Nova: Return of the Rings #1 – One Ring, Two Stories!

Nova: Return of the Rings #1

“Return of the Rings” Creative Team

Writer – Josh Trujillo

Artists – Rafael Louriero & Bruno Abdias

Colorist – Jão Canola

Letterer – Cory Petit

Cover – Umberto Ramos & Edgar Delgado

The Story:

Nova is in a prison cell, he can’t remember how he got there, what this helmet is, or who he is. He has to work through the horror of this prison to figure out who he is and how to get out.

The Writing:

Josh Trujillo puts together a very satisfying story for Sam Alexander. Not only is this story one that shows off Sam’s strength as a hero, it also puts forth a compelling argument that a hero’s support system is one of the most important parts of their story. While delivering solid action and intrigue, Trujillo expertly injects the story with Sam’s background without having it take away from the problem at hand. All of that, while setting up a future storyline that will take place in another series all together.

The Art:

Rafael Lauriero, Bruno Abdias, and Jão Canola all worked very well together in bringing this story to life. The design of the prison and aliens were all excellent and, of course, when Nova starts to do his thing it’s a feast for the eyes. The splash page of Sam’s memories was a standout where color and line work really popped. Overall, this was an excellent outing for this group of artists!

“Shining Light” Creative Team

Writer – Juan Ponce

Artist – Andy Pereira

Colorist – Jão Canola

Letterer – Cory Petit

The Story:

Set during Sam’s time with the Avengers, Sam is called away from his sister’s performance to deal with a world ending threat!

The Writing:

Juan Ponce takes the reader back in time to Sam’s days as an Avenger. What this story does so well is it sets Sam at the center of what has always been so important to him, his family. Ponce, not only gives Nova a world ending threat, but also the threat of letting down his little sister who looks up to him. The action in this story is wonderful but the family aspect is what puts it over the top as the better story in this issue. I really enjoy seeing Nova using all of his strength and wits to figure out an impossible situation and this story gave me that in spades.

The Art:

The art team of Andy Pereira and Jão Canola in this story did a wonderful job at portraying the power of Nova. The flight into space, as well as the way that Nova deals with the threat are put to page beautifully. The portion of this story surrounding Sam’s family is also a beautiful representation of culture and love where the colors pop and the panel layout is perfect.

Overall Grade: 9/10

The only thing that could have made this a better issue is if it were the beginning of a long run for Nova. Both stories understand what makes Sam Alexander such a likable hero and why he is an important member of the Marvel Universe. The incredible cover by Umberto Ramos alone made this issue worth picking up, but the stories inside made it worth the read!

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Have you read this issue? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!