NOVA #6
Writers: Jeff Loveness & Ramon Perez
Penciller: Scott Hepburn
Colorist: Ian Herring
Letterer: Comicraft’s Albert Deschesne
Rating: T
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 05/03/17
Plot: After freeing Star-Lord and Thanos, Richard is left alone in the Cancerverse. The Cancerverse is a world where death no longer exists. Rich tires to hold on but constant near fatal injuries take their toll on him. In a last ditch effort, Rich uses all of the Nova Force to reopen the gate and return but he leaves Worldmind behind. Now Worldmind has completely taken over the Cancerverse and plans to invade Earth.
Story: The montage of Richard’s time in the Cancerverse is one of the best scenes in this issue. It shows that despite having all of the Nova Force at his disposal, Richard is still human. At first Richard believes he can survive but his experiences turn this resilience into desperation. This leads to Richard making the only decision to leave no matter the cost. Also watching these scenes give the reader a sense of sympathy for Richard that helps you understand Richard’s motive.
Additionally longtime Nova fans should know that Worldmind is not against possessing other living beings. In the last Nova title featuring Richard, Worldmind would take control of Rich’s body whenever he went to sleep. Although the idea of Worldmind possessing every living being does feel like it’s turning into a copy of the Venom symbiote.
The only other thing I have a problem with is Sam Alexander’s sudden appearance. Sam literally appears just as Worldmind possesses Richard with no explanation of how he arrived in the Cancerverse. This issue could have been better if it was just focused on Richard and Worldmind but Sam’s sudden appearance throws that dynamic off track.
Art: The artwork for Nova is very spectacular. The lack of details in the background of the Cancerverse help sell the idea that this world is basically hell. One look at this place and you just see that chaos reigns supreme. Also using a double page spread for Richard’s death montage is a great layout that helps the reader understand why Richard wanted to leave no matter the cost. Additionally, the use of red and purple for the background help Richard and Sam stand out on the pages.
Verdict: While exposition is important to the overall plot, it does get annoying when it takes up the entire issue. However the focus between Richard and Worldmind makes this issue enjoyable. Unfortunately Sam’s sudden entrance interrupts the focus. Overall this issue is great for current readers but not for new ones.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars