Nova Is Still The Guardians of the Galaxy's Greatest Hero
This article contains spoilers for X-Men Red #4.
In Marvel Comics, Nova is still considered the greatest of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Introduced in 1976, Richard Rider — better known as the man called Nova — was created as a homage to Spider-Man. Although his powerset was very different, Nova shared Peter Parker's humble working-class background, his secret identity, and his soap-opera personal life. Unfortunately, Nova was a lot less successful than Spider-Man, remaining a second-tier superhero.
All that changed in 2006, when Nova became the most important man in the galaxy. While the Avengers were fighting Civil War, an even bigger war was going on. Annihilus launched an invasion from the Negative Zone, and the Annihilation Wave destroyed Xandar — and the entire Nova Corps. Nova was the sole survivor, and he absorbed the full power of the Nova Force, fighting on the front lines even when all around him had fallen. Richard Rider was forced to grow up fast, swiftly maturing into a skilled tactician who orchestrated Annihilus' greatest defeat. The man called Nova saved the entire galaxy.
Related: Marvel’s First LGBTQ+ Spider-Hero Debuted Years Ago, But No One Remembers
X-Men Red #4, by Al Ewing, Juann Cabal, Andres Genolet, and Michael Sta. Maria, reveals the galaxy has never forgotten Nova's heroism. It sees the leaders of the great space empires gather to discuss a disaster, the murder of the Shi'ar Empress Xandrar. Surprisingly, they also invite Nova as the representative of the Guardians of the Galaxy. He is there for one reason: "He stood when all else fell, and we remember." It seems Richard Rider is still honored for his heroism.
It's no understatement to say that Marvel's «Annihilation» event was one of their
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