Nova (Sam Alexander)

Sam Alexander
Cover to Nova vol. 5 #1
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Point One #1 (October 2011)
Created by	Jeph Loeb Ed McGuiness
In-story information
Alter ego	Sam Alexander
Species	Human
Place of origin	Earth
Team affiliations	Nova Corps New Warriors
Abilities	Access to the Nova Force via helmet: Superhuman strength, durability, flight, energy projection, universal translation, and survivability in space.

Sam Alexander is a fictional character created by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness who appears in publications from Marvel Comics. He first appeared in the Marvel Point One one-shot in October 2011 before starring in his own series beginning in February 2013.

Alexander is a member of the Nova Corps.

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, written by Jeph Loeb with art by Ed McGuiness, which debuted February 20, 2013.^[1]

Fictional character biography

Sam Alexander is a fifteen year-old living in Carefree, Arizona with his father, mother, and little sister. His Anglo 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]

Avengers vs. X-Men

Sometime later, Sam has become a Nova. 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]

In other media

Television

• The Sam Alexander incarnation of Nova is one of the main characters in Ultimate Spider-Man, voiced by Logan Miller.^[8][9]

Video games

• Sam Alexander appears as a downloadable alternative costume for Nova (Richard Rider) in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

• Nova is available as downloadable content for the game LittleBigPlanet, as part of "Marvel Costume Kit 5".^[10]

• Nova is a playable character in the MMORPG Marvel Heroes, with Logan Miller reprising his speaking role.^[11]

• Nova serves as an unlockable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes. The character appears to be an amalgam of both Richard Rider and Sam Alexander as his body matches Richard's Nova Prime costume with Sam's helmet.

Toys

• Nova is featured in the Marvel Super Heroes LEGO theme based on his appearance in the Ultimate Spider-Man TV series.^[12]

• A Nova toy will be available in the Ultimate Spider-Man 6-inch toyline in 2013.^[13]

Reception

The first issue of Nova debuted to positive reviews, including a perfect score at IFanboy.com.^[14] Reviewing for Multiversity Comics, Matthew Meylikhov called the series a "rather exciting prospect" and gave the issue a "Buy" rating, but derided its pacing.^[15]

Notes

• The character was named in honor of Loeb's son Sam, who died in 2006 due to complications from cancer.

References