Nova (Sam Alexander)

{{Infobox comics character

| character_name = Nova

| image = Nova (Sam Alexander).jpg

| imagesize =

| caption = Textless cover of Nova vol. 6 #10 (August 2016).
Art by Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado.

| publisher = Marvel Comics

| debut = Marvel Point One #1 (November 2011)

| creators = Jeph Loeb
Ed McGuinness

| alter_ego = Samuel "Sam" Alexander

| full_name =

| species = Alien/human hybrid

| homeworld = Earth-616

| alliances = Nova Corps
New Warriors
New Avengers
Avengers
S.H.I.E.L.D.
Young Avengers
Champions

Guardians of the Galaxy

| partners = Richard Rider

| supports =

| aliases = Sam

| powers = *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, and projection
Regenerative healing factor
Electromagnetic energy generation
Force fields and shields
Solid energy constructs
Holographic illusions
Gravity manipulation
Hyperspace portals
Universal translation
Cosmic awareness
Enhanced intellect
Telekinesis
Flight

| cat = superhero

| subcat =

| hero = y

| villain =

}}

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.Nova vol. 5 #1Nova vol. 5 #2-3 (March 2013-April 2013), Marvel Comics

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.{{multiref2|Marvel Point One one-shot (November 2011)|Avengers vs. X-Men: Infinite #1 (April 2012)|Avengers vs. X-Men #12 (December 2012)|Marvel NOW! Point One one-shot (December 2012)|All-New, All-Different Avengers #1 (January 2016)

}}

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.Nova vol. 5 #8 He next faces off against Kaldera, an agent of Proxima Midnight, and defeats her in combat.Nova vol. 5 #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.Nova vol. 5 #10

In Original Sin, Sam trains with Uatu on the Moon and learns that Jesse is still alive.Waid, Mark (w), Cheung, Jim; Medina, Paco Medina (p) (Various) (i). Original Sin #0 (June 2014). Marvel Comics

In Civil War II, Sam leaves the Avengers to join the Champions, who travel to Lasibad, Sharzad to battle terrorists.Champions vol. 2 #1-3

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.{{Cite web |last=Lealos |first=Shawn S. |date=September 19, 2021 |title=10 Most Powerful Members Of The Champions, Ranked |url=https://screenrant.com/marvel-champions-strongest-members-comics/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Austin |first=Michael |date=August 16, 2019 |title=All of Nova's Powers, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/all-nova-powers-ranked/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Buxton |first=Marc |date=May 19, 2017 |title=Guardians of the Galaxy 3: 50 Marvel Characters We Want to See |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/guardians-of-the-galaxy-3-50-marvel-characters-we-want-to-see/ |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}
In 2018, Comic Book Resources (CBR) ranked Nova 8th in their "Marvel's Strongest Cosmic Heroes" list.{{Cite web |last=Baggett |first=Christopher |date=March 1, 2018 |title=Superstars: Marvel's Strongest Cosmic Heroes, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-strongest-cosmic-heroes-ranked/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}
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.{{Cite web |title=Top 100 Comics: February 2013 |url=http://www.diamondcomics.com/Article/132285-Top-100-Comics-February-2013 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=www.diamondcomics.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Comichron: February 2013 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops |url=https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2013/2013-02.html |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=www.comichron.com}}{{Cite web |title=Top 300 Comics Actual--February 2013 |url=https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/25233/top-300-comics-actual-february-2013 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=icv2.com |language=en}}

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."{{Cite web |title=Nova #1 Review |url=https://comicvine.gamespot.com/reviews/nova-1/1900-1465/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Comic Vine |language=en}} 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."{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Benjamin |date=February 21, 2013 |title=Nova #1 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/21/nova-1-review |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=IGN |language=en}}

== ''Nova'' - 2015 ==

According to Diamond Comic Distributors, Nova #1 was the 47th best selling comic book in November 2015.{{Cite web |title=Top 100 Comics: November 2015 |url=http://www.diamondcomics.com/Article/172235-Top-100-Comics-November-2015 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=www.diamondcomics.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Comichron: November 2015 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops |url=https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2015/2015-11.html |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=www.comichron.com}}{{Cite web |title=Top 300 Comics Actual--November 2015 |url=https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/33277/top-300-comics-actual-november-2015 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=icv2.com |language=en}}

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."{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Alexander |date=November 6, 2015 |title=All-New, All-Different Marvel Rundown: Week Five |url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/all-new-all-different-marvel-rundown-week-five/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=The Beat |language=en-US}}

== ''Nova'' - 2016 ==

According to Diamond Comic Distributors, Nova #1 was the 30th best selling comic book in December 2016.{{Cite web |title=Top 100 Comics: December 2016 |url=http://www.diamondcomics.com/Article/188968-Top-100-Comics-December-2016 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=www.diamondcomics.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Top 300 Comics Actual--December 2016 |url=https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/36511/top-300-comics-actual-december-2016 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=icv2.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Rich |date=January 13, 2017 |title=The Top 50 Best-Selling Comics And Graphic Novels In December 2016 |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/top-50-best-selling-comics-graphic-novels-december-2016/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Bleeding Cool News And Rumors |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Comichron: December 2016 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops |url=https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2016/2016-12.html |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=www.comichron.com}}

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."{{Cite web |title=Nova #1 Review |url=https://comicvine.gamespot.com/reviews/nova-1/1900-4491/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Comic Vine |language=en}}

In other media

=Television=

Sam Alexander / Nova appears in Ultimate Spider-Man, voiced by Logan Miller.{{cite web |url=http://marvel.com/news/story/18223/spider-man_his_ultimate_friends_nova |title=Archived copy |website=marvel.com |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304051447/http://marvel.com/news/story/18223/spider-man_his_ultimate_friends_nova |archive-date=4 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://marvel.toonzone.net/news.php?action=fullnews&id=770 |title=Marvel Animation Age |website=marvel.toonzone.net |access-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212115210/http://marvel.toonzone.net/news.php?action=fullnews&id=770 |archive-date=12 December 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Nova / Sam Alexander Voices (Guardians of the Galaxy) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Guardians-of-the-Galaxy/Nova-Sam-Alexander/ |access-date=August 13, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} 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.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}
Sam Alexander / Nova appears in Guardians of the Galaxy, voiced again by Logan Miller.{{Cite news |last=Wickline |first=Dan |date=July 6, 2017 |title=The Guardians of the Galaxy Come to Nova's Rescue in Animated Series |url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2017/07/06/guardians-galaxy-star-lord-father-nova/ |newspaper=Bleeding Cool News and Rumors}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Goellner |first=Caleb |date=November 21, 2011 |title=The Marvelous DLC Costumes of 'Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3′ |url=https://comicsalliance.com/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-dlc-costumes/ |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=ComicsAlliance |language=en}}
Sam Alexander / Nova's outfit appears in LittleBigPlanet via the "Marvel Costume Kit 5" DLC.{{cite web |url=http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/add-ons/littlebigplanet-2-marvel-heroes-costume-pack-5.html |title=Marvel Costume Kit 5 |publisher=Sony |access-date=December 30, 2012 |archive-date=December 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222053229/http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/add-ons/littlebigplanet-2-marvel-heroes-costume-pack-5.html |url-status=live }}
Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Marvel Heroes, voiced again by Logan Miller.{{cite web |date=October 13, 2012 |title=New Heroes Revealed at NYCC 2012! |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509044427/https://marvelheroes.com/news/news-articles/new-heroes-revealed-nycc-2012 |access-date=October 14, 2012 |publisher=Marvel Heroes}}
Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes.{{Cite web|url=https://guides.gamepressure.com/legomarvelsuperheroes/guide.asp?ID=23267|title=Characters | Maps - LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Game Guide & Walkthrough|website=Guides.gamepressure.com|access-date=23 May 2022}}
Sam Alexander / Nova appears in Disney Infinity 2.0, as part of the Spider-Man Playset Pack,{{Cite web |title=Infinity Guru - Toys - Disney Infinity 2.0 Figures |url=https://www.infinityguru.com/toys/figures-2-0 |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=www.infinityguru.com}} and Disney Infinity 3.0.{{Cite web |date=4 January 2017 |title=Nova (from Marvel's Spider-Man) | Disney Infinity - United States |url=https://infinity.disney.com/characters/nova |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104221623/https://infinity.disney.com/characters/nova |archive-date=4 January 2017 |access-date=23 May 2022 |website=}}
Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Marvel Avengers Alliance.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}
Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Marvel Puzzle Quest.{{Cite web |title=MPQ Gamependium - Characters by Rarity |url=http://mpq.gamependium.com/characters/ |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=mpq.gamependium.com}}
Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Lego Marvel's Avengers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/lego-marvel-avengers/Characters|title=Characters - LEGO Marvel's Avengers Wiki Guide|website=Ign.com|access-date=23 May 2022}}
Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Marvel: Future Fight.{{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Alan |date=November 28, 2017 |title=Marvel Future Fight Players Backlash After Netmarble Intros Loot Box |url=https://www.product-reviews.net/marvel-future-fight-players-backlash-after-netmarble-intros-loot-box/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827184719/https://www.product-reviews.net/marvel-future-fight-players-backlash-after-netmarble-intros-loot-box/ |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |website=Product-Reviews.net}}
Sam Alexander / Nova appears as a playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2 via the Champions DLC.{{Cite web |date=January 18, 2018 |title=Champions Character Pack DLC Review – LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121163152/http://www.brickstolife.com/champions-character-pack-dlc-review-lego-marvel-super-heroes-2/ |access-date=July 29, 2019 |website=Bricks To Life}}

=Merchandise=

Sam Alexander / Nova, based on the Ultimate Spider-Man incarnation, appears in the Lego Super Heroes set.{{cite web |url=http://marvelsuperheroes.lego.com/en-us/Products/76005.aspx?c=nova |title=Official home of the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes - Products - Play Sets - 76005 |website=marvelsuperheroes.lego.com |access-date=14 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415041910/http://marvelsuperheroes.lego.com/en-us/Products/76005.aspx?c=nova |archive-date=15 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}
Sam Alexander / Nova appears in the Ultimate Spider-Man 6-inch toyline.[http://www.toyark.com/news/marvel-toy-news-4/sdcc-2012-hasbro-ultimate-spiderman-official-images-6157/ Hasbro USM official images], Toyark.com, 15 July 2012
Sam Alexander / Nova appears in Hasbro's Marvel Legends toyline.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}

=Books=

Nova appears in the children's book Spider-Man: Attack of the Heroes.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}

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, {{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}}