Octavia Butler's futuristic representation of race was incredibly stark and central to the integral meaning of the text; she created strong, leading black characters who were as defined by their race as their actions in reaction to others' races. Samuel Delaney's Nova, on the other hand, focuses largely on socioeconomic inequality, and difference in education and cultures to draw on for social commentary. In fact, the forces of "light" and "shadow" seem to come much more into play, as Sebastian's beasts and the two twins are concerned, but also amongst Tarot readings and Lorq and Prince's relationships.

Race colors each economic class, each political system, each level of education in Nova, but the nonchalance and normalcy of its presence in the text creates and incredibly believable and comfortable situated reality for the reader. It is almost as if Delaney, by not stressing racial equality in the future, but simply racial presence, creates a much more easily-accepted representation than someone who would attempt to force such things (almost like Orr's attempts in Lathe of Heaven).

Another interesting side note is the strange similarities to Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. I may simply be imagining this, but the occurrence of the names Sebastian and Illyrium (Duke Orsino is from Illyria, much like Lorq is from the Kosmos), as well as the presence of a set of twins, is very indicative of a consciousness of this text. Not to mention the almost-word that Lorq's name forms, especially in relation to Prince's name: a lord and a prince. Similar to a prince (Sebastian) and a duke (Orsino) in Twelfth Night. In this case, surely, Orsino's conclusion that "with great power comes great responsibility" is thrown into a romantic, futuristic light in the context of the plot and characters of Nova.