Novais returning to the Marvel Universe, but as revealed atSan Diego Comic-Con, he is no longer the noble space cop he once was. Marvel’sImperialevent ushers in a new status quo for a host of the publisher’s cosmic characters,including Nova, who goes from one side of the law to the other.
Jed Mackay also writesThe Avengersfor Marvel Comics.
AIPTrevealed more details aboutNova: Centurion, which will be written by Jed MacKay and drawn by Alvaro Lopez. During Marvel’sNext Big Thingpanel, the publisher announced Nova’s new status quo.
AIPTquoted Marvel as saying:
Meanwhile,Nova: Centurioncasts Richard Rider as a reluctant galactic mercenary. With the legacy of the Xandarian Worldmind hanging in the balance and corruption festering across the stars, Nova’s left to fight the good fight solo—at a price.
In addition,comparisons have been made to MacKay’sMoon Knightrun as well as theclassic TV seriesThe Rockford Files.
ImperialIs Coming for Nova and the Corps
Nova: CenturionIs Being Compared to Notable Pop Culture Anti-Heroes
Nova has been a part of the Marvel Universe for 50 years, and is one of the flagship characters of the publisher’s “cosmic” corner. Richard Rider is a member of the Nova Corps, Marvel’s analogue to DC’s Green Lanterns. From their home base on Xanadar, the Nova Corps keep the universe safe from a variety of threats.
YetImperial, which is still playing out as of this writing, has upended Nova’s life.
YetImperial, which is still playing out as of this writing, has upended Nova’s life. Marvel did not reveal if the rest of the Nova Corps are dead or gone, but nevertheless, Rider is on his own, and the publisher is making it clear his new mission is affecting his moral compass.
The comparisons being made with Nova’s new book are also telling. MacKay’sMoon Knighthas pulled no punches showing the brutal and morally ambiguous world the hero lives in, and judging from Marvel’s reveals, Nova is heading into a similar situation. Furthermore,The Rockford Files, airing in the 1970s, featured a morally-gray hero who skirted the law.
Could Nova’s Dark New Status Carry Over to the MCU?
Thanos Destroyed the Nova Corps, But MCU Fans Never Saw It
Nova’s new status as a mercenary post-Imperialis also the perfect set-up to introduce the character to the MCU. Rumors of an MCU-setNovaproject have been flying for years.Thanos supposedly decimated the Nova Corpsattempting to get the Power Stone, creating a status quo not unlike the one Rider is facing afterImperial.
Marvel has regularly altered its characters and stories to accommodate developments in the MCU. While this is a controversial practice, it could possibly work for a character like Nova. Marvel could choose to introduce Rider as the last of the Nova Corps, struggling to rebuild the organization and maintain its legacy after Thanos’ rampage, similar toNova; Centurion.
Nova’s Greatest Battle is Now Upon Him
Will Nova Be Able to Maintain His Integrity in a Dangerous Universe?
Regardless, Nova’s new mission in the Marvel Universe is his darkest yet, one threatening to kill everything that is good in him.Imperial’sfallout will create an even deadlier universe, one Nova must now navigate alone.Nova’sgreatest fight will not be against criminals, but against himself as he holds the darkness at bay.
Source 1:AIPT
Nova: Centurion is on sale November 19 from Marvel Comics
