By  Timelord 3/29/09

Nova #23

Written By: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning

Artist: Andrea Divito

Colorist: Bruno Hang

Cover Artist: Daniel Acuna

 

 

 

 

Warning: Contains Spoilers

 

Issue #23 sports a new sub-title, Protector of the Universe. I suppose the new sub-title is fitting as Acuna’s magnificent cover art depicts Rich Rider decked out in full Quasar regalia complete with Quantum Bands. So, even before opening this issue, you know you’re in for a helluva story as Rich Rider is transformed from de-powered former Nova Prime to the new Quasar, Protector of the Universe. Admittedly, I have been a vocal critic of this recent Earthbound arc in the Nova series; but I must say that the Earthbound arc ends on a high note with Issue #23 and redeems itself even in my eyes.

Issue #23 begins in Robert Rider’s quarters at Project Pegasus where Rich Rider has been staying since losing his powers and learning he has only a few days to live. In a nod to the fans, Rich examines various Nova memorabilia Robert has collected and, notably, goes online to fan website, www.novaprimepage.com, bringing said website into 616 Universe continuity. He is visited by Wendell Vaughn who offers to take measures to help save Rich’s life; and then Wendell mysteriously vanishes. In the meantime, the Worldmind has promoted Tarcel to Nova Prime rank and stargated Nu-Xandar into Kree space to confront the Shi’Ar forces attacking Kree worlds. Robert Rider is upset at being given a desk job rather than being on the front line in the Worldmind’s intended police action against the Shi’Ar. Back on Earth, Norman Osborne has sent HAMMER to shut down Project Pegasus and Rich narrowly avoids being arrested by pretending to be Dr. Necker’s boyfriend. Dr. Necker turns out to be a double-agent and takes Rich to a secret AIM laboratory, offering to try to find a cure for the cellular degeneration that will kill Rich in a few days. Rich refuses her help, not being able to bring himself to do anything that might leave him indebted to AIM. As Rich leaves the AIM lab, Dr. Necker chases after him and offers him a gift – Quasar’s quantum flask. Rich and Necker share a kiss – then Rich breaks the flask; saying that if he’s going to die, he wants to make sure the flask doesn’t fall into AIM’s hands. The flask apparently shatters and Wendell Vaughn appears. Wendell has recovered the Quantum Bands (see my review of GoTG #12 to learn how) and offers them to Rich, saying they will heal Rich if Rich dons them. Rich dons the bands and becomes Quasar, Protector of the Universe.

Divito’s art and Hang’s colors are top notch as usual. I do have one nit-pick though – and that is with whoever is in charge of proofing the art. Did you notice that the Worldmind’s helmet star changes from regular 6-pointed Centurion rank in some shots to 8-pointed Worldmind rank in other shots? This is not the first time this sort of thing has happened with the art depicting the Nova Corps uniforms. Something similar happened in #20 with the uniform stars shifting from front to back in some shots. Please Marvel editorial staff – pay attention to these details because such careless mistakes detract from the story.

The story this month is low on action; but high on character and plot development. I didn’t mind that at all. In fact, this single issue with its story and plot developments redeemed the Earthbound arc in my eyes. I did enjoy the homage to Nova fandom with the appearance of Doug Smith’s novaprimepage in a couple of shots. I also enjoyed seeing Rich cope with his impending demise. He appeared to be ready to go quietly and fearlessly into that good night. In my line of work, I have seen old warriors that have witnessed wartime death and destruction similar to that Rich has experienced over the past few years make exactly that kind of choice – facing death calmly and quietly. I like to see that kind of maturity on Rich’s part – especially since he is aware of his own “arrogance” and “cockiness” per his conversation with Dr. Necker. I hope this is a life-changing experience for him as a character and we don’t see a reversion to adolescent rebellion mode as soon as the crisis is over. In other words, I want to see Rich develop more Steve Rogers personality traits and mature out of the teenage Peter Parker personality traits.

Speaking of personality traits, I recall that the www.ign.com reviewer called Rich “suicidally altruistic” in the Galactus arc. This trait rears its head again in this issue when Rich refuses double-agent Dr. Necker’s help even though it might mean the difference between life and death. Now that’s adherence to principles for you. Of course, it turned out fine once Wendell showed up and gave him the Quantum Bands; but what if that hadn’t been an option? Would Rich’s stubborn adherence to principles really have best served the local group of galaxies in this time of WOK’s related crisis? Isn’t he really the only one who can rectify the Worldmind’s apparently misguided attempt to re-constitute the Corps? Isn’t saving millions of lives more important than feeling an obligation to AIM – which let’s face it; he could simply refuse to honor? I know this question seems to contradict what I said about Rich developing more Steve Rogers personality traits; but I think this bears some reflection on everybody’s part. I’m not advocating a position on the question either way at this point – I guess it’s a debatable “situation ethics” question in the final analysis.

Speaking of situation ethics – how about that lip-lock with Dr. Necker and her asking him to call her by her first name? What was that all about? Sibling rivalry at the romantic level? Dr. Necker making an offer to a dying man for a final fling? If Wendell hadn’t shown up when he did, would Rich have taken her up on the implicit offer? I guess we’ll never know.

I am wondering about what Quasar fans think about this story. Wendell’s back from the dead and finally had the Quantum Bands in his possession for about five minutes; but now Rich has the bands and the title of Protector of the Universe. I suppose Quasar along with Nova fans hope (and are pretty sure) that this will be a temporary development despite the new Protector of the Universe sub-title of the series. I have enjoyed seeing Wendell in both Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy; and I hope he is back for a good long time. The universe needs him.

In short, pick up #23 for a stellar read on a number of different levels; and because it both closes out the Earthbound arc and sets up the next War of Kings related arc – which from all indications looks like it might become one of the best arcs in Nova history.

 

 

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