After an almost six-year-long absence, Richard Rider has returned to Marvel Comics. Further information about the upcoming "Nova" ongoing was revealed during the Spider-Man: Clone Conspiracy panel at New York Comic Con. The new series, launching this December, comes from writers Jeff Loveness and Ramon Perez, with Perez also providing art for the series. Marvel debuted new art from the series at the panel, along with concept art by Perez.

"Nova" #1 will see Rider deal with his return from the dead to a world -- and universe -- that has changed in his absence. Those changes, of course, include the introduction of Sam Alexander as Earth's new Nova. In the new series, it'll be up to Sam to show the newly returned Richard what it means to be a Nova nowadays.

Richard Rider debuted way back in 1976's "Nova" #1 and served as a solo hero for much of the '70s and '80s. He found a newfound prominence for a new generation of readers when he became a founding -- and mainstay -- member of the New Warriors with that series' launch in 1990. Rider starred in a few more solo series in the '90s before stepping out of the spotlight around the start of the 2000s. The resurgence of Marvel's cosmic line in the mid-00s with the "Annihilation" storyline placed Rider, once again, into the spotlight alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy. Nova remained a prominent figure until 2011's "Thanos Imperative" series, which concluded with his heroic sacrifice. Rider returned from the dead in last week's "Nova" #11.

In his six-year absence, a new Nova -- the teenage Sam Alexander -- has risen to prominence. The son of another Nova corpsman, Sam has learned how to use his Nova suit and abilities as a real superhero, serving alongside the Avengers and, currently, the Champions.

The all-new "Nova" #1 from Jeff Loveness and Ramon Perez arrives in December.