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Nova (2007)
Nova, Vol. 1: Annihilation: Conquest
Exploding from the pages of Annihilation, Nova rockets into his own ongoing series! In the wake of the chaotic Annihilation Wave, a desperate galaxy cries out for law and order. In the past, an army of peacekeeping Centurions delivered stability. But the Nova Corps are dead and gone - now there is only Richard Rider, the man called Nova. But can a lone human police an entire universe? He has near limitless power - now he must do all he can to bring punishment to the wicked, help to the oppressed and justice for all! Strap in as the acclaimed writing team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (Annihilation: Nova), superstar Sean Chen (Sensational Spider-Man) and cover artist Adi Granov (Iron Man) slam your mind into hyperdrive!
Collecting: Nova 1-7
Collecting: Nova 1-7
168 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2007
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602 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 20, 2016
Let me start by saying I'm a huge Nova fan going waaaaayyy, way back. As such, I enjoyed the first collection of his 'Annihilation' era series quite a bit.
A lot of the complaints I've read about this book are along the lines of 'why should I care about this guy? I don't know who he is?' and I completely understand. Old fans like me know where we stand already with this character but I think the book's real failing is that it makes almost no attempt to introduce Rich to a new audience. If I didn't love the character of old, this book wouldn't have made me care about him either.
Another barrier to its accessibility is the fact that it ties into both the 'Civil War' and 'Annihilation Conquest' crossover events. If you aren't familiar with both, this book doesn't really clue you in.
I'd give this volume 4 stars for old gits like me who already know the history of the character and what's going on with the crossovers but only 2 stars for new readers.
A lot of the complaints I've read about this book are along the lines of 'why should I care about this guy? I don't know who he is?' and I completely understand. Old fans like me know where we stand already with this character but I think the book's real failing is that it makes almost no attempt to introduce Rich to a new audience. If I didn't love the character of old, this book wouldn't have made me care about him either.
Another barrier to its accessibility is the fact that it ties into both the 'Civil War' and 'Annihilation Conquest' crossover events. If you aren't familiar with both, this book doesn't really clue you in.
I'd give this volume 4 stars for old gits like me who already know the history of the character and what's going on with the crossovers but only 2 stars for new readers.
March 2, 2021
This was fun! We have richard taking on missions like saving the Turakis and in other space sectors, returning to earth to find the news about civil war, some face off with Iron man and later thnderbolts, tensions with diamondhead and then some discord wth his parents and then he escapes earth and it was a sad part seeing how this man has been through so much and then we return to him on his missions rescuing some Kree people but he gets fried by his next threat: PHALANX! To rescue him, a Kree named Ko-Rel is made Nova and she does mission for them and stuff happens and her encounter with Gamora is amazing but the recovered Richard is taken control of by the Phalanx and its a face off, escaping mind control and restoring himself, then fighting and escaping them and then going into uncharted territory! It was a cool volume and had some great moments and the art was good but really puts in persepctive: the endless wars, endangering mission, ome man army and several problems and the terrors of space seeming never ending!
April 20, 2017
I didn't love this one. Sad too because love the other Nova run (newer one).
So this is the story after Annihilation. I haven't read the entire event but got the short version. Bad shit happens, Nova Corp wiped out, and Richard becomes Nova Prime. A Super Saiyan version of Nova, which is cool in itself. I actually enjoyed the first two issues or so. Even the third was solid. When we get used to Richard, who he is, and also seeing him on earth. Then he goes to space and it becomes less interesting. Meeting up with some of the Guardians of The Galaxy with a less than interesting new player using the Nova helmet, to the abrupt ending. It just feels offbeat and not all that well paced. Also the art can be good, other times feels oddly placed and not all that good.
So it was kind of a letdown and wish I enjoyed it more. Hoping the next volume, when I get to it, I'll enjoy it more.
So this is the story after Annihilation. I haven't read the entire event but got the short version. Bad shit happens, Nova Corp wiped out, and Richard becomes Nova Prime. A Super Saiyan version of Nova, which is cool in itself. I actually enjoyed the first two issues or so. Even the third was solid. When we get used to Richard, who he is, and also seeing him on earth. Then he goes to space and it becomes less interesting. Meeting up with some of the Guardians of The Galaxy with a less than interesting new player using the Nova helmet, to the abrupt ending. It just feels offbeat and not all that well paced. Also the art can be good, other times feels oddly placed and not all that good.
So it was kind of a letdown and wish I enjoyed it more. Hoping the next volume, when I get to it, I'll enjoy it more.
February 25, 2016
The Green Lantern Corps is completely destroyed, and there's only one Green Lantern left and he has all the power of the Central Battery on Oa!
oops, wrong company...
The Nova Corps is completely destroyed, and there's only one Nova Centurion left and he has all the power of the Worldmind on some planet that starts with a Z!
Yeah, what's one more property swipe from the "House of Ideas," eh Marvel? May as well join the rest of your DC knock offs.
Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning are always down for a good cosmic tale. I really enjoyed their Guardians of the Galaxy series, and they serve up some pretty good stuff here. After Annihilation, Richard Rider is just about worn out from handling all the distress calls around the galaxy, so he heads back to Earth for some R&R, only to find out that a Civil War has transpired among Earth's super-heroes, and he's not sure what side to take. Since I still haven't read CW, I don't get a lot of the references, but eventually Rider decides he's not going to take part in any kind of registration, and decides to head back into space. He soon finds himself in Kree territory, where the Borg...dammit, the Phalanx has taken over the Kree Empire. The B-, um, Phalanx also have a secret weapon on their side: GAMORA! Yes, the Green Goddess is being controlled by the...Phalanx, and sets her horny sights on our beloved Nova dude.
Pretty swashbuckling stuff, huh? There is a ton of action going on, particularly in the last half of the book, and it's fun to read. Cosmic stories at either DC or Marvel are always up my alley, so I'll let the Green Lantern Corps rip-off here slide a bit, and say this is a series I'd like to continue reading. This volume is not the complete story, so there's the incentive to keep going.
oops, wrong company...
The Nova Corps is completely destroyed, and there's only one Nova Centurion left and he has all the power of the Worldmind on some planet that starts with a Z!
Yeah, what's one more property swipe from the "House of Ideas," eh Marvel? May as well join the rest of your DC knock offs.
Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning are always down for a good cosmic tale. I really enjoyed their Guardians of the Galaxy series, and they serve up some pretty good stuff here. After Annihilation, Richard Rider is just about worn out from handling all the distress calls around the galaxy, so he heads back to Earth for some R&R, only to find out that a Civil War has transpired among Earth's super-heroes, and he's not sure what side to take. Since I still haven't read CW, I don't get a lot of the references, but eventually Rider decides he's not going to take part in any kind of registration, and decides to head back into space. He soon finds himself in Kree territory, where the Borg...dammit, the Phalanx has taken over the Kree Empire. The B-, um, Phalanx also have a secret weapon on their side: GAMORA! Yes, the Green Goddess is being controlled by the...Phalanx, and sets her horny sights on our beloved Nova dude.
Pretty swashbuckling stuff, huh? There is a ton of action going on, particularly in the last half of the book, and it's fun to read. Cosmic stories at either DC or Marvel are always up my alley, so I'll let the Green Lantern Corps rip-off here slide a bit, and say this is a series I'd like to continue reading. This volume is not the complete story, so there's the incentive to keep going.
August 24, 2014
This new series span out of Annihilation and spends must of its time tying into what's going on in the rest of the Marvel Universe. The first couple of issues are set on Earth, just after Civil War, therefore making it tie into The Initiative banner. The rest of the arc is a tie-in to Annihilation Conquest, which itself is a sequel to Annihilation.
Sounds a bit complicated. For a new series, it is.
It makes the volume really inaccessible for new readers. Even the parts which don't directly tie into stuff still assume that you've read previous Nova stuff.
I never thought I'd say this, but by contrast, the Marvel Now Nova that Loeb and McGuniesss did is much better because it's more new reader friendly.
First arcs work best when they just tell a complete one arc story, with maybe a little tease of what's to come in the future. Think Fractions first Iron Man arc Five Worst Nightmares, or Bendis first New Avengers arc Breakout. Series and characters that were already firmly established, but stories that were more inviting to new readers.
Sounds a bit complicated. For a new series, it is.
It makes the volume really inaccessible for new readers. Even the parts which don't directly tie into stuff still assume that you've read previous Nova stuff.
I never thought I'd say this, but by contrast, the Marvel Now Nova that Loeb and McGuniesss did is much better because it's more new reader friendly.
First arcs work best when they just tell a complete one arc story, with maybe a little tease of what's to come in the future. Think Fractions first Iron Man arc Five Worst Nightmares, or Bendis first New Avengers arc Breakout. Series and characters that were already firmly established, but stories that were more inviting to new readers.
April 26, 2014
Terrible beginning to a new series - who can get all that worked up by a dude who's running around the galaxy, handily saving unknown and boring alien races?
And who's kidding who with the "Worldmind" that he carries in his helmet, providing the antagonistic banter to (a) show us what kind of personality Nova has to offer and (b) tell us all the expository details that we'd otherwise be mercifully spared of. And letting us see some form of (weak) conflict that the Nova cop can't easily overcome (because it's the nagging mother trapped in his head). Yay.
There's a lot of talking to characters about what's been happening to them, and visiting family and friends - which would be fine as a means of exploring the Nova character, except he's so much listening and holding back, not telling us anything or doing something interesting.
The whole visit to Earth, struggle to decide to register, and "battles" with heroes (tho it's pretty unexciting when the hero can't be hurt - he's like some horror movie villain, just keeps getting up) - they're just boring, and filled with excess dialogue to boot. And when he finally, inevitably heads back into space, the entire set of arguments - with parents, with Stark - all just get left unresolved (and worse, unaddressed - just forgotten, like the writers forgot the storyline *hadn't* been tied up).
Finally, once we get out of the land of low-budget scripting, and see some alien attacks that aren't immediately defeated, I find myself feigning a little interest in this dude's life. OTOH, even when Nova gets injured or worse, I can't work up enough anxiety to want to find out what happens next.
He's such a 2-dimensional waste of a character - nothing to empathize with, and while he's a vulnerable soul it's so thin that I have a hard time getting worked up when he's feeling bad about himself. It shifts so quickly from trouble at home to "take me to the next crisis, helmet" that I kinda feel like he's an emotionally-stunted version of that Quantum Leap dude - just going from battle to battle, no real investment either way.
Far more interesting to see Gamora, who seemed in the Annihilation stories to be mostly a "good guy", mixed up with the baddies who did something awful to the Kree. Even mind-controlled, she's still got way more personality than the beefcake model.
Jesus, and can we all get over the made-up measurement systems already? "Something hit the crust hard, about nine keds away." Yeah yeah, I get it - you're *aliens* right? Thanks for the reminders - your blue skin wasn't enough of a clue. Or the gibberish curse words? Scudding. Scrag. Shug. Das't. Rad. (Well that one was just in the wrong context.) *YAWN* If that's the only way to punch up the exotic, then get me back to Earth pronto, I can hardly stand the excitement.
At least the climactic reveal at the end of issue 4 gave me *some* hope that the next chapter might prove a little more interesting. But what a deus ex machina move to get out of a writing dead-end.
OK, when a female gets a new, form-fitting costume you're allowed a couple of jokes at the character's expense from colleagues who knew her before. Somehow though, three lascivious comments in five pages seems a little disrespectful to the commanding officer, boys. Let's focus on something else among the death, destruction and imminent annihilation, shall we? Feels alluvasudden like I'm hearing Beavis and Butthead in my head.
And good lord, could the artists spend any more time perfecting the exposed flesh under Gamora's "costume"? I think Playboy doesn't quite objectify their models as bad as this. I can practically hear the squeak of the buttfloss.
So after all my whining, I have to admit the last half of this book was at the very least keeping me turning the pages. I actually gave a shit or three and wanted to see "good" prevail, and damned if they didn't make it hard for me to see how that could happen.
Amazingly, the writers climax this story late yet exciting, and has convinced me to give them the benefit of the doubt. I surely hope they continue to give Nova a better personality than they started this book with.
Art? Fine. Good drawing, clean colours, adequate camera work. Generic acting, nothing really notable here.
And who's kidding who with the "Worldmind" that he carries in his helmet, providing the antagonistic banter to (a) show us what kind of personality Nova has to offer and (b) tell us all the expository details that we'd otherwise be mercifully spared of. And letting us see some form of (weak) conflict that the Nova cop can't easily overcome (because it's the nagging mother trapped in his head). Yay.
There's a lot of talking to characters about what's been happening to them, and visiting family and friends - which would be fine as a means of exploring the Nova character, except he's so much listening and holding back, not telling us anything or doing something interesting.
The whole visit to Earth, struggle to decide to register, and "battles" with heroes (tho it's pretty unexciting when the hero can't be hurt - he's like some horror movie villain, just keeps getting up) - they're just boring, and filled with excess dialogue to boot. And when he finally, inevitably heads back into space, the entire set of arguments - with parents, with Stark - all just get left unresolved (and worse, unaddressed - just forgotten, like the writers forgot the storyline *hadn't* been tied up).
Finally, once we get out of the land of low-budget scripting, and see some alien attacks that aren't immediately defeated, I find myself feigning a little interest in this dude's life. OTOH, even when Nova gets injured or worse, I can't work up enough anxiety to want to find out what happens next.
He's such a 2-dimensional waste of a character - nothing to empathize with, and while he's a vulnerable soul it's so thin that I have a hard time getting worked up when he's feeling bad about himself. It shifts so quickly from trouble at home to "take me to the next crisis, helmet" that I kinda feel like he's an emotionally-stunted version of that Quantum Leap dude - just going from battle to battle, no real investment either way.
Far more interesting to see Gamora, who seemed in the Annihilation stories to be mostly a "good guy", mixed up with the baddies who did something awful to the Kree. Even mind-controlled, she's still got way more personality than the beefcake model.
Jesus, and can we all get over the made-up measurement systems already? "Something hit the crust hard, about nine keds away." Yeah yeah, I get it - you're *aliens* right? Thanks for the reminders - your blue skin wasn't enough of a clue. Or the gibberish curse words? Scudding. Scrag. Shug. Das't. Rad. (Well that one was just in the wrong context.) *YAWN* If that's the only way to punch up the exotic, then get me back to Earth pronto, I can hardly stand the excitement.
At least the climactic reveal at the end of issue 4 gave me *some* hope that the next chapter might prove a little more interesting. But what a deus ex machina move to get out of a writing dead-end.
OK, when a female gets a new, form-fitting costume you're allowed a couple of jokes at the character's expense from colleagues who knew her before. Somehow though, three lascivious comments in five pages seems a little disrespectful to the commanding officer, boys. Let's focus on something else among the death, destruction and imminent annihilation, shall we? Feels alluvasudden like I'm hearing Beavis and Butthead in my head.
And good lord, could the artists spend any more time perfecting the exposed flesh under Gamora's "costume"? I think Playboy doesn't quite objectify their models as bad as this. I can practically hear the squeak of the buttfloss.
So after all my whining, I have to admit the last half of this book was at the very least keeping me turning the pages. I actually gave a shit or three and wanted to see "good" prevail, and damned if they didn't make it hard for me to see how that could happen.
Amazingly, the writers climax this story late yet exciting, and has convinced me to give them the benefit of the doubt. I surely hope they continue to give Nova a better personality than they started this book with.
Art? Fine. Good drawing, clean colours, adequate camera work. Generic acting, nothing really notable here.
August 26, 2018
It had its moments. But occasionally it would just dip into a weird part of the story. Solid but I'll attempt one more volume to see if it picks up.
May 19, 2015
One of my fave characters from the Annihilation story arc. Richard Riderrrr! I have no idea with regards to his history pre-Annihilation & I didn't follow the Civil War story arc (oh Marvel... no one does crossovers like youuu =_=)... sooo was kinda 'playing it by ear' for Nova #1-#3 (Richard Rider goes home to Earth for some R&R)... andddd then #4-#7 is actually included in the Annihilation Conquest Book #2 TPB... so if you're not interested in Nova's short stint back home on Earth you can just skip this volume and you'd still be able to follow the Annihilation Conquest storyline fine. Yup. Apart from that... prettty much enjoyed this... h'yup.
November 27, 2014
I'm really into this Annihilation series. It has superior story, art, and concept. When I think of the best the field can offer, I think of these. It's easily the top 5%, or at least the dedication to production values is so appreciated by moi that it amounts to the same thing.
Nova's very fun, and I'm catching myself making stories that include him. Fun stuff.
Nova's very fun, and I'm catching myself making stories that include him. Fun stuff.
February 10, 2024
Well, I gave this a fair shake! Not so much my thing... I like my comics Earthside, apparently. The art was cool, but the plot isn't really holding my interest — too many factions, very little in terms of emotional grip, I think partially because of the cosmic scale. Nova is also just an odd hero in general. Maybe I'd like this series better if I had more of his backstory. (This dude was first hand-selected for his role as a high schooler from Earth, right? What the hell is that about???)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2009
One of the better Marvel titles of the last couple years, but the book stumbles when it gets dragged into marvel's never ending ongoing crossover events parade.
The Civil War stuff was a bit weak. This series works best when they let Nova be Marvel's version of Green Lantern and the stories get all cosmic and space opera.
Otherwise is is one of marvel's best reads and the best Nova series since the first one way back in the 70's.
The Civil War stuff was a bit weak. This series works best when they let Nova be Marvel's version of Green Lantern and the stories get all cosmic and space opera.
Otherwise is is one of marvel's best reads and the best Nova series since the first one way back in the 70's.
April 5, 2009
To antiphrase Jack Flag...
I &%^$#ing LOVE cosmic stuff. Generally I have a softer spot for the talking raccoons and trees and Russian space dogs of Guardians of the Galaxy, but the Nova series has a great set of elements too (including, in this case, a little interlude with said Russian space dog. So good). The stakes are cosmically huge, the drama is mixed in with humor, and Gamora, the deadliest woman in the galaxy, really doesn't wear very many clothes.
What's not to like?
I &%^$#ing LOVE cosmic stuff. Generally I have a softer spot for the talking raccoons and trees and Russian space dogs of Guardians of the Galaxy, but the Nova series has a great set of elements too (including, in this case, a little interlude with said Russian space dog. So good). The stakes are cosmically huge, the drama is mixed in with humor, and Gamora, the deadliest woman in the galaxy, really doesn't wear very many clothes.
What's not to like?
February 11, 2016
For me, there's a fair amount of early '90s nostalgia involved in this graphic novel (Nova/New Warriors, Marvel cosmic characters). There's also some decent mid '00s-style writing and late '90s-style art, but this combination isn't transcendent not does it strife to be. It works but doesn't connect.
August 7, 2016
The first three issues/chapters of this book are a pretty good starting point for Richard Rider. But if you aren't familiar with Marvel Space Opera/Cosmic material , you're going to be hitting Wikipedia a bit to figure out the Annihilation backstory.
That said, it's a good solid romp, and part of my favorite period of Marvel Space Opera.
That said, it's a good solid romp, and part of my favorite period of Marvel Space Opera.
January 22, 2009
Excellent updating of the 1970's cult hero Nova. Abnett and Lanning successfully embrace the Green Lantern aspects of the character while maintaining some of the goofiness of the original. Far superior to the attempted 90s relaunch of the same character.
October 21, 2014
Pleasantly surprised how likeable this book was.
November 13, 2015
Read digitally...
Pretty good.
Pretty good.
March 6, 2018
Reprints Nova (4) #1-7 (June 2007-December 2007). Nova finds himself overtaxed after the Annihilation Wave and headed home at Worldmind’s orders. Learning about the Civil War, Nova finds himself in battle with the Thunderbolts and realizes you can’t always go home again. Unfortunately for Nova, there is a bigger danger growing in space as the Phalanx is mounting a takeover…and a new hero named Ko-Rel might arise!
Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, Nova Volume 1: Annihilation—Conquest is the fourth Nova series and a spinoff of the Annihilation series. The issues were also collected as part of the Annihilation: Conquest Omnibus. The collection features art by Sean Chen, Scott Hanna, and Brian Denham.
Nova explodes out of the Annihilation series and it is a welcome return. Nova was always one of my favorite members of the New Warriors and the character first appeared almost right when I did (ok…I was a baby and not a member of the Nova Corps). The collection here shows a lot of range by having Nova go to Earth and continue his fight in space.
Nova just is a fun character. He’s gone from an irresponsible teen to a responsible adult. The relationship established in this collection between Nova and Worldmind also is interesting (and does factor into the series as it goes along). It was also nice to see Nova return to Earth and discover how much has changed since he went to space (but I’d always love more Nova-New Warriors interaction).
The last part of the book involving Annihilation: Conquest gets a little side tracked, but Abnett and Lanning still do a good job making it ok for the readers to skip Annihilation: Conquest and have the series still make sense. Ko-Rel is kind of a tragic character and it was sad to see her go so soon since she was rather interesting.
Nova’s relaunch takes off in this series and it helps having strong writers and direction. The series is a welcomed arrival to a bogged-down Marvel Universe and has a fun feeling that previously fun titles seem to have lost. Check out Nova and if you aren’t familiar with the character read Essential Nova to get some background…it will help. Nova 1: Annihilation—Conquest is followed by Nova 2: Knowhere.
Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, Nova Volume 1: Annihilation—Conquest is the fourth Nova series and a spinoff of the Annihilation series. The issues were also collected as part of the Annihilation: Conquest Omnibus. The collection features art by Sean Chen, Scott Hanna, and Brian Denham.
Nova explodes out of the Annihilation series and it is a welcome return. Nova was always one of my favorite members of the New Warriors and the character first appeared almost right when I did (ok…I was a baby and not a member of the Nova Corps). The collection here shows a lot of range by having Nova go to Earth and continue his fight in space.
Nova just is a fun character. He’s gone from an irresponsible teen to a responsible adult. The relationship established in this collection between Nova and Worldmind also is interesting (and does factor into the series as it goes along). It was also nice to see Nova return to Earth and discover how much has changed since he went to space (but I’d always love more Nova-New Warriors interaction).
The last part of the book involving Annihilation: Conquest gets a little side tracked, but Abnett and Lanning still do a good job making it ok for the readers to skip Annihilation: Conquest and have the series still make sense. Ko-Rel is kind of a tragic character and it was sad to see her go so soon since she was rather interesting.
Nova’s relaunch takes off in this series and it helps having strong writers and direction. The series is a welcomed arrival to a bogged-down Marvel Universe and has a fun feeling that previously fun titles seem to have lost. Check out Nova and if you aren’t familiar with the character read Essential Nova to get some background…it will help. Nova 1: Annihilation—Conquest is followed by Nova 2: Knowhere.
February 2, 2022
This was enjoyable. Richard Ryder is a decent character. There's some good action, too. I would definitely recommend reading Annihilation: Conquest, Book One before this, which includes a summary of the Annihilation series. The ending surprised me.
I almost forgot to mention Nova Pikachu!
I almost forgot to mention Nova Pikachu!
October 1, 2017
Old Nova, new Nova, I guess it doesn't matter much to me. Though the young Nova at least has personality. This is just relatively boring space marvel. There is a bit in which Richard lands in the aftermath of Civil War on Earth and interacts with his old teammates which was actually pretty good. But in generally space marvel is just endless combat with out any real story. And where this is readable and the art is okay, I just don't care for it.
November 1, 2017
I honestly forgot how good this series is. It ties into events better than most books, and the characterization of the main character and his in-house mentor is fantastic. It’s a really smooth read for as much deus ex spacemachina stuff there is.
May 10, 2019
I'm honestly having a great time reading Nova. I'm a big fan of the Green Lantern run of the same era and this kind of scratches the same itch without being a knockoff. Didn't read any Nova before Annihilation: Nova and am pleasantly surprised.
March 23, 2019
The comic is totally fast!.
May 29, 2019
He should change his name from Nova to Super Nova. That sums up the book and all I have to say about it
November 29, 2022
very excited for his show
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 9, 2025Vol. 1-6 ✅
March 11, 2014
This volume collects the first seven issues of the Nova run that starts in the wake of the Annihilation Wave. As the last surviving member - embodiment? - of the Nova Corps, Richard Rider is overwhelmed with distress calls from across the galaxy that require his attention. The seven issues divvy up nicely into two distinct stories - the first three cover Rider's plan to get some much needed R&R by visiting home, while the latter four tie directly into the Annihilation: Conquest event. I found both parts compelling.
Nova is basically Green Lantern, right? The 'gestalt' AI resident in his head (the "Worldmind") serves as the onboard computer for this 'human rocket' and also serves as expositor much like the Guardians of Oa do in various tales. (Can't wait for it to go rampant actually). Here's the thing - he's also got more personality than most Lanterns in the DCU do (possible exception of Hal Jordan). His give and take with the Worldmind is excellent repartee, and makes for good reading.
So - what Mr Rider plans as a trip home and some catch up time with his parents turns into an exploration of the aftermath of the other event in the Marvel U - Civil War. The tagline for this story may as well have been "You can never go home again". It is a coming of age tale, as Rider realizes he no longer belongs on Earth with its 'petty squabbles', much like Frodo and Sam on their return to the Shire. Fighting Sauron - er, Annihilus and his Annihilation Wave - has left him a changed man.
These issues are also a chance for participants in the two contemporaneous mega-events (Civil War, Annihilation) to catch up - this takes the form of a conversation between Tony Stark and Richard Rider. I must admit it made me want to read Civil War, but the main Marvel U still just feels too... messy!
The action picks up as Nova flies back into 'galactic space' and goes to answer the several hundred distress calls that have flared up in the Kree core worlds. Unbeknownst to him of course, the Phalanx are completing their Conquest of Kree space. Events quickly turn into a harrowing escape tale, where Nova gets put through the wringer trying to outpace the Phalanx and their hero-class 'Selects'. To the delight of anyone reading up on the Guardians of the Galaxy, two more components (Drax and Gamora) make an appearance here. Oh joy!
The art throughout these issues is spectacular. Some of the last panels have these galactic panoramas (as Nova tries to get his bearings in deep space) that are truly beautiful - like something the Hubble telescope picked up in all its false color glory. They're tiny, compared to some of the big full page stuff but stayed with me somehow.
I think its fair to say Nova is a series I could follow. Although unfortunately the nature of the medium these days is such that all 'individual series' become incomprehensible unless you read the crossovers and the tent-pole 'events'. More's the pity. This series, and more importantly this character, to me show as much promise as the Ultimate X-Men or Ultimate Spider-man.
Nova is basically Green Lantern, right? The 'gestalt' AI resident in his head (the "Worldmind") serves as the onboard computer for this 'human rocket' and also serves as expositor much like the Guardians of Oa do in various tales. (Can't wait for it to go rampant actually). Here's the thing - he's also got more personality than most Lanterns in the DCU do (possible exception of Hal Jordan). His give and take with the Worldmind is excellent repartee, and makes for good reading.
So - what Mr Rider plans as a trip home and some catch up time with his parents turns into an exploration of the aftermath of the other event in the Marvel U - Civil War. The tagline for this story may as well have been "You can never go home again". It is a coming of age tale, as Rider realizes he no longer belongs on Earth with its 'petty squabbles', much like Frodo and Sam on their return to the Shire. Fighting Sauron - er, Annihilus and his Annihilation Wave - has left him a changed man.
These issues are also a chance for participants in the two contemporaneous mega-events (Civil War, Annihilation) to catch up - this takes the form of a conversation between Tony Stark and Richard Rider. I must admit it made me want to read Civil War, but the main Marvel U still just feels too... messy!
The action picks up as Nova flies back into 'galactic space' and goes to answer the several hundred distress calls that have flared up in the Kree core worlds. Unbeknownst to him of course, the Phalanx are completing their Conquest of Kree space. Events quickly turn into a harrowing escape tale, where Nova gets put through the wringer trying to outpace the Phalanx and their hero-class 'Selects'. To the delight of anyone reading up on the Guardians of the Galaxy, two more components (Drax and Gamora) make an appearance here. Oh joy!
The art throughout these issues is spectacular. Some of the last panels have these galactic panoramas (as Nova tries to get his bearings in deep space) that are truly beautiful - like something the Hubble telescope picked up in all its false color glory. They're tiny, compared to some of the big full page stuff but stayed with me somehow.
I think its fair to say Nova is a series I could follow. Although unfortunately the nature of the medium these days is such that all 'individual series' become incomprehensible unless you read the crossovers and the tent-pole 'events'. More's the pity. This series, and more importantly this character, to me show as much promise as the Ultimate X-Men or Ultimate Spider-man.
July 29, 2014
Art's good. Story is good. It's been said many times that the Nova Corp are the Marvel rip-off of the Green Lantern Corps from DC. I certainly see the similarities. The main difference to me, based on what I read of GL, is that the Nova guys were helmets while the DC people don't.
Thank you. I'm sure you're impressed with my insight.
Honestly, I liked this quite a bit, I ended up reading the first four of these graphic novel over the course of a couple of days when I stayed with some family out of town that has a pretty awesome collection of graphic novels. Every time I go up there I'll pick out a title that looks interesting and spend some time checking it out.
This year, it was NOVA. Um, so I guess the big story here is that the interstellar police force that is the Nova Corps were wiped out in the Annihilation event at Marvel (I read all that, should probably read it again since it's been so long) except for this lone survivor. So the super AI that disperses all the might and wisdom is has amongst the legions of cops is forced to dump everything into this one guy, turning him into superman. Kinda.
I liked it. We're warned that insanity follows from having all that power (and that AI) cooped up in a single person. So it's a ticking time bomb that's hanging over all these adventures he has trying to restore some peace to the galaxy after the Annihilation stuff that happened.
In the end, it's all good. That story is to be continued in vol II.
Thank you. I'm sure you're impressed with my insight.
Honestly, I liked this quite a bit, I ended up reading the first four of these graphic novel over the course of a couple of days when I stayed with some family out of town that has a pretty awesome collection of graphic novels. Every time I go up there I'll pick out a title that looks interesting and spend some time checking it out.
This year, it was NOVA. Um, so I guess the big story here is that the interstellar police force that is the Nova Corps were wiped out in the Annihilation event at Marvel (I read all that, should probably read it again since it's been so long) except for this lone survivor. So the super AI that disperses all the might and wisdom is has amongst the legions of cops is forced to dump everything into this one guy, turning him into superman. Kinda.
I liked it. We're warned that insanity follows from having all that power (and that AI) cooped up in a single person. So it's a ticking time bomb that's hanging over all these adventures he has trying to restore some peace to the galaxy after the Annihilation stuff that happened.
In the end, it's all good. That story is to be continued in vol II.
September 6, 2016
I have been hearing for almost 10 years how great the Marvel Cosmic stuff under DnA is. Awhile back, I read some of the Annihilation minis that take place before this series begins. They were good, but the mood wasn't right. Lately, I read the first 8 or 10 issues of DnA's Guardians of the Galaxy. It was good, but it felt like it was trying too hard to be funny and edgy.
But Nova? This is the stuff right here. 12 issues of scary monsters (the Phalanx are terrifying villains, even if they're a bit ripoff of the Borg), weird cosmic stuff, great SF action, and wonderful artwork that calls back to Kirby in places. Richard Rider is a terrific character (though it makes me want to read Green Lantern).
The series opens with Nova visiting home for the first time in forever, following the Annihilation war that killed billions on the other side of the galaxy. He visits earth during or just after Marvel Civil War. I think the whole story is DnA's way of poking fun at how ridiculous things were in the Marvel universe at the time. Richard doesn't stay long, though, because his perspective is a lot larger now.
I'll leave it there, so you can enjoy the plot as it unfolds. But know that it's well worth your time and well worth the hype. Incidentally, GotG starts awhile after Nova, so you're better off reading NOVA first. You'll get a better explanation of Cosmo and Knowhere, for one thing, and Drax and Gamorra are involved in this story pre-Guardians.
But Nova? This is the stuff right here. 12 issues of scary monsters (the Phalanx are terrifying villains, even if they're a bit ripoff of the Borg), weird cosmic stuff, great SF action, and wonderful artwork that calls back to Kirby in places. Richard Rider is a terrific character (though it makes me want to read Green Lantern).
The series opens with Nova visiting home for the first time in forever, following the Annihilation war that killed billions on the other side of the galaxy. He visits earth during or just after Marvel Civil War. I think the whole story is DnA's way of poking fun at how ridiculous things were in the Marvel universe at the time. Richard doesn't stay long, though, because his perspective is a lot larger now.
I'll leave it there, so you can enjoy the plot as it unfolds. But know that it's well worth your time and well worth the hype. Incidentally, GotG starts awhile after Nova, so you're better off reading NOVA first. You'll get a better explanation of Cosmo and Knowhere, for one thing, and Drax and Gamorra are involved in this story pre-Guardians.
January 5, 2009
Collecting the first twelve issues of the Nova series by Abnett and Lanning, this is about as good as superhero comics get without transcending the genre like All-Star Superman or Watchmen. Richard Rider deals with his new powers and the increased responsibility of them, comes down to Civil War to point out just how petty it makes Earth's superheroes look, then heads back off into space to take part in Annihilation: Conquest.
The only downside is that this really is essential stuff for the Annihilation: Conquest story, and probably should have been Annihilation: Conquest Book 2, allowing the Conquest mini itself to be Book 3 (or some similar split). But that's a niggling format detail, and really, having 12 issues of Nova in the same format as the Conquest books is enough for a format whore like myself.
The only downside is that this really is essential stuff for the Annihilation: Conquest story, and probably should have been Annihilation: Conquest Book 2, allowing the Conquest mini itself to be Book 3 (or some similar split). But that's a niggling format detail, and really, having 12 issues of Nova in the same format as the Conquest books is enough for a format whore like myself.
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