Nova (Frankie Raye)

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Nova is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared as Frankie Raye in Fantastic Four #164 (Nov. 1975); Nova in Fantastic Four #244 (July 1982).

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NOVA

Real Name: Frankie Raye

Identity/Class: Human mutate

Occupation: None; Formerly Herald of Galactus, adventurer, translator

Group Membership: None; Formerly Fantastic Four (Human Torch (Johnny Storm), Invisible Girl, Mister Fantastic, Thing)

Affiliations: Agamotto, Air-Walker, Alan, Alpha Flight (Box (Madison Jeffries), Guardian (James Hudson), Sasquatch, Shaman, Vindicator (Heather Hudson) Windshear), Avengers (Black Widow (Natasha Romanova), Captain America (Steve Rogers), Hercules, Iron Man (Tony Stark), Living Lightning, Quasar (Wendell Vaughn), Scarlet Witch, Sersi, She-Hulk, Thor, Thor (Eric Masterson), Vision, Wasp, Wonder Man), Black Panther (T'Challa), Clea, Cotati, Daredevil (Matthew Murdock), Doctor Druid, Doctor Stephen Strange, Juliette D'Angelo, Dame Ruth Efford, the Elan, Eternity, Excalibur (Captain Britain (Brian Braddock), Lockheed, Meggan, Nightcrawler, Phoenix (Rachel Summers)), Fantastic Four (Human Torch (Johnny Storm), Invisible Girl, Mister Fantastic, Thing), Firelord, Flyx (Dormammu), Friday, Galactus, Jacob Grimm, Petunia Grimm, Agatha Harkness, Hulk (Bruce Banner), Infinity Watch (Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Thanos, Adam Warlock), Intergalactic Council, Kehilla (Kamyr, Kasema, Kastyx, Kathar, others), Lockjaw, Lord Chaos, Mantis, Master Order, Nenora (Skrull), New Warriors (Darkhawk, Namorita, Nova (Richard Rider)), Power Pack (Counterweight (Julie Power), Destroyer (Jack Power), Energizer (Katie Power), Mass Master (Alex Power)), James Power, Punisher robot, Quicksilver, Franklin Richards, Rintrah, Roberta, SHIELD (Dum-Dum Dugan, Nick Fury), Silver Surfer (Norrin Radd), Spider-Man (Peter Parker), Starfox, Terrax, Watcher (Uatu), Wendy, X-Factor (Havok, Polaris, Strong Guy), X-Men (Archangel, Colossus (Piotr Rasputin), Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, Professor X, Psylocke, Rogue, Storm, Wolverine)

Enemies: Bartak, Consortium, Crusader (Bob Grayson), Cyttorak, Death, Diablo, Elders of the Universe (Astronomer, Champion, Collector, Contemplator (actually a Skrull imposter), Gardener, Grandmaster, Possessor, Runner, Trader), Emperor (Gaius Tiberius Augustus Agrippa), Clumsy Foulup, Gorr the Golden Gorilla, In-Betweener, Juggernaut (Cain Marko), Karza, Khoon, Magus, Mephisto, Morg, Quwrll, Reptyl, Ronan the Accuser, Skrulls,Star-Stalker, Thanos

Known Relatives: Thomas Raye (secretly Phineas T. Horton, step-father), Lanette Raye (mother, deceased), unidentified father (deceased), Victoria Anderson (step-niece)

Aliases: Human Torch

Base of Operations: Formerly New York, New York

First Appearance: (Frankie Raye) Fantastic Four I#164 (November, 1975); (Nova) Fantastic Four I#244 (July, 1982)

Powers/Abilities: When Frankie Raye was doused in chemicals that were used in the creation of the original Human Torch (Jim Hammond), the chemicals bonded with her molecular structure and gave her the ability to transform herself into fire, much like both Human Torches could. Frankie's fire allowed her to fly (though not too high into the atmosphere) and discharge fiery blasts, and it naturally allowed her to monitor temperatures carefully and sustained a longer life span than that of Johnny Storm's flames. Her step-father designed a special golden costume that fit her like a one-piece bathing suit that would absorb itself into her skin when she was wearing any other clothing, and appear when she was naked. This allowed her better control of the flame powers and was resistant to her fire. For a period of time, Frankie's memories of her powers were blocked by hypnotic suggestion.

Galactus enhanced her powers with the Power Cosmic, allowing Nova to survive indefinitely in space, and making her effectively immortal, though still subject to injury and death. She could control every molecule of flame, giving off fiery bursts and powerful enough to destroy stars. She could travel at light speed across space and control her own density. She could shift her vision to other spectrums, including radio energy. She was vulnerable to machines that reflected her power back at her, and to barriers of absolute zero and refraction matrixes. She could communicate telepathically with Galactus and his former heralds. Nova can track ion trails across the vastness of space. She has sufficient flight capabilities to avoid the gravitational pull of stars. Nova could generate sufficient gravitational pull to yank starships away from a black hole. Away from direct starlight, her radiance dimmed as she absorbed starlight for sustenance.

History:

(Fantastic Four I#238 (fb)) - Frankie Raye was raised by her step-father, Thomas Raye (secretly Phineas T. Horton, creator of the original Human Torch), after her mother died. She always felt like she was a burden on Thomas, who was a good man who sometimes drank too much. When she was 14, the Fantastic Four became public heroes and Thomas was furious, claiming that the Human Torch of the Fantastic Four had no right to use that name as the original was dead. He grabbed Frankie, who was frightened, and took her to an old warehouse where he had kept complex equipment and chemicals for the last several decades, determined to build a new Torch. Frankie was confused but agreed to help him. However, she tripped while carrying a barrel of chemicals, which washed over her and granted her powers, burning away her clothes. Thomas was horrified and covered her in a labcoat. He hypnotized her into forgetting the event and her powers and make her develop a phobia to fire. He then left her life, leaving her with no memory of before.

(Fantastic Four I#238 (fb)) - After the hypnosis, Frankie awakened in the warehouse with no memory of her former life, and naked under an old labcoat. Hungry, she wandered around and discovered an empty warehouse and a mailbox with her father's name on it (one of the few memories she had). Inside the mailbox she found $1000 left for her, enough to survive, and she continued getting similar cash and correspondence for the next six years. One week after the accident, Thomas sent Frankie a golden costume that would absorb itself into her skin whenever she had any clothing on, and which would protect her powers. He also sent a tape with a prerecorded hypnotic message in it that told her to don the costume and then destroy the tape, an act which, hypnotically, would also erase all memories of the tape and the costume.

(Silver Surfer III#11 (fb) - BTS) - At age 17, Frankie took a trip through Europe for three weeks and was fascinated by all the details of the various countries she'd visited. She grew to love experiencing new cultures.

(Silver Surfer III#51 (fb) - BTS) - On her European trip, Frankie visited the Lascaux cave in France, where primitive cave drawings adorned the walls.

(Fantastic Four I#238 (fb) - BTS) - The money stopped appearing the night before she attended a party at the Last Disco Club and met Johnny Storm, the heroic Human Torch, who she was very attracted to right away. However, when she realized he had flame powers, she found herself repulsed by the flame.

(Fantastic Four I#164) - Johnny took Frankie out to Washington Square Park, where she loved the ambience. They flirted until the bizarre Crusader attacked, declaring war on the city. Frankie rushed to find a cop only to be horrified to see Johnny as the Human Torch. She backed away, watching the deadly battle and worrying about Johnny, whose fire horrified her.

(Fantastic Four I#165) - Frankie was horrified when the Crusader (Bob Grayson) attacked New York City.

(Fantastic Four I#171) - Johnny took Frankie on a date to the zoo, and she struggled to explain why he scared her. Johnny promised to leave his heroic life behind and kissed her, but was tempted to intervene when a spaceship crashed and Gorr the Golden Gorilla attacked the city. He flamed on, but returned to her when she grew scared. They fled from the zoo together and returned to her apartment, but Johnny left to fight when he heard the Fantastic Four was in danger.

(Fantastic Four I#181) - Johnny found Frankie in Greenwich Village, arm in arm with a boy named Alan. She yelled at Johnny, reminding him she couldn't stand fire, then returned to Alan's arms.

(Fantastic Four I#191) - During a time when the Fantastic Four were breaking up, Johnny invited Frankie to attend a race out west with him. Later he showed up to pick her up, but when she answered the door (having just gotten out of the shower), there were only dropped flowers. Frankie wondered where he had gone.

(Fantastic Four I#204) - Frankie ran into Johnny on the campus of Empire State University just as Johnny was dissed by a girl. She talked to him, reminding him of what she disliked about their relationship, then walked away as Johnny got a distress call from the Fantastic Four.

(Fantastic Four I#232) - Frankie met Johnny in Central Park, and was stand-offish towards him, saying she was shocked he hadn't come burning his way to her. Johnny told her that he had real feelings for her, and Frankie sadly told him that there was more to her than he knew. Suddenly a wind-creature, created by Diablo, attacked them and tossed Frankie aside. She fled for help, fearing Johnny would be killed, and saw Mister Fantastic nearby, pointing him toward Johnny. The battle was later resolved.

(Fantastic Four I#234) - Johnny sat next to Frankie in her apartment, trying to make up with her and promising that things would be different. Just as she leaned in to kiss him, the roof blew off the building. Johnny flamed on and lowered Frankie to the ground, then rushed off to battle. These events were later erased from history, undoing all the damage that had been done.

(Fantastic Four I#235) - Frankie got out of the shower and realized Julie was gone and there were no clean towels in the bathroom. She went to her room for one and saw her reflection in the mirror, noticing her golden suit with shock.

(Fantastic Four I#237 (fb) - BTS) - Over the following days, Frankie wondered if she was going crazy. Weeks passed, and she didn't dare confide in anyone but Johnny, but all her attempts to reach him were in vain as he was out on a mission.

(Fantastic Four I#237) - When Johnny came over, Frankie, in her bathrobe, rushed into his arms. She confessed her fears of madness and disrobed in front of him, showing him her golden suit.

(Fantastic Four I#238) - Johnny was shocked and Frankie told him of the suit's mysteries and of her remaining memories. In frustration, she strained to remember the rest of her past and suddenly burst on fire, shockingly having access to all of her memories at once. She rushed out through her apartment roof, elated at her new ability to fly. Johnny flew after her, barely stopping her from smashing into a sign, and convinced her to take things slowly and learn how to adjust herself to flight. She told Johnny of her memories, and, elated again, rushed higher into the atmosphere. With no oxygen to sustain her flame, Frankie changed to human form and went crashing to Earth, leaving Johnny to rescue her. She finally agreed to let him teach her more, and he made her promise to use restraint. Johnny took her back to the Fantastic Four and Mister Fantastic tested the limits of her powers. She was thrilled to hear she could potentially join the Fantastic Four later. She and Johnny embraced.

(Fantastic Four I#239) - Frankie was amazed at the Thing's strength in his new rocky form. The Fantastic Four responded to a call for help from Thing's relatives Jacob and Petunia Grimm in Benson, Arizona, where several people had been mysteriously killed, seemingly by ghosts, causing much of the town to evacuate. While the others aided archaeologist Dame Ruth Efford in finding the source of the disappearances, Frankie gave young child Wendy a ride home and grew infuriated when Wendy's father struck her. Leaving him with a threat, she returned to the team. The next day, an ethereal tornado and mystic flames attacked the city. When Wendy's dad threatened her again, Frankie was furious until Mr. Fantastic scolded her for not reacting correctly. The FF departed, never having figured out the mystery.

(Fantastic Four I#240) - Frankie was thrilled when an intruder alarm went off, thinking she'd finally see some action. She and the Human Torch rushed forth and saw a super-fast opponent, and Frankie shot to kill, her target barely evading the blast. Johnny was angry that she'd tried to kill him, but Frankie rationalized that it was okay since he was one of the bad guys. When things finally settled, Quicksilver was introduced to Frankie and he told the Fantastic Four of his need for their help. They teleported away with Lockjaw, leaving Frankie behind. Though she was frustrated, she sat to call Julie.

(Fantastic Four I#241) - Nick Fury and Dum-Dum Dugan of SHIELD alerted the Fantastic Four to a potential threat in Wakanda. Frankie, excited at the prospect of meeting the Black Panther, traveled with them and the African king informed them of mysterious activity at the nearby Black Tower of M'Kumbe. There, they were attacked and allowed themselves to be captured by seeming Roman soldiers, shortly after they found the corpses of some investigating Russians. With the invisible Invisible Woman following them, they were taken into a mechanical structure that contained a city resembling Rome. Frankie was approached by the Roman Emperor, Gaius Tiberius Augustus Agrippa, and learned he desired her for a mate. She flamed on, bursting free from her bonds, before her powers were suddenly negated and she was knocked unconscious, tossed against a marble column. Frankie was hung upside-down over a fire, which would eventually kill her, and the Black Panther fought her robotic guards to free her. In time, her powers were restored and she helped Black Panther escape from the collapsing building. The Emperor was defeated and the entire Tower was destroyed.

(Marvel Super-Heroes: Contest of Champions I#1-3 - BTS) - Moondragon found herself pulled alongside dozens of Earth heroes to participate in a complicated wager between Death and the Grandmaster. Moondragon and Professor X used their mental powers to determine that they were in an arena in space. Several of them, including Sasquatch, were chosen to participate in battles with all life on Earth at stake in the outcome. In the end, Collector was returned to life, and the heroes returned to Earth.

(Fantastic Four I#242) - Johnny and Frankie went on a walk to Village Theater to visit Julie D'angelo, who was rehearsing a scene with Garth. When a strange effect landscaped the sky, they rushed to investigate and returned to headquarters just as Terrax the Untamed attacked. The Fantastic Four pursued Terrax, leaving Frankie and Susan behind.

(Fantastic Four I#243) - Frankie looked at the near destruction of their headquarters by Terrax and marveled that Galactus was actually real. Overcome with fear and panic, Frankie watched as the Invisible Woman passed out from the strain of protecting them from Terrax, then Frankie rushed off to see Galactus defeated by several heroes, including Spider-Man and Daredevil.

(Fantastic Four I#244 (fb)) - After the Avengers (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Wasp), Dr. Strange, and the Fantastic Four defeated Galactus in battle, they realized he was dying and worked to save him. Seeing few alternatives, Frankie entered and volunteered to become Galactus' herald if he would spare Earth, an act that would allow her to help him find new planets to consume (she had learned about Silver Surfer becoming Galactus' herald in a similar way through the Fantastic Four's files. Galactus confessed that he did not have the energy to grant her super-powers, and she revealed that she had power already and flamed on. He agreed and transformed her with the Power Cosmic, making her flame burn whiter, as the Fantastic Four looked helplessly on. She rushed away from Earth, thrilled to be able to go into space, without even saying goodbye to Johnny.

(Fantastic Four I#257 (fb) - BTS) - Over the following months, Nova learned about Galactus and her powers and duties. She began developing affection for Galactus, and hardly missed Earth.

(Marvel Comics Presents I#93/2 (fb)) - Nova found the planet of the Kehilla for Galactus to consume and only a few aliens escaped alive. Nova was distraught at seeing all those beings die, but wanted to prove her love for Galactus.

(Fantastic Four I#256/X-Men II#89) - Looking for a planet for Galactus to feed on, Nova went searching for the Skrull homeworld. A Skrull ship fired on her and she knew she was close. When Galactus summoned her out of hunger, she told him they were near the Skrull throneworld.

(Fantastic Four I#257/Uncanny X-Men#370/X-Men II#90) - Galactus summoned Nova, who sensed coldness about Galactus and wondered why he had seemingly lost his purpose. Wondering if what she felt for Galactus was love, she rushed forth as his herald and came across the Skrull armada, easily destroying them with her powers. Galactus consume the planet and then fell into a sleep while Nova watched over him.

(Fantastic Four I#262) - Nova, at Galactus' instruction, intervened in an Intergalactic Council meeting, where he testified, with Eternity, in the behalf of Mr. Fantastic, who was put on trial for saving Galactus.

(Silver Surfer III#1 (fb) - BTS) - Seeking revenge on Galactus, a group of rogue Skrulls captured Nova and kept her in a containment unit that reflected her own heat back on her, giving her perpetual agony.

(Silver Surfer III#1) - Silver Surfer rushed in and saved Nova, who slowly came to awareness back in space. She collapsed on his board, overcoming the pain she'd experienced for so long. Nova remained silent while Silver Surfer convinced Galactus to not go after the Skrulls in revenge.

(Silver Surfer III#9) - Nova searched for a new planet for Galactus to consume, finding one that didn't have the necessary energies. She was shocked when she saw a flare much like hers seemingly summoning Galactus across the cosmos. She rushed there, fearing Galactus would think it was her, and found him there. He'd been summoned by the Elders of the Universe (Astronomer, Champion, Collector, Contemplator, Gardener, Grandmaster, Possessor, Runner, Trader), who revealed their plan to use an elaborate machine powered by the Infinity Gems to destroy reality and Galactus so that they would emerge as new Galactus beings in the next reality. Nova was swiftly defeated until Silver Surfer distracted the Elders. He told her to destroy a nearby sun so that the planets crucial to the Elders' plans would be destroyed, and she quickly made the sun go nova. The gems and some of the Elders were sucked through a black hole, though Galactus stopped the rest of them.

(Silver Surfer III#10) - Overwhelmed with the whole experience, Nova watched as Galactus consumed the Elders into his very being. He declared that all but the Contemplator had been destroyed, and ordered Nova to find him and bring him back to Galactus. Galactus asked Silver Surfer to accompany Nova, who said she didn't want Surfer's help as he'd failed Galactus before, but Galactus sternly told her that he wasn't asking her opinion. Though Nova was angry, Surfer agreed to go with Nova, and Galactus promised to not consume Earth or Zenn-La in the future. After making sure Galactus would be all right, Nova rushed to find the Contemplator, shocked when the Surfer stalled. They looked back on Galactus and saw him conferring to Eternity. Nova was briefly overwhelmed with the true scope of what Galactus was. She bonded with Surfer over their place in the universe and what it meant to be human, and they left for their mission again.

(Silver Surfer III#11 (fb)) - Nova and Surfer questioned Nenora, temporary leader of the Kree, about the location of the Contemplator. Nova grew defensive over Galactus, but agreed to owe Nenora a favor (as long as it didn't conflict with Galactus' plans) in return for the information that the Contemplator was in the Coalsack Nebula.

(Silver Surfer III#11) - Nova and Surfer defended themselves against attacking space pirates, arguing the whole time about their different experiences in life until the pirates retreated into the Coalsack Nebula. Surfer stopped Nova from rushing after them, urging her to use caution. Though they still argued, Nova told Surfer about her fascination with experiencing space and all its newness. Nova rushed through the Nebula, getting ensnared in massive tar and having to burn her way free. At the Surfer's order, she shifted her visual spectrum to the high end of radio frequencies, and they tracked the pirates' ships while discussing the variance of life in the universe. They landed on a planetoid and disguised themselves in local clothing. Nova walked among the people, thinking over her opinions of the Surfer and Galactus, and was hit on by Clumsy Foulup, who invited her to a party and hit on her. She reunited with the Surfer, who was wearing new clothing, and was pleased that he'd loosened up a bit, though he closed off quickly when reminded of his believed dead love, Mantis. She pulled Surfer past Foulup and the two of them enjoyed dancing with each other. Foulup wanted to dance and punched Surfer, leading to a brawl, though Nova didn't want to use her powers yet. They were then trapped beneath an energy drainer by Cap'n Reptyl.

(Silver Surfer III#12) - Nova remained captured and drained, feeling ill, until Foulup surprisingly rescued her (he having been mentally influenced by the alien Cotati). She then attacked Reptyl's ship, which used the Surfer's powers to hold her off. When she nearly destroyed the ship, Reptyl jettisoned the Surfer out and fled.

(Silver Surfer III#13) - Nova and Surfer sound found the corpse of the Contemplator, whose head had been partially eaten by Reptyl, and they determined that the Elders must be able to succumb to death now. Nova prepared to depart and she called Surfer “Silverado” surprising him. Surfer said he planned to part ways with her, and she was saddened as she thought they'd developed some romantic feelings for each other. He did agree to let her buy a drink for him, and they left the Coalsack and landed on a Kree world, one that the Surfer had once passed up for Galactus due to its sentient life. They were attacked by Ronan the Accuser, who claimed that Silver Surfer had been devastating several Kree planets. Ronan trapped Nova in a barrier of absolute zero. Silver Surfer defeated Ronan, then freed Nova. She decided to accompany the Surfer in finding his imposter, reasoning that a bit more time from Galactus would be all right. They tracked him to a nearby planet.

(Silver Surfer III#14) - Nova watched as the two Surfers fought until one finally won. She wondered if the surviving Surfer was the real one, and noticed that the downed one was still alive. The remaining Surfer volunteered to let Nova test his RNA, and wanted to keep the other Surfer alive, so she believed he was the real one, then they departed to find the source of the imposter's cosmic powers and destroy it. They discussed the imposter's potential origins and talked for a time until Nova turned away and was blasted by the Surfer, learning she'd been with the imposter still all along. He trapped her in a refraction matrix and revealed that he was a Skrull receiving his powers from an implant powered by planetary matrixes. He told her of his origins, that his name was Bartak, and that he served the Skrull emperor Karza. They were shocked when Ronan attacked anew and destroyed Bartak, thinking he was the Surfer. Ronan then let Nova go free and she soon found the real Surfer again. He thanked her for using her solar energy to revive him faster, then kissed her. She was shocked and kissed him back.

(Silver Surfer Annual#1) - Silver Surfer and Nova embraced and kissed goodbye, and Nova loved the kiss as she radiated energy and he absorbed it.

(Silver Surfer Annual#1/2) - Nova, glorying in her experiences in space, returned to Galactus and was shocked to find him downed in his ship. He told her that he was dying due to the Elders still in his body. He told her to get the Silver Surfer, the Invisible Girl, and Mister Fantastic. She mentally contacted Surfer and he agreed to aid her.

(Silver Surfer III#15) - Surfer returned to Nova at Galactus' ship with Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, and Franklin Richards. Galactus revealed to them that the Elders were still immune to death and that they needed to retrieve the Infinity Gems in order to beat them. While they left, Nova agreed to stay and guard Galactus and Franklin.

(Silver Surfer III#17) - Nova and Franklin watched as some of the Elders (Astronomer, Possessor, Trader) and the powerful In-Betweener rushed from the black hole to attack them. Not willing to leave the ship vulnerable, Nova activated Galactus' Punisher robot, which was swiftly defeated. They breached the ship and Nova was easily felled by a blast from Trader. Soon, Galactus' ship was thrown into the black hole. Franklin fell asleep after Nova awakened, and his dream-self instructed her to carry him inside of Galactus, where they would be protected. Lord Chaos and Master Order, the gods of that universe, agreed to repel all alien beings, and the Elders inside Galactus were driven outside, as well as Nova and Franklin, who were reunited with the Surfer and Franklin's parents. Galactus, revived, demanded vengeance on the In-Betweener.

(Silver Surfer III#18) - Galactus and the In-Betweener fought a deadly battle. Though Nova wanted to help Galactus, Surfer convinced her to stand by and watch, but she soon came up with a plan. Nova guided the humans back toward the black hole while Surfer and the Elders charged the black hole with vast power, weakening the In-Betweener. They were all returned to their own universe triumphant, and Nova embraced the Surfer while Galactus watched.

(Silver Surfer III#19) - Galactus ordered Nova to find his sustenance and she was careful not to reveal her feelings for the Surfer in case Galactus grew jealous. The Elders departed in a flash and Nova offered to track them, but Galactus would not allow it. The Surfer took their allies in the Fantastic Four back to Earth while Nova rushed off on her search. Soon Surfer tracked her down and she was surprised and thrilled to see him, wondering how serious his feelings for her were. She showed Surfer the planet Naja-7 that she had selected for Galactus and, though she knew it had sentient life, she reasoned that it was obscure and had the right mix of elements, considering Galactus more important than one small planet. The Surfer argued with her just as Firelord and Starfox attacked them. Starfox used his euphoric powers to keep Nova out of the battle and she watched as Surfer drained Firelord's energy, then unexpectedly rushed up and kissed Firelord to rekindle his flame. (Her feelings for Firelord may have been enhanced by Starfox's powers). Starfox then used his powers to Surfer to keep him from reacting.

(Silver Surfer III#20) - Galactus soon joined Nova at Naja-7 and fed on the planet, refusing to let Nova go and find Surfer. Nova continued to plead, even threatening to leave Galactus' service if he didn't let her go, but he demanded she stay, considering her feelings irrelevant. When Galactus threatened to strip her of her powers, she finally conceded.

(Silver Surfer III#21) - Nova tracked down the Surfer, but he rushed off on a mission and refused to let her accompany him.

(Silver Surfer: Judgment Day) - Nova fell into a trap by Mephisto, who caused her to feel overwhelming love for Galactus and then sent her back to the universe where she happily began to sacrifice worlds teeming with life to appease Galactus, including the "Busclee." The Surfer subsequently encountered "Buscleen" survivors and then tracked Nova to the planet "Jonsta," where he opposed her such that the energies they released rendered their world unsuitable for Galactus' consumption. Galactus angrily robbed the two heralds of their power of flight as punishment for betrayal and/or failure, then went out to seek worlds of his own. Mephisto then appeared and took Silver Surfer and Nova to Hell to torture them at his leisure. Nova sent a cry for help to Galactus before the portal to Hell closed, and Galactus tracked her to Hell and confronted Mephisto. Mephisto surrendered Nova and Silver to Galactus when he threatened to conscume Hell.

(Avengers West Coast II#64 (fb) ) - When Nova returned to Earth she accidentally knocked the Crimson Ruby of Cyttorak back to Earth. The ruby was found by Stevie.

(Excalibur I#25) - Galactus and Nova stood above the lighthouse of the team Excalibur (Captain Britain (Brian Braddock), Lockheed, Meggan, Nightcrawler, Phoenix (Rachel Summers)), having determined that the Phoenix was a threat to his existence. Defensive, Phoenix knocked Nova clear to the moon, where she landed in front of the Watcher. Ensuring he would stay out of the battle, she rushed back to Earth and flew at the Phoenix, who easily sent her crashing into Galactus. Phoenix soon willingly surrendered the Phoenix Force to Galactus, causing the stars to briefly darken as Death herself intervened. Alistaire Stuart watched the battle from the sidelines.

(Power Pack I#56) - Galactus ordered Nova to find him a new planet for consumption and she rushed off delighted to do so. Nova was shocked when she found three planets already drained of all life energy. On a 4^th planet, she found the energies still being drained. Landing, she found a strange amusement park-like world and a sole-surviving Elan. While she tended to the young Elan, she was attacked by the Star-Stalker. Nova avoided several swipes from the beast, trying to move the fight away from the Elan who was soon buried in a crash of machinery. She began hitting the Star-Stalker with her power cosmic and found that he could absorb it and fire it back at her. Nova kept firing, hoping her power would overwhelm the beast, but it kept growing bigger and stronger. He finally drained all of her power cosmic and she was propelled into space in an energy field, where she reverted to human form. She was saved by Counterweight of Power Pack and tended to medically on their ship, Friday.

(Power Pack I#57) - Frankie recovered on the ship and awakened back on Earth, where she saw Franklin Richards unconscious. Friday informed her of his status and where they were, and she rushed out to fight the Star-Stalker, who was in battle against Power Pack. She saw a man on fire and she quickly absorbed it, realizing she had her human torch powers still. She ordered the man, Raymond, to board the ship for safety, and realized he hadn't been harmed by the flames. She then saved Counterweight from falling and rushed to the Baxter Building, where the robot secretary Roberta let her in. Frankie retrieved the Fantastic Four's power Stimulator device, which she'd learned about during her stay with them. She gave the Stimulator to Jack, which drained the Star-Stalker's energy, defeating him, and transferred all the energy to Nova. She found herself even more powerful and overcome with evil.

(Power Pack I#58) - Power Pack tried flipping Nova backward, but she laughed them off as she could control her own density. Destroyer knocked her aside, then Nova was doused with water, but she quickly renewed her attack as Mr. Fantastic and James Power joined the battle, realizing she was putting the entire Earth in danger. Mr. Fantastic altered the stimulator in an attempt to drain Nova's excess power, but it was Jack who held her off with his own power draining ability. The Elan then fired Galactus' Elemental Obliterator at Nova, returning her to normal. She thanked the heroes and rushed off to serve Galactus.

(Alpha Flight I#97) - Nova honed in on the homeworld of the Quwrll, impressed by their living atmospheric watchdogs that she passed on the way.

(Alpha Flight I#98) - As Nova neared the planet, the Quwrll initiated a failsafe that transported their entire planet, along with Nova, to an alternate dimension.

(Alpha Flight I#99) - Nova learned that the Quwrll had fled to another dimension, trying to escape Galactus, who they had spent their entire history trying to avoid, but Galactus was able to track Nova to the new dimension and soon arrived and immediately set up his equipment to transform the planet into energy. The Quwrll summoned aid from their human agent, Guardian (James Hudson), who brought allies Box (Madison Jeffries), Hercules, Quasar (Wendell Vaughn), Sersi, Vindicator (Heather Hudson), Vision, and Windshear with him.

(Alpha Flight I#100) - When Nova realized the heroes were planning to attack, she was ordered by Galactus to keep them occupied but not to harm them as Galactus had promised not to harm Earth. As she attacked, though, she was knocked out of sight by blasts from five of the heroes. While she was downed, the Quwrll chained her, and she asked Windshear to release her, but he hesitated. The Quwrll explained that as the physical laws of this dimension were different, Galactus could not properly access his powers and may meet final defeat. The heroes managed to topple Galactus before Nova, still in chains, neared them and learned the alien Consortium, deadly beings who used living planets to power their ships, were attacking Earth. Galactus and Nova allied with the heroes, agreeing to use technology to return to the Earth's dimension and to feed on the Consortium ship instead of the Quwrrl's planet, and Guardian willingly sacrificed himself to power the teleportation device. They returned and Galactus fed.

(Silver Surfer III#51 (fb)) - Surfer approached Nova and treated her very coldly, refusing to discuss their relationship and focusing only on her duties as herald. She continued to argue with him about her duty to Galactus outweighing primitive planets and life forms. Since he couldn't convince her to change her mind, Surfer wanted to show Nova something and needed her power and speed to get there. She reluctantly agreed and held on to his shoulders as he surfed through space. They rushed forward and landed above a pristine planet full of primitives. She easily admitted that she would sacrifice this planet for Galactus without a second thought despite its beauty. To convince her further, he showed her the drawings in the Lascaux cave and she realized they had traveled in time to primitive Earth. Overcome with emotion, Nova suddenly realized that she had seen similar planets destroyed and stripped races of their potential to survive. She touched a young cavewoman's cheek to connect to the time, then they returned to their time.

(Silver Surfer III#48) - Nova was thrilled to see Surfer when he approached Galactus, but he coldly told her to leave while he addressed Galactus.

(Silver Surfer III#51) - Galactus ordered Nova to find him a planet immediately, as the coming conflict with Thanos could signal the end of the universe if Galactus was not fed. As she rushed off, she wondered about her past relationship with Surfer and wondered what they had felt for each other. Overcome with emotion, Nova suddenly realized that she had seen similar planets destroyed and stripped races of their potential to survive. She touched a young cavewoman's cheek to connect to the time, then they returned to their time. She remembered the lesson Surfer had taught her, but still selected a planet that had life on it, though it pained her to do so. She gently asked Galactus if he could spare the planet's life, but he angrily silenced her and fed. She cried for the lost life and wondered if she would have to make such a decision again.

(Quasar#25) - Galactus and Nova watched when they thought the universe might end, but the tragedy soon passed.

(Marvel Comics Presents I#93/2) - Watching Galactus feed on a planet, Nova was reminded of the Kehilla. She used her powers to follow the ion trail of their ships and found their few surviving ships. She grew determined to find them a new planet to live on. One ship fired on her, so she destroyed their lasers, then two manned pods fired came toward her. Nova initially thought they were trying to communicate with her, but one ship exploded, killing its pilot and trying to kill her. She pulled the second pilot out of his ship before he could detonate, and then returned him to the main ship, where she told the Kehilla that she knew of their plight. Their leader, Kastyx, claimed that Galactus had revealed to him the destiny of the Kehilla and that Nova had been sent to aid them. They were all shocked to see a caterpillar-shaped ship approaching them.

(Marvel Comics Presents I#94/2) - Once she realized the Kehilla's weapons were useless against the enemy ship, Nova entered battle herself. She covered the ship with strathing fire and pulled it into the gravitational orbit of a nearby star, destroying it. When she returned to Kastyx, she realized she didn't trust him but ignored her feelings. She soon learned that Kastyx had destroyed one of his own ships after the battle.

(Marvel Comics Presents I#95/2) - Furious, Nova listened to Kasema's pleas for aid. She took a key to the ship's directional computer which, if altered, would save the Kehilla from crashing in a black hole, the ultimate plan of the mad Kastyx. Nova moved toward the computer, but Kastyx had her fired on and the computer was destroyed. The lead ship, with Kastyx aboard, exploded in the black hole, and Kasema believed their was no hope for her people now.

(Marvel Comics Presents I#96/2) - Nova managed to generate her own gravitational force to pull the ships away from the black hole, though she briefly worried if the ships would stand up to the increased gravity. She then showed the Kehilla to a new planet, excited at their new life and blossoming romances.

(Infinity War#1) - Determined to track a mysterious energy, Galactus told Nova of his plans to recruit a mage.

(Dr. Strange III#42) - At Galactus' command, Nova rushed to Earth to recruit Doctor Strange. She startled him in her hurried approach, then fell at his mystic shield. Strange and his disciple Rintrah took her back to his mansion, where she explained herself and then met Clea and Flyx (secretly Dormammu). Clea was initially jealous (as she was Strange's wife), but apologized to Nova, who explained about Eternity and Galactus. Strange demanded more information and Nova refused. Thinking Strange was threatening her, she lashed out with a burst of flame that destroyed much of the room, telling them she had no patience with their mortal concerns when she had Galactus to worry about. After she calmed herself, she apologized and worked to clean things up, but Strange did so with a spell instead. Galactus then arrived, pulling the roof off the house. Nova tried telling Strange that demanding information from Galactus was a bad idea, but Galactus silenced her and used some of his power to strike out at the buildings around them, proving his authority to Strange. Nova tried reminding Galactus that they needed Strange, but Galactus told her he would not brook mortal arrogance. Nova was shocked when Strange managed to topple Galactus briefly. Finally Strange agreed to accompany Galactus, though he took time to bid his loved ones goodbye, something Nova told Galactus he wouldn't understand. Galactus put images of what they were facing into Strange's mind, and Nova caught Strange when he fainted. They were then joined by a furious Silver Surfer.

(Silver Surfer III#67) - Surfer demanded tat Galactus release Strange, who was still unconscious, but Galactus refused and ordered Nova to dispatch Surfer, furious with her when she initially tried to persuade him otherwise. Nova reluctantly turned on the Surfer when he refused to leave. As they fired at each other, doing no real harm, Nova revealed what they needed Strange for. When Strange awoke, he used a mystic spell to stop their fight. Surfer agreed to join them in their quest.

(Infinity War#2) - Nova and her allies came nearer to tracking the energy source, finding a strange energy configuration. Galactus ordered them back to the ship so he could track the energy to their source.

(Silver Surfer III#68) - Nova grew emotional when Galactus told her she could not to anything to aid them. Surfer followed to comfort her, though she initially tried pretending nothing was wrong. She reluctantly confided in him when he told her that he had no hard feelings toward her. She was overcome with her feelings of guilt over destroying other worlds and how much she had changed in the last few years. Surfer tried to comfort her and she briefly grew angry, then he encouraged her to follow her heart. They were distracted when something rushed past the window. Strange and Galactus informed them that some sort of mechanical dogs were attacking them in the dimensional void they were in. As the ship's energies were focused on navigation and self-repair, Nova and Surfer were dispatched to handle the dogs and equipped with tethers to stay connected to the ship. They were warned that if they got lost, they would be adrift in a foreign dimension. Surfer blasted one dog off of nova, who briefly panicked, then they turned their powers to the many dogs that surrounded them. They were nearly overwhelmed by the dogs before Surfer killed them all in a blast of power that he'd avoided using so as not to damage the ship. Then they saw more dogs, and their leader, Khoon.

(Silver Surfer III#69) - When Nova and Surfer refused to surrender, Khoon knocked them down with a gun blast and sent the dogs against him. Nova was overwhelmed by the dogs and she was sent drifting away when one bit through her tether. Khoon seized the tether and demanded that Surfer take him to the ship's command center or Nova would be killed. Khoon demanded they all abandon the ship, and knocked Strange over in a blast. After Khoon shared his origins, Galactus realized his knowledge would be useful, and he absorbed Khoon into the ship's machinery, shocking the others.

(Infinity War#3) - They continued tracking the energies through the dimensions and Nova encouraged Galactus to be patient. Galactus' ship was soon destroyed by a blast of power sent by Magus and Thanos.

(Dr. Strange III#43) - Nova, Galactus, and Silver Surfer discussed with Strange their need for his aid to pass through various mystic barriers. Nova cautioned the Silver Surfer against speaking arrogantly to Galactus, and quietly encouraged Strange to help get Galactus as far from Earth as possible before his hunger kicked in. Strange tried connecting the Eye of Agamotto to Galactus' ship, then disappeared in a flash of light, summoned to Agamotto's dimension. Galactus retrieved Strange, and Nova advised Silver Surfer again to watch his words. Strange attached the Eye to the ship, though Agamotto hadn't approved it, and Nova realized they were gambling with Strange's life.

(Dr. Strange III#44) - Galactus' ship was pulled into the dimension of Cyttorak, and Strange and Nova found themselves overwhelmed, neither knowing what was happening to them. Nova was pulled down a chute and then knocked out by a punch from Cyttorak before she could act. She awoke, bound, and was entreated by Cyttorak to serve as her high priestess, to be worshipped by his self-created elfish servants. Nova was disgusted and refused, but Cyttorak said he would see her serve him anyway. Strange nearly convinced Cytorrak to release them, but Juggernaut surprised them by attacking Cyttorak directly and claiming Cyttorak's powerful jewel for himself. While Strange battled Juggernaut, Nova tried to free herself, finally doing so and blasting the jewel out of Strange's hand before he could kill Strange. The jewel was returned to Cyttorak, Juggernaut was defeated, and Strange and Nova were allowed to go free.

(Dr. Strange III#45) - As they neared their destination, Galactus' ship was overwhelmed by the entity Death and only the power of Galactus saved them from being discorporated.

(Infinity War#4) - The heroes attacked the Infinity Watch and battle ensued. Soon the entire contingent was pulled aboard the ship of Galactus, where Dr. Strange, Nova (Frankie Raye), and Silver Surfer were already on board. Galactus gathered information by reading their memories, causing each to relive key moments of their life in their mind. They allied with Galactus and the Watch surrendered their Gems to Warlock to use in final battle, though they were reluctant to do so. He donned the Infinity Gauntlet and realized he could not access its power. Galactus took Gamora to a meeting with the Living Tribunal and Magus kidnapped Warlock. Captain America put together a plan to protect the populace of Earth by having Professor X and Moondragon telepathically telling them to resist the Magus, using Galactus' ship (guided by Nova) to power them. Quasar agreed to use the Ultimate Nullifier to stop Magus if necessary.

(Fantastic Four I#369/Wonder Man#14) - Galactus, with Nova, Surfer, and Strange, came across a planet where dozens of heroes (Alpha Flight (Sasquatch, Shaman, Vindicator), Avengers (Captain America, Hercules, Living Lightning, Quasar, Scarlet Witch, She-Hulk, Thor, Vision, Wonder Man), Doctor Druid, Fantastic Four (Human Torch, Invisible Woman, Thing), Agatha Harkness, Hulk, Infinity Watch (Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Moondragon, Pip the Troll, Thanos, Adam Warlock), Nova, X-Factor (Havok, Polaris, Strong Guy), X-Men (Archangel, Colossus, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, Professor X, Psylocke, Rogue, Storm, Wolverine) were fighting. Wondering if these heroes might have information on their quest, Galactus pulled them aboard their ship and read their minds. After learning what he needed, Galactus knew that he needed to petition a cosmic entity for reactivation of the powerful Infinity Gauntlet, which Adam Warlock wore. However, before Galactus returned, Warlock was kidnapped by Magus, giving them the all-powerful gauntlet. Nova joined the heroes in battling the villains and their army of doppelgangers.

(Infinity War#5) - Nova hooked up the telepaths (Professor X, Psylocke, Jean Grey, Moondragon) to Galactus' psychic enhancement transmitter. She explained to Captain America what the plan was as Quasar prepared to sacrifice himself to stop Magus. Soon, the heroes entered the final battle with the doppelganger.

(Infinity War#6) - Though Magus briefly triumphed over the heroes, he was soon defeated and Adam Warlock received the Infinity Gauntlet.

(Fantastic Four I#370) - With the Magus in control of the Gauntlet, the heroes kept fighting. Some of their captured allies (Black Widow, Daredevil, Darkhawk, Iron Man, Mister Fantastic, Namorita) were freed, but Magus soon captured all of the heroes, including Galactus, though they were freed when Thanos and Warlock knocked Magus aside. They were briefly caught up in a wave of unreality until Galactus transported all of them aboard his ship. The Magus was soon defeated and the heroes returned home.

(Silver Surfer III#70) - Nova searched for another planet for Galactus to consume, but found only one with the right energies and that it contained life. She struggled with her conscience and decided to betray Galactus. Nova told him that there were no worthy worlds in that sector of space, but he discovered she was lying and imprisoned her aboard his ship. As she had broken her vow to him, Galactus vowed to teach her a lesson. As she watched, he selected one ruthless alien to save and then destroyed the planet. Nova, overwhelmed with sadness, was even more shocked when Galactus dismissed her from her service. He vowed to create a new herald without the compassion of the Silver Surfer, the vulnerability of Air-Walker, the lack of devotion of Firelord, and the ambition of Terrax. As Galactus changed the brutal mortal, Morg, into his new herald, Nova flew away distraught.

(Silver Surfer III#72) - Surfer and Firelord found Nova on Calculex working as a dancer at an adult club called Flamers. Surfer grabbed Nova, causing the patrons of the bar to initiate a brawl. They rushed out with Nova, who was shocked back to reality when one patron appeared to kill Surfer with a blast.

(Silver Surfer III#73) - Surfer revealed he'd been feigning defeat and Nova revealed she had no memory of her life since she'd left Galactus. They recruited Nova in joining them against Morg. Needing to track Galactus' ship, the former heralds went to an asteroid field and unearthed the body of the robotic Air-Walker. While Firelord reprogrammed Air-Walker, Nova confided in Surfer about how aimless she felt, and he invited her to join him after Morg was defeated. They used their combined powers to charge Air-Walker, who shocked them all by attacking. Firelord tried to destroy him again and Air-Walker renewed his attack until Firelord managed to awaken his conscience. Air-Walker pointed them toward Galactus, and Surfer proposed they recruit Terrax as well to aid them.

(Silver Surfer III#74) - They found Terrax on a world where he'd been stranded. Terrax refused to listen to them so they all attacked him, Nova growing defensive when Firelord leapt in her way to fight. She hit Terrax with a blast and was knocked down in a stream of rocks he punched at her. After more coaxing, he finally agreed to join them. They soon retrieved Terrax's axe from a nearby asteroid. Nova, unsure about the coming battle, was shocked to see Terrax swing his axe at Surfer, but Terrax held back at the last second.

(Silver Surfer III#75) - The heralds found Morg outside Galactus' ship and prepared for final battle. Morg, who'd received an increased power source, proved to be a match for the combined heralds. They continued pressing the attack while Surfer tried to convince Galactus to take Morg's powers. Morg managed to nearly destroy Air-Walker, then he successfully repelled Nova and Firelord. After Firelord and Terrax were fallen, Nova stopped Morg from killing Terrax. She thought him dead and turned to tell Surfer this. While she was distracted, Morg hit her with a deadly power blast through the chest. She fell into Surfer's arms and quickly passed on. After Morg was defeated, Surfer flew Nova's body into the heart of a nearby sun.

Comments: Created by Roy Thomas, George Perez & Joe Sinnott.

A recounting of the destruction of the Skrull homeworld was shown in New Avengers#40.

A pin-up of Nova appeared at the back of Silver Surfer Annual#1.

Thanks to Markus Raymond for help with this profile. Thanks to Per Degaton for reminding us of Nova's flashback appearance in Avengers West Coast II#64.

Profile by Chadman.

CLARIFICATIONS: Nova has no known connections to

• Nova, Richard Rider@ Nova I#1
• Nova, Garthan Saal @ New Warriors I#69
• Nova 0:0, Robert Rider, alternate counterpart @ New Warriors I#69
• Nova 0001, Captain Ko-Rel @ Nova IV#4
• Nova Corps, space militia, consisted of 500 soldiers @ Nova I#1
• Nova Exptress, messenger service started by Nova (Richard Rider) @ Nova II#1
• Nova-Prime, Rhomann Dey @ Nova I#1
• Nova-Prime, Tanak Valt, founder of Nova Corps @ Fantastic Four I#204
• Nova Roma, ancient Roman community in the Brazilian rainforest @ New Mutants I#8
• Cassandra Nova @ X-Men II#114
• or any other "Nova" characters and members of the Nova Corps

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images: (without ads) Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Book of the Dead#1, p28 (main) Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Deluxe Edition#9, p35, pan1-2 (montage) Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Deluxe Edition#9, p36, pan1-3 (montage) Fantastic Four I#242, p6, pan4 (with Johnny)

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Appearances: Fantastic Four I#164-165 (November-December, 1975) - Roy Thomas (writer/editor), George Perez (penciler), Joe Sinnott (inker) Fantastic Four I#171 (June, 1976) - Roy Thomas (writer/editor), George Perez (penciler), Joe Sinnott (inker) Fantastic Four I#181 (April, 1977) - Roy Thomas (writer/editor), Ron Wilson (penciler), Joe Sinnott (inker) Fantastic Four I#191 (February, 1978) - Len Wein (writer/editor), George Perez (penciler), Joe Sinnott (inker) Fantastic Four I#204 (March, 1979) - Marv Wolfman (writer/editor), Keith Pollard (penciler), Joe Sinnott (inker) Fantastic Four I#232 (July, 1981) - John Byrne (writer/penciler), Bjorn Heyn (inker), Jim Salicrup (editor) Fantastic Four I#234-235 (September, October, 1981) - John Byrne (writer/penciler/inker), Jim Salicrup (editor) Fantastic Four I#237-243 (December, 1981-June, 1982) - John Byrne (writer/penciler/inker), Jim Salicrup (editor) Marvel Super Heroes: Contest of Champions I#1-3 (June-August, 1982) - Mark Gruenwald, Bill Mantlo, Steven Grant (writers), John Romita Jr. (penciler), Pablo Marcos (inker), Mark Gruenwald, Tom DeFalco (editors) Fantastic Four I#244 (July, 1982) - John Byrne (writer/penciler/inker), Jim Salicrup (editor) Fantastic Four I#256-257 (July-August, 1983) - John Byrne (writer/penciler/inker), Al Milgrom (editor) Fantastic Four I#262 (January, 1984) - John Byrne (writer/penciler/inker), Jim Salicrup (editor) Silver Surfer III#1 (July, 1987) - Steve Englehart (writer), Marshall Rogers (penciler), Josef Rubinstein (inker), Michael Higgins (editor) Silver Surfer III#9-12 (March-June, 1988) - Steve Englehart (writer), Marshall Rogers (penciler), Josef Rubinstein (inker), Michael Higgins (editor) Silver Surfer III#13 (July, 1988) - Steve Englehart (writer), Joe Staton (penciler), Dave Cockrum (inker), Tom DeFalco (editor) Silver Surfer III#14 (August, 1988) - Steve Englehart (writer), Joe Staton (penciler), Joe Rubinstein, Josè Marzan (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Silver Surfer Annual#1 (1988) - Steve Englehart (writer), Joe Staton (penciler), Joe Rubinstein (inker), Craig Anderson (editor)

Story 2: Steve Englehart (writer), Ron Lim (penciler), Chris Ivy (inker), Craig Anderson (editor)

Silver Surfer III#15 (September, 1988) - Steve Englehart (writer), Ron Lim (penciler), Joe Rubinstein (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Silver Surfer III#17-18 (November-December, 1988) - Steve Englehart (writer), Ron Lim (penciler), Joe Rubinstein (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Silver Surfer III#19 (January, 1989) - Steve Englehart (writer), Ron Lim (penciler), Keith Williams (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Silver Surfer III#20 (February, 1989) - Steve Englehart (writer), Ron Lim (penciler), Joe Rubinsten, Tom Christopher (inkers), Craig Anderson (editor) Silver Surfer III#21 (March, 1989) - Marshall Rogers (writer/penciler), Dave Cockrum (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Silver Surfer: Judgment Day (1988) - Stan Lee (writer), John Buscema (artist), Vince Mielcarek (inker), Ralph Macchio (editor) Power Pack I#56 (May, 1990) - Michael Higgins, Seth Kruchkow (writers), Tom Morgan (penciler), Andy Mushynsky (inker), Daryl Edelman (editor) Power Pack I#57 (July, 1990) - Michael Higgins, Seth Kruchkow (writers), Tom Morgan (penciler/inker), Andy Mushynsky (inker), Mike Rockwitz (editor) Power Pack I#58 (August, 1990) - Michael Higgins (writer), Tom Morgan (penciler/inker), Mike Rockwitz (editor) Excalibur I#25 (August, 1990) - Chris Claremont (writer), Chris Wozniak (penciler), Allen Milgrom (inker), Terry Kavanagh (editor) Avengers West Coast II#64 (November, 1990) - Terry Kavanagh (writer), Chris Wozniak (pencils), Dan Bulanadi (inks), Howard Mackie (editor) Silver Surfer III#48 (April, 1991) - Ron Marz (writer), Ron Lim (penciler), Tom Christopher (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Alpha Flight I#97 (June, 1991) - Fabian Nicieza (writer), Michael Bair (penciler), Chris Ivy (inker), Bobbie Chase, Danny Fingeroth (editors) Silver Surfer III#51 (July, 1991) - Ron Marz (writer), Ron Lim (penciler), Tom Christopher (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Alpha Flight I#98-99 (July-August, 1991) - Fabian Nicieza (writer), Michael Bair (penciler), Chris Ivy (inker), Bobbie Chase (editor) Quasar#25 (August, 1991) - Mark Gruenwald (writer), Greg Capullo (penciler), Keith Williams (inker), Ralph Macchio (editor) Alpha Flight I#100 (September, 1991) - Fabian Nicieza (writer), Michael Bair, June Brigman, John Calimee, Tom Morgan Dave Ross (pencilers), Michael Bair, Danny Bulanadi, Chris Ivy, Larry Mahlstedt (inkers), Bobbie Chase (editor) Marvel Comics Presents I#93/2 - (1991) - Susan Kennedy (writer), Gavin Curtis (penciler), Ian Akin (inker), Terry Kavanagh (editor) Marvel Comics Presents I#94/2 (1991) - Susan Kennedy (writer), Gavin Curtis (writer/penciler), Ian Akin (inker), Terry Kavanagh (editor) Marvel Comics Presents I#95/2 (1991) - Susan Kennedy (writer), Gavin Curtis (penciler), Ian Akin, Tim Tuohy (inkers), Terry Kavanagh (editor) Marvel Comics Presents I#96/2 (1991) - Susan Kennedy (writer), Gavin Curtis (writer/penciler), Ian Akin (inker), Terry Kavanagh (editor) Infinity War#1 (June, 1992) - Jim Starlin (writer), Ron Lim (penciler), Al Milgrom (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Dr. Strange III#42 (June, 1992) - Roy Thomas (writer), Geof Isherwood (penciler/inker), Mike Rockwitz (editor) Silver Surfer III#67 (Early July, 1992) - Ron Marz (writer), Kevin West (penciler), Tom Christopher (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Infinity War#2 (July, 1992) - Jim Starlin (writer), Ron Lim (penciler), Al Milgrom (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Silver Surfer III#68 (Late July, 1992) - Ron Marz (writer), Kevin West (penciler), Tom Christopher (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Dr. Strange III#43 (July, 1992) - Roy Thomas (writer), Geof Isherwood (penciler/inker), Mike Rockwitz (editor) Silver Surfer III#69 (Early August, 1992) - Ron Marz (writer), Kevin West (penciler), Tom Christopher (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Infinity War#3 (August, 1992) - Jim Starlin (writer), Ron Lim (penciler), Al Milgrom (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Dr. Strange III#44 (August, 1992) - Roy Thomas (writer), Geof Isherwood (penciler/inker), Mike Rockwitz (editor) Infinity War#4 (September, 1992) - Jim Starlin (writer), Ron Lim (penciler), Al Milgrom (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Dr. Strange III#45 (September, 1992) - Roy Thomas (writer), Geof Isherwood (penciler/inker), Mike Rockwitz (editor) Fantastic Four I#369 (October, 1992) - Tom DeFalco (writer), Paul Ryan (penciler), Dan Bulanadi (inker), Ralf Macchio (editor) Wonder Man#14 (October, 1992) - Gerard Jones (writer), Jeff Johnson (penciler), Dan Panosian (inker), Fabian Nicieza (editor) Infinity War#5 (October, 1992) - Jim Starlin (writer), Ron Lim (penciler), Al Milgrom (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Fantastic Four I#370 (November, 1992) - Tom DeFalco (writer), Paul Ryan (penciler), Dan Bulanadi (inker), Ralf Macchio (editor) Silver Surfer III#70 (Late August, 1992) - Ron Marz (writer), MC Wyman (penciler), Tom Christopher (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Silver Surfer III#72 (Late September, 1992) - Ron Marz (writer), MC Wyman (penciler), Tom Christopher (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) Silver Surfer III#73-75 (October-December, 1991) - Ron Marz (writer), Ron Lim (penciler), Tom Christopher (inker), Craig Anderson (editor) X-Men II#89 (June, 1999) - Alan Davis (writer/penciler), Terry Kavanagh (writer), Mark Farmer (inker), Mark Powers (editor) Uncanny X-Men#370 (July, 1999) - Alan Davis, Terry Kavanagh (writers), Adam Kubert (penciler), Tim Townsend (inker), Mark Powers (editor) X-Men II#90 (July, 1999) - Alan Davis (writer/penciler), Terry Kavanagh (writer), Mark Farmer (inker), Mark Powers (editor)

Fictional character biography

Frankie Raye worked for the United Nations as an interpreter. She met Johnny Storm and became his girlfriend, despite her fear of fire. Her fear was eventually explained to be the result of a mental block induced by her stepfather, Phineas Horton, after she was accidentally doused with the chemicals which caused the android original Human Torch (his creation) to burst into flame, in an attempt to prevent her using the Torch-like powers granted to her by the accident.

After breaking through the block, she regained her full memory and discovered her previously repressed superhuman powers, and became the third person to take the name the Human Torch. She aided the Fantastic Four for a short time, until she volunteered to become the new herald of Galactus. She took the name "Nova". She claimed to have no compunction about leading him to sentient populated planets and proved that when she led the Devourer of Worlds to the Skrull home-world to consume it. Nova later attended the trial of Reed Richards by the Shi'ar Empire. When Richard Rider resumed his Nova identity alongside the New Warriors, he was briefly called "Kid Nova" to distinguish him from Raye.

Nova was later rescued from Skrull imprisonment by the Silver Surfer, whom she met for the first time. She then battled the Elders of the Universe. She was sent by Galactus to locate one of the Elders, the Contemplator, and was joined by the Silver Surfer. She journeyed to the Coal Sack Nebula in search of the Contemplator and was captured by Captain Reptyl. She battled Captain Reptyl, and rescued the Silver Surfer from Reptyl. She then battled Ronan the Accuser. She battled a Skrull duplicate of the Silver Surfer, and then romanced the real Silver Surfer. She then battled the In-Betweener. She aided Galactus in battle against the In-Betweener. She then romanced Firelord.

Nova later encountered an injured Elan. She battled the second Star-Stalker, and then met the Power Pack. A stimulator device temporarily rendered her evil, until she was subdued by Reed and Franklin Richards, and Power Pack.

Frankie Raye was ultimately killed by the alien Morg, who had replaced her as Galactus' herald. The demon Mephisto later made it appear that she had returned from the dead in a failed bid to steal the soul of the Silver Surfer..

In a new weekly mini-series called Heralds, a character called Frances appears. After stabbing a customer at the diner where she works following a disruption from space that led to the destruction of a S.W.O.R.D. facility and the release of many cloned scientists and prehistoric life forms, Frances speed off in a car where she meets a clone of Phineas Horton. After crashing the car she was driving attempting to miss him, Frances looks up at Horton and says "Father?" while the Horton clone greets her with, "Hello Frankie."

Powers and abilities

Nova originally gained her superhuman powers as the result of a mutagenic reaction to an exposure to unknown chemicals. Originally, she had powers similar to that of the Human Torch.

Her powers were later enhanced exponentially by an infusion of cosmic energies by the world-devourer Galactus. She gained superhuman strength, stamina, durability, agility, and reflexes. She had the ability to manipulate cosmic energy in the form of stellar fire, and which allowed her to project any form of energy possessed by a star, including heat, light, gravity, radio waves and charged particles. She also had the ability to project streams of stellar fire for distances in the hundreds of miles, and to mentally control the flame she projects (for instance, to maintain a sustained ring around a person or object at a fixed distance). She also has the ability to fly at supra-light speeds through interstellar space and traverse hyper-space, and also possesses near-total physical invulnerability. Nova's entire body, particularly her head, is plumed with cosmic energy resembling flames.

Frankie Raye was fluent in more than one language besides English.

Other versions

Writer-penciler John Byrne and inker Terry Austin produced a serialized story called "The Last Galactus Story", which appeared in anthology comics-magazine Epic Illustrated #26-34 (Oct. 1984 - Feb. 1986), and detailed an all-new adventure for the character. The magazine published the first nine serialized installments of a what was to be a 10-part tale. Each ran six pages, with the exception of part eight, which ran 12 pages. The magazine was cancelled as of February 1986, leaving the last chapter unpublished and the story unfinished. According to notes at Byrne's website, the conclusion of the story would see a dying Galactus releasing his power causing a new Big Bang and transforming his herald Nova into the Galactus for the new universe.

In other media

Television

• Nova appeared in the Fantastic Four episode "When Calls Galactus" voiced by Leeza Miller McGee. Like the comics, she ends up getting her powers when she accidentally got doused in the chemicals that gave the android Human Torch his powers.
• Nova appears in the Silver Surfer TV series voiced by Tara Rosling.
• Frankie Raye appears in the Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes episode "Zoned Out."

Film

• Frankie Raye appears in the feature film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer portrayed by Beau Garrett. In this version, the character is a US Army Captain.

External links

• Frankie Raye at Marvel.com
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• Frankie Raye

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