Marvel Comics has released a first look at artist Stephen Platt's variant cover for "Nova" #4 by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness. Platt's cover emphasizes the speed and design of Sam Alexander as Nova as he rockets through space with a hyperspeed-like effect.

"It's important that Nova is seen as a character throughout the Marvel Universe as it is with the Guardians and with Thanos," Loeb told reporters during a press conference call in March. "In order for that to happen, the best thing is for him to be appearing different places and handled by a multitude of writers and artists so people embrace him...this goes back to a real creative endeavor that [all the Editorial guys] started when we had a big summit where we said 'If we're going to start looking at these characters who had been in astonishingly cool stories that had been relegated into their own area where the concept of cosmic books had a very loyal fanbase, it needs to be incorporated into the Marvel U in a way that's exciting and daring.'"

Check out the cover and solicitation info below.

Official Press Release

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at theNova #4 Platt Variantby superstar artist Stephen Platt! The sold-out smash hit series, from the blockbuster team of Jeph Loeb & Ed McGuinness, continues as Nova finds himself smack dab in the middle of an intergalactic battlefront! Following his training, courtesy of the Guardians Of The Galaxy's Gamora & Rocket Racoon, Nova comes face to face with THE CHIUTARI! But with questions still surrounding the disappearance of Sam's dad, the very safety of the ENTIRE Marvel Universe hangs in the balance!

NOVA #4 (MAR130618)

NOVA #4 PLATT VARIANT (MAR130619)

Written by JEPH LOEB

Art & Cover by ED MCGUINNESS

Variant Cover by STEPHEN PLATT

FOC - 4/22/13, ON SALE - 5/22/13