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Nova (comics)
Encyclopedia
Nova is a fictional character
, a comic book
superhero
in the Marvel Comics
universe
. Upon becoming a member of the galaxy's Nova Corps (an intergalactic police force), the youth gained enhanced strength, flight, injury resistance, and a specialized uniform with life support
.
In May 2011, Nova placed 98th on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes of All Time.
and Len Wein
in the fanzine Super Adventures in 1966. Seven years later John Romita, Sr.
tweaked the design of the character's uniform. Nova debuted in Nova #1 in 1976
, written by Wolfman and drawn by John Buscema
. Wolfman intended the teenage character to be an homage to Stan Lee
and Steve Ditko
's Spider-Man
, down to his humble working-class roots and alliterative alter-ego. The original Nova series, The Man Called Nova (the tag-line for issue #1 reads "In the Marvelous tradition of Spider-Man!"), lasted 25 issues, running from September 1976 to May 1979. Dangling plotlines were resolved in issues 206-214 of Fantastic Four
(also by Wolfman) and issue 24 of Rom the Spaceknight. The character then disappeared into obscurity for some time before returning as a member of the original New Warriors
team, appearing in New Warriors (vol. 1) #1-75, Annual #1-4 (July 1990—September 1996).
Following two subsequent Nova titles, Nova vol. 2 #1-18 (Jan 94 - June 95) and Nova, The Human Rocket vol. 3 #1-7 (May - Nov 1999), Nova would return in New Warriors (vol. 2) #0-10 (October 1999—July 2000) and New Warriors (vol. 3) #1-6 (July 2005 - December, 2005). After a four issue miniseries titled Annihilation: Nova and a leading role in Annihilation
1-6, a fourth volume of Nova ran for 36 issues (April 2007 - April 2010). This series tied into Annihilation: Conquest
, Secret Invasion
, and War of Kings
. Dangling plot threads were addressed in The Thanos Imperative
1-6 and it's two one-shots (May 2010 - Jan 2011).
Nova appeared as a member of the Secret Avengers
during its first four issues (May - Aug 2010).
A Nova appeared in Marvel Point One, but it is unclear if it was Richard Rider. This story was a preview for a new series, Nova: Harbringer, written by Jeph Loeb
.
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Richard Rider, a student at the fictional Harry S. Truman High School in Hempstead, New York
, is chosen at random by the alien
Rhomann Dey, last surviving Nova Centurion of the planet Xandar
's elite Nova Corps, to inherit his power and succeed him in the rank of Nova Prime following the destruction of his world by the intergalactic pirate Zorr. Having been mortally wounded in the battle that tore Xandar apart, Dey succeeds in tracking Zorr to Earth
, but is unable to exact vengeance due to the extent of his injuries. At death's door, Dey has little choice but to transfer his power to an unsuspecting human on the planet below, praying that whomever he finds will take up his cause.
Rider gains the uniform and powers of a centurian, but little instruction on how to use these new powers. Overjoyed, Rider eagerly takes up the life of a superhero, fighting costumed supervillains in New York and gradually learning how to control his new abilities. Calling himself Nova, he makes arch-enemies out of street level thugs and cosmic level threats alike, fighting villains such as Condor
and Powerhouse, Diamondhead
, the Corruptor, and the Sphinx. Nova also teams with Spider-Man
to capture Photon, who had killed Richard Rider's uncle, Ralph Rider, before ultimately choosing to reveal his secret identity to his family.
Discovering Dey's Nova Prime Space Ship, which has been invisibly orbiting Earth for several years, Doctor Sun
and the Sphinx lead Rider across the stars and to the newly reconstructed planet Xandar, the same world where his great powers originated. Traveling with them as well are Powerhouse, Comet
, and Crimebuster. Engaged in bitter war against the Skrull
s, the Xandarians form the Champions of Xandar
, pressing Rider into over a year of service protecting their territories from attack. Nova and the Champions of Xandar fight alongside Rom the Space Knight to eventually defeat the Skrulls, though Xandar itself is left nearly defenseless in the aftermath. Tiring of life so far from home and hoping to rejoin his high school friends, Rider requests to be released from his duties on Xandar and return to Earth. When he is told he must relinquish his powers in order to do so, Rider reluctantly agrees.
For a time, Rider lives a relatively quiet life, flipping burgers as a cook at a fast food restaurant and barely making ends meet due to his disrupted education. He spends his time trying to pick up the pieces of the life he had left behind, all the while wishing he could find a way to regain the powers he has lost. To that end, he makes some unproductive inquiries such as consulting Reed Richards
of the Fantastic Four
to see if that is possible. Unknown to him, during this period, the planet Xandar is utterly destroyed in an attack by the space pirate Nebula
.
computers and steals the data of Richards' examination of Rider among other super-powered individuals. Deducing that Rider's powers were not taken completely from him but instead lay dormant inside the young man's body, Night Thrasher convinces himself that a high-stress situation will be enough to reactivate Rider's powers and open him up to recruitment. To that end, Night Thrasher kidnaps Rider and drops him off the top of a multi-story building. The fall causes Rider's powers to reignite from within him, saving his life.
Although highly annoyed at Night Thrasher's cavalier attitude, Rider joins his superhero group, the New Warriors, who first appear as a team aiding Thor
in his fight with Juggernaut
. Though their first battle pits them against Terrax the Tamer
, their adventures together typically include dealing with street level supervillains as well as Nova's old foe the Sphinx. During this time, Rider begins dating fellow teammate Namorita
and becomes close friends with Speedball.
With the New Warriors, he first battled Psionex
, the Force of Nature
, and the Hellions
. When the second Sphinx invaded the Earth, Nova forced her to undo her transformation of Earth. With the New Warriors, he then fought the Fantastic Four
, and Terrax again but was captured by Gideon
. It was in this period that Rider's parents learned that he had again become Nova. Richard briefly dated Laura Dunham
a Yale
student after she got into a fender bender with his delivery van during one of Rider's many odd jobs.
Functioning for several years as an earth-bound superhero with no connection to the now defunct Nova Corps, Rider eventually encounters Garthan Saal, a former Nova Corps Centurion who has been driven insane by his quest to absorb the entirety of the Nova Force, the source of the powers of all Nova Centurions. Having failed in his effort to enact revenge against Nebula for the destruction of his home planet, Saal instead turns his attention to restoring Xandar to its former glory. Stripping Rider of his powers for a second time, Saal transports Rider to Xandar again and forces him to assist in jump-starting the process that restores the dead planet to life. Rider also witnesses the reformation of the Nova Corps, which appoints him to the rank of Centurion Prime.
Assigned to Earth, Rider is confronted with the challenge of balancing dual lives as a member of both the Nova Corps as well as the New Warriors. Rider soon encounters another Nova Corps member from an alternate timeline named Nova 0:0, who attempts to prepare him to do battle with a mysterious force that had destroyed his own Earth: "the Deathstorm." Defying the direct order of Xandar's Queen Adora to return to Xandar to quell an emergency, Rider succeeds in stopping the Deathstorm and saving Earth. His success is short-lived, however, as Rider finds himself stripped of his powers once again and replaced as Centurion Prime by Garthan Saal. After several months, Saal is killed by Volx, Queen of the Dire Wraith
s, returning the Nova force to Rider with his final breath.
show. After the first season of the show, however, Rider leaves the group for Xandar to report for duty alongside the entire Nova Corps, which has been fully mobilized to respond to an unknown threat. Xandar and the Nova Corps are swiftly decimated by a surprise attack by an army revealed to be the Annihilation Wave, newly arrived in this universe from the Negative Zone
.
As the only surviving centurian, Rider makes contact with the Xandarian Worldmind, a living supercomputer that is the regulator of the Nova Force and caretaker of the entire collective database of Xandarian civilization. Worldmind explains that there is no choice but to upload itself and the entire Nova Force into his body and mind. This act greatly enhances his already superhuman strength and durability as well as granting him control of the nearly limitless energies of the Nova Force.
During the Annihilation War, Rider takes command of the United Front, a loose collaboration of soldiers hailing from the worlds already under siege by Annihilus
. Leading Drax the Destroyer
, Star-Lord
, Phyla-Vell
, Ronan the Accuser
, Kl'rt the Super-Skrull
, and Gamora
(with whom he has become romantically involved) as well as the former Heralds
of Galactus
, Firelord, Red Shift
, and Stardust
in a nearly year-long campaign, Rider almost succeeds in pushing back the Wave's advance across the galaxy. When Annihilus utilizes the stolen power of his captive Galactus to destroy an entire planet, Rider switches tactics. Disbanding the United Front, he leads a small team deep into the Wave's conquered territory, intent on assassinating Annihilus himself. Forging alliances with the likes of Blastaar
and the Galadorian Spaceknights
along the way, Rider eventually engages Annihilus himself in personal combat, tearing the tyrant inside out and halting his wave of destruction.
against an assault from the Phalanx
, Rider is badly wounded and crash lands on a sparsely populated Kree outpost. While Rider's unconscious body recovered, Worldmind deputized a local commander, Ko Rel, to guard him. When she disobeys Worldmind's direction, Rider is infected by the transmode virus and leaves with Gamora, who is now a part of the Phalanx. Now tasked killing Rider before the Worldmind falls into enemy hands, Ko-Rel attacks him, only to be killed by Gamora in retaliation. Upon her death, her fraction of the Nova force returns to Rider and enables him to overcome the transmode virus. He flees Kree space, pursued by Gamora and a Phanlanx-controlled Drax.
Seeking a cure for the transmode virus, Rider eventually arrives on Kvch, home planet of the Technarchy
. Rider enlists the help of the mutant Warlock
and his son Tyro, who cure Rider, Drax, and Gamora of the transmode virus. The five return to Hala to engage the Phalanx.
, the base where his brother now works, is under Skrull attack. Working with Darkhawk
, Rider successfully stops the Skrulls' advance.
The scientists of the facility extract the Worldmind from his brain and use the supercomputer to jump start a project they had in storage known as the quantum flask, which restores Quasar to life. A Skrull warship is about to destroy Project Pegasus, but is destroyed by a band of alien Nova Centurions who then declare their allegiance to Rider.
is among the new recruits, he becomes enraged and tries to battle Worldmind. As a result, he is stripped of his rank and ejected from the Nova Corps. Because his body has become dependant on the Nova Force, Rider will die if he is without it for too long. As a temporary measure, he borrows the quantum bands from Wendall Vaughn and becomes Quasar. Using his new abilities, Rider goes rescue the Corps from the War of Kings
. Ego is removed as a Centurian and Rider regains his Nova Prime status, but not before most of the new recruits were slaughtered by the Shi'ar
Imperial Guard
. Nova agrees to train the remaining new centurians, including his younger brother.
, his old girlfriend who had died a few years earlier. Richard returned to Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S., where he confronts an alternate Quasar who came from the universe at the end of the Fault.
and is sent on recon to Mars to investigate Roxxon activity. He becomes possessed by the Thorn Crown, an artifact similar to the Serpent Crown
. Nova left the team to lend a hand in The Thanos Imperative
.
rip it wide open. As Nova struggles to defend the Kree
/Shi'ar
warships against creatures inside the Fault, he receives assistance from Quasar and the Silver Surfer
. They leave the battle front to chase down Lord Mar-Vell, the evil, alternate version of Captain Marvel. After failing to stop Mar-Vell, Rider learns that the Guardians of the Galaxy need his help inside the Fault. Once there, Nova and the Guardians watch Thanos
destroy Mar-Vell. Now facing an enraged Thanos, Rider pulls the nova force from the rest of the corps for extra strength. He and Star-Lord
are able to hold Thanos back for the few minutes it takes for the Fault to close, trapping all three of them in an alternate universe. Nova and Star-Lord receive a statue in their honor on Hala.
, saying he must warn everyone. Terrax engages him in battle, but it is interupted when the planet is consumed by the Phoenix. Terrax is seemingly destroyed, but the unknown Nova centurian survives.
Nova wears a standard Xandarian StarCorps uniform, designed to accommodate his powers without being damaged by them. The uniform is highly resistant to damage, including outer space conditions, and is airtight. The helmet contains a plexiglass-like plate that can be lowered to cover the lower face by cybernetic command, thereby making the helmet airtight; the helmet is connected to an oxygen supply concealed within the uniform. In addition, the uniform has a built-in life support function that can sustain Rider under the most extreme environmental conditions, including acting as a life-support suit
by locking off the mouth and eyes of the helmet. The helmet contains radio circuitry enabling Nova to pick up radio
transmissions, monitor transmissions, telescopic sights, night vision sensors, and heat imaging sensors, as well as overlay a visual heads-up display
for tracking energy signatures. Nova's helmet has a rigid construction and shape when worn, but becomes as malleable as cloth when it is not, allowing Rider to hide it in his civilian clothes when desired.
Rider can also alter the appearance and nature of his uniform to suit his needs. However, as Rider learns the hard way, the StarCorps keeps a strict dress code. When he makes major cosmetic changes to his uniform after rejoining the New Warriors, Nova is summarily ordered to conform to standard.
Nova's uniform is not only extremely malleable; it is also designed with specific weapons and functions to aid Rider in his role as a Nova Corps Centurion. Among these features are an electromagnetic discharge that can nullify gravity and access to StarGates that allow him to enter hyperspace, where he can move at velocities exceeding the speed of light.
Nova is a good hand-to-hand combatant, and has been coached by Chord
.
During Annihilation
, Rider's uniform is altered and enhanced to house the Xandarian Worldmind and aid him in containing the Nova Force. As host to the entire Nova Force, which was previously used to empower all members of the Nova Corps throughout the universe, Rider is now possessed of tremendously augmented strength and durability as well as nearly limitless quantities of energy. However, he's now bonded to the Nova Force itself, and unable to survive for long if separated from it.
In addition to the Nova Force, Rider's body currently houses the Worldmind, the entire culture and history of Xandar as well as the individual minds of thousands of years of dead Xandarians. The consensus voice of the Worldmind can speak directly to Rider, and has demonstrated the following capabilities:
ranked Nova as the 98th greatest comic book character stating that Nova is a blend of Spider-Man
and Green Lantern
. They also stated that Nova fans noticed him mature when joining the "Fan Warriors" and when Annihilation Wave struck, Nova embraced his destiny as premier defender of a battered galaxy.
, Nova resides in the afterlife. He and two other deceased heroes, Ms. Marvel
and Star-Lord
, lead an initial charge against Mephisto
, whose plans involve the death of all living beings. They are swiftly defeated, though the remaining heroes later make another attempt.
one shot Dead Days. Unable to overcome his fear and horror of the slaughter occurring around him, he fails to act in his own defense when Spider-Man
attacks him. Fortunately for Nova, Daredevil
intervenes, but is bitten when Nova is too shocked to assist. He and The Mighty Thor
are rescued by the Fantastic Four
and united with the other surviving heroes on the S.H.I.E.L.D.
Helicarrier
. Nova panics further when Nick Fury
formulates a desperate last stand defense, citing that this was nothing like previous global threats; and that the world was as good as dead. Regardless, Nova helps in the battle until he is bitten by Ms. Marvel
. As a zombie, he participates in a failed attack on Doctor Doom's castle, in an effort to get at the humans inside. A zombie version of Nova can be seen in the Marvel Zombies limited series, being shredded by a hail of metal fragments hurled by Magneto
.
He is still mobile when a swarm of zombies attack and attempt to consume the Silver Surfer
. During the incident, Zombie Hulk
crushes Zombie Hercules
when the latter attempts to steal the Silver Surfer
's head. Nova backs away, saying "On second thought, you keep that, big guy". He is later killed by the cosmic zombies.
Richard Rider appears frequently in the Spider-Girl
series, which is set in an alternate future. The MC2 Nova (co-created by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz) first appeared in Spider-Girl #7 and wrongly believed Spider-Girl was a supervillain since she was fighting Darkdevil
at the time. After a brief battle, Nova would later realize his mistake.
Over time, the MC2 Nova has attempted to tutor and lecture Spider-Girl on the importance of being a superhero. However, his arrogance and lack of patience with younger heroes causes his lessons to be largely ignored. However, the fact that Nova was a founding member of the New Warriors gave Spider-Girl the inspiration to form a new MC2 version of the Warriors.
By the time of the series, Nova has served as a temporary Avenger. He also appears in the Last Hero Standing and within the Avengers Next
limited series
. Nova also assisted in the battle against Galactus in Last Planet Standing. The Nova in the MC2/Spider-Girl future is eventually confirmed to be Richard Rider in Avengers Next #2. His attitude toward Spider-Girl is often arrogant and dismissive, bordering on the contemptuous; but later he becomes impressed by her, after her surviving a battle against the Avengers' enemy Seth.
The MC2 Nova uniform closely resembles the original Centurion Nova Prime uniform worn by Rhomann Dey (the Xandarian who gave Rich Rider his powers) and worn by Rider during Nova's first and third series. The only difference is the original three starburst configuration has been changed into a single large starburst. The single starburst is similar to the starburst on the back of the original Nova uniform.
The MC2 Nova has his headquarters located onboard the Nova Prime Starship. The starship resembles the ship used by Rhomann Dey to pursue Xandar's destroyer, Zorr, to Earth and later used by Nova to fight the Skrulls during the Skrull/Xandar War. Whether this is the same starship as Dey's or a new one based on the original design is unknown. The MC2 Rich Rider uses the Nova Prime Starship to monitor Earthbound threats from space.
from a parallel reality where the Middle East
is the dominant superpower
. He serves the ruler of this dimension, the tyrannical female Sphinx. He is shown the truth of how the female Sphinx used the energy of the Ka Stone to reshape reality by the original Sphinx's former advisor Sayge
(the embodiment of truth). Nova betrays the Sphinx to join with Marvel Man (Vance Astrovik) and Firestar
of that world's Mutant Liberation Front as well as Night Thrasher whose parents were murdered in this reality on the orders of the Sphinx. When Nova threatens to murder the Sphinx's cat (a gift from the original Sphinx) she restores reality.
#5, the Ultimate Watchers announce to the Fantastic Four that they "will now pick a herald to help you with your new world order." They choose Rick Jones
, who then develops superpowers. After a fight alongside Iceman, Human Torch, and Spider-Man, he selects the name Nova as his superhero alias. He does not appear to have any relation to the mainstream Nova other than name.
looks at what would have taken place if four different people had acquired the power of Nova;
include:
Character (arts)
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
, a comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
in the Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
universe
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Entertainment take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and the Avengers.The Marvel Universe is further...
. Upon becoming a member of the galaxy's Nova Corps (an intergalactic police force), the youth gained enhanced strength, flight, injury resistance, and a specialized uniform with life support
Life support
Life support, in medicine is a broad term that applies to any therapy used to sustain a patient's life while they are critically ill or injured. There are many therapies and techniques that may be used by clinicians to achieve the goal of sustaining life...
.
In May 2011, Nova placed 98th on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes of All Time.
Publication history
The character, in a slightly different form as Black Nova, was created by Marv WolfmanMarv Wolfman
Marvin A. "Marv" Wolfman is an award-winning American comic book writer. He is best known for lengthy runs on The Tomb of Dracula, creating Blade for Marvel Comics, and The New Teen Titans for DC Comics.-1960s:...
and Len Wein
Len Wein
Len Wein is an American comic book writer and editor best known for co-creating DC Comics' Swamp Thing and Marvel Comics' Wolverine, and for helping revive the Marvel superhero team the X-Men...
in the fanzine Super Adventures in 1966. Seven years later John Romita, Sr.
John Romita, Sr.
John V. Romita, Sr. is an Italian-American comic-book artist best known for his work on Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man...
tweaked the design of the character's uniform. Nova debuted in Nova #1 in 1976
1976 in comics
This is a list of comics-related events in 1976.- Year overall :* American Splendor, Harvey Pekar's long-running autobiographical comic book title, publishes its debut issue.* Fantagraphics Books, Inc. founded by Gary Groth and Michael Catron....
, written by Wolfman and drawn by John Buscema
John Buscema
John Buscema, born Giovanni Natale Buscema , was an American comic-book artist and one of the mainstays of Marvel Comics during its 1960s and 1970s ascendancy into an industry leader and its subsequent expansion to a major pop culture conglomerate...
. Wolfman intended the teenage character to be an homage to Stan Lee
Stan Lee
Stan Lee is an American comic book writer, editor, actor, producer, publisher, television personality, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics....
and Steve Ditko
Steve Ditko
Stephen J. "Steve" Ditko is an American comic book artist and writer best known as the artist co-creator, with Stan Lee, of the Marvel Comics heroes Spider-Man and Doctor Strange....
's Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, down to his humble working-class roots and alliterative alter-ego. The original Nova series, The Man Called Nova (the tag-line for issue #1 reads "In the Marvelous tradition of Spider-Man!"), lasted 25 issues, running from September 1976 to May 1979. Dangling plotlines were resolved in issues 206-214 of Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
(also by Wolfman) and issue 24 of Rom the Spaceknight. The character then disappeared into obscurity for some time before returning as a member of the original New Warriors
New Warriors
The New Warriors is a Marvel Comics superhero team, traditionally consisting of young adult heroes. They first appeared in The Mighty Thor #411 .-General publication history:...
team, appearing in New Warriors (vol. 1) #1-75, Annual #1-4 (July 1990—September 1996).
Following two subsequent Nova titles, Nova vol. 2 #1-18 (Jan 94 - June 95) and Nova, The Human Rocket vol. 3 #1-7 (May - Nov 1999), Nova would return in New Warriors (vol. 2) #0-10 (October 1999—July 2000) and New Warriors (vol. 3) #1-6 (July 2005 - December, 2005). After a four issue miniseries titled Annihilation: Nova and a leading role in Annihilation
Annihilation (comics)
"Annihilation" was a 2006 crossover storyline published by Marvel Comics, highlighting several outer space-related characters in the Marvel Universe. The central miniseries was written by Keith Giffen, with editor Andy Schmidt.-Publication History:...
1-6, a fourth volume of Nova ran for 36 issues (April 2007 - April 2010). This series tied into Annihilation: Conquest
Annihilation: Conquest
Annihilation: Conquest is a 2007-2008 Marvel Comics crossover storyline and the sequel to 2006's Annihilation. The series again focuses on Marvel's cosmic heroes defending the universe against the Phalanx, now led by Ultron...
, Secret Invasion
Secret Invasion
"Secret Invasion" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self-titled eight issue limited series and several tie-in books published by Marvel Comics from April through December 2008....
, and War of Kings
War of Kings
"War of Kings" is a comic book crossover storyline written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, published by Marvel Comics, and set in Marvel's main shared universe. The six issue limited series was published between March and August, 2009....
. Dangling plot threads were addressed in The Thanos Imperative
The Thanos Imperative
The Thanos Imperative is a 6-issue comic book limited series published in 2010 by Marvel Comics. It was written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, and was bookended by two one-shot comics, Ignition and Devastation...
1-6 and it's two one-shots (May 2010 - Jan 2011).
Nova appeared as a member of the Secret Avengers
Secret Avengers
Secret Avengers is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics featuring a fictional black ops superhero team of the same name. Written by Ed Brubaker, the series depicts a new version of Marvel's premiere super hero team, the Avengers, which operates under the guidance and leadership...
during its first four issues (May - Aug 2010).
A Nova appeared in Marvel Point One, but it is unclear if it was Richard Rider. This story was a preview for a new series, Nova: Harbringer, written by Jeph Loeb
Jeph Loeb
Joseph "Jeph" Loeb III is an American film and television writer, producer and award-winning comic book writer. Loeb was a producer/writer on the TV series Smallville and Lost, writer for the films Commando and Teen Wolf and was a writer and Co-Executive Producer on the NBC TV show Heroes from its...
.
Origins
Hempstead (village), New York
Hempstead is a village located in the town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, United States. The population was 53,891 at the 2010 census.Hofstra University is located on the border between Hempstead and Uniondale.-Foundation:...
, is chosen at random by the alien
Extraterrestrial life
Extraterrestrial life is defined as life that does not originate from Earth...
Rhomann Dey, last surviving Nova Centurion of the planet Xandar
Xandar
Xandar is a fictional planet in the Tranta system in the Andromeda galaxy of the Marvel Comics universe. It is best known as the home world of the Nova Corps, an intergalactic police task force. The most prominent member of the Nova Corps is Richard Rider, one-time member of the New Warriors...
's elite Nova Corps, to inherit his power and succeed him in the rank of Nova Prime following the destruction of his world by the intergalactic pirate Zorr. Having been mortally wounded in the battle that tore Xandar apart, Dey succeeds in tracking Zorr to Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
, but is unable to exact vengeance due to the extent of his injuries. At death's door, Dey has little choice but to transfer his power to an unsuspecting human on the planet below, praying that whomever he finds will take up his cause.
Rider gains the uniform and powers of a centurian, but little instruction on how to use these new powers. Overjoyed, Rider eagerly takes up the life of a superhero, fighting costumed supervillains in New York and gradually learning how to control his new abilities. Calling himself Nova, he makes arch-enemies out of street level thugs and cosmic level threats alike, fighting villains such as Condor
Condor (comics)
- Publication history :The Condor first appeared in Nova #2-3 , and was created by Marv Wolfman and John Buscema.The character subsequently appears in Nova #6-8 , #10 , Nova #2-5 , #13 , Nova #3-4 , #7 , and Amazing Spider-Man #562-563 - Publication history :The Condor first appeared in Nova #2-3...
and Powerhouse, Diamondhead
Diamondhead (comics)
Diamondhead is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Diamondhead first appeared in Nova vol 1 #3 , and was created by Marv Wolfman and Sal Buscema....
, the Corruptor, and the Sphinx. Nova also teams with Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
to capture Photon, who had killed Richard Rider's uncle, Ralph Rider, before ultimately choosing to reveal his secret identity to his family.
Discovering Dey's Nova Prime Space Ship, which has been invisibly orbiting Earth for several years, Doctor Sun
Doctor Sun
Doctor Sun is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Universe. He is a cyborg who fed on human blood, and has come into conflict with the Fantastic Four.-Publication history:...
and the Sphinx lead Rider across the stars and to the newly reconstructed planet Xandar, the same world where his great powers originated. Traveling with them as well are Powerhouse, Comet
Comet (Marvel Comics)
Comet is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:The Comet first appeared in Nova #21 , and was created by Marv Wolfman and John Buscema....
, and Crimebuster. Engaged in bitter war against the Skrull
Skrull
The Skrulls are a fictional race of extraterrestrial shapeshifters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The Skrulls first appeared in Fantastic Four #2 and were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
s, the Xandarians form the Champions of Xandar
Champions of Xandar
The Champions of Xandar are a fictional group of super-powered beings who banded together to safeguard the four-sectioned world of Xandar in the Andromeda Galaxy from all threats to its security...
, pressing Rider into over a year of service protecting their territories from attack. Nova and the Champions of Xandar fight alongside Rom the Space Knight to eventually defeat the Skrulls, though Xandar itself is left nearly defenseless in the aftermath. Tiring of life so far from home and hoping to rejoin his high school friends, Rider requests to be released from his duties on Xandar and return to Earth. When he is told he must relinquish his powers in order to do so, Rider reluctantly agrees.
For a time, Rider lives a relatively quiet life, flipping burgers as a cook at a fast food restaurant and barely making ends meet due to his disrupted education. He spends his time trying to pick up the pieces of the life he had left behind, all the while wishing he could find a way to regain the powers he has lost. To that end, he makes some unproductive inquiries such as consulting Reed Richards
Mister Fantastic
Mr. Fantastic is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero and a member of the Fantastic Four. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Fantastic Four #1 ....
of the Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
to see if that is possible. Unknown to him, during this period, the planet Xandar is utterly destroyed in an attack by the space pirate Nebula
Nebula (comics)
Nebula is a fictional character, an alien supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe.-Fictional character biography:A brutal space pirate and mercenary, Nebula seized control of Sanctuary III, a massive spaceship previously under the command of Thanos. Thanos was believed to be dead at...
.
New Warriors
In a bid to secure new super powered allies, the superhero Night Thrasher breaks into S.H.I.E.L.D.S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
computers and steals the data of Richards' examination of Rider among other super-powered individuals. Deducing that Rider's powers were not taken completely from him but instead lay dormant inside the young man's body, Night Thrasher convinces himself that a high-stress situation will be enough to reactivate Rider's powers and open him up to recruitment. To that end, Night Thrasher kidnaps Rider and drops him off the top of a multi-story building. The fall causes Rider's powers to reignite from within him, saving his life.
Although highly annoyed at Night Thrasher's cavalier attitude, Rider joins his superhero group, the New Warriors, who first appear as a team aiding Thor
Thor (Marvel Comics)
Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
in his fight with Juggernaut
Juggernaut (comics)
The Juggernaut is a fictional character that appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in X-Men #12 , and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby....
. Though their first battle pits them against Terrax the Tamer
Terrax
Terrax the Tamer is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Fantastic Four #211 and was created by Marv Wolfman and John Byrne.-Fictional character biography:...
, their adventures together typically include dealing with street level supervillains as well as Nova's old foe the Sphinx. During this time, Rider begins dating fellow teammate Namorita
Namorita
Namorita Prentiss is a fictional superhero in the Marvel Universe, commonly known by the name of Nita. She is a mutant clone of her mother, Namora, and a member of the New Warriors. She was killed in the explosion in Stamford that started the Superhero Civil War.-Publication history:Namorita first...
and becomes close friends with Speedball.
With the New Warriors, he first battled Psionex
Psionex
Psionex are a team of comic book supervillains and occasional anti-heroes in the Marvel Comics universe. They were created by Fabian Nicieza and Mark Bagley, first appearing in New Warriors vol. 1 #4.-Profiles:*Pretty Persuasions - Heidi P...
, the Force of Nature
Force of Nature (comics)
The Force of Nature is a group of super villains in the Marvel Comics Universe who each have elemental themed powers: earth, fire, water, and wind...
, and the Hellions
Hellions (comics)
There have been several groups of fictional characters in the Marvel Comics universe who have been known as the Hellions. These groups were rivals of various teams of younger mutant heroes in the X-Men franchise....
. When the second Sphinx invaded the Earth, Nova forced her to undo her transformation of Earth. With the New Warriors, he then fought the Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
, and Terrax again but was captured by Gideon
Gideon (comics)
Gideon is a fictional character, a mutant supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza...
. It was in this period that Rider's parents learned that he had again become Nova. Richard briefly dated Laura Dunham
Laura Dunham
Laura Dunham is a fictional supporting character in the Marvel Comics universe. She was the girlfriend of Richard Rider, aka Nova.Laura Dunham, a Connecticut-born college student attending Yale University, first met Richard Rider when she crashed her car into the company van Richard used for...
a Yale
YALE
RapidMiner, formerly YALE , is an environment for machine learning, data mining, text mining, predictive analytics, and business analytics. It is used for research, education, training, rapid prototyping, application development, and industrial applications...
student after she got into a fender bender with his delivery van during one of Rider's many odd jobs.
Assigned to Earth, Rider is confronted with the challenge of balancing dual lives as a member of both the Nova Corps as well as the New Warriors. Rider soon encounters another Nova Corps member from an alternate timeline named Nova 0:0, who attempts to prepare him to do battle with a mysterious force that had destroyed his own Earth: "the Deathstorm." Defying the direct order of Xandar's Queen Adora to return to Xandar to quell an emergency, Rider succeeds in stopping the Deathstorm and saving Earth. His success is short-lived, however, as Rider finds himself stripped of his powers once again and replaced as Centurion Prime by Garthan Saal. After several months, Saal is killed by Volx, Queen of the Dire Wraith
Dire Wraith
The Dire Wraiths are a fictional extraterrestrial species published by Marvel Comics. The Dire Wraiths first appeared in Rom #1 , and were created by Bill Mantlo and Al Milgrom. The Dire Wraiths are the main opponents of Rom the Spaceknight....
s, returning the Nova force to Rider with his final breath.
Annihilation
Nova briefly travels the US with the reformed New Warriors as part of a reality televisionReality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
show. After the first season of the show, however, Rider leaves the group for Xandar to report for duty alongside the entire Nova Corps, which has been fully mobilized to respond to an unknown threat. Xandar and the Nova Corps are swiftly decimated by a surprise attack by an army revealed to be the Annihilation Wave, newly arrived in this universe from the Negative Zone
Negative Zone
The Negative Zone is a fictional setting, an antimatter universe depicted in publications from Marvel Comics, most frequently in Fantastic Four and Captain Marvel. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, it first appeared in Fantastic Four #51 .-Fictional description:The Negative Zone in the Marvel...
.
As the only surviving centurian, Rider makes contact with the Xandarian Worldmind, a living supercomputer that is the regulator of the Nova Force and caretaker of the entire collective database of Xandarian civilization. Worldmind explains that there is no choice but to upload itself and the entire Nova Force into his body and mind. This act greatly enhances his already superhuman strength and durability as well as granting him control of the nearly limitless energies of the Nova Force.
During the Annihilation War, Rider takes command of the United Front, a loose collaboration of soldiers hailing from the worlds already under siege by Annihilus
Annihilus
Annihilus is a fictional character in Marvel Comics' Marvel Universe. In 2009, Annihilus was ranked as IGN's 94th Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time.-Publication history:...
. Leading Drax the Destroyer
Drax the Destroyer
Drax the Destroyer is a fictional character appearing in books published by the Marvel Comics.-Publication history:Drax first appeared in Iron Man #55 , and was created by Mike Friedrich and Jim Starlin. He had a recurring role in Captain Marvel vol 1 beginning with issue #23...
, Star-Lord
Star-Lord
Star-Lord is the name of three fictional characters that appear in publications from by Marvel Comics.The first Star-Lord was Peter Quill, who first appeared in Marvel Preview #4 , and was created by Steve Englehart and Steve Gan...
, Phyla-Vell
Phyla-Vell
Phyla-Vell is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. She has gone by the names Quasar, Captain Marvel and Martyr. She was created by Peter David and Paul Azaceta in Captain Marvel Phyla-Vell is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics...
, Ronan the Accuser
Ronan the Accuser
Ronan the Accuser is a fictional character that has appeared in numerous comic book series published by Marvel Comics. A member of the alien race the Kree, he exists in Marvel's main shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe. Ronan first appeared in Fantastic Four #65 , and was created by Stan...
, Kl'rt the Super-Skrull
Super-Skrull
The Super-Skrull is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The character first appeared in Fantastic Four #18 The Super-Skrull (Kl'rt) is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The...
, and Gamora
Gamora
Gamora is a fictional comic book character in Marvel Comics' shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe. She is the adopted daughter of Thanos and the occasional love interest of Adam Warlock and Nova.-Publication history:...
(with whom he has become romantically involved) as well as the former Heralds
Herald of Galactus
The Heralds of Galactus are fictional characters appearing in publications from Marvel Comics. The Herald concept was introduced in Fantastic Four #48 - with the character the Silver Surfer - by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
of Galactus
Galactus
Galactus is a fictional character appearing in comic books and other publications published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist and co-plotter Jack Kirby, the character debuted in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue story later known as "The Galactus...
, Firelord, Red Shift
Red Shift (comics)
Red Shift is a fictional supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe and was a herald of Galactus. He first appeared in Galactus: The Devourer .-Fictional character biography:...
, and Stardust
Stardust (Marvel Comics)
Stardust is a fictional character appearing in the comic books published by Marvel Comics and existing in that company's Marvel Universe. Stardust is one of the many Heralds of Galactus...
in a nearly year-long campaign, Rider almost succeeds in pushing back the Wave's advance across the galaxy. When Annihilus utilizes the stolen power of his captive Galactus to destroy an entire planet, Rider switches tactics. Disbanding the United Front, he leads a small team deep into the Wave's conquered territory, intent on assassinating Annihilus himself. Forging alliances with the likes of Blastaar
Blastaar
Blastaar, sometimes called the Living Bomb-Burst and Blasstaar, is a Marvel Comics supervillain. Blastaar is an opponent of the Fantastic Four and lives in the Negative Zone...
and the Galadorian Spaceknights
Spaceknights
Spaceknights is a name used by at least three distinct groups of characters in the fictional . The better known group is a core concept of the 1980s comic book Rom Spaceknight, while the other two are far more recent creations and not much is yet known about them.-Galador's Spaceknights:The...
along the way, Rider eventually engages Annihilus himself in personal combat, tearing the tyrant inside out and halting his wave of destruction.
Civil War on Earth
After the Annihilation war, Rider began to proactively police the universe. When Worldmind insists Rider rest, he returns home to Earth. Angry that his pleas for help in the Annihilation War were ignored for the Civil War and feeling out of place with the new status quo, Rider returns to space.Annihilation: Conquest
Attempting to aid the KreeKree
The Kree, also known as the Ruul, are a scientifically and technologically advanced militaristic alien race in the fictional Marvel Universe. They are native to the planet Hala in the Large Magellanic Cloud...
against an assault from the Phalanx
Phalanx (comics)
The Phalanx are a fictional cybernetic species in the Marvel Comics universe. They have come in conflict with the X-Men and related groups on several occasions. They form a hive mind, linking each member by a telepathy-like system....
, Rider is badly wounded and crash lands on a sparsely populated Kree outpost. While Rider's unconscious body recovered, Worldmind deputized a local commander, Ko Rel, to guard him. When she disobeys Worldmind's direction, Rider is infected by the transmode virus and leaves with Gamora, who is now a part of the Phalanx. Now tasked killing Rider before the Worldmind falls into enemy hands, Ko-Rel attacks him, only to be killed by Gamora in retaliation. Upon her death, her fraction of the Nova force returns to Rider and enables him to overcome the transmode virus. He flees Kree space, pursued by Gamora and a Phanlanx-controlled Drax.
Seeking a cure for the transmode virus, Rider eventually arrives on Kvch, home planet of the Technarchy
Technarchy
The Technarchy, or Technarchs, are a cybernetic, shapeshifting, fictional species of extraterrestrial origin in the Marvel Comics' universe, created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Bill Sienkiewicz. Its most notable members are the New Mutants member Warlock and his "siredam," the supervillain...
. Rider enlists the help of the mutant Warlock
Warlock (New Mutants)
Warlock is a fictional character, a cybernetic alien superhero published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in New Mutants vol. 1 #18 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz.-Publication history:...
and his son Tyro, who cure Rider, Drax, and Gamora of the transmode virus. The five return to Hala to engage the Phalanx.
Secret Invasion
When ambushed by some Skrulls, Rider is aided by Kl'rt. He learns about the Secret Invasion, and heads for Earth. Rider learns that Project PegasusProject Pegasus
Project Pegasus is a fictional scientific base in the Marvel Comics universe which has been the location of a variety of stories for superheroes and supervillains, most notably in the title Marvel Two-in-One...
, the base where his brother now works, is under Skrull attack. Working with Darkhawk
Darkhawk
Darkhawk is a fictional comic book superhero who first appeared in his own self-titled series, Darkhawk #1...
, Rider successfully stops the Skrulls' advance.
The scientists of the facility extract the Worldmind from his brain and use the supercomputer to jump start a project they had in storage known as the quantum flask, which restores Quasar to life. A Skrull warship is about to destroy Project Pegasus, but is destroyed by a band of alien Nova Centurions who then declare their allegiance to Rider.
War of Kings
Rider learns that Worldmind had been recruiting for the Corps without telling him. When he learns that Ego the Living PlanetEgo the Living Planet
Ego the Living Planet is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics Universe. The character first appeared in Thor #132 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
is among the new recruits, he becomes enraged and tries to battle Worldmind. As a result, he is stripped of his rank and ejected from the Nova Corps. Because his body has become dependant on the Nova Force, Rider will die if he is without it for too long. As a temporary measure, he borrows the quantum bands from Wendall Vaughn and becomes Quasar. Using his new abilities, Rider goes rescue the Corps from the War of Kings
War of Kings
"War of Kings" is a comic book crossover storyline written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, published by Marvel Comics, and set in Marvel's main shared universe. The six issue limited series was published between March and August, 2009....
. Ego is removed as a Centurian and Rider regains his Nova Prime status, but not before most of the new recruits were slaughtered by the Shi'ar
Shi'ar
The Shi'ar are a fictional species of aliens in the Marvel Comics universe. The Shi'ar Empire also called the Aerie, is a vast collection of alien species, cultures and worlds situated close to the Skrull and Kree Empires, and alongside them, is one of the three main alien empires...
Imperial Guard
Imperial Guard (comics)
The Imperial Guard is a team of fictional super-powered alien warriors in the Marvel Comics universe. The Imperial Guard serves the rulers of the Shi'ar Empire, both by enforcing Shi'ar Imperial law on all planets within the Shi'ar Galaxy and as the Emperor or Empress's personal guard...
. Nova agrees to train the remaining new centurians, including his younger brother.
Realm of Kings
While patrolling the Fault, a tear in spacetime created at the end of the War of Kings, a Nova Corps ship appeared from inside of it. Inside he met Zan Philo, a centurian who had gone missing long ago. Philo was assigned to train the probationers. Later, Rider and Darkhawk found themselves inside the Fault, where they were called to do battle for the Sphinx against his younger self. Because of the unstable timestream inside the Fault, Nova was able to return with NamoritaNamorita
Namorita Prentiss is a fictional superhero in the Marvel Universe, commonly known by the name of Nita. She is a mutant clone of her mother, Namora, and a member of the New Warriors. She was killed in the explosion in Stamford that started the Superhero Civil War.-Publication history:Namorita first...
, his old girlfriend who had died a few years earlier. Richard returned to Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S., where he confronts an alternate Quasar who came from the universe at the end of the Fault.
Heroic Age
Nova joins the Secret AvengersSecret Avengers
Secret Avengers is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics featuring a fictional black ops superhero team of the same name. Written by Ed Brubaker, the series depicts a new version of Marvel's premiere super hero team, the Avengers, which operates under the guidance and leadership...
and is sent on recon to Mars to investigate Roxxon activity. He becomes possessed by the Thorn Crown, an artifact similar to the Serpent Crown
Serpent Crown
The Serpent Crown is a fictional mystical power object which has appeared in various comic book series published by Marvel Comics. It exists within Marvel's main shared universe...
. Nova left the team to lend a hand in The Thanos Imperative
The Thanos Imperative
The Thanos Imperative is a 6-issue comic book limited series published in 2010 by Marvel Comics. It was written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, and was bookended by two one-shot comics, Ignition and Devastation...
.
Thanos Imperative
Catching up to the alternate Quasar, Rider arrives back at the Fault just in time to see the Universal Church of TruthUniversal Church of Truth
The Universal Church of Truth is a star-spanning religious empire in Marvel Comics' fictional shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe. Composed of diverse alien species, it first appeared in Strange Tales vol 1 #178 , written by Jim Starlin.In the original stories, its seat of government was...
rip it wide open. As Nova struggles to defend the Kree
Kree
The Kree, also known as the Ruul, are a scientifically and technologically advanced militaristic alien race in the fictional Marvel Universe. They are native to the planet Hala in the Large Magellanic Cloud...
/Shi'ar
Shi'ar
The Shi'ar are a fictional species of aliens in the Marvel Comics universe. The Shi'ar Empire also called the Aerie, is a vast collection of alien species, cultures and worlds situated close to the Skrull and Kree Empires, and alongside them, is one of the three main alien empires...
warships against creatures inside the Fault, he receives assistance from Quasar and the Silver Surfer
Silver Surfer
The Silver Surfer is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Jack Kirby. The character first appears in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue arc that fans call "The Galactus Trilogy"....
. They leave the battle front to chase down Lord Mar-Vell, the evil, alternate version of Captain Marvel. After failing to stop Mar-Vell, Rider learns that the Guardians of the Galaxy need his help inside the Fault. Once there, Nova and the Guardians watch Thanos
Thanos
Thanos is a fictional character that appears in comic books and other media published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Iron Man #55 and was created by writer-artist Jim Starlin....
destroy Mar-Vell. Now facing an enraged Thanos, Rider pulls the nova force from the rest of the corps for extra strength. He and Star-Lord
Star-Lord
Star-Lord is the name of three fictional characters that appear in publications from by Marvel Comics.The first Star-Lord was Peter Quill, who first appeared in Marvel Preview #4 , and was created by Steve Englehart and Steve Gan...
are able to hold Thanos back for the few minutes it takes for the Fault to close, trapping all three of them in an alternate universe. Nova and Star-Lord receive a statue in their honor on Hala.
Return
A Nova arrives on the home planet of TerraxTerrax
Terrax the Tamer is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Fantastic Four #211 and was created by Marv Wolfman and John Byrne.-Fictional character biography:...
, saying he must warn everyone. Terrax engages him in battle, but it is interupted when the planet is consumed by the Phoenix. Terrax is seemingly destroyed, but the unknown Nova centurian survives.
Powers and abilities
Nova derives his powers from an energy source called the Nova Force, which all Nova Corps Centurions wield. This energy was transferred by Xandarian technology to Rider by the Nova-Centurion Rhomann Dey. Nova's small measure of the Nova Force gives him superhuman powers including flight, superhuman strength, speed, and durability, as well as the power to absorb energy directed against him and release it as gravimetric pulses and beams, either from specific parts of his body or from his entire body.Nova wears a standard Xandarian StarCorps uniform, designed to accommodate his powers without being damaged by them. The uniform is highly resistant to damage, including outer space conditions, and is airtight. The helmet contains a plexiglass-like plate that can be lowered to cover the lower face by cybernetic command, thereby making the helmet airtight; the helmet is connected to an oxygen supply concealed within the uniform. In addition, the uniform has a built-in life support function that can sustain Rider under the most extreme environmental conditions, including acting as a life-support suit
Space suit
A space suit is a garment worn to keep an astronaut alive in the harsh environment of outer space. Space suits are often worn inside spacecraft as a safety precaution in case of loss of cabin pressure, and are necessary for extra-vehicular activity , work done outside spacecraft...
by locking off the mouth and eyes of the helmet. The helmet contains radio circuitry enabling Nova to pick up radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
transmissions, monitor transmissions, telescopic sights, night vision sensors, and heat imaging sensors, as well as overlay a visual heads-up display
Head-Up Display
A head-up display or heads-up display is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints...
for tracking energy signatures. Nova's helmet has a rigid construction and shape when worn, but becomes as malleable as cloth when it is not, allowing Rider to hide it in his civilian clothes when desired.
Rider can also alter the appearance and nature of his uniform to suit his needs. However, as Rider learns the hard way, the StarCorps keeps a strict dress code. When he makes major cosmetic changes to his uniform after rejoining the New Warriors, Nova is summarily ordered to conform to standard.
Nova's uniform is not only extremely malleable; it is also designed with specific weapons and functions to aid Rider in his role as a Nova Corps Centurion. Among these features are an electromagnetic discharge that can nullify gravity and access to StarGates that allow him to enter hyperspace, where he can move at velocities exceeding the speed of light.
Nova is a good hand-to-hand combatant, and has been coached by Chord
Andrew Chord
Chord is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. He is African American. His first appearance was in Thor #411. Chord was the mentor of Night Thrasher and the New Warriors...
.
During Annihilation
Annihilation (comics)
"Annihilation" was a 2006 crossover storyline published by Marvel Comics, highlighting several outer space-related characters in the Marvel Universe. The central miniseries was written by Keith Giffen, with editor Andy Schmidt.-Publication History:...
, Rider's uniform is altered and enhanced to house the Xandarian Worldmind and aid him in containing the Nova Force. As host to the entire Nova Force, which was previously used to empower all members of the Nova Corps throughout the universe, Rider is now possessed of tremendously augmented strength and durability as well as nearly limitless quantities of energy. However, he's now bonded to the Nova Force itself, and unable to survive for long if separated from it.
In addition to the Nova Force, Rider's body currently houses the Worldmind, the entire culture and history of Xandar as well as the individual minds of thousands of years of dead Xandarians. The consensus voice of the Worldmind can speak directly to Rider, and has demonstrated the following capabilities:
- It helps Rider contain the whole Nova Force while keeping his mind and sanity intact.
- It downloads profiles of opponents directly into Rider's mind.
- It detects nearby energy surges, including those used in teleportation.
- It can assume control of Rider's body as he sleeps.
- It can access other computer systems, including heavily-protected terrestrial computer networks such as S.H.I.E.L.D. records.
- It analyzes attackers, including detecting adrenaline surges in their bodies.
- It detects approaching super-humans with energy-based powers (like Penance).
- It enables Rider to hack into satellite TV broadcasts, and transmit his voice and image to individual TV sets.
- It can protect Rider from psionic manipulation using psi-shields.
Reception and legacy
IGNIGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
ranked Nova as the 98th greatest comic book character stating that Nova is a blend of Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
and Green Lantern
Green Lantern
The Green Lantern is the shared primary alias of several fictional characters, superheroes appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The first Green Lantern was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Martin Nodell in All-American Comics #16 .Each Green Lantern possesses a power ring and...
. They also stated that Nova fans noticed him mature when joining the "Fan Warriors" and when Annihilation Wave struck, Nova embraced his destiny as premier defender of a battered galaxy.
Earth X
In the alternate future of Earth XEarth X
Earth X is a 1999 comic book limited series written by Jim Krueger with art by John Paul Leon and published by Marvel Comics. Based on Alex Ross' notes, the series features a dystopian future version of the Marvel Universe....
, Nova resides in the afterlife. He and two other deceased heroes, Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel is the name of a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Roy Thomas and designed by artist Gene Colan, the non-powered Carol Danvers debuted as a member of the United States Air Force in Marvel Super-Heroes #13 and as Ms. Marvel—a...
and Star-Lord
Star-Lord
Star-Lord is the name of three fictional characters that appear in publications from by Marvel Comics.The first Star-Lord was Peter Quill, who first appeared in Marvel Preview #4 , and was created by Steve Englehart and Steve Gan...
, lead an initial charge against Mephisto
Mephisto (comics)
Mephisto is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Silver Surfer #3 and was created by Stan Lee and John Buscema, loosely modeled on Mephistopheles - a character from the Faust legend.Debuting in the Silver Age of comic books,...
, whose plans involve the death of all living beings. They are swiftly defeated, though the remaining heroes later make another attempt.
Marvel Zombies
Nova is featured in the Marvel ZombiesMarvel Zombies
Marvel Zombies is a five-issue limited series published from December 2005 to April 2006 by Marvel Comics. The series was written by Robert Kirkman with art by Sean Phillips and covers by Arthur Suydam. It was the first series in the Marvel Zombies series of related stories...
one shot Dead Days. Unable to overcome his fear and horror of the slaughter occurring around him, he fails to act in his own defense when Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
attacks him. Fortunately for Nova, Daredevil
Daredevil (Marvel Comics)
Daredevil is a fictional character, a superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett, with an unspecified amount of input from Jack Kirby, and first appeared in Daredevil #1 .Living in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood...
intervenes, but is bitten when Nova is too shocked to assist. He and The Mighty Thor
Thor (Marvel Comics)
Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
are rescued by the Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
and united with the other surviving heroes on the S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
Helicarrier
Helicarrier
The Helicarrier is a fictional flying aircraft carrier specifically designed to be capable of independent powered flight in addition to the conventional functions of aircraft carriers...
. Nova panics further when Nick Fury
Nick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury is a fictional World War II army hero and present-day super-spy in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 , a World War II combat series that portrayed the...
formulates a desperate last stand defense, citing that this was nothing like previous global threats; and that the world was as good as dead. Regardless, Nova helps in the battle until he is bitten by Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel is the name of a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Roy Thomas and designed by artist Gene Colan, the non-powered Carol Danvers debuted as a member of the United States Air Force in Marvel Super-Heroes #13 and as Ms. Marvel—a...
. As a zombie, he participates in a failed attack on Doctor Doom's castle, in an effort to get at the humans inside. A zombie version of Nova can be seen in the Marvel Zombies limited series, being shredded by a hail of metal fragments hurled by Magneto
Magneto (comics)
Magneto is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the central villain of the X-Men comic, as well as the TV show and the films. The character first appears in X-Men #1 , and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby...
.
He is still mobile when a swarm of zombies attack and attempt to consume the Silver Surfer
Silver Surfer
The Silver Surfer is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Jack Kirby. The character first appears in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue arc that fans call "The Galactus Trilogy"....
. During the incident, Zombie Hulk
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
crushes Zombie Hercules
Hercules (Marvel Comics)
Hercules is a fictional character that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Journey into Mystery Annual #1 and was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby....
when the latter attempts to steal the Silver Surfer
Silver Surfer
The Silver Surfer is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Jack Kirby. The character first appears in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue arc that fans call "The Galactus Trilogy"....
's head. Nova backs away, saying "On second thought, you keep that, big guy". He is later killed by the cosmic zombies.
MC2
Spider-Girl
Spider-Girl is a superheroine in Marvel Comics' MC2 universe. The character was created by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz as the teenage daughter of Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson, and first appeared in What If #105...
series, which is set in an alternate future. The MC2 Nova (co-created by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz) first appeared in Spider-Girl #7 and wrongly believed Spider-Girl was a supervillain since she was fighting Darkdevil
Darkdevil
Darkdevil is a fictional character, a superhero in the "MC2" future of the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by Tom DeFalco and Pat Olliffe and first appeared in Spider-Girl #2. -Fictional character biography:...
at the time. After a brief battle, Nova would later realize his mistake.
Over time, the MC2 Nova has attempted to tutor and lecture Spider-Girl on the importance of being a superhero. However, his arrogance and lack of patience with younger heroes causes his lessons to be largely ignored. However, the fact that Nova was a founding member of the New Warriors gave Spider-Girl the inspiration to form a new MC2 version of the Warriors.
By the time of the series, Nova has served as a temporary Avenger. He also appears in the Last Hero Standing and within the Avengers Next
A-Next
A-Next is the Marvel Comics' MC2 universe version of the Avengers. The team made its first appearance in What If? #105, the first comic featuring Spider-Girl, and the team's origin story was told in the A-Next #1, cover dated October 1998....
limited series
Limited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
. Nova also assisted in the battle against Galactus in Last Planet Standing. The Nova in the MC2/Spider-Girl future is eventually confirmed to be Richard Rider in Avengers Next #2. His attitude toward Spider-Girl is often arrogant and dismissive, bordering on the contemptuous; but later he becomes impressed by her, after her surviving a battle against the Avengers' enemy Seth.
The MC2 Nova uniform closely resembles the original Centurion Nova Prime uniform worn by Rhomann Dey (the Xandarian who gave Rich Rider his powers) and worn by Rider during Nova's first and third series. The only difference is the original three starburst configuration has been changed into a single large starburst. The single starburst is similar to the starburst on the back of the original Nova uniform.
The MC2 Nova has his headquarters located onboard the Nova Prime Starship. The starship resembles the ship used by Rhomann Dey to pursue Xandar's destroyer, Zorr, to Earth and later used by Nova to fight the Skrulls during the Skrull/Xandar War. Whether this is the same starship as Dey's or a new one based on the original design is unknown. The MC2 Rich Rider uses the Nova Prime Starship to monitor Earthbound threats from space.
Forever Yesterday
Nova appears as a member of a team of AvengersAvengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
from a parallel reality where the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
is the dominant superpower
Superpower
A superpower is a state with a dominant position in the international system which has the ability to influence events and its own interests and project power on a worldwide scale to protect those interests...
. He serves the ruler of this dimension, the tyrannical female Sphinx. He is shown the truth of how the female Sphinx used the energy of the Ka Stone to reshape reality by the original Sphinx's former advisor Sayge
Veritas (comics)
Veritas is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional character biography:Veritas is a mysterious being who embodies truth, and has precognitive powers. Doctor Strange encountered Veritas in Umar's dungeon in the Dark Dimension...
(the embodiment of truth). Nova betrays the Sphinx to join with Marvel Man (Vance Astrovik) and Firestar
Firestar
Firestar is a fictional mutant superhero in the . Debuting in 1981 on the NBC animated television series Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, she has the ability to generate and manipulate microwave radiation, which allows her to generate intense heat and flames, and to fly...
of that world's Mutant Liberation Front as well as Night Thrasher whose parents were murdered in this reality on the orders of the Sphinx. When Nova threatens to murder the Sphinx's cat (a gift from the original Sphinx) she restores reality.
Nova 0:0
The second Nova series Nova deals with Nova 0:0 who is much more adept at using his powers than Richard Rider. He often fights Nova in order to test him and to push Nova into using his powers in ways he hadn't thought of. It is revealed that this Nova is in fact the alternate reality version of Richard's younger brother Robert Rider. In that reality Robert gained the Nova Force powers instead of Richard and stayed behind to lead the Nova Corps and help Xandar rebuild after the war with the Skrulls. Robert's earth had been destroyed by the Deathstorm while he was off in space. Nova 0:0 would later sacrifice his life preventing the Deathstorm from destroying the 616-version of Earth. He died and was buried on Mars. In the fourth Nova series the Robert Rider of the 616-version of Earth also becomes a member of the Nova Corps (alongside various other humans and non-humans) and again proves capable of using his powers in ways his brother Richard hasn't (such as an energy fence used to encase an enemy).Ultimate Nova
In Ultimate OriginsUltimate Origins
Ultimate Origins is a comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics, released in June 2008. It falls under Marvel's Ultimate Marvel imprint. It was written by Brian Bendis and illustrated by Butch Guice...
#5, the Ultimate Watchers announce to the Fantastic Four that they "will now pick a herald to help you with your new world order." They choose Rick Jones
Rick Jones (comics)
Richard Milhouse "Rick" Jones is a fictional comic book character in the .-Publication history:Rick Jones first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1, as a sidekick to the Incredible Hulk...
, who then develops superpowers. After a fight alongside Iceman, Human Torch, and Spider-Man, he selects the name Nova as his superhero alias. He does not appear to have any relation to the mainstream Nova other than name.
What If
An issue of What If?What If (comics)
What If, sometimes rendered as What If...?, is the title of several comic book series published by Marvel Comics, exploring "the road not traveled" by its various characters...
looks at what would have taken place if four different people had acquired the power of Nova;
- A young woman who had recently witnessed her husband being murdered by a random thief. Using the Nova powers, she unleashed a wave of vengeance on criminals as she searched for her husband's killer even throwing the KingpinKingpin (comics)The Kingpin is a fictional character, a supervillain in the . Kingpin is one of the most feared and powerful crime lords in the Marvel Universe. The character is a major adversary of Daredevil, the Punisher, and Spider-Man...
out of a window when he failed to provide her with the information she sought. Her enraged mind unable to discriminate between good and evil as she attacked anyone who she perceived as hindering her quest, Nova's career culminated in a fight against the Fantastic FourFantastic FourThe Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
. Recognizing that she couldn't be allowed to take justice into her own hands even if she had mainly killed criminals, the team banished her to the Negative ZoneNegative ZoneThe Negative Zone is a fictional setting, an antimatter universe depicted in publications from Marvel Comics, most frequently in Fantastic Four and Captain Marvel. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, it first appeared in Fantastic Four #51 .-Fictional description:The Negative Zone in the Marvel...
. After her departure, police discovered the body of her husband's killer in a car that had fallen into a river months ago, but nobody ever drew a connection between the two. - A homeless man discovered the Nova costume after being thrown out of a hotel, and wore it for warmth, When he became caught up in a SkrullSkrullThe Skrulls are a fictional race of extraterrestrial shapeshifters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The Skrulls first appeared in Fantastic Four #2 and were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
attack on Earth that coincidentally started at the orphanage where he was staying for the night on Christmas, the man donned the Nova costume and fought the Skrulls, culminating in him sacrificing himself to destroy the Skrull fleet. - Peter ParkerSpider-ManSpider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, paralysed in this reality due to the spider-bite that gave him his powers in the true Marvel Universe, bitter at the world due to his useless legs and his Aunt MayAunt MayMay Reilly Parker-Jameson, commonly known as Aunt May, is a supporting character in Marvel Comics' Spider-Man series. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, she first appeared as May Parker in Amazing Fantasy #15...
's death from shock after she first learned about his paralysis, even when he continued his studies at university. When he acquired the Nova powers, Peter flew home to reveal his good fortune to his Uncle Ben, only to surprise the burglarBurglar (comics)The Burglar is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe, left unnamed in most of his appearances. He is best known as the first criminal faced by Spider-Man, and as the killer of the hero's uncle and surrogate father figure, Ben Parker. The Burglar first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15 .The...
when he was attempting to rob the house, resulting in the burglar's bullet ricocheting off the Nova armor and killing him. Stricken with grief at his role in a man's death, Peter, although now able to walk, and cleared by the police of any wrongdoing as Ben's testimony confirmed that the death was accidental, threw the costume away, vowing never to use it again. - An unidentified man used the Nova powers to lead Earth's criminals in the conquest of Earth and destruction of the heroes,only to be killed when Doctor DoomDoctor DoomVictor von Doom is a fictional character who appears in Marvel Comics publications . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #5 wearing his trademark metal mask and green cloak...
and the Red SkullRed SkullThe Red Skull is a name shared by several fictional characters, all supervillains from the Marvel Comics universe. All incarnations of the character are enemies of Captain America, other superheroes, and the United States in general....
turned on him out of jealousy, allowing the Sphinx to take control of the Nova-Prime computer and use it to search the minds of the world for the meaning of his existence.
Collected editions
Trade paperbacksTrade paperback (comics)
In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles...
include:
- Essential Nova (collects Nova (vol. 1) #1-25, Marvel Two-In-One Annual #3, The Amazing Spider-Man #171, Essential Marvel, March 2006, ISBN 0-7851-2093-9)
- The New Warriors
- The New Warriors: Beginnings (collects Thor #411-412 and The New Warriors #1-4, September 1992, ISBN 0-87135-916-2)
- New Warriors Classic: Volume 1 (collects The New Warriors (vol. 1) #1-6 and Thor #411-412, 208 pages, August 2009, ISBN 0-7851-3742-4)
- New Warriors Classic: Volume 2 (collects The New Warriors (vol. 1) #7-10, Annual #1; New Mutants (Vol.1) Annual #7, Uncanny X-Men Annual #15 and X-Factor (Vol.1) Annual #6, 256 pages, May 2009, ISBN 0-78514-263-0)
- New Warriors: Reality Check (collects The New Warriors (vol. 3) #1-6, 144 pages, March 2006, ISBN 0-7851-1661-3)
- Nova vol. 4 (by co-authors Dan AbnettDan AbnettDan Abnett is a British comic book writer and novelist. He is a frequent collaborator with fellow writer Andy Lanning, and is known for his work on books for both Marvel Comics, and their UK imprint, Marvel UK, since the 1990s, including 2000 AD...
and Andy LanningAndy LanningAndy Lanning is a British comic book writer and inker, known for his work for Marvel Comics and DC Comics, and for his collaboration with Dan Abnett.-Career:Lanning works primarily at Marvel Comics and DC Comics as an inker...
, 2007-ongoing):- Volume 1 (hardcover, 328 pages, January 2009, ISBN 0-7851-3654-1):
- Annihilation - ConquestAnnihilation: ConquestAnnihilation: Conquest is a 2007-2008 Marvel Comics crossover storyline and the sequel to 2006's Annihilation. The series again focuses on Marvel's cosmic heroes defending the universe against the Phalanx, now led by Ultron...
(with pencils by Sean ChenSean ChenSean Chen is an Asian American comic book artist.-Career:Chen is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University where he received a bachelor's degree in industrial design. He started his career after being discovered by Barry Windsor-Smith...
and inks by Scott Hanna, collects Nova #1-7, 168 pages, December 2007, ISBN 0-7851-2631-7) - Knowhere (with pencils by Wellington Alves and inks by Wellington Diaz and Nelson Pereira, collects Nova #8-12 and Annual #1, 144 pages, August 2008, ISBN 0-7851-2632-5)
- Annihilation - Conquest
- Secret InvasionSecret Invasion"Secret Invasion" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self-titled eight issue limited series and several tie-in books published by Marvel Comics from April through December 2008....
(collects Nova #13-18, March 2009, ISBN 0-7851-2662-7) - Nova Corps (collects Nova #19-22, and "Nova: Origin of Richard Rider", 144 pages, May 2009, ISBN 0-7851-3188-4)
- War of KingsWar of Kings"War of Kings" is a comic book crossover storyline written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, published by Marvel Comics, and set in Marvel's main shared universe. The six issue limited series was published between March and August, 2009....
(collects Nova #23-28, 144 pages, December 2009, ISBN 0-7851-4066-2) - Realm of KingsRealm of Kings"Realm of Kings" is a crossover comic book storyline published in 2010 by Marvel Comics. Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, it is a follow-up to the 2009 storyline "War of Kings".-Publication history:...
(collects Nova #29-36, 168 pages, softcover, June 2010, ISBN 0-7851-4067-0)
- Volume 1 (hardcover, 328 pages, January 2009, ISBN 0-7851-3654-1):
Television
- Nova appears as a background cameo in the Silver SurferSilver Surfer (TV series)Silver Surfer, also known as Silver Surfer: The Animated Series, is an animated television series based on the Marvel Comics superhero which aired on the Fox Kids Network in 1998.-Overview:...
episode "Learning Curve Part 1". - Nova appears in The Super Hero Squad ShowThe Super Hero Squad ShowThe Super Hero Squad Show is an American cartoon series by Marvel Animation. It is based on the Marvel Super Hero Squad action figure line from Hasbro, which portray the characters of the Marvel Universe in a cartoonish super-deformed-style...
episode "So Pretty When They Explode", voiced by Jason MarsdenJason MarsdenJason Christopher Marsden is an American screen and voice actor who has done numerous voice roles in animated films, as well as various television series.-Early life:...
. Thanos defeats the Nova Corps and captures him alongside the Power Infinity Gem. Iron Man had to work with Thor, Hulk, Hercules, and She-Hulk in order to rescue Nova and defeat Thanos.
Video games
- Nova's voice was featured in a audio log for The New Warriors in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, voiced by Robert TinklerRobert TinklerRobert Tinkler is a Canadian actor and television actor who is primarily known for his voiceover work. He is the voice of Howie on Almost Naked Animals, Max on The Adventures of Sam & Max: Freelance Police, Delete in the series of Cyberchase, Cenotaph & Brooklyn in Beyblade, Rubeus in the...
. - Nova appears as a playable character in the Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity GauntletMarvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity GauntletMarvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet is a continuation of the video game Marvel Super Hero Squad and it was released on November 16, 2010. Similar to the first game, it features cartoonish Super-deformed versions of the Marvel Comics characters, as seen in the Marvel Super Hero Squad toy...
video game voiced by Jason MarsdenJason MarsdenJason Christopher Marsden is an American screen and voice actor who has done numerous voice roles in animated films, as well as various television series.-Early life:...
. - Nova appears a playable character in the crossover fighting game Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3is a crossover fighting game developed by Capcom. It is an updated version of Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. After the events of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami disrupted the development schedule for downloadable content for the original game, the additional content was made into a...
, voiced by Troy BakerTroy BakerTroy Baker is an American actor and voice actor who works with anime films, television series, as well as video games....
. - Nova is a playable character in Marvel Super Hero Squad OnlineMarvel Super Hero Squad OnlineMarvel Super Hero Squad Online is a MMOG for younger audiences based on the Marvel Super Hero Squad franchise.The MMOG officially was released as a open beta on April 29, 2011 and a closed beta was released in early 2011. The first debut trailer for Marvel Super Hero Squad Online was released on...
.
Toys
- Nova received a 6 inch figure in his original costume in the HolocaustHolocaust (comics)Holocaust is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in X-Men Alpha , and was created by Scott Lobdell and Roger Cruz.-Fictional character biography:...
series of Marvel LegendsMarvel LegendsMarvel Legends is an action figure line based on the characters of Marvel Comics, initially produced by Toy Biz, then by Hasbro. This line is in the scale, with spin-off lines in the , , and scale.-History:...
in 2009. It was a Walmart exclusive. - Nova was represented in his Nova Prime costume by Eaglemoss in the Classic Marvel Figurine Collection magazine. The 94 cm lead figure was released as number 54 in the series.
- In 2012, Nova will be included in the Marvel UniverseMarvel Universe (toyline)Marvel Universe is a 3 3/4" action figure line manufactured by Hasbro, featuring characters from the Marvel Comics universe. It first hit stores in early 2009 and features detailed sculpting, multiple points of articulation, and accessories...
3 3/4" figure line in his Nova Prime costume.
External links
- Nova (Richard Rider) at Marvel.com
- Richard Rider at the Marvel Database Project
- Nova Prime Page (Rich Rider)