It was first announced back in December 2019 that Nova Frankie Raye would be the eventual herald of Galactus in the MCU. They want to explore characters in a way that Fox hasn't done, and Frankie Raye is one of those characters Marvel Studios wants to flesh out. She is Johnny Storm's girlfriend and would be built up as a Mary Jane to his Peter Parker. Their romantic relationship would suck audiences in, for a while. This of course would all have a tragic end when Galactus makes her his herald. Here are some key books to be on the hunt for:
Key Books for Nova / Frankie Raye
Fantastic Four 164
This is the first appearance of Frankie Ray. It also happens to be the reintroduction of the Golden Age character, Marvel Boy (later named Quasar) as The Crusader.
Fantastic Four 238
This issue features the origin of Frankie Raye's powers. It depicts the chemical accident which led to her having Human Torch-like abilities.
Fantastic Four 239
Frankie Raye, with her newly acquired powers, joins the Fantastic Four as a quasi-member for a brief time.
Fantastic Four 244
This issue shows Frankie Raye volunteering herself as a new herald for Galactus. Galactus promptly accepts and imbues her with the power cosmic, transforming her into Nova.
Her new cosmic power is illustrated in a cool way by John Byrne when she flies off and Johnny Storm chases after her. When they get to the upper atmosphere she accelerates off into space still aflame, while the Human Torch's flames die out from lack of oxygen and he falls to the earth.
*Bonus Trivia: when Nova (Frankie Raye) was created they wanted to differentiate her as The Nova, and changed Nova the Human Rocket into Kid-Nova.
Silver Surfer 75
This issue features the death of Nova at the hands of a subsequent herald of Galactus, Morg The Executioner.
FF 244 Analysis
There are only 178 copies of FF 244 in the CGC census. The 9.8 actually has the most copies with 63. This book has actually been commanding a healthy price going back to 2015. According to Go Collect 2015 had three 9.8 sales for $107.55, $149.99, and $179.25. My point in highlighting this is that before there was any movie hype this book sold for good prices. Even though the FMV is $250 now, this would be a good time to consider picking up FF 244, because it will only go up. The good news is that the first Marvel Studios Fantastic Four movie is still a ways off, not to mention Frankie Raye may not even be introduced in the first one. So, you can take your time looking for a more favorable deal than the Fair Market Value.
FF 164 Analysis
While FF 244 is the big key out of all of these, FF 164 might be a good second. It is the first time Frankie Raye herself appears, long before she becomes Nova. Like Carol Danvers in Marvel Super Heroes 13 vs Ms Marvel 1. FF 164 could also be good to invest in because it is a double key. As I mentioned earlier it is the first appearance of the Crusader, who is the reintroduction of Marvel Boy (who is Quasar, ugh). Quasar's name has been mentioned in regards to MCU, I believe in connection to Guardians of the Galaxy. So you can get two first appearances of sorts in one book. FF 164 is only just above $100 right now, whereas the 9.6 has been in high $200's to over $300. I think 9.4 is the best bet in high grade as it is disproportionately lower than the next grade up.
What do you think?
What do you guys think? If you had $300 would you get Nova's first appearance FF 244 in 9.8, or Frankie Raye's (and Crusader/Quasar) first appearance in FF 164?
