Nova (Sam Alexander)

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.

Logan Miller voices Sam in the animated series ''Ultimate Spider-Man'', where he is depicted as a student of S.H.I.E.L.D. and a rival of Spider-Man. Miller reprised the role in later media, including the animated series ''Guardians of the Galaxy'' and the video game '' Marvel Heroes''.

Publication history

Sam 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

Sam 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.

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.

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. He next faces off against Kaldera, an agent of Proxima Midnight, and defeats her in combat. 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.

In ''Original Sin'', Sam trains with Uatu on the Moon and learns that Jesse is still alive.

In '' Civil War II'', Sam leaves the Avengers to join the Champions, who travel to Lasibad, Sharzad to battle terrorists.

Powers and abilities

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.

Reception

Accolades

* In 2017, ''Den of Geek'' ranked Nova 2nd in their "Guardians of the Galaxy 3: 50 Marvel Characters We Want to See" list.
* In 2018, Comic Book Resources (CBR) ranked Nova 8th in their "Marvel's Strongest Cosmic Heroes" list.
* In 2021, ''Screen Rant'' ranked Nova 3rd in their "10 Most Powerful Members Of The Champions" list.

Literary reception

Volumes

''Nova'' - 2013

According to Diamond Comic Distributors, ''Nova'' #1 was the 14th best selling comic book in February 2013.

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." 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."

''Nova'' - 2015

According to Diamond Comic Distributors, ''Nova'' #1 was the 47th best selling comic book in November 2015.

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."

''Nova'' - 2016

According to Diamond Comic Distributors, ''Nova'' #1 was the 30th best selling comic book in December 2016.

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 alongside 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."

In other media

Television

* Sam Alexander / Nova appears in ''Ultimate Spider-Man'', voiced by Logan Miller. 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. 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.
* Sam Alexander / Nova appears in ''Guardians of the Galaxy'', voiced again by Logan Miller. 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

* Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in '' Marvel Super Hero Squad Online''.
* 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''.
* Sam Alexander / Nova's outfit appears in ''LittleBigPlanet'' via the "Marvel Costume Kit 5" DLC.
* Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in '' Marvel Heroes'', voiced again by Logan Miller.
* Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in ''Lego Marvel Super Heroes.''
* Sam Alexander / Nova appears in '' Disney Infinity 2.0'', as part of the ''Spider-Man'' Playset Pack, and '' Disney Infinity 3.0''.
* Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in '' Marvel Avengers Alliance''.
* Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in '' Marvel Puzzle Quest''.
* Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in '' Lego Marvel's Avengers''.
* Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in '' Marvel: Future Fight''.
* Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in '' Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2'' via the ''Champions'' DLC.

Merchandise

* Sam Alexander / Nova, based on the ''Ultimate Spider-Man'' incarnation, appears in the Lego Super Heroes set.
* Sam Alexander / Nova appears in the ''Ultimate Spider-Man'' 6-inch toyline.Hasbro USM official images
Toyark.com, 15 July 2012
* Sam Alexander / Nova appears in Hasbro's Marvel Legends toyline.

Books

Nova appears in the children's book ''Spider-Man: Attack of the Heroes''.

Collected editions

* ''Nova Vol. 1: Origin'' (collects ''Nova'' Vol 5 #1-5, Point One #1 (Nova story), Marvel Now! Point One #1 (Nova story)) September 2013,
* ''Nova Vol. 2: Rookie Season'' (collects ''Nova'' Vol 5 #6-9, #10 (A story)) March 2014,
* ''Nova Vol. 3: Nova Corpse'' (collects ''Nova'' Vol 5 #10 (B story), #11-16) June 2014,
* ''Nova Vol. 4: Original Sin'' (collects ''Nova'' Vol 5 #17-22) January 2015,
* ''Nova Vol. 5: Axis'' (collects ''Nova'' Vol 5 #23-27) April 2015,
* ''Nova Vol. 6: Homecoming'' (collects ''Nova'' Vol 5 #28-31, Annual #1) November 2015,
* ''Nova The Human Rocket Vol. 1: Burn Out'' (collects ''Nova'' Vol 6 #1-6) June 2016,
* ''Nova The Human Rocket Vol. 2: Afterburn'' (collects ''Nova'' Vol 6 #7-11) January 2017,
* ''Nova: Resurrection'' (collects ''Nova'' Vol 7 #1-7) August 2017,

References

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