Marvel Comics; $2.99

What makes Nova into one of those comics that we seem to review every single issue? (Well, it’s not every issue, even if seems like it, but…) It’s the consistency of the writing, plain and simple. Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, the duo behind the words, have been at the top of their game since the first issue, and even a bit before that. While the “Civil War” storyline raged through much of the Marvel universe, the “Annihilation” storyline was sort of out there fending for itself. Where many readers end up complaining about the multi-title event crossovers, a huge chunk of the fans who followed “Annihilation” found themselves happy they did. The current Nova series spun out of that event and hasn’t seemed to look back yet.

Aside from reasserting the character of Richard Ryder in a way not seen in quite some time, Abnett and Lanning have offered up an interpretation of Nova that is simultaneously broader and deeper than previously articulated and at the same time very much grounded in the essential story elements established in the original Nova series back in the 1970s.

Further and more importantly, even though this series was born out of one big crossover event (“Annihilation”) and is currently tied to another (“War of Kings”), anyone who just wants to read Nova and not all the other ancillary titles will find themselves with a thoroughly enjoyable and complete read. There might indeed be more reward for those reading all the tie-ins, but there’s no punishment for reading this series alone. That’s exactly as it should be. Kudos to the writers and editor Bill Rosemann.

Abnett and Lanning have been joined by a variety of artists (most of them good or very good) including this issue’s Kevin Sharpe, which makes the consistency of their achievements on Nova that much more impressive.

As usual, the minute we finish one issue we’re ready for the next one. This issue, in fact, ties the original series run at 25 issues, though the current one has already had an annual and a stand-alone origin special, so even without Nova #26 it’s the longest-running Nova-titled series since the character first appeared in 1976.