The rumors about a Marvel Studios project based on the Marvel Comics character Nova have been swirling for a good time now and more has been added to the rumor mill.
According to the internet…Nova will be a Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation on Disney+ akin to the Werewolf By Night Halloween Special from earlier this month. This puts the project into the television special category and not a tv series or feature film. This doesn’t confirm any rumors from before as some had said it would be a movie and others a tv show. However, Marvel might have been waiting to see how the Special Presentation went over with fans before making the final decision on this project.
Some, including Capes and Tights, compare the Special Presentations to a One-Shot comic book. The special can be based in the canon of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but is a one-time special that introduces the character in what likely will be a project around 60 minutes or less.
The character was first introduced to the comics in Nova #1 (June 1976) as Richard Rider, created by writer Marv Wolfman (The Amazing Spider-Man) and artist John Buscema (Fantastic Four). As a teenager, he was chosen at random by the alien Rhomann Dey, last surviving Centurion of the planet Xandar’s elite Nova Corps, to inherit his power and succeed him in the rank of Nova Prime following the destruction of his world by the intergalactic pirate Zorr.
Later in the Marvel Comics Universe Samuel Alexander has take up the mantel of Nova. Alexander historically first appeared in Marvel Point One #1 (November 2011) and chronologically in Nova #1 (February 2013). While searching for his missing father, Jesse Alexander, Sam fell off his skateboard and hit his head. When he woke he discovered Gamora and Rocket Raccoon standing over his hospital bed. They too were searching for Jesse and his Black Nova helmet. After discovering Jesse’s helmet, Gamora and Rocket Raccoon began to teach Sam how to use the helmet.
The 2013 run is definitely worth the read for any fans for the character. Writer Jeph Loeb (Batman: The Long Halloween) and artist Ed McGuinness (Superman) really nail the series and for understanding a bit of what we might expect in any small or big screen project it’s worth the glance. Loeb and McGuinness have been credited with creating Sam Alexander.
Wether the Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation will feature Richard Rider or Sam Alexander or both has yet to be determined as no real details about the project have been officially announced from the house of mouse. Likely, the studio will put both the characters in the project and give Sam Alexander the future of the character, but pay homage and credit to the original Nova.
Sam Alexander has more of a draw for the newer comic book reader and can draw in those MCU fans who don’t know much about the comic book universe. Alexander has a younger audience and will be much more suited for the future of the MCU.
We will find out more information about this project once Marvel and Disney announce more of the projects for phase six and beyond.
Nova is a Family Name
Nova holds a special place in the heart of this writer as he shares a name with my son. Although, my son was not named after the comic book character he does have a lot of Nova related stuff in his bedroom due to his Dad’s love for Marvel Comics. Our family is excited for any news surrounding this project and the release of what I am guessing will be called The Man Called Nova after the full original name of the comic series.
