The Man Called Nova (or just Nova if ya nasty) is not a stranger to having his own Marvel Legends figure. Richard Rider has seen a few at this point, but like so many recent ML releases, this new figure is the one we have been waiting for.
A stalwart of the Marvel comics universe, I am bit surprised that, with the exception of the first Guardians of the Galaxy flick, we have not seen a ton in terms of the Nova Corps representation in the MCU. I am sure more of those stories will come around eventually, but in the meantime, I am very happy to get some comic figures out there in the Legends line.
The Marvel space cops also fit the loose intergalactic theme that Walgreens is supporting with their exclusives this year. I have said it before, but man, I do love the Legends figures we typically get via Walgreens (in the U.S.), and Rider joins a long list that includes everyone from Emma Frost to the entire friggin’ classic Fantastic Four team, so the discount drug store is playing with a lot of house money at this point. This figures isn’t hitting stores quite yet, but be on the lookout for him soon.
So, Nova (and yes, there is an entire Corps now, but RR will always be Nova to me) is a pretty straightforward figure in terms of construction, but Dwight and the design team did a great job realizing him accurately. The build is appropriate, (though much of it is the old Bucky Cap base, small feet and all) and while most of the costume details can be/are accomplished with paint, the sculpted pieces like the shoulder “fins” have not been left out. The figure includes open hands as well as fists, so the option is appreciated even though MY Nova rockets through space leading with his fists.
The new portrait is nice and and the Nova symbol in fully-rendered 3D is most certainly the highlight. Obviously this is mostly a helmet but the dour expression and the accurate light blue eyes are appreciated. The other helmet included accommodated with a clear stand, but it is not built to be able to swap the heads out. It’s a neat little piece though, and since we are slowly but surely building up a bit of the Corps, it is a neat little artifact to have. As it stands though, I am just happy to have a nice Nova figure, and with the (likely) coming of Galactus in ML, I have a strong desire to build up the cosmic display now.
Be on the lookout for this Nova figure at Walgreens in the U.S. soon. He is already starting to hit the international retail circuit, so it might be one of those cases where the domestic release is lagging a bit behind the the rest. Again, I am glad to have a classic and clean version of Nova on my shelf, and Quasar will be joining him soon as the next Walgreens exclusive due up after this one.
