Writer: MacKay
Artist: Lopez
Colorist: Iacono
Cover Artist: Cappucio & Rosenberg
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed herein are purely the opinions of the author of this article and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions of CosmicBookNews. Timelord regularly reviewed the 2007 “Nova” and 2008 “Guardians of the Galaxy” series with his reviews directly sent to the books’ editors and creators. Timelord’s reviews have been quoted by Marvel in cover blurbs, press reviews, and solicits.
Warning: Contains some spoilers.
Nova Centurion #5 is easily the best issue of the series to date.
It was great to see Nova and Star-Lord back together once again even though their reunion started with the somewhat hackneyed device of having them first trade punches. It should have been no contest, but strangely MacKay wrote the scene as if Rich loses his powers once the helmet is taken off, leaving him subject to minor injuries from a non-super-powered individual such as Star-Lord. This appears to be a holdover misunderstanding of the Nova powers from the deplorable Sam Alexander, aka NINO or “Nova In Name Only,” continuity that was flatly rejected by true Nova fans. All that aside, it was still a fun reunion between two old friends, which predictably ended with a reconciliation of sorts.
There were plenty of un-expected plot twists this issue along with enough action to satisfy even the most action-loving of fans. I’m really liking the anti-heroes, Aalbort and Cammi, and I have a newfound and growing admiration of Cammi after this issue. I am looking forward to MacKay’s resolution of her predicament.
Lopez’s art was inconsistent throughout the issue. Some panels were well done (with the KSW Klingon-esque battle fleet appearance approaching stunning) and some panels were cringe-worthy. Iacono’s coloring more than made up for the art issues. Cappucio and Rosenberg’s cover was appealing, capturing the central dramatic conflict of the storyline.
Sadly, next issue may very well be the final issue of this promising series as Marvel is once again decimating its Cosmic line and I have seen no solicit for issue #7. I hope this series is not ending with #6 and Marvel gives it a chance to grow and gain the attention that it deserves.
For those of you unaware, this summer will mark Nova’s 50th Anniversary. I have started a petition to Marvel asking them to honor Nova’s 50th Anniversary with a special commemorative celebration issue. Please follow the link to sign the petition: https://c.org/wN6zvGY5rp
Keep buying this book and encourage all your friends to try it. Please post the link to the petition on your Facebook or other social media page and on any comic book forums you regularly visit to help get the word out to fans to sign the petition so that Marvel knows that we want a celebration of Rich Rider’s 50th Anniversary in the Marvel Universe.
Here’s to 50 years of Rich Rider Nova! Long live Rich Rider Nova!
