Grim and gritty.
That’s comic books these days, isn’t it? And, while I’m on a bit of a soapbox, the business we love seems to be all multiple covers, crossover titles, sweeping story arcs, limited edition print runs, character deaths – and a heaping spoonful of that grim and gritty. Blame the 1980’s. We invited those years into our homes and the latter half of that decade never left. But there are great comics being published today that demand reading; fantastic genre fiction that can’t be put down!
Remember those early days when you, as a kid, opened the cover to your first comic book – when the magic of sequential art, pictures and words, took you over and never let you go?
With Nova, those days have returned!
Nova #7
Written by: Zeb Wells
Illustrated by: Paco Medina
Published by: Marvel Comics
The first five issues of Nova were brilliantly written and illustrated by fan favourites Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness, respectively. Here was a tale of discovery – not just of the main character, young Sam Alexander, learning to become an intergalactic hero – but of the rekindling of our own love for comic books, just like when we were close to Sam’s age. This is a story about son and father and mother, one that could actually be enjoyed by an entire family of readers.
How often do we find that on the comic book store shelves these days? Not often enough, that’s how often.
The Nova Corps, a space-faring police corps (Marvel’s equivalent to DC’s Green Lantern Corps), is new to Sam Alexander although his father (now disappeared) was once a member. That’s a heavy lineage to live up to and, coupled with his on-earth problems at home and school, makes Sam an interesting character to follow. More importantly, he’s a cypher for us, any reader who is new to the Nova Corps and their varied cast of heroes. Heck, we’re already been introduced to his compatriots, the green-skinned Gamora and Rocket Raccoon – he of the frisky whiskers, oversized blaster and meaning snarl.
Zeb Wells and Paco Medina are only on the title for a few issues, but here in their second, Sam meets up with the Superior Spider-Man. Exciting! You’d think this was an old school when-you-first-read-comics kind of team up, wouldn’t you? But this is not the Peter Parker of old. This is a new Spider-Man – and there’s no telling where an intense Spidey and a somewhat bratty Nova could go!
And that’s why you need to be here, with Nova #7 today. It’s a fun romp through action and intrigue that reminisces comic of old while still feeling completely fresh. Plus, you’ll get a heads up on the characters that will be part of the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy film! Make the run to your local comic book shop and pick up Nova #7 today!
Every Wednesday, JP makes the after-work run to his local downtown comic book shop. Comics arrive on Wednesdays you see and JP, fearful that the latest issue will sell out, rushes out to purchase his copy. This regular, weekly column will highlight a particularly interesting release, written in short order, of course, because JP has to get his – before someone else does!
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