Jeff Loveness On Return of Richard Rider Nova: ‘angsty, puberty-stricken teens in space’
Sounds like another big failure from Marvel Comics.
Comic Book News Marvel
Richard Rider
Marvel TV News
Just Say No To New Warriors Comedy Series & Marvel TV
It’s being reported that Marvel TV and ABC Studios is developing a New Warriors TV show that will feature Squirrel Girl and will be a comedy.
According to TV Line, the New Warriors comedy TV show will be a half-hour project and is currently being shopped around to cable and streaming outlets.
The New Warriors comedy show is described as: the junior version of The Avengers, the New Warriors are a superhero squad made up of teenagers, one of whom would include Doreen Green (aka Squirrel Girl). For the record, Squirrel Girl can do more than just communicate with the world’s vast squirrel population; she also possesses super-speed and strength.
Cosmic Book News has to give a big thumbs down to this project as Richard Rider Nova was a member of the New Warriors.
It is not known if Nova will be a part of the New Warriors TV series.
As many of our regular readers know, our site launched as a result of the Marvel COSMIC Annihilation, Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy comics, the same comics that inspired and created Disney’s new billion dollar Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.
However, when it was learned that the Guardians of the Galaxy movie was getting made by Marvel Studios, the head honchos at Marvel Comics fired the creative teams on the comics and replaced them with — themselves. Head of Marvel TV Jeph Loeb took over and replaced Richard Rider Nova. Likewise, Brian Michael Bendis, a member of the Marvel Creative Committee that knew the movie was getting made, put himself on the Guardians of the Galaxy comics. Both of their comics have been failures, and honestly an insult to comic book fans everywhere — and especially the previous creators, fans and source material.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has also recently distanced himself from both Jeph Loeb and Brian Michael Bendis. Marvel Studios has nothing to do with Loeb’s Marvel TV, and Feige fired the Marvel Creative Committee and Bendis from being involved with the movies.
The Marvel comics have been nothing but Loeb, Bendis and Joe Quesada’s breeding ground for Marvel TV, and they are using the comics to further their own agendas through other media outlets which have a much greater audience than the comics.
In addition, Marvel TV and Loeb cancelled the uber popular Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes animated series, and Loeb put his Nova in the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series.
Marvel TV under Loeb is also responsible for the less than stellar Agents Of SHIELD and Agent Carter ABC series. Most recently saw the Agents Of SHIELD spinoff, Marvel’s Most Wanted, get axed. While the Marvel Netflix series do seem an improvement, the writing and the quality of the series must be questioned as they’re nowhere near as good as their movie counterparts or other comic series and similar genre series on television and cable networks (basically it’s just cool to see the characters on Netflix).
Marvel Comics, under Axel Alonso, Bendis and Quesada, is also failing as sales have been nose diving, and Marvel Comics is forced to relaunch their series seemingly every other year.
We encourage fans to continue to stake a stance regarding how Jeph Loeb, Brian Michael Bendis and Joe Quesda treat the Marvel characters as well as the Marvel COSMIC characters. Fans have already successfully boycotted Loeb’s Nova Marvel comic, and the Bendis comic is now suffering a similar fate. Those same fans have also successfully gathered a petition to get Richard Rider in the MCU.
It is critical that you pay attention at this time: Don’t let them butcher any more Marvel characters.
Comic Book News
Marvel Unveils Richard Rider Nova For November
It’s going to take a lot from Marvel to get the Cosmic fans back on board, but at retailer presentation at Comic-Con, Marvel took a step in the right directio by officially revealing that Richard Rider will be back in November as a new Nova #1 launches.
The bad news is that Rider’s replacement that Jeph Loeb created when they cancelled the title along with Abnett and Lanning’s Guardians of the Galaxy is in the book as well.
Bleeding Cool reported on the matter noting it was said Richard Rider returns to the role of Nova, and that the title will feature both Sam Alexander and Richard Rider.
I’m still remaining skeptical as they could still be using Rider just to further cement NINO as Nova some where down the line, and they also replaced Wendell Vaughn as Quasar once again.
No creative team on the new Nova has been announced, but it won’t be written by Dan Abnett, who recently signed exclusive with DC Comics and is writing Aquaman and Titans.
I also can’t help but wonder if Marvel will announce Ed McGuinness or Steve McNiven on the title and give it a hundred variant covers to boost sales. Here’s hoping.
Comic Book News Marvel
Hallelujah! Marvel Teases Bendis Off Guardians of the Galaxy!
We’ve been waiting for this news for about six years!
Ever since Bendis nabbed Guardians of the Galaxy out from underneath Abnett and Lanning, the comic hasn’t been the same since.
Marvel Cosmic under Bendis and Loeb became a shadow of its former self, a joke, a mockery, a parody of the quality cosmic titles this site was built upon.
Now with the latest issue of Guardians of the Galaxy tanking further in sales, a new Marvel NOW! teaser has been revealed suggesting Bendis will be off the title.
The image features the words “Guardians of the Galaxy Grounded” with “The Epic Final Arc.”
The only thing epic about it is that Bendis is finally getting the boot. His entire run on the book has been grounded!
Interestingly enough, Marvel Comics has also teased the return of Richard Rider in a brand new Nova #1.
It looks like it’s the return of Marvel Cosmic that we all know and love!
Prior to the Guardians of the Galaxy movie getting green lit, Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy spearheaded Marvel Cosmic. That all changed when Bendis and Loeb decided to cash in on the titles, cancelling them and canning DnA off the books.
The only disappointing news surrounding the whole thing is the fact that Dan Abnett recently went exclusive with DC Comics, meaning he won’t be writing for Marvel.
More than likely with Guardians of the Galaxy 2 hitting theaters next May, Marvel Comics will do another relaunch. Hopefully Bendis is off the book and away from Marvel Cosmic completely!
It would also be nice to get former Marvel Comics editor Stephen Wacker off the Disney Guardians of the Galaxy cartoon, which has been atrocious.
That said, I’m stilling remaining cautious about the whole thing, which is due to the way Axel Alonso, Tom Brevoort, Dan Buckley, Jeph Loeb, Brian Bendis and Stephen Wacker have treated the fans and the material.
The creative team on Nova has yet to be announced.
Comic Book News Marvel
Marvel Comics Teases Return Of Richard Rider Nova
Got mentioned by James Gunn on Facebook live.
Won my kid’s baseball championship game.
And now, apparently, Marvel Comics is teasing the return of Richard Rider Nova.
Not a bad birthday!
Leaked promo art has hit the net from a Marvel NOW! Previews Magazine, with one image featuring Richard Rider Nova’s helmet stating “Coming Soon.”
The checklist also seems to be stating a new Richard Rider Nova #1 will be launched as part of Marvel NOW!, though the creative team looks to be unknown (too bad Dan Abnett just went DC exclusive).
Could we be seeing the return of some quality Marvel Cosmic?
Well, Marvel also announced a new Thanos ongoing from Jeff Lemire with art by Mike Deodato.
So if the Richard Rider Nova comic holds true, that sounds like at least two new Marvel Cosmic comics too look forward to.
People have already asked my thoughts about it on Twitter and in the forums.
Honestly, I’m taking a wait and see approach. Marvel, under Buckley, Alonso, Quesada, Brevoort, Bendis and Loeb, have really taken a dump on Cosmic. They cancelled the DnA Marvel Cosmic titles when the Guardians of the Galaxy movie got greenlit, and they turned the stuff into a big joke. The good news is that it didn’t sell well. I think the latest issue of NINO is around 15k or so. Bendis’ Garbage of the Galaxy, without all its million variant covers and such, is even under 35K. Abnett and Lanning’s Marvel Cosmic always had steady sales, and the editor even said sales were “rock solid.”
Marvel Comics, at least for me, still has a lot to do prove itself.
I’m hopeful, but also skeptic.
Long live Richard Rider.
Check out the images below.
Movie News
James Gunn Says Not Right This Moment About Nova (Video)
As loyal readers of Cosmic Book News know, the site was founded as a result of Annihilation, the 2007 Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning Nova and 2008 Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel Cosmic comic books.
We’ve actually been bigger fans of Nova (and Quasar) than Guardians of the Galaxy as at the time the site was founded, a lot of the Richard Rider Nova fans jumped on board to pitch in. We’ve eventually evolved to where we cover a lot of other topics, but at our core we remain faithful to DnA cosmic.
So of course with Marvel Studios going with two Guardians of the Galaxy movies, we remain hopeful that eventually we’ll see Richard Rider on the big screen as well. Nova fans have already launched a petition to get Richard Rider in the MCU, and a Nova movie is also rumored for Marvel’s Phase 4 plans.
On top of that I regularly bug James Gunn about including Richard Rider Nova in the movies.
Gunn previously said the chance of a Nova movie is always possible, but for Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Gunn calls out yours truly on Facebook and says not right now.
“I know you want Nova, Matt McGloin,” James Gunn said. “You go on here every time and say that you want Nova. You know, there are a lot of other characters out there… and I know you do. It’s become quite apparent that you are very excited about Nova and that’s what you want, but that’s not happening right at this moment.”
Maybe one day, James?
Watch the video below for more.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” has a May 5, 2017 release starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn. New cast members include Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan and Kurt Russell.
Comic Book News Marvel
Richard Rider Nova Selling Over 200 Percent Better Than NINO
Marvel Comics seems to be less in the money-making business than it is in the PC BS business these days.
Updating my previous article from a couple of weeks ago, the numbers for the relauch of NINO (Nova In Name Only) are in, and they’re even further down the gutter than last time.
Following February’s disastrous drop of over 5000, March sees another drop of 1300 to 16,886 units for NINO #5.
Looking back at the more popular and fan-favorite Abnett and Lanning Nova from 2007, Richard Rider sold a whopping 39,540 copies (234% better) with its own fifth issue — and that’s when Marvel could give a hoot about Marvel Cosmic.
Just imagine if Richard Rider had a smidgen of the promotion that Marvel Comics gave NINO, it’s possible Richard Rider Nova could be a consistent top seller.
However, guys like Joe Quesada, Axel Alonso, Dan Buckley, Tom Brevoort, Jeph Loeb, Brian Bendis and Stephen Wacker made sure that didn’t happen. It’s obviously a good thing they’re not involved with the movies.
We still don’t know why Richard Rider got the axe, or Abnett and Lanning for that matter.
You an offer your thoughts on the subject in our Marvel Cosmic forums.
Marvel Movie News
Petition Launches For Richard Rider Nova For Avengers: Infinity War
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:24304:]]
It is critical that you pay attention at this time!
Richard Rider Nova fans have launched a petition requesting the inclusion of fan-favorite Marvel Comics character Richard Rider Nova in The Avengers: Infinity War movies.
You can sign the petition here.
The Richard Rider Nova character has a long and storied history in the comic book world beginning in 1976 with the publication of “The Man Called Nova.” Richard Rider Nova was an important part of the original “Infinity War” comic book event and was prominently featured in the story and on the cover art. We are writing to ask that you include Richard Rider Nova in the Infinity War movie as part of the large cast of characters who will be participating in the war to stop Thanos.
Nova was a sister title to Abnett and Lanning’s Guardians of the Galaxy title that inspired the billion dollar Guardians of the Galaxy James Gunn Marvel Studios and Disney franchise. Though Nova didn’t happen to appear in the movie, his Guardians of the Galaxy movie action figure was the best-selling figure of the line, and Nova was even voted into the Marvel Heroes video game by the fans. Yep! You can’t keep a good man down!
For fans of the character, a likely added benefit of Richard Rider Nova appearing in the movie will be his return to the comic book world. After all, the mere appearance of a character in a movie or TV show has worked for everyone from Howard the Duck to Hellcat. The upcoming Captain America: Civil War movie has even brought Steve Rogers back to the Captain America role, and more than likely Thor’s return will be imminent as soon as Ragnarok gets closer to its release. So, if you want Rider back, this is likely the best shot for it to happen in the near future. Take a minute to add your name to the petition. When the goal is reached, it will be sent to Kevin Feige and the Russo brothers.
Nova was even in early scripts of the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, so there is that to build upon. Check out some cool concept art:
Richard Rider Nova art:
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:24298:]]
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:24299:]]
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:24305:]]
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:24301:]]
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:24303:]]
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:24306:]]
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:24307:]]
![[page_title]](https://cosmicbook.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cosmic-book-news-default-featured-image-1024x538.webp)
Comic Book News Marvel
Guardians of Infinity Tops 100k; Richard Rider Nova Still Sells Better Than NINO
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:23771:]]
As much BS as Tom “Rumpelstiltskin” Brevoort likes to spin on his Tumblr, there is no denying that Richard Rider Nova is a better seller than his replacement, NINO (“Nova In Name Only”).
The most recent issue of NINO, December’s #2, is already under 30K and is again fast approaching cancellation numbers with only 27k in sales (2007 Richard Rider Nova #2 had around 45k).
Further good news comes in the form of the December sales for Abnett’s first issue of Guardians of Infinity which topped 100,000 copies; albeit in part due to being featured in the December Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel Collector’s Corps geek box. Hey, but we’re not complaining.
Following Marvel Studios green lighting the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, Marvel Comics under Dan Buckley, Joe Quesada, Axel Alonso, Jeph Loeb, Brian Michael Bendis and Tom Brevoort removed Abnett and Lanning and did away with their popular and best-selling Marvel Cosmic line of comics, which included the 2008 Guardians of the Galaxy team that inspired the new billion dollar Disney franchise.
Richard Rider Nova was also a part of the line and was replaced with a childish wannabe Spider-Man. Sales for the first launch of NINO quickly collapsed and Loeb was announced off the book with the the publication of the second issue. Since then, NINO has consistently sold less than Richard Rider Nova.
The Richard Rider Nova Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel Infinite Action figure was even the best-selling figure of the line – outselling Rocket, Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax and Iron Man – and he wasn’t even featured in the movie.
Fans also voted Richard Rider Nova into the Marvel Heroes 2015 video game, ahead of NINO.
It doesn’t stop there as obviously Disney recognizes the potential of Richard Rider Nova as they continue to put out merchandise in his name, with the latest being the Thanos Imperative Dice Masters Game. We’ll also throw in Hasbro is putting out a Quasar figure based on DnA’s Realm Of Kings and Annihilators.
While Marvel Comics – for some odd reason – is keeping Richard Rider Nova in the dark, it’s hoped with the Marvel Studios Avengers: Infinity War movies that Richard Rider Nova might make a cameo. The directors on the two-parter, Anthony and Joe Russo, recently let it be known they are keeping track of 67 Marvel characters. Hopefully, Rich is among them.
If you happen to be a Richard Rider Nova supporter, you can write to Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige at the following address. Ask for Richard Rider Nova in the MCU!
Kevin Feige
Marvel Studios, LLC
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521
(comic sales numbers via Comichron)
Movie News
James Gunn Says No To Nova For Guardians of the Galaxy 2
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:22106:]]
Well, boo on you, James Gunn. Again.
For the second movie in a row, James Gunn will not be including the fan-favorite Human Rocket, Richard Rider Nova.
Nova was a part of the original Guardians of the Galaxy script written by Nicole Perlman; however, when Gunn came on board and changed things, out went Rider.
Gunn’s reasoning is that he wants to only use Star-Lord as the only Guardians of the Galaxy member from Earth. Of course, our arguement is that Star-Lord isn’t really all that relatable as an Earthling as he’s half alien and was taken from Earth at a young age.
A fan asked Gunn on Twitter if there was a shot at seeing Nova as a new member, but Gunn replied: “They will get a new team member such as someone who is not Nova.”
On the bright side, at least we get to look forward to more dancing in the sequel…
“Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2” has a May 5, 2017 release.
They will get a new team member such as someone who is not Nova.
Comic Book News
Richard Rider Nova Gets New Hero Clix Figure
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:20062:]]
While Marvel Comics continues to bury Richard Rider, we see the merchandising side of things continues to see the benefit of Nova as a new Hero Clix action figure will be coming out.
Check out the image below of Nova from the upcoming Hero Clix Avengers Assemble set.
The real Nova is also a part of the recently announced Marvel Super Hero Mashers action figure set, and fans voted Richard Rider into the Marvel Heroes game ahead of his lower-selling parody. Nova also sold better than any of the Guardians of the Galaxy Infinite movie figures, and he wasn’t even in the film.
Via HeroClix.com (thanks to MysterioHelmet in the CBN forums):
Nova once again brings one of our more popular traits back to the forefront, Share Through the Worldmind. This trait allows for characters friendly to Nova with the Nova Corps keyword the use of Empower; however, this use of Empower can only affect other friendly characters with the Nova Corps keyword. With so many characters now possessing that keyword stretching back to the Marvel HeroClix Galactic Guardians set, you’ll be able to construct an incredibly synchronous Nova Corps squad to take advantage of the traits shared by members of the Corps! And don’t forget the Nova Helmet relic, which grants those holding the relic the Flight ability, Charge, and the Nova Corps keyword!
Comic Book News
More Good News: Marvel Not Keeping NINO Around As Long As Richard Rider
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:19746:]]
We get further good news from Marvel Comics in regards to NINO and Richard Rider Nova.
We all know Axel Alonso, Jeph Loeb and the execs at Marvel made the decision to kill off Richard Rider Nova and fire the creative team that inspired a near billion dollar movie (Marvel Comics must be such a nice place to work at).
Marvel replaced Richard Rider Nova with NINO – “Nova In Name Only.”
As the Annihilation Richard Rider Nova series was a success (sales were not the reason for cancellation), it was no surprise that true Nova fans didn’t except NINO.
Jeph Loeb was quickly announced off of NINO with the publication of issue #2, which was due to low sales and not being able to justify Loeb’s paygrade.
And since issue 3 or so, NINO has been selling less than Richard Rider Nova.
As a matter of fact, NINO took a major dive when Gerry Duggan came on board – and get this – Duggan’s Hulk is also selling less than the Richard Rider Nova. Hulk who is an Avenger and is in billion dollar Avengers movies sells less than a character that didn’t appear in Guardians of the Galaxy – yet had the best selling action figure of the line! (we can only surmise Duggan’s paygrade)
Honestly, I can’t help but laugh-out-loud at Marvel Comics’ decisions these days. It’s ironic that under Joe Quesada, Marvel Cosmic prospered, while under former Deadpool editor (it shows) Axel Alonso, Marvel has become a parody of itself.
Regarding the good news, Marvel Comics recently announced that NINO is getting cancelled – but they also announced another new Nova – a young female NINO-ette (lol).
Now the latest is from a preview for NINO #28 where Duggan, who has been harassing Richard Rider fans on message boards, attempts to take a swipe at Richard Rider. Obviously Duggan – who can’t even keep Hulk sales up above a cancelled character – doesn’t write the issue particularly well as he leaves it open for NINO to take the brunt of the backlash, and it backfires.
NINO says he doesn’t want to end up like Richard Rider.
That’s good news to me, because that means NINO isn’t going to be around for 40 years or have successful comic line or action figure line.
Adios, NINO.
And take Duggan with ya.
Bring Back Richard Rider as Nova and don’t support the replacements.
Comic Book News Marvel
Faith No More Bassist Bill Gould Fan Of Richard Rider Nova
It’s learned that Faith No More bassist Bill Gould is a big fan of Nova.
The band has a new single coming out with “Superhero,” with Gould talking to Marvel.com about the song and Marvel characters.
“‘Superhero’ actually just started from the sound of the song, where it has these pounding drums and it has like this throbbing kind of pulse, and we just called it the ‘Superhero’ song. Because, a lot of the ways we write we visualize things,” Gould offered.
Gould continues with mention he was a fan of comics growing up.
“To put things into perspective, I ceased being a comic collector in 1976 but up till then, I was really into it for about three years. Like obsessively into it,” Gould said. “I had Silver Surfer #1, Conan #1 and #2, I had some really cool stuff.
“Nova was a big one,” Gould added. “That was my big hope for the future. I was hoping it would go another thousand [issues] into the series. Yeah, I was really into it. [When] I turned 15 years old, [I found out that] my next door neighbor really admired my comic collection. There was this scooter [he owned that] I really wanted to get, because I didn’t need a license to drive it, and I traded my entire collection for this scooter and I really regret it now.”
Gould also says he has renewed interest in Nova.
“I’m actually really interested now,” Gould said. “It’s funny because I hadn’t really thought of the Nova character until I heard I had this interview, and I was thinking back in my mind like, ‘what was I into?’ and I started remembering. Actually Nova now kind of has a cult following doesn’t it?”
Faith No More’s “Super Hero Will be available as a limited edition 7-inch single on March 17th, with the album “Sol Invictus” released on May 19th.
Regarding Mr. Gould’s statements, Nova does indeed have a cult following as the fans of the character support Richard Rider even though Marvel Comics replaced the character with a lower selling and less popular version. Richard Rider Nova happened to be the best selling action figure of the Guardians of the Galaxy film (even though he wasn’t in the movie) and was also voted in ahead of his replacement for a video game. In addition, a new Richard Rider Nova action figure was recently announced at Toy Fair.
Cosmic Book News would like to recommend that Mr. Gould pick up the Annihilation Marvel Comics event that spearheaded Richard Rider Nova into the spotlight as well as the 2007 Nova comic book, which was written by the writers that inspired the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning.
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:19439:]]Faith No More
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:19436:]]
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:19437:]]
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:19438:]]
Comic Book News Marvel
Looks Like We Have A New Richard Rider Nova Toy
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:19236:]]
Coming out of the Toy Fair, it looks as if we have a new Richard Rider Nova toy.
Hasbro revealed their Marvel Super Hero Mashers and Titans figures where we see a Nova, which looks a lot like Nova Prime Richard Rider.
Though Marvel Comics cancelled the Richard Rider Nova comic book because of the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, the Richard Rider Nova action figure that was a part of the Marvel Infinite movie line actually sold the best (even better than Rocket Raccoon and Iron Man). Likewise, fans chose Richard Rider to be the Nova of choice for the Marvel Heroes 2015 video game.
Now in what looks to be a no-brainer, new Richard Rider Nova action figures look to be coming out.
Marvel Comics replaced Richard Rider with a Spider-Man-ish character that fans call NINO aka Nova In Name Only. Sales on NINO quickly fell below the Richard Rider run, and Jeph Loeb, who was responsible for replacing the true Nova, was off the book by issue five.
MARVEL SUPER HERO MASHERS 6” Figure Assortment
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Spring 2015)
Mash up your hero, and then crack up your friends! Hasbro’s MARVEL SUPER HERO MASHERS feature your favorite MARVEL Super Heroes and Villains with completely interchangeable parts and accessories, so kids can create their ultimate hero. With MARVEL SUPER HERO MASHERS, the possibilities are colossal for you to make YOUR mash-up! 18 figures will be available in this assortment in 2015, featuring favorite Marvel characters like Star-Lord, Rocket, and Agent Venom. Each figure is sold separately
(via Toy Ark)
[[wysiwyg_imageupload:19235:]]
Comic Book News
Review: Guardians of the Galaxy #18 (Bendis)
Bendis has earned praise writing street-level crime fantasy books – such as Daredevil. He’s unquestionably talented at producing such fare. Sadly, he has no “street cred” as a science-fiction writer. And it shows. It’s what people mean when they say they don’t like the “voice” of this series – especially in comparison to Volume II (you know, the Non-Bendis-Written material upon which the summer’s biggest movie was based).
Volume II soared into the awe and wonder of the cosmos with the Guardians directly – often single-handedly – involved in competently handling universe changing events. With Volume III, Bendis has reduced the Guardians to a marginally competent, third-rate Avengers-lite team; only slightly less obsessively Earthcentric than the actual Avengers and definitely not ready for prime time. He stuffs as many Avengers as possible into the team and has Star-Lord taking marching orders from the Avengers or worrying about what the Avengers will think about his actions. I’m sure at some point he’ll have the Guardians take on Kingpin in Hell’s Kitchen – and probably lose the fight. His conception of the Guardians has them taking on small problems mostly concerning Earth – and barely being able to handle these small problems. Of course, lots don’t like this “voice.” Face it, if not for the movie hype, this book would’ve been cancelled six ssues ago due to lack of interest/sales as nothing much of consequence has happened up to now. Even Brevoort has admitted that sales of this book are primarily due to movie hype.
This issue has been eagerly anticipated by several different factions. Rich Rider fans have hoped it will bring his return to full duty status in the Marvel Universe as the powerful, bad-ass hero he was in Volume IV of the Nova series. NINO fans hope it will be Rich’s death story so as to cement NINO in place once and for all. Neither faction will be satisfied by this issue. It’s just a long lead-in to a larger story arc that only begins to answer the question posed by Gamora at the beginning of the issue: “Where is Nova? What happened to Richard Ryder?” At least Gamora knows who the REAL Nova is. And apparently Bendis has spelling problems. Hey Bendis – it’s spelled R-i-d-e-r.
Unless Bendis uncharacteristically resists the obvious clichés being telegraphed in this issue, this story arc will likely be a gift to the NINO fans who want Rich gone once and for all. Star-Lord appears to be under the influence of a Cosmic Cube trying to protect itself – and (the actual) Nova appears to be getting ready to take the Cube away from him before Thanos can gain possession of it. You can guess what happens next. Particularly with the Revengers set to guest-star next issue.
I will say that this issue is the best issue of the worst GotG series to date. It has more competently performed action than all previous issues combined. And Rich’s brief action sequences and panel time are better than all 20 issues of NINO combined. I also enjoyed seeing Star-Lord back in uniform and actually acting like his Volume II self rather than the 20-something-year-old doofus that he has been morphed into by Bendis. I enjoyed seeing Drax in his intelligent, muscular, tattoo-less, purple-skull-cap-wearing incarnation obsessed with killing Thanos. Thanos himself came across as less menacing/powerful than he should have been. Thanos’ portrayal is the big disappointment in this issue. Thanos plans for all possible contingencies. He should’ve already found several ways to exit the Cancerverse independent of the Cube and harassment from Star-Lord, (the real) Nova, and Drax. He’s pretty much an ineffectual talker at this point.
The art and coloring are outstanding. As always, McGuinness and Ponsor do not disappoint. As is typical, the art is the best feature of Volume III.
So, it’s a mixed bag with Bendis apparently setting up to flip the bird to the Rider fans once again. Hold on – because it’s going to be a rocky ride for the next couple of months as both fan factions invested in the outcome of this storyline engage in some bruising fights in comic book forums.