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{{Short description|Marvel Comics fictional character}}
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
| image = Nova1adigranov.jpg
| caption = Textless cover of ''Nova'' (vol. 4) #1 (April 2007),<br>art by [[Adi Granov]]
| character_name = Nova
| publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
| debut = ''The Man Called Nova'' #1 (September 1976)
| creators = [[Marv Wolfman]]<br>[[John Romita Sr.]]
| alter_ego = Richard Rider
| full_name =
| species = [[Human]]
| homeworld = Earth
| alliances = [[Annihilation (comics)|United Front]]<br/>[[New Warriors]]<br/>[[Defenders (comics)|Defenders]]<br/>[[Champions of Xandar]]<br/>[[Secret Avengers]]<br>[[Nova Corps]]<br>[[Guardians of the Galaxy (2008 team)|Guardians of the Galaxy]]<br/>Brotherhood of Arakko
| aliases = Nova Prime<br/>Kid Nova<br/>Nova #11249-44396<br/>the Human Rocket<br/>Quasar
| supports = <!--optional-->
| powers = *Expert hand to hand combatant
*Access to the Nova Force:
**Currently in possession via download of the [[Xandarian]] Worldmind which allows him near-infinite control over the Nova Force granting energy projection and absorption
**Superhuman strength, speed, durability, agility, and reflexes
**Ability to exert influence over [[gravitational force]]s and open [[wormhole]]s
**Regenerative healing factor
**Flight
|cat =super
|subcat =Marvel Comics
|hero =y
|sortkey =Nova (Richard Rider)
}}
'''Nova''' ('''Richard Rider''') is a character appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. The character appeared historically as the star of his own series, and at other times, as a supporting character in team books such as ''[[The New Warriors]]''. He is a member of the intergalactic police force known as the [[Nova Corps]]. He has access to the Nova Force and superhuman abilities including enhanced strength, flight and resistance to injury.
==
The character was created in 1966 by writer [[Marv Wolfman]] in issue #3 of his [[fanzine]] ''Super Adventures''. Then known as the Star, he was an alien doctor named Denteen who found a spaceship containing pills which gave him a different superhuman power every five minutes. In issue #6, Wolfman and writer [[Len Wein]] reimagined the character, now a prisoner named Kraken Roo who turns out to become the superhero Black Nova. Years later, Wolfman (working for [[Marvel Comics]]) and artist [[John Romita Sr.]] tweaked the design of the character's uniform and created a new origin story.<ref>{{cite web |title=Genesis Of Nova! |url=http://www.novaprimepage.com/star.asp |publisher=Nova Prime Page |access-date=May 12, 2018}}</ref>
Nova debuted in ''The Man Called Nova'' #1 (Sept. 1976), written by Wolfman and drawn by [[John Buscema]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=DeFalco |first1=Tom |last2=Sanderson |first2=Peter |last3=Brevoort |first3=Tom |last4=Teitelbaum |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |last6=Darling |first6=Andrew |last7=Forbeck |first7=Matt |last8=Cowsill |first8=Alan |last9=Bray |first9=Adam |title=The Marvel Encyclopedia |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-7890-0 |page=260}}</ref> 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.<ref>"Nova Newsline!" (letter column), ''Nova'' #6 (Marvel Comics, Feb. 1977): Reader Michael Biegel writes "Marv Wolfman approached the character of Richard Rider specially by introducing similarities between him and Peter Parker. . . " and the editor responds "We wanted to recapture the ''essence'' of Spider-Man with a totally different character."</ref> The original series lasted 25 issues from September 1976 to May 1979. Dangling plot lines were resolved in issues #206-214 of ''[[Fantastic Four]]'' (also by Wolfman) and issue #24 of ''[[Rom the Space Knight|Rom: Spaceknight]]''. The character then disappeared into obscurity until returning as a member of the original [[New Warriors]] team debuting in ''[[Thor (Marvel Comics)|The Mighty Thor]] ''#411 (December 1989), and continuing through ''The New Warriors'' #1-75 and ''Annual''s #1-4 (July 1990—September 1996).
Following two subsequent ''Nova'' titles, ''Nova'' (vol. 2) #1-18 (Jan. 1994-June 1995) and ''Nova the Human Rocket'' (vol. 3) #1-7 (May.-Nov. 1999), Nova would return in ''The New Warriors'' (vol. 2) #0-10 (Oct. 1999—July 2000) and ''New Warriors'' (vol. 3) #1-6 (July 2005-Dec. 2005). After a four-issue miniseries titled ''Annihilation: Nova'' and a leading role in ''[[Annihilation (comics)|Annihilation]]'' #1-6, ''Nova'' (vol. 4) ran for 36 issues (April 2007-April 2010).<ref>[http://www.comicsbulletin.com/features/117609905234943.htm Abnett & Lanning: On the Eve of Nova's Return to Monthly Fun] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410035321/http://www.comicsbulletin.com/features/117609905234943.htm |date=2009-04-10 }}, [[Comics Bulletin]], April 9, 2007</ref><ref>[http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=153225 Galactus, and Surfer and Skrulls - Oh My! Abnett & Lanning on Nova] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20101222004808/http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=153225 |date=2010-12-22 }}, [[Newsarama]], April 10, 2008</ref> This series tied into ''[[Annihilation: Conquest]]'', ''[[Secret Invasion]]'', and ''[[War of Kings]]''. After the cancellation of ''Nova'' (vol. 4), some remaining plot threads were addressed in ''[[The Thanos Imperative]]'', a six-issue miniseries with two bookend one-shots (May 2010-Feb. 2011).
Nova appeared as a member of the [[Secret Avengers]] during the first four issues of that team's eponymous series (May - Aug. 2010).<ref name="robot6">{{cite web |author=JK Parkin |url=http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/04/and-your-secret-avengers-line-up-is/ |title=And your Secret Avengers line-up is ... |publisher=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=April 14, 2010 |access-date=April 16, 2010}}</ref>
Nova appears in a ''Guardians of the Galaxy'' storyline running from August to October 2014, an ''[[Original Sin (comics)|Original Sin]]'' tie-in featuring a flashback to events immediately following ''The Thanos Imperative''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Brett |date=May 5, 2014 |title=At Long Last, Learn How Star-Lord Survived the Cancerverse in Guardians of the Galaxy |url=https://www.marvel.com/news/comics/2014/5/5/22458/at_long_last_learn_how_star-lord_survived_the_cancerverse_in_guardians_of_the_galaxy |access-date= |website=Marvel.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506064607/https://www.marvel.com/news/comics/2014/5/5/22458/at_long_last_learn_how_star-lord_survived_the_cancerverse_in_guardians_of_the_galaxy |archive-date=2014-05-06 }}</ref>
==Fictional character biography==
===Original series===
[[File:Nova 1 (1976).jpg|185px|thumb|left|Cover to ''The Man Called Nova'' #1, art by [[Rich Buckler]] and [[Joe Sinnott]]]]
When the last surviving member of the planet [[Xandar]]'s elite [[Nova Corps]], [[Rhomann Dey]], is dying, he selects New York high school student Richard Rider to replace him.<ref>''Nova'' #1</ref> Rider is given the uniform and powers of a Nova Centurion, but little instruction on how to use them. Calling himself Nova, Rider becomes a superhero, fighting costumed supervillains such as the [[Condor (comics)|Condor]], [[Powerhouse (Marvel comics)|Powerhouse]],<ref>''Nova'' #2</ref> [[Diamondhead (comics)|Diamondhead]],<ref>''Nova'' #3</ref> the [[Corruptor]],<ref>''Nova'' #4</ref> and the [[Sphinx (Marvel Comics)|Sphinx]],<ref>''Nova'' #6-7, 10-11</ref> and teaming with heroes such as [[Spider-Man]]<ref>''Nova'' #12 and ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #171</ref> and [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]. He initially hides his identity, but later reveals it to his family.<ref name="Nova #21">''Nova'' #21</ref>
Rider discovers Dey's spaceship orbiting Earth and uses it to journey to Xandar with [[Doctor Sun]], Powerhouse, [[Comet (Marvel Comics)|Comet]], the [[Crimebuster (Marvel Comics)|Crimebuster]] and the Sphinx,<ref>''Nova'' #24-25</ref> where they join the [[Xandarian]]s' war against the [[Skrull]]s.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #206, 208-209</ref> With the help of [[Rom the Space Knight]], the Skrulls are defeated. Wanting to return to Earth, Rider is released from his duties on Xandar and relinquishes his powers.<ref>''Rom'' #24</ref>
===''The New Warriors''===
Upon his return to Earth, Rider struggles to readjust due to his failure to complete high school. Unknown to him, the planet Xandar is destroyed in an attack by the space pirate [[Nebula (character)|Nebula]].<ref>''The Avengers'' #260</ref> With the help of [[Night Thrasher (Dwayne Taylor)|Night Thrasher]], Rider regains his powers and joins the New Warriors superhero team,<ref name="new warriors 1">''New Warriors'' #1 (w)Fabian Nicieza (a)Mark Bageley (1990)</ref> where he becomes close friends with [[Robbie Baldwin|Speedball]]. Richard briefly dates [[Yale]] student Laura Dunham and teammate [[Namorita]].<ref>''The New Warriors Annual'' #2</ref><ref>''The New Warriors'' #31</ref>
[[File:NW75.jpg|thumb|right|195px|Cover to ''The New Warriors'' #75, pencils by [[Patrick Zircher]]]]
Rider encounters [[Garthan Saal]], a former Nova Corps Centurion who had been driven insane by absorbing too much of the Nova Force, the source of power for Nova Centurions. Saal seeks more power so he can restore Xandar to its former glory. He strips Rider of his powers and transports him to Xandar. Saal is defeated. Rider witnesses the reformation of the Nova Corps and receives the rank of Centurion Prime.<ref>''The New Warriors'' #40-42</ref>
Assigned to Earth, Rider is confronted with the challenge of balancing dual lives as a member of both the Nova Corps and the New Warriors. Rider encounters a Nova Corps member from an alternate timeline named Nova 0:0,<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 2) #4</ref> who prepares him to stop the Deathstorm, which is coming to destroy Earth. Because Rider defies Xandar's Queen Adora to stop the Deathstorm,<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 2) #16</ref> he is temporarily stripped of his powers and rank,<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 2) #17-18</ref> but is given back his powers when his replacement sacrifices himself.<ref>''The New Warriors'' #75 (September 1996)</ref>
===''Annihilation''===
Nova briefly travels the U.S. with the reformed New Warriors as part of a [[reality television]] show.<ref>''New Warriors'' (vol. 3) #1-6</ref> Rider leaves the group when he is summoned to Xandar alongside the entire Nova Corps, which has been fully mobilized to respond to the Annihilation Wave, a force from the [[Negative Zone]] led by [[Annihilus]]. The wave decimates Xandar and the corps in a surprise attack.<ref>''Annihilation: Prologue'' #1</ref> As the only surviving centurion, Rider makes contact with the Xandarian Worldmind, a living supercomputer that regulates the Nova Force and is caretaker of the entire database of Xandarian civilization. The Worldmind uploads itself and the entire Nova Force into Rider, greatly enhancing his abilities.<ref>''Annihilation: Nova'' #1</ref> During the Annihilation War, Rider takes command of the United Front, a loose collaboration of soldiers. In a nearly year-long campaign, Rider resists the Wave's advance across the galaxy until the United Front suffers a swift defeat. He leads a small team into the Wave's conquered territory and eventually engages Annihilus in personal combat, killing him.<ref>''Annihilation'' #1-6. Marvel Comics.</ref>
After the Annihilation War, Rider returns to Earth to rest. However, finding out that his pleas for help in the Annihilation War were ignored by Earth's superheroes because of a [[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]], and meeting Penance - his old friend Speedball, who was mentally scarred by the events leading up to said war - Rider returns to space, feeling out of place on Earth and disturbed by what Penance had become.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #3 (August 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref>
===Post-''Annihilation''===
Attempting to aid the [[Kree]] against an [[Annihilation: Conquest|assault]] from the [[Phalanx (comics)|Phalanx]], Rider is wounded and crash-lands on a sparsely populated Kree outpost.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #4</ref> While Rider's unconscious body recovers, Worldmind deputizes a local Kree commander, Ko-Rel, to guard him. Rider is infected by the [[transmode virus]] and joins the Phalanx.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #5. Marvel Comics.</ref> Now tasked with 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 Phalanx-controlled Drax.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #6-7. Marvel Comics.</ref> 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 (New Mutants)|Warlock]] and his son Tyro, who cure Rider, Drax, and Gamora of the transmode virus. The five return to Hala to engage the Phalanx.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #11-12. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Annihilation: Conquest'' #6. Marvel Comics.</ref>
When ambushed by [[Skrulls]] during the ''[[Secret Invasion]]'' storyline, Rider is aided by Kl'rt the [[Super-Skrull]]. He learns about the Secret Invasion and heads for Earth.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #16. Marvel Comics.</ref> Rider learns that [[Project Pegasus (comics)|Project Pegasus]], 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 known as the quantum flask, which resurrects [[Quasar (Wendell Vaughn)|Quasar]].<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #17. Marvel Comics.</ref> A Skrull warship is about to attack Project Pegasus but is destroyed by a band of alien Nova Centurions who then declare their allegiance to Rider.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #18. Marvel Comics.</ref>
Rider learns that the Worldmind has been recruiting members for the Corps without telling him. When he learns that [[Ego the Living Planet]] is among the new recruits,<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #19-20</ref> he becomes enraged and tries to battle Worldmind. As a result, he is stripped of his rank and ejected from the Nova Corps.<ref name="Nova #21"/> Because his body has become dependent on the Nova Force, Rider will die if he is without it for too long.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #22. Marvel Comics.</ref> As a temporary measure, he borrows the quantum bands from Wendell Vaughn and becomes Quasar.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #24. Marvel Comics.</ref> Using his new abilities, Rider rescues the Corps from the [[War of Kings]]. Ego is removed as a Centurion and Rider regains his Nova Prime status, but not before most of the new recruits are slaughtered by the [[Shi'ar]] [[Imperial Guard (Marvel Comics)|Imperial Guard]]. Nova agrees to train the remaining new Centurions, including his younger brother Robert.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #23-25. Marvel Comics.</ref>
Nova is recruited for the Secret Avengers by [[Captain America|Steve Rogers]] and sent to [[Mars]] to investigate [[Roxxon Energy Corporation|Roxxon]]'s operations on that planet. While there, Rider discovers a second [[Serpent Crown]] secreted there, only to fall under its influence until rescued by Rogers and his team of Avengers.<ref>''Secret Avengers''#1-6 (July-Dec. 2010). Marvel Comics.</ref> Shortly after this mission, Nova is called away to deal with the events of ''The Thanos Imperative'' and Steve Rogers confirms he has left the team.<ref>''Secret Avengers''#7 (Jan. 2011). Marvel Comics.</ref>
===''Realm of Kings'' and ''The Thanos Imperative''===
A lost Nova Corps ship appears from a tear in space-time known as the Fault. Onboard is Zan Philo, a long-missing Nova Centurion who is assigned to train the new recruits.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #30. Marvel Comics.</ref> Later, Rider and Darkhawk find themselves inside the Fault, where they are called to do battle for the Sphinx against his younger self. Because of the unstable timestream inside the Fault, Nova is able to return with [[Namorita]], his old girlfriend who had died a few years earlier.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #32-35</ref> Rider returns to Project Pegasus, where he confronts an alternate Quasar who originates from the Cancerverse, a universe within the Fault.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #36. Marvel Comics.</ref>
Catching up to the alternate [[Quasar (Wendell Vaughn)|Quasar]], Rider returns to the Fault to see the [[Universal Church of Truth]] rip it wide open.<ref>''The Thanos Imperative: Ignition'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> Assisted by others, he confronts Lord Mar-Vell, the evil alternate version of [[Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell)|Captain Marvel]], but cannot stop him. Entering the Fault to assist the [[Guardians of the Galaxy (2008 team)|Guardians of the Galaxy]], Rider 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 the Cancerverse.<ref name="Imperative"/> The two heroes continue to fight Thanos for a Cosmic Cube which has the power to send them home. Rider charges the Cube with the Nova Force to create a doorway for Star-Lord, intending to remain behind and keep Thanos from escaping too. Star-Lord escapes, but Rider is unable to prevent Thanos from escaping as well.<ref>''Guardians of the Galaxy'' (vol. 3) #18-20 (Aug 2014), (w) Brian Bendis (a) Ed McGuinness</ref> Because no one is immediately aware Star-Lord survived, Nova and Star-Lord receive a statue in their honor on Hala.<ref name="Imperative">''The Thanos Imperative'' #1-6. Marvel Comics.</ref>
===Return===
The latest Nova, [[Nova (Sam Alexander)|Sam Alexander]], locates the Xandarian Worldmind.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 6) #10. Marvel Comics.</ref> Rider's consciousness awakens within the Worldmind during the encounter. It is later revealed that Rider and the Worldmind survived the closure of the Fault and remain trapped in the Cancerverse. Using the Nova Force, Rider manages to escape the Cancerverse, returns to Earth to visit his mother,<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 6) #11. Marvel Comics.</ref> and learns that his father has died.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 7) #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> He encounters Alexander and they begin working together. However, in his escape, Rider has become a portal to the Cancerverse, which repeatedly attempts to invade Earth through him. Rider returns to the Cancerverse in hopes of closing the portal and thus saving his own universe.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 7) #6. Marvel Comics.</ref> Despite his resistance, he is co-opted by the Cancerverse, but is freed by Alexander, who has followed him. The two escape the Cancerverse once more, using the Cosmic Cube carried by Thanos' Cancerverse doppelganger. Rider and Alexander resume their lives and relationships on Earth while continuing as Nova Corpsmen.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 7) #7. Marvel Comics.</ref>
In the aftermath of "[[Empyre]]," Nova represents the Nova Corps during a Galactic Council meeting held by Kl'rt the [[Super-Skrull]]. When Emperor Stote of the Zn'rx is found dead, Nova calls in the Guardians of the Galaxy to investigate Stote's murder.<ref>''Guardians of the Galaxy'' (vol. 5) #6. Marvel Comics.</ref>
During the "[[Judgment Day (Marvel Comics)|Judgment Day]]" storyline, Nova appears at Port Prometheus to protect the evacuees from the attackers at the time when Uranos the Undying was attacking.<ref>''X-Men: Red'' (vol. 2) #5. Marvel Comics.</ref>
==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 to Rider by the Nova Centurion Rhomann Dey. The Nova Force affords Rider 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=Liz |date=July 17, 2020 |title=10 Things You Didn't Know Marvel's Nova Could Do |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-nova-surprising-power-ability/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=George |first=Joe |date=March 25, 2022 |title=How Marvel's Nova Could Reshape the MCU |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/marvel-nova-reshape-mcu/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref> Nova is a good hand-to-hand combatant, and has been coached by [[Andrew Chord|Chord]].<ref>''The New Warriors'' #2</ref>
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. 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 [[Space suit|life-support suit]] by locking off the mouth and eyes of the helmet. The helmet contains a [[radio]], telescopic sights, night vision sensors, and heat imaging sensors, as well as 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. Nova's uniform is not only extremely malleable, but contains specific functions to aid Rider in his role as a Nova Corps Centurion. Among these features are an electromagnetic discharge that can nullify gravity and an interface to stargates that allow him to enter hyperspace, where he can move at velocities exceeding the speed of light. Rider can also alter the appearance and nature of his uniform to suit his needs.<ref name="Aitchison">{{Cite web |last=Aitchison |first=Sean |date=April 29, 2018 |title=The 30 Strongest Marvel Superheroes, Officially Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/strongest-marvel-superheroes/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref> However, as Rider learns the hard way, the Nova Corps 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.<ref>''The New Warriors'' (vol. 2) #9</ref>
During "[[Annihilation (comics)|Annihilation]]", Rider's uniform is altered and enhanced to house the Xandarian Worldmind as well as the entire Nova Force, which was previously used by all members of the Nova Corps. With the Worldmind and the Nova Force, Rider possesses tremendously augmented strength and durability as well as nearly limitless quantities of energy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lord-Moncrief |first=Devon |date=April 11, 2022 |title=Who Is Marvel's Nova? Richard Rider's Powers & Weaknesses, Explained |url=https://www.cbr.com/nova-richard-rider-powers-weaknesses/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref> The Worldmind consists of 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, helping him to control the Nova Force, fight enemies, sense energy, interface with electronics, and protect against psionic abilities. The Worldmind can also assume direct control of Rider's body when he is asleep.<ref name="Annihilation 2">''Annihilation'' #2, November 2006. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref name="Initiative">''Nova'' (vol. 4) #2 July 2007. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref name="meets Penance">''Nova'' (vol. 4) #3 August 2007</ref><ref name="on the last day">''Nova'' (vol. 4) #13 May 2008. Marvel Comics.</ref>
==Marv Wolfman lawsuit==
In 1997, on the eve of the impending release of the [[Blade (1998 film)|''Blade'' motion picture]], [[Marv Wolfman]] sued Marvel Characters Inc. over ownership of all characters he had created for Marvel Comics, including Nova and [[Blade (character)|Blade]].<ref name=tcj239>{{cite news | url =http://tcj.com/239/n_wolfman.html | title=Post Mortem: Marv Wolfman Talks About His Day in Court| first=Michael | last=Dean| work=[[The Comics Journal]]| issue=239| date= November 2001| publisher=[[Fantagraphics Books]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080510153705/http://tcj.com/239/n_wolfman.html | archive-date=May 10, 2008}}</ref> A ruling in Marvel's favor was handed down on November 6, 2000.<ref name=tcj239 /> Wolfman's stance was that he had not signed work-for-hire contracts when he created characters including Blade and Nova. In a nonjury trial, the judge ruled that Marvel's later use of the characters was sufficiently different to protect it from Wolfman's claim of copyright ownership.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://archives.tcj.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=238&Itemid=48 |title=Wolfman loses Blade lawsuit against Marvel| first=Michael |last= Dean | work=The Comics Journal|issue=229|publisher= Fantagraphics Books<!--|date=December 2000 -->|date=November 16, 2000 |access-date=January 7, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120224224934/http://archives.tcj.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=238&Itemid=48 | archive-date= February 24, 2012}}</ref>
==Reception==
=== Accolades ===
* In 2011, ''[[IGN]]'' ranked Nova 98th in their "Top 100 Comic Book Heroes of All Time" list.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nova is number 98 |url=http://www.ign.com/top/comic-book-heroes/98 |access-date=May 5, 2011}}</ref>
* In 2012, ''[[IGN]]'' ranked Nova 19th in their "Top 50 [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]]" list.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 30, 2012 |title=The Top 50 Avengers |url=http://www.ign.com/top/avengers/19 |access-date=July 28, 2015 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref>
* In 2017, ''[[Den of Geek]]'' ranked Nova 2nd in their "Guardians of the Galaxy 3: 50 Marvel Characters We Want to See" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buxton |first=Marc |date=May 19, 2017 |title=Guardians of the Galaxy 3: 50 Marvel Characters We Want to See |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/guardians-of-the-galaxy-3-50-marvel-characters-we-want-to-see/ |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In 2018, ''[[CBR.com]]'' ranked Nova 1st in their "16 Strongest Nova Corps Members" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Gary |date=August 10, 2018 |title=The 16 Strongest Nova Corps Members |url=https://www.cbr.com/strongest-nova-corps-members/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref> 5th in their "Marvel's Strongest Cosmic Heroes" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baggett |first=Christopher |date=March 1, 2018 |title=Superstars: Marvel's Strongest Cosmic Heroes, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-strongest-cosmic-heroes-ranked/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref> and 15th in their "25 Most Powerful Avengers Ever" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wyse |first=Alex |date=June 1, 2018 |title=The 25 Most Powerful Avengers Ever, Officially Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/most-powerful-avengers-ranked/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In 2018, ''[[CBR.com]]'' ranked Nova (Richard Rider) 6th in their "25 Fastest Characters In The Marvel Universe" list.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 27, 2018 |title=The 25 Fastest Characters In The Marvel Universe, Officially Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/fastest-marvel-characters-ranked/ |access-date=August 30, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In 2022, ''[[CBR.com]]'' ranked Nova 2nd in their "10 Best Cosmic Heroes in Marvel Comics" list<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harth |first=David |date=September 23, 2022 |title=10 Best Cosmic Heroes in Marvel Comics, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-comics-best-cosmic-heroes-ranked/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref> and 11th in their "30 Strongest Marvel Superheroes" list.<ref name="Aitchison"/>
==Other versions==
===Earth X===
In the alternate future of [[Earth X]], Nova resides in the afterlife. He and two other deceased heroes, [[Ms. Marvel]] and [[Star-Lord]], lead an initial charge against [[Mephisto (Marvel Comics)|Mephisto]] but are swiftly defeated.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=May 2012}}
===''Marvel Zombies''===
Nova is featured in ''[[Marvel Zombies: Dead Days]]''. Unable to overcome his fear and horror of the slaughter occurring around him, Nova fails to act in his own defense when [[Spider-Man]] attacks him. [[Daredevil (Marvel Comics character)|Daredevil]] intervenes, but is bitten when Nova is too shocked to assist. He and [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|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]].{{Volume needed|c=y|date=December 2011}} As a zombie, he participates in a failed attack on [[Doctor Doom]]'s castle, in an effort to get at the humans inside.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=December 2011}} A zombie version of Nova can be seen in the ''[[Marvel Zombies]]'' miniseries, being shredded by a hail of metal fragments hurled by [[Magneto (Marvel Comics)|Magneto]].{{Volume needed|c=y|date=December 2011}}
He is still mobile, as a zombie, when a swarm of zombies attack and attempt to consume the [[Silver Surfer]]. During the incident, Zombie [[Hulk]] crushes Zombie [[Hercules (Marvel Comics)|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.<ref>''Marvel Zombies'' #5 (December 2006)</ref>
===MC2===
[[File:spidergirl7.jpg|thumb|296px|right|The MC2 Nova's first appearance in ''Spider-Girl'' #7]]Richard Rider appears frequently in the ''[[Mayday Parker|Spider-Girl]]'' series, which is set in an [[Marvel Comics 2|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 later realizes his mistake.<ref>''Spider-Girl'' #7. Marvel Comics.</ref>
Over time, the MC2 Nova attempts to tutor Spider-Girl on the importance of being a superhero. 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.<ref>''Spider-Girl'' #42. Marvel Comics.</ref>
By the time of the series, Nova has served as a temporary Avenger. He also appears in the ''Last Hero Standing'' and ''[[A-Next|Avengers Next]]'' [[Limited series (comics)|miniseries]]. Nova also assisted in the battle against Galactus in ''Last Planet Standing''.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=May 2012}} 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 (Marvel Comics)|Seth]].<ref>''Avengers Next'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>
===''Forever Yesterday''===
Nova appears as the sole [[White people|Caucasian]] member of a team of [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]] from a parallel reality where the [[Middle East]] is the dominant [[Superpower (ability)|superpower]]. He serves the ruler of this alternate Earth, the tyrannical female [[Sphinx (Marvel Comics)#Meryet Karim|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. Nova betrays the Sphinx to join Marvel Man ([[Vance Astrovik]]) and [[Firestar (Marvel Comics)|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, she restores reality.<ref>''The New Warriors'' #11-13. Marvel Comics.</ref>
===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 to test him and to push Nova into using his powers in new ways. It is revealed that this Nova is, in fact, the alternate reality version of Richard's younger brother Robert. 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 volume of ''Nova'', 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 had not.<ref>''Nova'' (vol. 4) #27 (2009)</ref><ref>{{Marvunapp|http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix4/nova00nv.htm|Nova 0:0}}</ref>
===''What If''===
Issue #15 of ''[[What If (comics)|What If?]]'' contained four stories in which a young widow, a homeless man, [[Spider-Man|Peter Parker]], and a criminal became Nova instead of Richard.<ref>''What If''? #15. Marvel Comics.</ref>
In ''What If? Annihilation'', the [[Annihilation (comics)|Annihilation Wave]] reaches Earth in the climactic battle of the super hero [[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]. Nova, [[Captain America]], and [[Iron Man]] work together and sacrifice themselves while using a weapon to destroy the Wave and save Earth.
==In other media==
===Television===
In March 2022, [[Marvel Studios]] was revealed to be developing a project featuring Richard Rider / Nova with [[Sabir Pirzada]] as writer. In December 2024, [[Ed Bernero]] came aboard as showrunner and writer, replacing Pirzada.<ref name="NovaProjectPirzada">{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=March 24, 2022 |title=Marvel Developing 'Nova' Project With 'Moon Knight' Scribe Sabir Pirzada |url=https://deadline.com/2022/03/marvel-nova-moon-knight-sabir-pirzada-1234985015/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324181911/https://deadline.com/2022/03/marvel-nova-moon-knight-sabir-pirzada-1234985015/ |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |access-date=March 24, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> It will be a series developed for streaming released on [[Disney+]].<ref name="SpecialPresentation">{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Alex |date=October 13, 2022 |title= Exclusive: Marvel's Nova to Be a Special Presentation on Disney+ |url=https://www.thecosmiccircus.com/exclusive-marvels-nova-to-be-a-special-presentation-on-disney/ |access-date=December 16, 2022 |website=TheCosmicCircus.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=December 17, 2024 |title=Ed Bernero Boards Marvel's 'Nova' Series In Works As Showrunner |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/ed-bernero-marvel-nova-showrunner-1236205019/ |access-date=December 17, 2024|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>
===Video games===
* Richard Rider / Nova appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet]]'', voiced by [[Jason Marsden]].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Nova / Richard Rider Voices (Guardians of the Galaxy) |url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Guardians-of-the-Galaxy/Nova-Richard-Rider/ |access-date=August 15, 2019 |website=Behind The Voice Actors |postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.}}</ref>
* Richard Rider / Nova appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel Super Hero Squad Online]]''.<ref name="btva" />
* Richard Rider / Nova appears as a playable character in ''[[Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]'',<ref>{{cite web |author=Brendan Sinclair |url=http://comic-con.gamespot.com/story/6324583/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-roster-leaked |title=GameSpot - Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 roster leaked |publisher=Comic-con.gamespot.com |access-date=2011-07-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722101943/http://comic-con.gamespot.com/story/6324583/ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3-roster-leaked |archive-date=2011-07-22 }}</ref> voiced by [[Troy Baker]].{{citation needed|date=November 2016}} Additionally, his Quasar and Kid Nova suits are available as alternate skins.
* Richard Rider / Nova appears in ''[[Marvel Heroes (video game)|Marvel Heroes]]'', voiced again by Troy Baker.<ref name="btva" />
* Richard Rider / Nova appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/marvel-vs-capcom-infinite-roster/|date=May 15, 2017|access-date=May 17, 2017|last=Sullivan|first=Lucas|website=[[GamesRadar]]|title=Every confirmed fighter in the Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite roster}}</ref> voiced by [[Benjamin Diskin]].<ref name="btva" />
* Richard Rider / Nova appears as a non-playable character in ''[[Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order]]'', voiced by [[Robbie Daymond]].<ref name="btva" />
* Richard Rider / Nova appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel: Future Fight]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://futurefightflair.github.io/tierlist/|title=Tier List for Marvel Future Fight}}</ref>
==Collected editions==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title !! Material collected !! Date !! ISBN
|-
| ''Essential Nova''
| ''Nova'' #1-25, ''Marvel Two-in-One Annual'' #3, ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #171
| April 2006
| {{ISBN|978-0785120933}}
|-
|''Nova Classic: Volume 1''
| ''Nova'' #1-12, ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #171
| January 2013
|{{ISBN|978-0785160281}}
|-
| ''Nova Classic: Volume 2''
| ''Nova'' #13-19, ''The Defenders'' #62-64, ''Fantastic Four Annual'' #12, ''Marvel Two-in-One Annual'' #3
| December 2013
|{{ISBN|978-0785185444}}
|-
| ''Nova Classic: Volume 3''
| ''Nova'' #20-25, ''Fantastic Four'' #204-206, 208-214
| June 2014
|{{ISBN|978-0785185529}}
|-
| ''Nova Volume 1: Annihilation: Conquest''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 4) #1-7
|December 2007
| {{ISBN|0-7851-2631-7}}
|-
| ''Nova Volume 2: Knowhere''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 4) #8-12 and ''Annual'' #1
| August 2008
| {{ISBN|0-7851-2632-5}}
|-
| ''Nova Volume 3: Secret Invasion''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 4) #13-18
| March 2009
| {{ISBN|0-7851-2662-7}}
|-
| ''Nova Volume 4: Nova Corps''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 4) #19-22 and ''Nova: Origin of Richard Rider''
| May 2009
| {{ISBN|0-7851-3188-4}}
|-
| ''Nova Volume 5: War of Kings''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 4) #23-28
| December 2009
| {{ISBN|0-7851-4066-2}}
|-
| ''Nova Volume 6: Realm of Kings''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 4) #29-36
| June 2010
| {{ISBN|0-7851-4067-0}}
|-
| ''Nova by Abnett & Lanning: The Complete Collection Volume 1''
| ''Annihilation: Nova'' #1-4, ''Nova'' (vol. 4) #1-15, ''Annual'' #1, material from ''Nova: Origin of Richard Rider''
| July 31, 2018
| {{ISBN|978-1302911348}}
|-
| ''Nova by Abnett & Lanning: The Complete Collection Volume 2''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 4) #16-36, material from ''I Am An Avenger''
| December 31, 2018
| {{ISBN|978-1302915551}}
|-
| ''Nova Volume 1: Origin''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 5) #1-5
| March 11, 2014
| {{ISBN|978-0785166054}}
|-
| ''Nova Volume 2: Rookie Season''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 5) #6-9, 10 (A story)
| March 25, 2014
| {{ISBN|978-0785168393}}
|-
| ''Nova Volume 3: Nova Corpse''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 5) #10 (B story), 11-16
| June 10, 2014
| {{ISBN|978-0785189572}}
|-
| ''Nova Volume 4: Original Sin''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 5) #17-22
| January 6, 2015
| {{ISBN|978-0785189589}}
|-
| ''Nova Volume 5: AXIS''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 5) #23-27
| May 5, 2015
| {{ISBN|978-0785192411}}
|-
| ''Nova Volume 6: Homecoming''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 5) #28-31, Nova Annual (vol.2) # 1
| November 10, 2015
| {{ISBN|978-0785193753}}
|-
| ''Nova: The Human Rocket Volume 1: Burn Out''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 6) #1-6
| June 14, 2016
| {{ISBN|978-0785196501}}
|-
| ''Nova: The Human Rocket Volume 2: Afterburn''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 6) #7-11
| January 10, 2017
| {{ISBN|978-0785196518}}
|-
| ''Nova: Resurrection''
| ''Nova'' (vol. 7) #1-7
| July 26, 2017
| {{ISBN|978-1302905293}}
|-
|''Annihiliation: Scourge''
|''Annihilation Scourge: Alpha'', ''Nova'', ''Silver Surfer'', ''Beta Ray Bill'', ''Fantastic Four'' and ''Omega''
|March 24, 2020
|{{ISBNT|978-1302921699}}
|}
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==Sources==
* {{Cite book|last= Smith|first= Doug|article=Flashback: The Man Called Nova|title= Back Issue #33|publisher= Twomorrows|___location= Raleigh|year=2009|issn=1932-6904}}
==External links==
{{commons category|Nova (comics)}}
* [http://www.marvel.com/universe/Nova_%28Richard_Rider%29 Nova (Richard Rider)] at Marvel.com
* [[MarvelDatabase:Richard Rider (Earth-616)|Richard Rider]] at the Marvel Database Project
* [http://www.novaprimepage.com Nova Prime Page (Rich Rider)]
* {{Comicbookdb|type=character|id=1250|title=Nova (Richard Rider)}}
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