History
Origin
Originally, the Nova Corps was Xandar's space militia and exploration division. It consisted of over 500 soldiers ranging in rank from Corpsman up to Centurion and its leader, Centurion Nova Prime. The Corps also had a regiment of Syfon Warriors, of which Powerhouse was one. After the reformation of Xandar, the Nova Corps expanded its protective range to include the entire Andromeda Galaxy and Earth. They are also known as the Xandarian StarCorps. Queen Adora (in the role of Prime Commandant) has ultimate authority of the Nova Corps.
The source the Corps' power is called the Nova Force. This is a nearly limitless energy field generated by the a living supercomputer called the Xandarian Worldmind. The energy is then transmitted into the centurions at varying levels depending on their rank. The Worldmind contains the entire record of Xandarian history and civilization.
A number of notable individuals were once members of the Corp such as former heralds of Galactus Firelord and the Air-Walker to name two.
The Nova Corps mobilize, moments before their demise
Annihilation Wave
Recently the Nova Corps were assembled to face an unknown threat that had crossed the Kyln. Unfortunately, during the briefing, the Corps were taken by surprise by the attackers. Despite the fact that the every officer was granted full power by the Worldmind and their strong resistance, the entire Corps was decimated and in the ensuing destruction, Xandar was laid to waste.[2] However, Richard Rider managed to survive and while looking for survivors, came upon the then-offline Xandarian Worldmind. The supercomputer told the last Centurion that if he died, all Xandarian culture and the entire Nova Force would be lost. Reluctantly, Rider let the Worldmind reside in him until it could find a new world to inhabit.
Secret Invasion
During the Secret Invasion, a new Nova Corps appeared to assist Richard Rider in his defense of the Project Pegasus facility. The Worldmind had recruited them, having taken control of Rider's body while he was sleeping. Unfortunately, Worldmind began a mass recruiting drive, which Rider opposed, fearing of what could happen if they send untrained Novas into battle. Also, he had lobotomized Ego the Living Planet as a base for Nu-Xandar. When the Worldmind asked that Rider download the Nova Force into Nu Xandar, he hesitated. Worldmind, claiming that the Nova Force has taken its toll on Richards sanity, ordered the Corps to restrain him. Forcefully removing the Nova Force, Worldmind "deselects" Richard and returns him to Earth without his powers. Rider, with the help of Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S., learn that Worldmind was using a form of mind control, through use of subliminal messages and endorphins, to control the Corps and make them not want to leave.
War of Kings
When a war ignites between the Kree-led Inhumans and the Shi'ar, the Nova Corps stepped in to stop it. Unfortunately, they take massive casualties and the new Nova Prime, Malik Tarcel, was captured by the Shi'ar Imperial Guard. Richard Rider, who was stripped of his status by Worldmind, reclaimed the title of Nova Prime and decided to train the Corps as a probationary group.
Thanos Imperative
When Rider charged the entire Nova Force in order to stop Thanos and subsequently went missing, the corps was left powerless and presumably disbanded. However, there was still hope in the form of former Black Nova Jesse Alexander's son Sam Alexander.
Supernovas
Thought to be a covert black ops division within the police force, the Supernovas, or Black Novas, were in actuality an independent organization comprised of thieves and killers. They are named the Black Novas after their black helmets, which are designed to harness the full power of the Nova Force, as opposed to the traditional 'Gold Domes' (regular Novas, due to their gold helmets), which only grant partial access to the Nova Force based on rank. Sam Alexander is the only Supernova left.
Ranks
The strength levels and Nova Force proportions of the Corps' various ranks are not levels officially recognized by Marvel. They are simply estimates.
Rank: Centurion
Affiliation: Nova Corps
Powers: Centurions are the top tier of the Nova Corps. It is from the Centurions that the Centurion Nova Prime is normally selected. Extreme circumstances allow the Prime to circumvent the standard procedure. Their powers are the same as a Centurion Nova Prime with the exception of energy absorption, the gravimetric pulse and the electromagnetic static burst. Centurions can command standard starships and are trained to be exceptional fighters and pilots. A Centurion can lift approximately 20 tons.[citation needed]
Rank: Denarian
Affiliation: Nova Corps
Powers: Denarians are the middle tier of the Nova Corps. Denarians have access to approximately 75% of the Nova Force compared to a Centurion.[citation needed] They are limited to flight, speed, strength and invulnerability.[citation needed] A Denarian can lift approximately 15 tons.[citation needed]
Rank: Millennian
Affiliation: Nova Corps
Powers: Millennians have access to approximately 50% of the Nova Force compared to a Centurion.[citation needed] They cannot fly on their own but can use the Corps' one-man sky flyers.[citation needed] Millennians can lift approximately 10 tons and have limited invulnerability.[citation needed] They also have small photon blasters in the armbands of their uniform.[citation needed]
Rank: Corpsman
Affiliation: Nova Corps
Powers: Corpsman is the entry level to the Nova Corps. Graduates from the Space Academy apply to the Corps upon graduation.[citation needed] They have access to approximately 25% of the Nova Force compared to a Centurion.[citation needed] They can lift approximately 5 tons with very limited invulnerability.[citation needed] They also have small photon blasters in the armbands of their uniform.[citation needed]
Rank: Syfon Warrior
Affiliation: Nova Corps - Syfon Warrior Division
Powers: Syfon Warriors have limited access to the Nova Force. They are limited to super strength (lifting capability of 1 ton) and energy absorption.[citation needed] Their strength can be magnified fifty fold by siphoning a great deal of energy from any power souce, including other living beings.[citation needed] Syfons are extremely gifted and highly trained pilots.[citation needed] Syfon training is mandatory to becoming a Centurion Nova Prime.[citation needed]
Paraphernalia
Equipment
- Uniforms: Made of unidentified materials that were highly resistant to damage, heat and cold including the extremes of outer space. The helmets contain advanced circuitry which enables Centurions to monitor and make radio transmissions. The helmets also include a malleable Xandarian alloy which could lower to cover the face by cybernetic command or via sensors in the uniform which could sense changes in pressure and atmosphere and activate automatically. Once activated, the uniform becomes airtight and the helmet connects to an oxygen supply concealed within the uniform which could last up to 6 hours. A centurions helmet also provides access to the Nova Prime spaceship and could see through its cloaking shield. When removed, the helmet would collapse into a cloth-like material.[citation needed]
- Other Devices: Xandarian equipment as needed.
- Source of Paraphernalia: All equipment and vehicles are of Xandarian design and manufacture.
Weapons
Transportation
Trivia
- The Corp imposes a strict dress code, as witnessed when Nova (Richard Rider) was ordered to change his uniform back to standard after he had altered it.[citation needed]
See Also
- 63 appearance(s) of Nova Corps (Earth-616)
- 1 appearance(s) in handbook(s) of Nova Corps (Earth-616)
- 15 minor appearance(s) of Nova Corps (Earth-616)
- 64 mention(s) of Nova Corps (Earth-616)
- 6 mention(s) in handbook(s) of Nova Corps (Earth-616)
- 31 image(s) of Nova Corps (Earth-616)
- 53 member(s) of Nova Corps (Earth-616)
- 2 item(s) used/owned by Nova Corps (Earth-616)
Links and References
References
Template:Nova Template:Guardians of the Galaxy