Nova (Richard Rider)
sh051 · Marvel Super Heroes
Ultimate Spider-Man · 2013
Figure ID
sh051
Theme
Marvel Super Heroes
Year Released
2013
Rarity
Uncommon. It was only available in one retail set that is now retired, though it was produced in significant quantities during its run.
Head
Light Flesh color with a serious expression and a black visor print across the eyes. It is specifically designed to be worn under the specialized Nova helmet.
Torso
Blue with front and back printing of the Nova Corps armor. Features a silver chest plate with three distinct yellow circles (energy ports) and black detailing. Arms are blue with flat silver hands.
Legs
Dark Blue, unprinted. This is the standard color for the lower half of the Nova Corps uniform in this specific LEGO iteration.
Accessories
The primary accessory is the Flat Silver Minifigure Helmet Nova with a red four-pointed star and gold/yellow highlights. Some sets included translucent blue 'power' pieces to simulate energy blasts.
Color Scheme
Blue, Dark Blue, and Flat Silver with primary accents of Yellow and Red.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso (front and back) and head. The helmet features multi-color printing including gold stripes and the iconic red star logo.
Variants
There are no official LEGO variants of the Richard Rider Nova. This specific design is based on the 'Ultimate Spider-Man' animated series version.
Condition Notes
Check for silver paint wear on the helmet's red star and yellow stripes. Dark blue legs are prone to visible scratches. Inspect torso sides for hairline cracks.
Estimated Value
Used: $12 - $18 USD; New: $25 - $35 USD (loose). Set prices for the original box remain higher.
Price (New)
Originally released in a $24.99 USD retail set (76005).
Compatible Sets
76005 Spider-Man: Daily Bugle Showdown (2013).
Character Background
Richard Rider is a member of the Nova Corps, an intergalactic police force. This version appeared in the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series as a teammate of Peter Parker.
Design Notes
The helmet mold is unique to the Nova character and has not been reused for any other figure to date. The torso accurately captures the 'three-dot' design of the Nova Centurion armor.
Similar Minifigures
sh038 Spider-Man, sh053 Beetle, sh052 Dr. Doom, and other Marvel cosmic characters like Star-Lord (sh121).
Collectibility
High. As the only Nova minifigure ever produced by LEGO, it is a staple for Marvel collectors and fans of the cosmic side of the MCU/Comics.
History
Debuted during the first wave of the Marvel Super Heroes 'Ultimate Spider-Man' sub-line. It represented LEGO's expansion into non-movie specific Marvel media.
Interesting Facts
Despite Nova being a major Marvel character, this 2013 version remains the only representative of the Nova Corps produced in over a decade of LEGO Marvel.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside the Daily Bugle or with Guardians of the Galaxy figures. Best presented on a clear trans-light-blue stand to simulate flight.
Modification Potential
The helmet is a popular piece for custom Nova Corps MOCs. The head can be swapped for a Sam Alexander version if a collector prefers the younger Nova.
Overall Assessment
An essential Marvel minifigure due to its unique helmet mold and character exclusivity. A solid 8/10 for any Marvel LEGO enthusiast.