Nova (Sam Alexander)

For other comics characters named Nova, see Nova (comics).
Sam Alexander

Cover to Nova vol. 5 #1
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Marvel Point One #1 (November 2011)
Created by Jeph Loeb
Ed McGuiness
In-story information
Alter ego Samuel Alexander
Species Human
Place of origin Earth
Team affiliations Nova Corps
New Warriors
New Avengers
Avengers
Abilities Access to the Nova Force via helmet grants:
Superhuman strength and durability
Flight
Energy projection
Universal translation
Ability to survive in space

Nova (Sam Alexander) is a fictional superhero who appears in publications from 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 McGuiness, based on the original Nova Richard Rider. The Sam Alexander version of the character first appeared in the Marvel Point One one-shot in November 2011 before starring in his own series beginning in February 2013.

Publication history

After debuting in Point One, Alexander appeared in Avengers vs. X-Men #1 (April 2012) and #12 (October 2012). He now stars in Nova, volume 5, originally written by Jeph Loeb with art by Ed McGuiness, which debuted February 20, 2013.[1] The character is named after Loeb's son, Sam, who died of bone cancer in 2005.

Fictional character biography

Sam Alexander is a fifteen-year-old living in Carefree, Arizona with his father, mother, and little sister. His father is a drunk who often talks about his supposed life as a Nova Centurion, and shirks his duties as janitor at his son's school. Sam's mother is Latina and a homemaker. It is hinted throughout the series that Sam's mom knows something about her husband's previous, heroic lifestyle. When Sam comes home from school to find his father missing, Sam accidentally injures himself and wakes up in a hospital. There, he is greeted by Rocket Raccoon and Gamora, who reveal Sam's father really was in the Nova Corps.[2] After putting on the helmet, Sam travels to the moon, meeting Uatu the Watcher, who reveals a fleet of ships. Upon returning to Earth he reunites with Rocket Raccoon and Gamora, who train and tell him to scout the Chitauri fleet.[3]

Sometime later, Sam has become a Nova before the Avengers vs. X-Men storyline. He is on a mission to warn planets in the path of the Phoenix it is coming.[4] He crashes on Earth, but is able to deliver the warning.[5]

After recovering, Nova joins the Avengers and the X-Men against Cyclops, who has become the Dark Phoenix. Thor then asks if Sam will join the Avengers.[6]

On his way home, Sam is ambushed by Diamondhead (who bears a grudge against Sam's predecessor Richard Rider). Sam defeats Diamondhead by luck, and leaves the villain stranded in the desert.[7]

During the "Original Sin" storyline, Sam Alexander begins to reflect on his superhero career. Sam goes for another day of training with Uatu the Watcher at the Watcher's moon base. Stumbling around the place, he ends up finding Uatu's weapons storage. Sam asks about some of them and Uatu gives him the origin story of the Watchers. He even shows Sam what he watches in the Multiverse all of it using his Nova helmet. Sam also learns that Uatu's father was the Watcher who originally gave nuclear technology to the Prosilicans. Uatu's search of parallel universes is motivated by the desire to find the one world where his father's act of charity was proved to be the right thing to do. Uatu also reveals that his father Jesse Alexander is alive. Sam leaves, happy.[8]

During The Black Vortex storyline, Sam tells Richard Rider's family about his death during The Thanos Imperative.

Collected editions

In other media

Television

Video games

Toys

Books

In the children's book "Spider-Man: Attack of the Heroes" Nova is mentioned as having teamed up with Spider-Man multiple times. Nova is among the heroes replaced by the Chameleon. This causes many to believe the replaced heroes (Iron Man, the Thing, and Daredevil) have "gone bad". Nova is later freed by Spider-Man.

Reception

The first issue of Nova debuted to positive reviews, including a perfect score at IFanboy.com.[16] Reviewing for Multiversity Comics, Matthew Meylikhov called the series a "rather exciting prospect" and gave the issue a "Buy" rating, but derided its pacing.[17]

References

  1. ↑ Meylikhov, Matthew, 14 October 2012, "MC at NYCC ’12: Marvel Goes Cosmic with Bendis, McNiven, Loeb and McGuinness," Multiversity Comics, accessed 14 October 2012
  2. ↑ Nova Vol 5 #1
  3. ↑ Nova Vol 5 #2-3 (March 2013-April 2013), Marvel Comics
  4. ↑ Marvel Point One one-shot (November 2011). Marvel Comics.
  5. ↑ Waid, Mark (w), Immonen, Stuart (a), Gracia, Marte (col). Avengers vs. X-Men: Infinite 1 (April 2012), Marvel Comics
  6. ↑ Avengers vs. X-Men #12. Marvel Comics
  7. ↑ Marvel NOW Point One one-shot (2012)
  8. ↑ Waid, Mark (w), Cheung, Jim; Medina, Paco Medina (p) (Various) (i). Original Sin #0 (June 2014). Marvel Comics
  9. ↑ http://marvel.com/news/story/18223/spider-man_his_ultimate_friends_nova
  10. ↑ http://marvel.toonzone.net/news.php?action=fullnews&id=770
  11. ↑ "Marvel Costume Kit 5". Sony. Archived from the original on December 30, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  12. ↑ "New Heroes Revealed at NYCC 2012!". Marvel Heroes. 2012-10-13. Retrieved 2012-10-14.
  13. ↑ http://marvelsuperheroes.lego.com/en-us/products/default.aspx#76005
  14. ↑ Hasbro USM official images, toyark.com, 15 July 2012
  15. ↑ , infinity.disney.com, 23 September 2014
  16. ↑ NOVA #1 review, ifanboy.com, 22 February 2013
  17. ↑ Meylikhov, Matthew, 21 February 2013, "Review: Nova #1," Multiversity Comics, accessed 22 February 2013
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