REVIEW: ‘Imperial War: Nova – Centurion’ Issue 1

Imperial War Nova – Centurion Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Jed Mackay and Jonathan Hickman, with art by Matteo Della Fonte, colors by Yen Nitro and letters by Cory Petit.

This issue is part of the Imperial event. Richard Rider reconnects with the Xandarian Worldmind, but the scars may prevent them from uniting once again. This first issue has an intriguing starting point, both regarding location and timeframe. Imperial War Nova – Centurion Issue 1 overlaps with the middle of Imperial Issue 4.

Imperial War Nova – Centurion Issue 1 takes place within Nova’s mind, as he and the Worldmind attempt to reestablish their connection and restore Nina to the full power of the Nova Corps. But things are going to be different this time. There had been so much time and trauma in that time that just trying to unlock all that power again unleashed a flurry of fast-paced panic.

In the midst of that, Mackay and Hickman excellently explain what happened from Annihilation through to Nova’s death in the Thanos Imperative, but make it about character instead of a big chunk of exposition. This new reunion of Nova and the Worldmind will also change how the powers work.

Everything with the Worldmind now comes with a price, both in terms of accessing the post and preserving the history of Xandar. There is now a balance between power and knowledge. It adds a fascinating gamble for Nova, instead of just being that immense powerhouse when he was Nova Prime.

The latter stages of Imperial War Nova – Centurion Issue 1 show the reason why they unlocked the Worldmind in the first place. They have a super intelligence note, and that provides the answer they’re looking for. The plot shifts to real time, with Star-Lord and Shuri. It’s then that a huge statement is made, one that heralds the coming of the endgame in this event, hurtling towards the next chapter.

The deep dive into Nova and the Worldmind is fascinating because it shows more of the hero’s journey. Before he was trapped in the Cancerverse, Richard Rider went from a kid to saving the universe, dying nobly. It read the ultimate rise. That journey continues, but he is now a broken soldier. Finding the Worldmind again has brought back all those memories and horrors he faced, with the things he had to sacrifice to stay alive. He’s terrified and haunted.

The Worldmind is calm and contemplative, a computer made to control a primordial, universal force. But there is also a dry humour there. It’s nice to see something try to be a therapist for Nova, helping with his anxiety and panic. Most of Imperial War Nova – Centurion Issue 1 is like a solo play inside Richard’s mind. The connection between Nova and the Worldmind feels truly unique. It’s interesting to see them give a rundown of the whole war, running through the suspects in an immersive conversation.

The art tries to encapsulate the mental anguish and scale, as Nova reignites the connection. The first part is an explosion of Eldritch horrors, as the memories of the Cancerverse come flooding back. After all, that’s the last memory Richard has of the Worldmind. It’s frantic and demonstrates the fractured state of Nova’s mind. Even afterwards, when things have calmed down, he looks haggard and distraught.

The pilot’s jacket over the Nova armor looks both older and less proud to be wearing that uniform, as if ashamed. Much of the next part of Imperial War Nova – Centurion Issue 1 is a conversation, but it’s still exciting and beautifully illustrated by Della Fonte.

It’s rewarding to see Richard wear the Nova Corps helmet again, as it is such an important symbol of cosmic Marvel. Sometimes we see his eyes, other times we don’t. And then to be even more dramatic, he’ll collapse to his knees, either devastated or coming to a powerful realization.

The colors transition throughout Imperial War Nova – Centurion Issue 1. At first, pink and sickly green are abundant, mimicking the shades of the Cancerverse. This creates a sense of dread and utter fear in Nova. But after that, Nova is on a very bright plain, almost completely white with snow and blue sky. The shades of the Nova uniform, therefore, stand out more. The lettering is very clear and easy to read, which is crucial in a comic with so much dialogue.

Imperial War Nova – Centurion Issue 1 brings a cosmic staple back to life. The Marvel Universe has missed Richard Rider and the Worldmind together. It both ends a big chapter before linking the one-shot into the rest of the other events. It allows Rich to get things off his chest and find answers.

But this is not the same Nova as before, and it’s not the same Worldmind as before. The emotional depth and the dialogue are sensational, really showing just how broken the Nova Corps was. Richard isn’t fully healed, but at least he’s wearing the helmet once again.

Imperial War Nova – Centurion Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.