Nexus: Space Opera

by Mike Baron (writer), Steve Rude (Illustrator)

With the opening of Ylum to all refugees, a new threat emerges: the intolerance of the Elvonics, the religion that cannot coexist with others. Mighty Nexus, absorbed in the birth of his son Harry, cannot be everywhere at once and the defense of Ylum falls to Tyrone and his little band of plucky irregulars.

Nexus’ enemies choose this moment to launch an unfathomable attack on Harry, determined to erase the threat of any future Nexus. As Jil, Gladys, and Sundra battle vicious assassins, Nexus goes to the center of the Web to plead Ylum’s case before the League of Planets.

Old enemies and old friends appear. Space Opera also introduces a startling new character to the Nexus universe, one who is sure to become a regular. This self-contained series is an excellent introduction to the Nexus universe, and a fitting encore, for now.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Science Fiction, Superheroes

105 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot believe it’s been something like two decades since I’ve read any new Nexus stories. Inconceivable! This was a great chance to get back up to speed and get to see all those familiar cast of characters again. Ain’t nostalgia wonderful.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still as good as it was when I read it in serial form, but in a preferable format now.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rereading this one twelve years later, I knocked a star off. It's good - maybe even four stars - but read in context of the original series, it feels less inspired. Another Zeiffer and another LeBerq? Another Kreed? Maybe Kreed Jr. would've gone somewhere interesting if the series had gone on and Baron & Rude had had time to develop him, but as we see him here, it seems a bit "greatest hitsy."

The Elvonics uprising seems drawn out, and a less inspired take on the Brother Lathe stories from decades before. The Heads have a big role in powering Horatio through the finale, but we never even see them. I did enjoy the character bits - Horatio and Sundra dealing with Harry, the thoughts of new parents. Ursula's death was a long time coming and (mostly*) handled well. (*Did I miss a page? Was the green blob that rescued Harry ever explained?) Still, it was great to see the cast again and explore some of the ideas that made Nexus such a high concept success and to see Rude drawing these characters and this wildly expansive world again.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can something containing such serious subject matter manage to come off as such a fun, laugh-out-loud read?

Mike Baron and the Dude manage to include murder, child-birth, daddy-issues, religion, politics, and a bunch of other deep and serious stuff and still make me laugh out loud at the ridiculousness of some of the situations... heck, forget some, make it most!

My only qualm about the Nexus series is that it is so intermittent and so much all over the place (as far as publishers go), that I'm actually having problems following it all. I'm gonna have to take a week end off at some point and go thru the entire series.

[ISMOTU · Rating 5 out of 5]

The return of Nexus! As a latecomer to this wonderful series by Mike Baron and Steve Rude I did not have to wait ten years to read this story and I think that put less pressure on the story. We got to see all our favourite characters and the plot moved forward nicely. The world of Nexus has never been stagnant and this story continues the evolution. It's a testament to the creators that they are able to do new things but still have the issues filled with the same energy as the early days. I'm very nearly caught up on all the tales of Nexus and soon will have to wait agonizingly for the next one. But I know it'll be worth the wait.

[Tom Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Elvonics' intolerance of other religions rises to new levels as they target Nexus' newborn son for assassination.

I read these individual issues on first release, but I recently acquired the trade paperback collection and gave it a fresh read. As ever, there's magic when Baron and Rude collaborate on Nexus. It's as much an exploration of politics, religion, capitalism, etc. as it is intergalactic action and adventure. And Steve Rude's artwork is never better than when he gets to let loose his imagination in this universe, mixing unique visual creations with homages to his creative inspirations. Highly recommended.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nexus is back, and this volume is pretty terrific because it feels very much like a continuation of the main series, full of plots, subplots, and supporting characters. It's also a pretty important part of the Nexus story, as it begins with Horatio's impending child and it moves on to some pretty shocking events.

[Michael Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nexus.
Baron & Rude.
There's nothing better.

[Steven Morton · Rating 3 out of 5]

always nice to read Nexus just wish it would come out on some type of regular schedule; monthly, bi-monthly even yearly.