Nova (Sam Alexander)

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For other comics characters named Nova, see Nova (comics).
Nova
Textless cover of Nova vol. 5 #10 (August 2016).
Art by Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceMarvel Point One #1 (November 2011)
Created byJeph Loeb
Ed McGuinness
In-story information
Alter egoSamuel "Sam" Alexander
SpeciesAlien/human hybrid
Place of originEarth-616
Team affiliationsNova Corps
New Warriors
New Avengers
Avengers
S.H.I.E.L.D.
Young Avengers
Champions
Guardians of the Galaxy
PartnershipsRichard Rider
Kamala Khan
Miles Morales
Notable aliasesSam
Abilities
  • Access to the Nova Force via helmet granting:
    • Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, accuracy, agility, reflexes, and durability
    • Ability to breathe underwater and survive in space
    • Energy manipulation, Generation & projection
    • Regenerative Healing Factor
    • Electromagnetic Discharges
    • Force fields and shields
    • Solid energy constructs
    • Holographic Illusions
    • Gravity Manipulation
    • Hyperspace portals
    • Universal translation
    • Cosmic awareness
    • Enhanced intellect
    • Telekinesis
    • Flight

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.

Publication history[edit]

Sam Alexander first appeared in Marvel Point One #1 (November 2011), created by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuinness. The character was named after Loeb's son Sam, who died in 2005 from bone cancer at the age of 17.[citation needed]

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.

Fictional character biography[edit]

Sam Alexander is a sixteen-year-old living in Carefree, Arizona, with his father, mother, and little sister. His father is always drunk and often talks about his supposed life as a Nova Centurion, and shirks his duties as a janitor at his son's school. Sam's mother is Latina. When Sam comes home from school to find his father missing, Sam accidentally injures himself and wakes up in a hospital. There, Rocket Raccoon and Gamora reveal Sam's father really was in the Nova Corps.[1] After putting on his father's helmet, Sam travels to the Moon, meeting Uatu the Watcher, who reveals an invasion fleet of Chitauri ships. After returning to Earth, Rocket Raccoon and Gamora train him and tell him to scout the fleet.[2]

Sometime later, Sam is on a mission to warn planets in its path that Dark Phoenix is coming for them.[3] He crashes on Earth, but is able to deliver the warning to the Avengers.[4] After recovering, Nova joins the Avengers and the X-Men against Cyclops, who has become the new Dark Phoenix after Jean. Thor asks Sam to join the Avengers, and Sam eventually accepts.[5][6] Afterwards, he encounters the previous Nova's recurring enemy Diamondhead, but easily defeats him.[7]

During the events of "Infinity", Sam learns from his crush, Carrie, that she knows he is Nova. Shocked, he flies into the sky, but accidentally removes his helmet and lands in a coma. He wakes up to Justice and Speedball, who offer him a spot on the New Warriors.[8] He next faces off against Kaldera, an agent of Proxima Midnight and defeats her in combat.[9] 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.[10]

During a day of training with Uatu at the Watcher's Moon base at the start of the "Original Sin" storyline, Uatu reveals that Sam's father Jesse Alexander is alive. Sam leaves where he is happy with the information he just learned.[11]

Following the Civil War II storyline, Sam leaves the Avengers to join the Champions. The team heads to Lasibad, Sharzad to rescue a group of women and girls being attacked by terrorists.[12]

Powers and abilities[edit]

Sam 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.[13][14]

Reception[edit]

Accolades[edit]

  • In 2017, Den of Geek ranked Nova 2nd in their "Guardians of the Galaxy 3: 50 Marvel Characters We Want to See" list.[15]
  • In 2018, CBR.com ranked Nova 8th in their "Marvel's Strongest Cosmic Heroes" list.[16]
  • In 2021, Screen Rant ranked Nova 3rd in their "10 Most Powerful Members Of The Champions" list.[13]

Literary reception[edit]

Volumes[edit]

Nova - 2013[edit]

According to Diamond Comic Distributors, Nova #1 was the 14th best selling comic book in February 2013.[17][18][19]

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."[20] 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."[21]

Nova - 2015[edit]

According to Diamond Comic Distributors, Nova #1 was the 47th best selling comic book in November 2015.[22][23][24]

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."[25]

Nova - 2016[edit]

According to Diamond Comic Distributors, Nova #1 was the 30th best selling comic book in December 2016.[26][27][28][29]

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."[30]

In other media[edit]

Television[edit]

Video games[edit]

Merchandise[edit]

Books[edit]

Nova 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]

  1. ^ Nova vol. 5 #1
  2. ^ Nova vol. 5 #2-3 (March 2013-April 2013), Marvel Comics
  3. ^ Marvel Point One one-shot (November 2011). Marvel Comics.
  4. ^ Waid, Mark (w), Immonen, Stuart (a), Gracia, Marte (col). Avengers vs. X-Men: Infinite, no. 1 (April 2012). Marvel Comics.
  5. ^ Avengers vs. X-Men #12. Marvel Comics
  6. ^ All-New, All-Different Avengers #1
  7. ^ Marvel NOW! Point One #1
  8. ^ Nova vol. 5 #8
  9. ^ Nova vol. 5 #9
  10. ^ Nova vol. 5 #10
  11. ^ Waid, Mark (w), Cheung, Jim; Medina, Paco Medina (p) (Various) (i). Original Sin #0 (June 2014). Marvel Comics
  12. ^ Champions vol. 2 #1-3
  13. ^ a b Lealos, Shawn S. (2021-09-19). "10 Most Powerful Members Of The Champions, Ranked". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  14. ^ Austin, Michael (2019-08-16). "All of Nova's Powers, Ranked". CBR. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  15. ^ Buxton, Marc (2017-05-19). "Guardians of the Galaxy 3: 50 Marvel Characters We Want to See". Den of Geek. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
  16. ^ Baggett, Christopher (2018-03-01). "Superstars: Marvel's Strongest Cosmic Heroes, Ranked". CBR. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  17. ^ "Top 100 Comics: February 2013". www.diamondcomics.com. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  18. ^ "Comichron: February 2013 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops". www.comichron.com. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  19. ^ "Top 300 Comics Actual--February 2013". icv2.com. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  20. ^ "Nova #1 Review". Comic Vine. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  21. ^ Bailey, Benjamin (2013-02-21). "Nova #1 Review". IGN. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  22. ^ "Top 100 Comics: November 2015". www.diamondcomics.com. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  23. ^ "Comichron: November 2015 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops". www.comichron.com. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  24. ^ "Top 300 Comics Actual--November 2015". icv2.com. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  25. ^ Alexander Jones (2015-11-06). "All-New, All-Different Marvel Rundown: Week Five". The Beat. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  26. ^ "Top 100 Comics: December 2016". www.diamondcomics.com. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  27. ^ "Top 300 Comics Actual--December 2016". icv2.com. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  28. ^ Johnston, Rich (2017-01-13). "The Top 50 Best-Selling Comics And Graphic Novels In December 2016". Bleeding Cool News And Rumors. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  29. ^ "Comichron: December 2016 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops". www.comichron.com. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  30. ^ "Nova #1 Review". Comic Vine. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  31. ^ "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)
  32. ^ "Marvel Animation Age". marvel.toonzone.net. Archived from the original on 12 December 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  33. ^ Wickline, Dan (July 6, 2017). "The Guardians of the Galaxy Come to Nova's Rescue in Animated Series". Bleeding Cool News and Rumors.
  34. ^ "Nova / Sam Alexander Voice - Marvel Super Hero Squad Online (Video Game)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  35. ^ Goellner, Caleb (November 21, 2011). "The Marvelous DLC Costumes of 'Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3′". ComicsAlliance. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  36. ^ "Marvel Costume Kit 5". Sony. Archived from the original on December 22, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  37. ^ "New Heroes Revealed at NYCC 2012!". Marvel Heroes. 2012-10-13. Retrieved 2012-10-14.
  38. ^ "Characters | Maps - LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Game Guide & Walkthrough". Gudies.gamepressure.com. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
  39. ^ "Infinity Guru - Toys - Disney Infinity 2.0 Figures". www.infinityguru.com. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  40. ^ "Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Characters". Giant Bomb. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  41. ^ "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.
  42. ^ "MPQ Gamependium - Characters by Rarity". mpq.gamependium.com. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  43. ^ "Characters - LEGO Marvel's Avengers Wiki Guide". Ign.com. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
  44. ^ Ng, Alan (November 28, 2017). "Marvel Future Fight Players Backlash After Netmarble Intros Loot Box". Product-Reviews.net. Archived from the original on 2019-08-27.
  45. ^ "Champions Character Pack DLC Review – LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2". Bricks To Life. 2018-01-18. Retrieved 2019-07-29.
  46. ^ "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.
  47. ^ Hasbro USM official images, Toyark.com, 15 July 2012
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