NOVA #11
Written by Sean Ryan
Art by Cory Smith, Andres Mossa, and Albert Deschesne
Published by Marvel Comics
Release Date: September 28, 2016
The All-New, All-Different adventures of Nova Sam Alexander draws to a close with Nova #11, and this one has something for fans of all the Novas. Writer Sean Ryan and artist Cory Smith take Sam (and the readers) into the Worldmind on the quest for some answers, and some really sweet visuals to boot.
Cory Smith tosses traditional page layout away and gives readers a set of stunning, detailed visuals that one would expect from a sentient supercomputer. Smith keeps things crisp and sharp, but isn’t afraid to overlap “panels” in what must be an absolute nightmare to read digitally. Smith uses traditional graphic concepts, such a z-pattern and organic panel creation across story flow, but nothing is boxed off in a rectangle or square while Sam converses with the Worldmind.
And Andres Mossa gorgeously colors it all. Smith draws cathedral elements into the scene, which is cemented into stained glass art in bot h Smith’s drawing efforts and Mossa’s color selections, including a heavy dose of sunlight-tinged oranges, yellows, and reds.
Albert Deschesne adds to the narrative in his word balloon selections, including a nice moment where the story (and perhaps the entire Marvel Universe) shifts a bit. There is one minor spacing bobble where a “t” gets lost from the “go” that precedes it, but I think most readers will “get” the meaning anyway.
The story in Nova #11 could be an inventory tale, an Infinite Comic, a standalone, a new chapter, or a finale. Ryan gives readers exactly everything they need to know about the Nova Corps, the Worldmind, Sam Alexander, and, well, other Novas. He does so in a vibrant, conversational manner, as Worldmind and Sam discuss reality while the supercomputer attempts to answer Sam’s inquiries. The result is one of the best single issues of a Nova comic I can recall ever reading.
It’s a quick read, but a smart one. There’s a lot to like in the story, the art, and the characters. Sam doesn’t throw any punches, nor is he on the receiving end of any, but readers are sure to be punching the air after reading this issue, as it has something for everyone.
It’s a darn shame that the best note this volume of Nova produces is also the final note, but Sam Alexander seems firmly entrenched in the Marvel Universe, having served as an Avenger and set to have a primary roll in the revived Champions title.
If you’ve only gleaned a bit of Sam as a supporting character from the Avengers or on the Spider-Man cartoon, you owe it to yourself to learn a little bit more about one of the most relatable characters in the modern Marvel Universe. So do yourself a favor, go Nova, and pick up this issue. It’s probably the most fun Marvel Universe history lesson you’ll get for some time to come.
The Verdict: 9.0/10
