REVIEW: ‘Nova: Centurion’ Issue 1

Nova: Centurion Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Jed Mackay, with art by Álvaro López, colors by Mattia Iacono and letters by Cory Petit.

Nova reunites with the Xandarian Worldmind, but keeping it alive and preserving Xandar’s history is expensive. Zooming straight out of the pages of Imperial, a solo space cop story begins in Nova: Centurion Issue 1. Richard Rider is back, saving lives with the full power and assistance of the Worldmind. The problem is there’s now a limit. The power reserves deplete, and more importantly, the knowledge and cultural success within the planetary force recede. Should the levels reach zero, all of that ceases to exist.

The opening, featuring Nova attempting to rescue a cruise ship caught in the clutches of a black hole, brilliantly demonstrates the predicament he’s in. He has to be inventive to conserve energy. And to recharge the Worldmind, it takes money.

This desperation for money puts Richard in an awkward position, having to offer his hat for money from those he saves. The mechanic of only having so much power and needing to refill it gives Nova: Centurion Issue 1 a video game vibe, as well as a unique attribute to a superhero comic. It’s rare for a superhero to have to beg for money from those they rescue to stay afloat.

The second half of Nova: Centurion Issue 1 explores the new life for Nova, jumping forward in time. It’s a career based on financials and necessity rather than choice and actual honor. The final part of the issue turns it into a sequel to Annihilation, where Nova’s increase in power and status began, with many chargers reappearing.

Nova: Centurion Issue 1 resets Rider’s story by sabotaging his pride. Nova is a soldier, a veteran of multiple wars and a legend across the universe. So, it’s humiliating for him to have to stoop to bring money to function. He’s still brave and noble, but he can’t be if he wants his culture and the legacy of the Nova Corps to survive. But trying to get that money is difficult in a callous cosmos.

Then figures that are known for manipulation, such as Pip the Troll, start to enter Nova’s life, taking advantage of his position and hiring him out like a bounty hunter. It’s fascinating to see Mackay turn such a proud soldier into a gun-for-hire, with terrific dialogue that shows him wrestling with the two.

The art is fantastic. In the early stages of Nova: Centurion Issue 1, Rider continues his sore that he had been seen in since his return from the Cancerverse. His Corpsman uniform is hidden under a pilot’s jacket, hiding its full majesty. The opening is energetic and exciting, with the danger of the cosmos unleashed. It demonstrates Nova’s power that he can only briefly utilise is a brief reminder of how immense he can be.

Yet, he’s sullen and sulking, dejected with his lifestyle. The helmet is just a glimpse of his glory. But then, when in front of clients, he has to show off, and the readers get a full look at his incredible design. López nails the reveal, making Rider look remarkable.

The colors have blue and gold at the forefront, the signature shades of Nova. There are multiple close-ups, with Nova’s shiny helmet wrapped around his face. It’s vibrant and has been missing from the universe for a long time. During Pip’s introduction, he and Rich are closed in darkness, whilst there is a bright set of colors behind. This isolates them from the others and accentuates the nefarious business unfolding.

The lettering on the wood balloons is absolutely fine. However, the font and color used for the informative location and context captions can be tricky to pick out. They are a continuation of Imperial, and it’s disappointing because that’s where the most crucial information is.

Nova: Centurion Issue 1 puts limits on unlimited power. When he died, Nova was one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe. He still is, but now he has to be sparing with it. The attack on his pride and damage to his reputation are excruciating and engrossing, resorting to dark forces to keep the memory of Xandar alive. It’s an intriguing balance, one that grounds the Centurion whilst still keeping his connection to the Worldmind and the Nova Force intact.

Nova: Centurion Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.