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Nova
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Creation & Design

Nova was created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist John Buscema, debuting in the mid-1970s as a response to the popularity of superhero comics.

Early Years

Richard Rider was a high school student who gained the powers of Nova after an alien named Rhomann Dey transferred his powers to him. He initially struggled with his new abilities and responsibilities.

Character Development

Over the years, Nova has evolved from a solo hero to a key player in the cosmic Marvel Universe, often balancing his responsibilities as a hero with his personal life.

Cultural Reception

Nova has been well-received by fans and critics alike, often praised for his relatable character arc and heroic journey.

Character Details

Real Name:
Richard Rider
First Appearance:
FOOM Magazine #12
Aliases:
Nova Corps, Nova Prime
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Nova Corps, Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy
Abilities:
Superhuman strength, Flight, Energy projection, Enhanced durability
Equipment:
Nova helmet, Nova suit
Weight:
180lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
brown
Hair Color:
black

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FOOM Magazine #12
Marvel ⋅ 1975
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FOOM Magazine #12
 
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$12
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$40
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$120

Key Facts

Preview of Ikaris of the Eternals, a pin-up

Preview of Nova, Richard Rider

Comic Media News #25
Marvel ⋅ 1976
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Comic Media News #25
 
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$12
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$40
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$120

Key Facts

Preview image of Nova #1 (Sept 1976) six months prior to the publication of the issue

Black and white fanzine

Comic Reader #129
Street Enterprises ⋅ 1976
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Comic Reader #129
 
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$20
Mid
$75
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$200

Key Facts

Preview appearance of Nova

Comic Reader is an amateur publication created by comic book enthusiasts often referred to as a fanzine

Nova #1
Marvel ⋅ 1976
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Nova #1
 
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$12
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$45
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$130

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Nova, Richard Rider

1st appearance of Rhomann Dey, Corpsman of the Nova Corps

1st appearance of Robbie Rider, brother of Nova

[January 2021 - the MCU maintains their intention to use Nova (Alexander & Rider) in a film / March 2022 - Deadline reports a source confirms a Nova project is in development]

Nova #2
Marvel ⋅ 1976
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Nova #2
 
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$4
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$12
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$40

Key Facts

1st appearance of Powerhouse

1st appearance of Condor

2nd appearance of Nova

Fantastic Four #205
Marvel ⋅ 1979
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Fantastic Four #205
 
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Key Facts

1st team appearance of the Nova Corps, protective force of the Andromeda Galaxy

1st appearance of Rul, later becomes the Protector

Dorrek VII, the Skrull Emperor from Fantastic Four #18 name is revealed

Thor #412
Marvel ⋅ 1989
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Thor #412
 
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$1
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$5
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$15

Key Facts

1st full team appearance of the New Warriors: Firestar, Kid Nova, Marvel Boy, Namorita, Night Thrasher and Speedball

1st full appearance of Night Thrasher

Thor #411
Marvel ⋅ 1989
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Thor #411
 
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$3
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$9
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$30

Key Facts

1st cameo team appearance of The New Warriors: Nova, Night Thrasher, Namorita, Speedball, Firestar and Marvel Boy, later becomes Justice

1st cameo appearance of Night Thrasher

The character Marvel Boy shares no relation to other characters who also used the name Marvel Boy but he does share his real name, Vance Astrovik with the character known as Major Victory from Guardians of the Galaxy

Major Victory and Marvel Boy are the same person from two separate dimensions and exist in stories as mostly unrelated individuals

New Warriors #1
Marvel ⋅ 1990
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New Warriors #1
 
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Key Facts

Origin of the New Warriors

Annihilation: Nova #1
Non-Key
Marvel ⋅ 2006
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Annihilation: Nova #1
 
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Key Facts

📖 Annihilation Reading Order: read Annihilation Nova #1 - #4, then Annihilation Ronan #1

Nova #1
Marvel ⋅ 2007
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Nova #1
 
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Key Facts

Epilogue to Annihilation

📖 Annihilation Reading Order: read Nova #1 - #3, then Annihilation Conquest Prologue #1

Nova #5
Marvel ⋅ 2007
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Nova #5
 
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$7

Key Facts

Nova infected with Phalanx virus

Nova: Origin of Richard Rider #1
Marvel ⋅ 2009
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Nova: Origin of Richard Rider #1
 
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Key Facts

52-page one-shot

First standard comic-sized reprint of Nova's first appearance from Nova #1

Reprint of Nova #4

Copies ordered by retailers: 8,331

Secret Avengers #1
Marvel ⋅ 2010
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Secret Avengers #1
 
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Key Facts

1st team appearance of the Secret Avengers: Captain America, War Machine, Black Widow, Valkyrie, Beast, Nova and Moon Knight

1st team appearance of the Shadow Council

Beginning of the 'Heroic Age' according to Marvel

Secret Avengers #4
1:75 ⋅ Marvel ⋅ 2010
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Secret Avengers #4
 
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$12
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Key Facts

Variant cover art by Mike Deodato

Nova #11
Marvel ⋅ 2016
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Nova #11
 
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$2
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$8
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$20

Key Facts

First meeting of Nova, Richard Rider and Nova, Sam Alexander

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