquired power and responsibility.
With modern pacing, modern dialogue and beautiful cosmic art, this really is a blast of a read. It’s fun, has some exciting cameos, and pretty much embodies everything that makes Marvel the best in the hero biz.
I couldn’t get enough of this, and I really cannot wait to read more.
September 27, 2016
Better than expected. I didn't realize this new Nova was named after Loeb's son who passed away.
December 1, 2023
От що-годе читавите албуми в колекцията, макар да не блести с кой знае каква сюжетна оригиналност. Сам Александър е сякаш "космическата" реплика на Питър Паркър - ученика-аутсайдер, изведнъж сдобил се със свръхестествени сили.
January 20, 2016
I loved this comic so much! It was just so exciting!
October 12, 2017
As an introduction to the new Nova this worked really well. In a short time Loeb created a likeable new hero going through some obvious personal issues and a supporting cast. The inclusion of the MCU version of the Chitauri was a nice touch and a good way to include an enemy that casual readers are familiar with while coming up with a creditable threat for the new Nova to face off against.
My only complaints are with some of the continuity issues as well as Loebs pacing. Loeb has a habit of writing characters as he sees fit...to hell with how they were established.
In this through Sams fathers stories he talks about how he met Gamora and Rocket 17 years ago. From what I remember they first met during Annihilation:Conquest. Unless I missed a retcon this is just a sloppy excuse to put two popular characters into the series. At least he kept their characterization correct.
As for the pacing...it's all over the place. Loeb seems to try to insert energy into his writing by having the action move back and forth or go from character development to something completely unrelated quickly. Instead of fast paced it comes off to me as sloppy. He also relies on some sort of intervention (Ultimate Nullifer) to get heroes out of impossible jams way too often. That could easily be my take. I've never taken to Loebs work before but was pleasantly surprised he put some time into developing a new comer to the Marvel U
My only complaints are with some of the continuity issues as well as Loebs pacing. Loeb has a habit of writing characters as he sees fit...to hell with how they were established.
In this through Sams fathers stories he talks about how he met Gamora and Rocket 17 years ago. From what I remember they first met during Annihilation:Conquest. Unless I missed a retcon this is just a sloppy excuse to put two popular characters into the series. At least he kept their characterization correct.
As for the pacing...it's all over the place. Loeb seems to try to insert energy into his writing by having the action move back and forth or go from character development to something completely unrelated quickly. Instead of fast paced it comes off to me as sloppy. He also relies on some sort of intervention (Ultimate Nullifer) to get heroes out of impossible jams way too often. That could easily be my take. I've never taken to Loebs work before but was pleasantly surprised he put some time into developing a new comer to the Marvel U
May 22, 2022
Sam Alexander has grown up in the small town called Carefree where he lives with his mother, sister and his father. He’s lived his live covering for his father who works as a janitor at his high school. Sam spends most of his time cleaning toilets, and skate boarding and believes all the stories his father tells him of his time as a Nova Corps soldier are the delusions of a drunk deadbeat…until he inherits his father’s Nova Corps helmet.
I love reading about super hero origin stories and I enjoyed reading about Sam’s relationship with his father. And how is perspective of his dad slowly changed as he discovered more about him. I wanted to read this since it’s rumoured that there will be a Nova Disney+ show and I hope that the story will focus on him since I know there’s another Nova ( Richard Rider ) but I prefer Sam’s story more.
I love reading about super hero origin stories and I enjoyed reading about Sam’s relationship with his father. And how is perspective of his dad slowly changed as he discovered more about him. I wanted to read this since it’s rumoured that there will be a Nova Disney+ show and I hope that the story will focus on him since I know there’s another Nova ( Richard Rider ) but I prefer Sam’s story more.
November 1, 2017
When I first saw this graphic novel, I wasn't particularly impressed with the concept of a young teenager taking over the mantle of a character I knew as an adult.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. This story is not a great story, but it was a lot better than I was expecting, especially the relationship between the young boy and his dad.
There were a few moments of gratuitous action, which I didn't think it needed. And I didn't particularly believe the ease with which the boy became familiar with the technology and power he was suddenly given access to, but I suspect these are probably aspects of the comics medium that are some of the most difficult to do properly.
Anyway, this should be 3.5 stars, in my books.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. This story is not a great story, but it was a lot better than I was expecting, especially the relationship between the young boy and his dad.
There were a few moments of gratuitous action, which I didn't think it needed. And I didn't particularly believe the ease with which the boy became familiar with the technology and power he was suddenly given access to, but I suspect these are probably aspects of the comics medium that are some of the most difficult to do properly.
Anyway, this should be 3.5 stars, in my books.
January 13, 2019
Good but a little bland.
April 12, 2023
I was fortunately surprised by my enjoyment of Sam as Nova. On top of that, the art by Ed is just so fun and colourful :)
November 25, 2023
Нелоша история, дори има зачатък на задълбоченост!
Сега, че сюжетът "баща ми е пиянка със забулено в тайна минало" е доволно клише е факт, но за комикс на "Марвел" летвата е по-надолу.
Сега, че сюжетът "баща ми е пиянка със забулено в тайна минало" е доволно клише е факт, но за комикс на "Марвел" летвата е по-надолу.
April 22, 2016
Solid if cliched start.
I'm new to Nova so this is good that this is a jumping on point to the story, I don't know Richard Rider and so Sam is a good character for me to know the Nova universe. So, how was this reboot?
World: Ed McGuinness' art is great, it's crisp, it's kinetic and has a not quite anime but almost there look to it I enjoy. I especially love the movement and the splash pages, good stuff. The world building here is very solid for a reboot. It is very easy to dive into this universe because of the framing device Loeb used to introduce the world, the father's narration was wonderful. It also led to some interesting story points too. Good and interesting world that I can't wait to learn more about.
Story: It was fast paced and very entertaining. However it is full of cliches and also a lot of leaps that the readers needs to get through to accept the tale for what it is. The biggest issue is that this is a kid whose never put on the helmet and after 1 lesson from Rocket and Gamora is able to do the things he does, it's impossible and pulls the reader right out of it. I had the same issue with Miles when he was part of the event books, but Miles failed a lot when he started out and that made the character way more believe, here that's not the case, Sam is already insanely good and that does not work for me. Also the book takes a lot of things for granted in terms of how simply the story wrapped up and how the action scenes were fairly super easy for Sam making the conflict lacking tension or stakes of any kind. I'm not saying this is a terrible story, I really liked it, it was fun, but it feels like a 90s action movie where you check your brain out before you read it. I really liked the dynamic between Sam and the parents and I hope that subsequent books look into this aspect. It's fertile ground for some awesome family drama about a kid and how his mother will react, fingers crossed.
Characters: Sam is an interesting kid, but I think if we had a couple of more pages at the beginning of the tale showing us his physical prowess (like some awesome skateboarding) it would be more logical how quickly he picks up being Nova. The emotional core of the character is very solid and the most interesting thing about this character, I liked the arc he had in terms of his thoughts about his father and I am looking forward to more family drama to build Sam as a character. I however found Titus to be an utterly pointless and cliched villain with barely any motivation and the thinnest of character. He's a dumb character and his turn from the corp is not explored and is just illogical. All non human characters this arc were just poorly written, even Rocket and Gamora being there and being vague and also not really helping much at all, this is not how you train a kid.
Faults aside I did enjoy this tale, I'm a sucker for space operas, and I will continue to read it. The art was great, the action was fun and the world interesting. Now let's get some more characterization and family drama!
Onward to the next book!
I'm new to Nova so this is good that this is a jumping on point to the story, I don't know Richard Rider and so Sam is a good character for me to know the Nova universe. So, how was this reboot?
World: Ed McGuinness' art is great, it's crisp, it's kinetic and has a not quite anime but almost there look to it I enjoy. I especially love the movement and the splash pages, good stuff. The world building here is very solid for a reboot. It is very easy to dive into this universe because of the framing device Loeb used to introduce the world, the father's narration was wonderful. It also led to some interesting story points too. Good and interesting world that I can't wait to learn more about.
Story: It was fast paced and very entertaining. However it is full of cliches and also a lot of leaps that the readers needs to get through to accept the tale for what it is. The biggest issue is that this is a kid whose never put on the helmet and after 1 lesson from Rocket and Gamora is able to do the things he does, it's impossible and pulls the reader right out of it. I had the same issue with Miles when he was part of the event books, but Miles failed a lot when he started out and that made the character way more believe, here that's not the case, Sam is already insanely good and that does not work for me. Also the book takes a lot of things for granted in terms of how simply the story wrapped up and how the action scenes were fairly super easy for Sam making the conflict lacking tension or stakes of any kind. I'm not saying this is a terrible story, I really liked it, it was fun, but it feels like a 90s action movie where you check your brain out before you read it. I really liked the dynamic between Sam and the parents and I hope that subsequent books look into this aspect. It's fertile ground for some awesome family drama about a kid and how his mother will react, fingers crossed.
Characters: Sam is an interesting kid, but I think if we had a couple of more pages at the beginning of the tale showing us his physical prowess (like some awesome skateboarding) it would be more logical how quickly he picks up being Nova. The emotional core of the character is very solid and the most interesting thing about this character, I liked the arc he had in terms of his thoughts about his father and I am looking forward to more family drama to build Sam as a character. I however found Titus to be an utterly pointless and cliched villain with barely any motivation and the thinnest of character. He's a dumb character and his turn from the corp is not explored and is just illogical. All non human characters this arc were just poorly written, even Rocket and Gamora being there and being vague and also not really helping much at all, this is not how you train a kid.
Faults aside I did enjoy this tale, I'm a sucker for space operas, and I will continue to read it. The art was great, the action was fun and the world interesting. Now let's get some more characterization and family drama!
Onward to the next book!
October 28, 2013
I really enjoyed this. It reminds me of the first graphic novel I ever bought "Power Pack Origin Album" about kids who got super powers and were dragged in to an alien conflict. It was clearly aimed at being readable by kids but also not so cartoonish as to drive away more serious fans of super hero comics. This book reminds me of that kind of great writing. Its a story and art that are completely digestible and even appealing to younger readers while still appealing to adult marvel fans. You don't see this happen too often in either of the big two comic publishers. Usually in the process of making a comic kid friendly you end up with chibi-like Avengers. It's hard to make a comic that will appeal to both comic book fan dads and there kids, but Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness made it work very well.
The writing is fun while still being serious, and the art really grabs you and brings the eye in. You also get Gamora and Rocket Raccoon in cameos. Its just Marvel fun. Kid gets super powers (flight, strength, durability, even FTL space travel and energy control) and then finds out he needs to help save the galaxy. Its not complex but it does resonate on a deep level for some one who has always been a fan of young super heroes from Marvel (Cloak and Dagger, Power Pack, The New Warriors, Runaways,..etc). Check this out if you like Marvel comics or just good fun super hero fun.
The writing is fun while still being serious, and the art really grabs you and brings the eye in. You also get Gamora and Rocket Raccoon in cameos. Its just Marvel fun. Kid gets super powers (flight, strength, durability, even FTL space travel and energy control) and then finds out he needs to help save the galaxy. Its not complex but it does resonate on a deep level for some one who has always been a fan of young super heroes from Marvel (Cloak and Dagger, Power Pack, The New Warriors, Runaways,..etc). Check this out if you like Marvel comics or just good fun super hero fun.
September 1, 2014
Me encantó. Sam Alexander es un chico común —no tanto— de un pueblo pequeño en Arizona. Su padre usualmente le contaba a su pequeña hermana y a él historias sobre batallas libradas en el espacio exterior, sobre una mujer verde asesina y sobre un mapache parlante obsesionado con las armas. Sam, por supuesto, no le creía. Vivía enojado con él por mentirles y por estar alejado de su familia la mayoría del tiempo… hasta que su padre desaparece. Hasta que se encuentra con Gamora y Rocket Raccon y se da cuenta que en realidad las historias que le contaba su padre eran reales.
Me agradó el personaje de Sam y lo entiendo completamente. Yo también soy muy escéptica, soy del tipo ver-para-creer. Al menos en la vida real, claro. Es muy gracioso y poco a poco ira aprendiendo a llevar la carga —o el privilegio— que le ha dejado su padre. También descubrirá secretos y tendrá que aprender a vivir con ellos.
—Suit up? For what?
—We are goin to train you.
—And It’s not like any of us gets a choice.
Me agradó el personaje de Sam y lo entiendo completamente. Yo también soy muy escéptica, soy del tipo ver-para-creer. Al menos en la vida real, claro. Es muy gracioso y poco a poco ira aprendiendo a llevar la carga —o el privilegio— que le ha dejado su padre. También descubrirá secretos y tendrá que aprender a vivir con ellos.
—There’s only one person you can depend on and that’s you.—Rocket Raccon de alguna manera siempre dice lo correcto. Buen consejo.
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