I’ve been stating for months now that the 30th issue of Nova might be my last. Considering this new arc is only for two issues; it’s a perfect oppertunity to read this and have somewhat of an end point. Nova has been an entertaining series for over twenty issues; but once War of Kings hit this series has certainly lost a lot of it’s luster. Can the new arc win me over and maybe keep me going for more then one more issue?

The best thing I could say about this issue is that it certainly kept me interested. Now that we have no tie-in issues or stories to tell; Nova and his team can go out on adventures of their own. Abnett and Lanning can certainly write good conversations with characters and this issue finally shows some good dialogue between them. Worldmind might have a different avatar but (s)he is certainly great to read. This kinda new Nova member they found is pretty interesting and he is a great character design. Also, I think the idea of Ego the Living Planet duking it out with Worldmind might be a lot of fun. However, the thing that ruins this slightly for me is the exposition in this. I’m noticing it more and more with this series but man there is too much exposition in this. The stuff with Zan (newish Nova) is all exposition, the interaction with Starstalker is also exposition. It is well written and certainly informs me on who they are and what they are doing. But it feels like I’m reading a 70’s comic for god sakes. Starstalker narrating to himself on how he’s beating Nova is the best example to prove that.

What I love about this issue is the art. I want Alves back on this in the worst way but Marvel has certainly put on great artists to replace him. Kevin Sharpe draws some really cool space scenes in this. The opening page is probably the best thing in the issue. A planet sucking in a spacecraft while the asteroids are slowly being pushed aside? That looks great! Character models also look pretty good and these ‘Mindless Ones’ look really cool. Oh and the design for StarStalker is something I like, especially with these purple threads going across his body.

As a whole, this was definitely a step up from the past couple of issues. It was a bit too much information for my liking but the interactions between characters are top notch. Plus the art is definitely worth the price tag on this. I still think next issue will still be the test to see if I want to stick with this series. But for a two issue arc, this is certainly the step in the right direction.