Nova (Sam Alexander) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character, a space-faring member of the intergalactic police force known as the Nova Corps, was created in 2011 by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuinness, based on the original Nova Richard Rider.
Nova | |
---|---|
Publication information | |
Publisher | Marvel Comics |
First appearance | Marvel Point One #1 (November 2011) |
Created by | Jeph Loeb Ed McGuinness |
In-story information | |
Alter ego | Samuel "Sam" Alexander |
Species | Alien/human hybrid |
Place of origin | Earth-616 |
Team affiliations | Nova Corps New Warriors New Avengers Avengers S.H.I.E.L.D. Young Avengers Champions Guardians of the Galaxy |
Partnerships | Richard Rider |
Notable aliases | Sam |
Abilities |
|
Publication history
editSam Alexander first appeared in Marvel Point One #1 (November 2011), and was created by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuinness. He first appeared in the Marvel Point One one-shot in November 2011 before starring in a solo series beginning in February 2013.
Fictional character biography
editSam Alexander is a sixteen-year-old living in Carefree, Arizona, with his father, mother, and little sister. His father Jesse is always drunk and often talks about his supposed life as a Nova Centurion, and is a janitor at his son's school. After Jesse disappears, Sam learns that he really was a member of the Nova Corps, obtains his helmet, and leaves Earth to battle the Chitauri.[1][2]
Sometime later, Sam is on a mission to warn planets in its path that the Dark Phoenix is coming for them and works with the Avengers and the X-Men to stop him.[3]
In "Infinity", Sam learns from his crush, Carrie, that she knows his secret identity. Shocked, he flies into the sky, but accidentally removes his helmet and is rendered comatose. He wakes up to Justice and Speedball, who offer him a spot on the New Warriors.[4] He next faces off against Kaldera, an agent of Proxima Midnight, and defeats her in combat.[5] Sam becomes cocky and prideful and begins to feel above the New Warriors and disregard his mother's rules. He gets into an argument with Carrie and gets mad at Justice and Speedball. Sam eventually speaks to Uatu, who gives him some advice, and he returns to Earth to agree to his mother's rules and join the New Warriors.[6]
In Original Sin, Sam trains with Uatu on the Moon and learns that Jesse is still alive.[7]
In Civil War II, Sam leaves the Avengers to join the Champions, who travel to Lasibad, Sharzad to battle terrorists.[8]
Powers and abilities
editSam Alexander wears a helmet that gives him access to the Nova Force, which grants him superhuman strength and durability, flight, energy projection, telekinesis, force fields, universal translation and the ability to breathe underwater and survive in space.[9][10]
Reception
editAccolades
edit- In 2017, Den of Geek ranked Nova 2nd in their "Guardians of the Galaxy 3: 50 Marvel Characters We Want to See" list.[11]
- In 2018, Comic Book Resources (CBR) ranked Nova 8th in their "Marvel's Strongest Cosmic Heroes" list.[12]
- In 2021, Screen Rant ranked Nova 3rd in their "10 Most Powerful Members Of The Champions" list.[9]
Literary reception
editVolumes
editNova - 2013
editAccording to Diamond Comic Distributors, Nova #1 was the 14th best selling comic book in February 2013.[13][14][15]
Tony Guerrero of Comic Vine gave Nova #1 a grade of 4 out of 5 stars, saying, "As a Richard Rider fan, I wasn't thrilled over the idea of a series starring a different Nova. Jeph Loeb does a good job in introducing who the character is and where he comes from. The version of Sam Alexander here is thankfully different than what is seen on the animated Ultimate Spider-Man series. As a first issue, we get the basics, we are introduced to Sam and get an idea how he becomes Nova. What we don't know is if the series will be based in space, on Earth or both. Ed McGuinness' art is great as he always manages to capture and depict big action scenes. We're off to a great start. I was hesitant about actually liking a Nova series with a different Nova but I have to admit I'm hooked so far."[16] Benjamin Bailey of IGN gave Nova #1 a grade of 7.6 out of 10, writing, "If it's a fresh, new tale you are looking for, Nova probably isn't for you. You've read this comic before, no doubt. That said, if you just want a fun, classic-feeling adventure, then go ahead and give this series a shot. Sure, it copies countless other stories, but it copies them very well and with a bit of its own style and flair."[17]
Nova - 2015
editAccording to Diamond Comic Distributors, Nova #1 was the 47th best selling comic book in November 2015.[18][19][20]
Alexander Jones of ComicsBeat wrote, "Sean Ryan’s depiction of Sam Alexander has compelled me to keep reading this series. I love that the book has a sentimental value owed to Jeph Loeb’s son Sam, and I love that Marvel has such a young hero. The art direction actually fits better for this series than I first realized. Verdict: This is a strong first showing. I’m happy to read what’s next."[21]
Nova - 2016
editAccording to Diamond Comic Distributors, Nova #1 was the 30th best selling comic book in December 2016.[22][23][24][25]
Tony Guerrero of Comic Vine gave Nova #1 a grade of 4 out of 5 stars, writing, "What could be better than a comic series with Nova? How about a comic series with two Novas? New and old fans can rejoice as the adventures of Sam Alexander continue along side the return another character. Jeff Loveness and Ramon Perez are giving the two characters clear and distinct voices. The art and color creates a good atmosphere and tone for the characters. With the questions raised here, there's definitely plenty of reasons to come back for more."[26]
In other media
editTelevision
edit- Sam Alexander / Nova appears in Ultimate Spider-Man, voiced by Logan Miller.[27][28][29] This version is an orphan and the last of the Nova Corps after former member Titus killed them to claim their helmets. Subsequently, he was taken in by the Guardians of the Galaxy and trained by Rocket Raccoon before becoming a S.H.I.E.L.D. trainee on Earth. Throughout the first two seasons, Alexander serves as a rival to fellow trainee Spider-Man. In the third season, he becomes Nova Prime while fighting Titus and the Chitauri. In the fourth season, Alexander leaves the team to help Nick Fury protect Madame Web before returning in the series finale "Graduation Day" for the eponymous ceremony.
- Sam Alexander / Nova appears in Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers, voiced by Hisayoshi Suganuma in the Japanese version and by Sam Riegel in the English version.[citation needed]
- Sam Alexander / Nova appears in Guardians of the Galaxy, voiced again by Logan Miller.[30][29] This version learned of the Nova Corps from his father, Jesse Alexander, before the latter disappeared while trying to capture Thanos. Following this, Sam obtains a Nova Corps helmet after it mysteriously appears in his home and spends years searching for Jesse before eventually reuniting with him on Titan.
Video games
edit- Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Marvel Super Hero Squad Online.[29]
- The Ultimate Spider-Man incarnation of Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a downloadable alternative costume for Richard Rider / Nova in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.[31]
- Sam Alexander / Nova's outfit appears in LittleBigPlanet via the "Marvel Costume Kit 5" DLC.[32]
- Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Marvel Heroes, voiced again by Logan Miller.[33][29]
- Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes.[34]
- Sam Alexander / Nova appears in Disney Infinity 2.0, as part of the Spider-Man Playset Pack,[35] and Disney Infinity 3.0.[36]
- Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Marvel Avengers Alliance.[citation needed]
- Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Marvel Puzzle Quest.[37]
- Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Lego Marvel's Avengers.[38]
- Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Marvel: Future Fight.[39]
- Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2 via the Champions DLC.[40]
Merchandise
edit- Sam Alexander / Nova, based on the Ultimate Spider-Man incarnation, appears in the Lego Super Heroes set.[41]
- Sam Alexander / Nova appears in the Ultimate Spider-Man 6-inch toyline.[42]
- Sam Alexander / Nova appears in Hasbro's Marvel Legends toyline.[citation needed]
Books
editNova appears in the children's book Spider-Man: Attack of the Heroes.[citation needed]
Collected editions
edit- Nova Vol. 1: Origin (collects Nova Vol 5 #1-5, Point One #1 (Nova story), Marvel Now! Point One #1 (Nova story)) September 2013, ISBN 9780785166054
- Nova Vol. 2: Rookie Season (collects Nova Vol 5 #6-9, #10 (A story)) March 2014, ISBN 9780785168393
- Nova Vol. 3: Nova Corpse (collects Nova Vol 5 #10 (B story), #11-16) June 2014, ISBN 9780785189572
- Nova Vol. 4: Original Sin (collects Nova Vol 5 #17-22) January 2015, ISBN 9780785189589
- Nova Vol. 5: Axis (collects Nova Vol 5 #23-27) April 2015, ISBN 9780785192411
- Nova Vol. 6: Homecoming (collects Nova Vol 5 #28-31, Annual #1) November 2015, ISBN 9780785193753
- Nova The Human Rocket Vol. 1: Burn Out (collects Nova Vol 6 #1-6) June 2016, ISBN 9780785196501
- Nova The Human Rocket Vol. 2: Afterburn (collects Nova Vol 6 #7-11) January 2017, ISBN 9780785196518
- Nova: Resurrection (collects Nova Vol 7 #1-7) August 2017, ISBN 9781302905293
References
edit- ^ Nova vol. 5 #1
- ^ Nova vol. 5 #2-3 (March 2013-April 2013), Marvel Comics
- ^
- Marvel Point One one-shot (November 2011)
- Avengers vs. X-Men: Infinite #1 (April 2012)
- Avengers vs. X-Men #12 (December 2012)
- Marvel NOW! Point One one-shot (December 2012)
- All-New, All-Different Avengers #1 (January 2016)
- ^ Nova vol. 5 #8
- ^ Nova vol. 5 #9
- ^ Nova vol. 5 #10
- ^ Waid, Mark (w), Cheung, Jim; Medina, Paco Medina (p) (Various) (i). Original Sin #0 (June 2014). Marvel Comics
- ^ Champions vol. 2 #1-3
- ^ a b Lealos, Shawn S. (September 19, 2021). "10 Most Powerful Members Of The Champions, Ranked". ScreenRant. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ Austin, Michael (August 16, 2019). "All of Nova's Powers, Ranked". CBR. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ Buxton, Marc (May 19, 2017). "Guardians of the Galaxy 3: 50 Marvel Characters We Want to See". Den of Geek. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
- ^ Baggett, Christopher (March 1, 2018). "Superstars: Marvel's Strongest Cosmic Heroes, Ranked". CBR. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ "Top 100 Comics: February 2013". www.diamondcomics.com. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ "Comichron: February 2013 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops". www.comichron.com. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ "Top 300 Comics Actual--February 2013". icv2.com. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ "Nova #1 Review". Comic Vine. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ Bailey, Benjamin (February 21, 2013). "Nova #1 Review". IGN. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ "Top 100 Comics: November 2015". www.diamondcomics.com. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ "Comichron: November 2015 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops". www.comichron.com. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ "Top 300 Comics Actual--November 2015". icv2.com. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ Jones, Alexander (November 6, 2015). "All-New, All-Different Marvel Rundown: Week Five". The Beat. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ "Top 100 Comics: December 2016". www.diamondcomics.com. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ "Top 300 Comics Actual--December 2016". icv2.com. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ Johnston, Rich (January 13, 2017). "The Top 50 Best-Selling Comics And Graphic Novels In December 2016". Bleeding Cool News And Rumors. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ "Comichron: December 2016 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops". www.comichron.com. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ "Nova #1 Review". Comic Vine. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
- ^ "Archived copy". marvel.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Marvel Animation Age". marvel.toonzone.net. Archived from the original on 12 December 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Nova / Sam Alexander Voices (Guardians of the Galaxy)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 13, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
- ^ Wickline, Dan (July 6, 2017). "The Guardians of the Galaxy Come to Nova's Rescue in Animated Series". Bleeding Cool News and Rumors.
- ^ Goellner, Caleb (November 21, 2011). "The Marvelous DLC Costumes of 'Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3′". ComicsAlliance. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
- ^ "Marvel Costume Kit 5". Sony. Archived from the original on December 22, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
- ^ "New Heroes Revealed at NYCC 2012!". Marvel Heroes. October 13, 2012. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
- ^ "Characters | Maps - LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Game Guide & Walkthrough". Gudies.gamepressure.com. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
- ^ "Infinity Guru - Toys - Disney Infinity 2.0 Figures". www.infinityguru.com. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
- ^ "Nova (from Marvel's Spider-Man) | Disney Infinity - United States". 4 January 2017. Archived from the original on 4 January 2017. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
- ^ "MPQ Gamependium - Characters by Rarity". mpq.gamependium.com. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
- ^ "Characters - LEGO Marvel's Avengers Wiki Guide". Ign.com. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
- ^ Ng, Alan (November 28, 2017). "Marvel Future Fight Players Backlash After Netmarble Intros Loot Box". Product-Reviews.net. Archived from the original on August 27, 2019.
- ^ "Champions Character Pack DLC Review – LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2". Bricks To Life. January 18, 2018. Retrieved July 29, 2019.
- ^ "Official home of the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes - Products - Play Sets - 76005". marvelsuperheroes.lego.com. Archived from the original on 15 April 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
- ^ Hasbro USM official images, Toyark.com, 15 July 2012