Frankie Raye

Female Torch

Origin

Frankie Raye was just 14 when her step- father, Professor Horton, brought her with him to an abandoned warehouse where he kept the chemicals that gave the original Human Torch android (Jim Hammond) his powers. You see after hearing about a new Human Torch Johnny Storm, Horton wanted to recreate a new android. While transporting the chemicals that allowed the Torch to become on fire, Frankie tripped and was doused in them. The chemicals caused her body to change and burst into flame, endowing her with the power to do so at will. 
 
She was a interpreter for the United Nations. There is where she would meet Johnny Storm.  
 
Frankie was repressed of her memory by her step-father about the accident that gave her super-powers, until one day it came to light.

The Fantastic Four offered to train her in the use of her powers and even helped them on a few missions. After finding out from Norrin Radd, a friend of the FF, how he had become the Silver Surfer in order to save his planet, the next time Galactus arrived at Earth, Frankie volunteered to become his next herald to explore space and have adventures. Galactus accepted, endowing Frankie with the Power Cosmic, after which she took the name Nova.

Herald of Galactus

Cosmic

As Galactus' herald she was initially inexperienced. Through most experiences she looked on in wonder as that of a child's and was very curious. Nova understood Galactus' importance to the universe and was very faithful. She was willing to deliver any planet to Galactus, regardless of it's inhabitants. She had a great fondness for Galactus almost to the point of love. She often thought that he may love her as well. It did seem he truly did care for her. When she was kidnapped by the Skrulls in their attempt to have Galactus work for them and destroy Kree worlds, Galactus could have easily destroyed the planet the Skrulls had her on. He did not for he may have risked Nova's safety or even killed her. The Silver Surfer agreed to help Galactus if he would free him from Earth and Galactus agreed. Silver Surfer was easily able to save her.

When the Elders of the Universe attempted to kill Galactus, Nova could not defend him on her own. With the direction of the Silver Surfer she destroyed a star creating a black hole and helped to save Galactus. But through the black hole came the In-Betweener, who sent the ailing Galactus through the hole himself and into another universe. He escaped and battled the In-Betweener and they proved equal in strength. Nova's devotion to her master would not stand by and watch him lose and formed a plan to help him. With the help of the Surfer and the Elders, they saved Galactus and returned the In-Betweener to his own realm.

She had a resentment for the Silver Surfer for leaving and betraying her master but that eventually faded when Galactus had the Surfer assist her on missions. He helped her to understand her powers and to learn from his experiences. Eventually, the Surfer pointed out to her the importance of life to her. From that point she began trying to find uninhabited worlds for him to consume.

Later, Frankie and the Silver Surfer fell in love, causing her to leave Galactus to spend as much time as she could with the Surfer. The two parted ways when the Titan Starfox forced Frankie to have feelings for another former herald, Firelord. These feeling were only temporary, but Galactus forbid her from leaving to explain to the Surfer. She threatened to quit his service but eventually stayed. This furthered her suspicions that he may love her too. When she tried to reach the Surfer, he had urgent matters on Zenn-La and did not speak to her. There are further opportunities to discuss this with the Surfer, but he doesn't talk about it. She believes their love was just the Surfer rebounding from the loss of Mantis.

Rebellion

After being taught the value of life from the Surfer, she became disillusioned with her duties. She was often mistreated by Galactus (much as he treated all of his heralds) which caused her much sadness. She felt she could no longer be an accomplice to genocide. The Surfer shared his experience with her once again, telling her that after centuries he had found his peace with himself for his actions and she must find her own as well.

She began lying to Galactus, telling him there were no suitable planets for him nearby when there were populated planets. He used probes to uncover her deceit. He encased her in energy and took her to a nearby populated planet to teach her a lesson. On the planet he discovered a fearless, bloodthirsty executioner. He spared him and brought him to space. He released Frankie and told her to leave, never to bother him again. She was very upset with this decision. He then transformed the executioner into his new herald, Morg.

All the former heralds regrouped when Galactus' new herald, Morg, revealed his murderous ways. Nova had lost her memory somehow and was found by Firelord and the Silver Surfer on a seedy planet as a dancing girl. Surfer faked his death and she snapped out of it. She joined them to stop Morg. She was now a lost soul, having no purpose. The Surfer told her she could always join him in space which she happily agreed to. Eventually, Morg was defeated, but not before he had managed to kill Frankie. The Surfer dropped Frankie's body in a nearby sun, saddened by the thought of never seeing her again.

All A Deception

Resurrection

But she seemed to try to seduce the Surfer into giving up his life for riches or power. When Nova was kidnapped by some slave traders, the Surfer realized that he indeed had feelings for her and pledged himself to her. But this was all a deception, for it was really Mephisto in disguise, and he now possessed the Surfer's soul.

Powers

Fire Control Her original abilities enabled Nova to ignite herself in fire and create blasts and control flames. This also enabled her to fly. Powers similar to the Human Torch.

Like all heralds of Galactus, Frankie was endowed with the Power Cosmic, which allowed her to fly through space and use this power to do almost anything she wished. 

Blast Power Nova is able to create incredible blasts of fire and heat capable of destroying stars.

Super Speed Nova can travel at velocities faster than the speed of light. She also has remarkable agility and maneuverability.

Super Strength Nova has incredible strength enabling her to lift up to 40 tons.

Super Sight Nova is able to see in most all spectrums of radiation and light, although her senses are not as keen as the Silver Surfer's.

Invulnerability Nova can withstand extreme pressures and temperatures.

Stamina It is not necessary for Nova to sleep, eat or breathe. 

Enhanced Abilities The Power Cosmic amplifies her original fire powers to a great degree. She is capable of absorbing or dispersing heat and radiation in massive quantities.  

Unlike most Heralds of Galactus, Nova has no power item such as the Surfer's board, Firelord's staff or Morg or Terrax's Cosmic Axe.

Alternate Realities

Earth-8436