“Hey isn’t that the kid from the Ultimate Spider-Man Cartoon?” I asked when I learned Nova was getting his own Marvel NOW! title. Guess what? I was right.

I don’t know much about the history of Nova, Nova Corps or Richard Ryder. But I do watch Ultimate Spider-Man on television, therefore I know about Sam Alexander. So I was more than anxious to get my hands on Nova #1.

Sam Alexander is your typical teenager. Problems at home and school. Bad attitude.

The debut issue is filled with detailed events leading up to Sam becoming a member of the Nova Corps. But it’s obvious from the beginning that Sam has ties with the Corps.

I definitely plan to continue reading Nova, to see where it’s heading. My decision was heavily influenced by the last page of the comic. The look on Sam’s face when Gamora and Rocket Raccoon appeared in front of him is priceless. Besides, I want to know what they’re about to tell Sam. Did Jesse, Sam’s dad, get killed? Was he captured? All I really want to know is why is Gamora holding a helmet?

I think Jeph Loeb did a great job setting up the story. The dialogue and pacing of the story makes it reader friendly for all ages.

Loeb also did a great job with Sam’s character development. The attitude, victim of bullying at school, and home life stresses are so realistic. As a parent of a tween son (with an attitude like Sam’s at times), I have to give Mr. Loeb a big shout out on this one.

The creative art team of Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines and Marte Gracia deserve a round of applause. Great artwork. I especially like the detailed facial expressions and the cover page.

I’m thinking this Marvel NOW! series will go far.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

If you like and want to read a good story that isn’t rushed and has great artwork, then NOVA is a title you should definitely jump on.