The Longbox: Batman / Superman #1, Daredevil #27, & Nova #5 (Reviews)

Nova #5

Written by Jeph Loeb
Art by Ed McGuinness & Dexter Vines

When Marvel announced they were restarting the “galactic comics”, I was a little skeptical.  All of the things Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning had done prior were awesome (Guardians of the Galaxy, Nova, and many universe spanning crossovers).  I know that the idea behind the “reboot” was the announcement of a Guardians of the Galaxy feature film.  Marvel wanted to give readers a fresh take on some of Marvel’s lesser known properties.  Nova was part of that relaunch.  Original Nova Corps (similar to the Green Lantern Corps) member Richard Rider has been replaced by Jesse Alexander.  Jesse is a young kid who’s father was part of the covert ops division of the Nova Corps.  Jesse’s father always told him drunken ramblings about his adventures.  Little did Jesse know, his father was telling the truth and know Jesse has been drafted in the Corps.

This issue wraps up the initial arc that gave us the origin of our young hero and introduces him to the rest of the galactic universe.  In the 5 issues, we get a really nice story about a boy trying to understand his father and dealing with his apparent death.  Jesse accepts that he is a part of the Nova Corps and is waiting to see where that leads him.  There is also a really nice cliffhanger of whats to come.

Jeph Loeb is a guy that really made a name for himself over at DC.  He had smash hits like Batman: Hush and Superman/Batman, but he hadn’t really found his traction over at Marvel.  Until now.  These first five issues brought that old Jeph Loeb back.  Loeb brings his ability to tell a very touching and human story while mixing in action sequences that some Hollywood directors would be jealous of.  It’s great to see that Loeb has found his voice again. Another thing, I found interesting is that Loeb introduces the “Chitari” (the aliens that threaten Earth in The Avengers feature film).  Just another example how Marvel is trying to combine their films and their comics.

Loeb’s partner in crime is long time collaborator, Ed McGuinness.  McGuinness worked with Loeb on the mega hit Superman/Batman and it loos like he hasn’t missed a beat.  You can always tell hen McGuinness has the time to make his art perfect.  When he’s rushed, it really shows.  In these five issues however, Ed is on top of his game.  I haven’t seen his art look this good since his run on Superman/Batman. Great layouts and pacing.  He does some amazing two page spreads of space battles.  I know he can’t keep the pace of a monthly titled without some delays, as there will be a new artist with issue six.  I hope to see McGuinness return to the book at some point. He brings that little bit of magic a title like this will need.