Biographical Data

Real Name: Richard Rider
Occupation: Intergalactic Law Enforcement Officer, Keeper of the WorldMind and the Nova Force
Legal Status: Citizen of the United States with no criminal record.
Other Aliases: Kid Nova, The Human Rocket, Bucket-Head
Known Relatives: Charles (father), Gloria (mother), Robert (brother), Ralph (uncle-deceased)
Place of Birth: Queens, New York
Group Affiliations: Nova Corps, New Warriors, Champions of Xandar, Defenders (for a day)
Marital Status: Single

Origin: Having been mortally wounded in the pursuit of an intergalactic terrorist, Rhomann Dey, of the Xandarian Nova Corps, used his advanced technology to transfer his superhuman powers to high school student Richard Rider. Soon, Rider discovered that he had been endowed with superhuman strength and resilience, as well as the ability of supersonic flight. Calling himself Nova, Rider began patrolling New York in the hopes of battling evil and establishing his identity and reputation as a "super hero." Over the years, Nova has battled many different types of menaces including Diamondhead, Sphinx, Juggernaut, and the Skrulls, by himself or as a member of the rebellious young New Warriors.

Nova attended college at Empire State University for a time but currently fights for justice in the Andromeda Galaxy as the sole possessor of the Nova Force and WorldMind.

Physical Description

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
Strength Level: Nova possesses superhuman strength enabling him to lift (press) 20 tons under optimal conditions.

Powers and Abilities

Nova possesses superhuman strength, endurance, agility, speed, and durability equal to that of a Nova Centurion. His skin and muscle tissue are more resilient than normal human tissue, able to deflect high caliber bullets and small explosives without incurring any damage.

By traveling along electron paths, Nova is able to fly at speeds in excess of the speed of sound (770 miles per hour) and is capable of intergalactic space travel outside of Earth's atmosphere. Nova has shown the ability to open a controlled space warp by traveling along the electron path of an exploding star. Nova is also mentally linked to the Living Computers of Xandar with access to its vast knowledge and the Nova Force which it generates. Currently, the ability to access the computer's knowledge exists only on a sub-conscious level for Richard Rider. However, he has been able to tap it on occasion. By combining his costume's Tesseract Release, Systems-Adapt Mode, Flight Navigation Sensors and the Gravimetric Pulse together, Nova is also able to open a Star Gate.

During periods of extreme stress, Nova has demonstrated certain energy projection abilities including optical blasts and a powerful gravimetric pulse. The exact perimeters and limits of these powers have not yet been defined. He also has the ability to absorb different energies and return them with even greater force.

Recently, Nova has become the sole possessor of the Nova Force and now has power levels which have yet to be measured. However, on Earth, he is listed as a Class 12 being. This level is consistent with the most powerful beings on Earth. Along with the full Nova Force, Rich Rider also contains the entire WorldMind in his body. This gives him access to the entire knowledge of Xandar including its technology, culture, scientific knowledge and strategic abilities.

Paraphernalia

Costume/Uniform: Nova's costume is made of unidentified materials that are highly resistant to damage, including outer space. The costume is airtight. The helmet contains advanced circuitry which enables Nova to monitor radio transmissions, telescopic sights, night vision sensors, and heat imaging sensors. It also informs Nova which types of energies he can absorb. The helmet also includes a malleable Xandarian alloy which can be lowered to cover the face by cybernetic command, thereby making it airtight; the helmet is connected to an oxygen supply concealed within the uniform which can last up to 6 hours. The helmet also has holographic message capabilities which allow him to see communications from Xandar. It also provides access to the Nova Prime spaceship and can see through its cloaking shield. The helmet can also record and store audio files which can be accessed later by the helmet's wearer. The uniform has a stealth/camouflage capability which allows Rich Rider to change its appearance cybernetically. Rider can transform into his Nova Centurion uniform at will.

Bibliography