REVIEW: ‘Nova: Centurion’ Issue 2

Nova: Centurion Issue 2 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Jed Mackay, art by Álvaro López and Matteo Della Fonte, colors by Mattia Iacono, and letters by Cory Petit.

Nova’s mission gives him the chance to reunite with Ravenous, the man who destroyed Xandar.

Nova: Centurion Issue 2 is a revenge story. It’s almost a direct sequel to Annihilation, picking up the pieces left by that event and digging up bodies. Figures like Camille and Ravenous have been seen so rarely since then, lost in the history of the Marvel Universe. There’s a terrific setup within Nova: Centurion Issue 2. Even if Annihilation hasn’t been read by those picking up this comic, the history is brilliantly explained. All that is needed is the fact that Nova despises Ravenous and is revving to get his own back. The energy picks up, leading to the conflict.

The fight is both engaging and exhilarating because it involves so many factors. Nova had gathered a crew, but even they might not be able to tackle the might of Ravenous. It’s always important to remember in Nova: Centurion Issue 2 that his power is not limitless. Using it comes at an expensive cost, and he’s blowing through it at a remarkable pace.

The way Mackay writes the title character in Nova: Centurion Issue 2 is fascinating. It’s the most energized and confident Nova has been in a long time. Richard had been waiting for a chance to get revenge for a while, and now had the opportunity to do so. But his excitement and determination make him vulnerable, as he’s incredibly reckless. 

Nova is accompanied by an Accuser, a member of the Kree-Skrull War crime family that hired Nova. But she doesn’t have much of a tactical mind either, just as bloodthirsty and reckless. There’s a brilliant comedy in the dialogue that offsets the fury and heartbroken rage Rider feels, usually at his expense. Ravenous is power hungry, but he’s not insane or overly loud. Instead, he recognizes that Nova isn’t thinking straight and is willing to match his ferocity.

The art is spectacular because it heralds a change in how Richard presents himself. Even in the early pages of Nova: Centurion Issue 2, he is dishevelled, lacking pride or motivation. But in the build-up to the battle with Ravenous, he prepares himself. The beard goes, the helmet is put on, and he looks like a mighty, majestic hero. The Nova costume looks right on him, like he deserves to wear it and the burden and prestige it carries.

The first flurries of the fight are a Nova that seems classical, and the artists get to show off. His lower body disappears into the energy trail behind him, as it always did. He really lives up to his original title as the Human Rocket. The other characters are also brilliantly designed. Yr-Kett has the sensational Kree Accuser armor, but is much smaller than others in her profession. But even in her more diminutive form, she has a severity that makes her presence much bigger.

The colors are sensational in Nova: Centurion Issue 2, celebrating the intense brightness that can be found across the Cosmic corner of the Marvel Universe. Almost all the characters have vibrant costumes and powers, and each has its own distinct shades that help them stand out. Nova is yellow and blue, Yr-Kett is green and blue, and Cammi is red and yellow. The lettering in the word balloons is very clear and easy to read, but the text in the location and caption boxes remains difficult to read.

Nova: Centurion Issue 2 is a beautiful love letter to Keith Giffen. The architect of Annihilation and the subsequent formation of the Cosmic Marvel Universe, the ripples of Giffen’s work, as well as Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, are still visible here. The unfinished business is rearing its head in this new series. But Mackay is also carving his own path, utilizing fresh characters and brand-new ideas that show this is not just a nostalgia trip.

Nova: Centurion Issue 2 is available now wherever comics are sold.