Turning 100 a couple of months ago hasn’t slowed this book down… HERE THERE BE SPOILERS

The events of Invincible’s 100th issue felt huge. There was a change of status quo, some big news, and it even looked as if Mark had been killed on live tv (although he was later revealed to have been saved at the last minute and replaced with a decoy – a long story worth catching up on). But the revelations and repercussions in this book are somehow bigger, and feel more suited to an anniversary issue…

The Viltrumites relocation to Earth has been a threat waiting to boil over for a while, mainly because of the unstable and seemingly indestructable Grand Regent Thragg. Whilst the other Viltrumites have been living amongst humans and struggling with having feelings for their new partners (multiple partners in some cases), Thragg has remained distant and bitter, violent and cunning. Recently we’ve seen him have a run in with Dinosaurus that once again proved his durability and strength, and after being told some inconvenient news while Mark was dealing with the Scourge virus he effortlessly killed the scientist delivering the information without a second thought.

It’s that news that causes the conflict in this issue. Nolan – and therefore Mark – is a direct descendant of the Viltrumites’ previous Grand Regent. And Thragg isn’t going to give up his throne to anyone, least of all a traitor. Although Nolan isn’t interested in taking over from Thragg, a large portion of the book is taken up with their battle, a brutal fist fight in space illustrated as masterfully as ever by Ryan Ottley. Ottley’s beautiful art is a huge reason this book is so amazing, every page is full of detail and expression, and nobody else makes gore so much fun. Debiie’s inclusion in the scene lends a lot of urgency, and it’s a real concern to see her put in danger as these two powerhouses collide.

Meanwhile, Eve’s news from issue 100 leads to a natural next step from Mark, and it’s a feel-good moment that furthers the growth of this relationship and of Mark and Eve as characters. Knowing Kirkman’s writing, we should probably make the most of moments like these, because it won’t be long until something devastating comes along to take it away from us.

Invincible is without a doubt the best book Kirkman writes, and it deserves as much if not more than the attention garnered by its higher-profile sibling The Walking Dead.

Honourable Mention this week goes to Young Avengers #4…

Almost every week a Marvel title features in these reviews, and I’ve been trying to avoid highlighting another Marvel book. But when they’re producing comics as good as Young Avengers it’s hard to ignore them…

Gillen and McKelvie are making Young Avengers fresh and exciting, and with their injection of soundtrack elements via Noh-Varr’s fascination with Earth music it’s also a lot of fun. There’s a fight/rescue scene in this issue illustrated with real ingenuity and wit, and when Noh-Varr introduces a song into the equation it really comes alive.

Loki’s addition to the cast also throws a doubt on one of the most endearing relationships in the Marvel universe. An intriguing question is raised about the reality of the situation, and the answer might not be what we (or Hulkling) will want to hear…

Despite the ever-growing number of books with “Avengers” in the title, Young Avengers feels very different and original, and if you’re not reading it you might want to consider taking a look…

Another shining star in the Marvel NOW lineup… SPOILERS WILL SURELY FOLLOW

After reviewing Guardians of the Galaxy last time it might seem a bit much to highlight another book starring a space-faring hero. In fact, two of the Guardians also appear very prominently within this issue, but if you’re going to be reading that you’ll probably find Nova to be a worthwhile companion.

The Nova in this series is not the original “Human Rocket” Richard Rider (who we learn has apparently perished), but a 15 year old boy called Sam Alexander. The son of a Nova Centurion who has inherited his father’s helmet and position, Sam was introduced in Marvel Point One and played a key role in the AvX event. This book starts before those stories as we learn how Sam took on the mantle and learn about the Nova Corps alongside him.

This issue starts with Sam on the Moon, meeting the Watcher (or the “pointer on the Moon” as Sam calls him) who alerts him to the approach of an armada of spaceships. Nova realises this is a warning and heads back to Earth to attempt to warn the Avengers (“which I’ve got no idea how to do”). Although this is halted by a confrontation with his mother (who may or may not know about Sam’s secret) and then another run-in with Rocket Raccoon and Gamora. They announce that there are billions of lives depending on him, and so they will provide training to make sure he’s up to the task.

During his training Gamora reveals why they came to Earth – they required help from Sam’s father to stop the Chitauri from attacking Earth. Sam works out that this was the armada he saw earlier, and Rocket explains that only Nova can see them (“it’s gotta be the helmet. Novas could see things in space nobody else could”). Sam’s role in the plan has now changed – they need him to scout the fleet and provide details in order for an attack to be co-ordinated. The inclusion of the Chitauri is a clever move on Marvel’s part, providing a direct link to the Avengers movie and a fun jumping on point for any readers drawn to comics because of it. We get another look at the armada, and sure enough there they are, presented exactly as they appeared on the big screen. Hundreds of ships. And they’re right in front of Sam…

Despite a slow pace the book is building momentum and Ed McGuinness’ art is as beautiful as ever, each page deserves to be savoured. Considering his links to the Guardians of the Galaxy and the invitation to join the Avengers offered by Thor in AvX, this new Nova is sure to become a major player in the Marvel Universe.

A brief mention has to also go to my second pick this week – Supergirl #19…

Supergirl has consistently been one of the most visually appealing books in DC’s New 52 thanks to Mahmud Asrar’s outstanding art, and he draws both Karas beautifully. But as a fan of Power Girl from way back, it was especially good to see Earth 2’s Kara being provided with an updated version of her “classic” costume in this issue. Here’s hoping that weird upside-down teardrop “P” emblem has gone forever…