Much to my surprise, I’m still enjoying the most recent take
on Nova. Gerry Duggan isn’t reinventing the wheel here, but through a clever
use of guest stars, decent villains, and snappy dialogue, the current Nova
series is moving along nicely.
This trade focuses on Sam Alexander’s first extended
space-mission as he travels the galaxy searching for other Novas. The problem is
every one he finds is dead. Duggan has a nice, if obvious twist near the start
of the arc, but it is a good way to bring in guest star Beta Ray Bill. Bill isn’t
exactly an A-level star these days, but his presence still lends a sense of
legitimacy to Sam in the suit.
The two of them are hunting down a cosmic slaver/weapons thief,
so naturally the chase leads the two protagonists to Knowhere. I was pleased to
see one of my favorite DnA-era Guardians show up. This character’s acceptance
of Sam again adds legitimacy and permanence to Sam’s role as Nova. I won’t lie,
I’m still desperate for Richard Rider to come back, but Sam is at the least
tolerable.
One of the high points of the series is Duggan’s take on Sam’s
youthful voice. Sam is irreverent, frequently overwhelmed, and wholly likable. This
comic is one of my daughters’ favorites; I’ve said in the past how they call
Sam “their Nova.” Well filling his word bubbles with amusing and
self-depreciating comments only adds to their affection.
My favorite villains of the storyline are the dark space
knights. Under the pencils of Paco Medina and David Baldeon, they truly look
like evil ROMs. I’m not the biggest fan of Medina’s pencils, but he does put a
great sense of energy in every page. I’ve always enjoyed Baldeon’s work,
especially on teenaged characters. His Sam looks good, of course; I’m more
impressed at how powerful and cool Beta Ray Bill looks.
This isn’t my favorite comic, but it is GOOD for what it is;
a new-reader accessible character enjoying all-ages adventures in the cosmic
Marvel U. (Now just bring back Richard Rider!)
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