Nova #35

Part of Marvel's 2010 "Realm of Kings" crossover event, this penultimate chapter of "Riddle of the Sphinx" delivers a striking cover by Brandon Peterson: Nova's golden helmet dominates the frame, flames licking its crest, while crackling blue lightning and a scattering of rubble suggest a hero pushed to his limits — and a Inhuman "4" insignia visible nearby hints at weighty cosmic alliances at stake. Abnett and Lanning's run on this series consistently balanced grand space-opera stakes with character-driven tension, and Asrar, Hanna, and Hang bring that same energy to the interiors. If you've been following Richard Rider's corner of the Marvel cosmos, this is exactly the kind of visually arresting issue you won't want to skip.