Nova explains to Robert that his father is only unconscious, not dead. He tells his brother to call the hospital and that'll he fly their father there after he captures the leader of the Inner Circle. The Human Rocket smashes through more henchmen and into the master criminal's office. Nova is surprised to find the leader of the Inner Circle is his old foe, the Corruptor!

The Corruptor has manipulated Charles Rider, among others, to do his evil work. The evil manipulator explains to the young hero how he plans take over New York City. By using his ability to corrupt others, the Corruptor intends to control everyone he touches until the Earth is his to command. Nova reminds him that Earth's super-heroes will stop him. The Corruptor vanishes in a cloud of smoke, leaving Nova to fight an army of the Inner Circle's henchmen. The angry hero quickly knocks them out and smashes the Corruptor's laboratory.

Nova rushes to his father's side and takes him and his brother to the hospital. Nova tells Robert he has another problem to solve and flies off. The helmeted hero speeds over to the houseboat of his informant, Shuffles. Shuffles tells Nova that he can't give him the location of the Corruptor due to the danger involved. However, he tells his young friend to see a movie called 'Zombies on Broadway' to help him relax.

Nova quickly figures out Shuffles' clue and flies over to Broadway. The Corruptor has activated his legion of mind-controlled agents. In order to stop them without hurting them, Nova takes a fishing net from a Russian trawler and captures the group. The Corruptor has witnessed Nova's actions and swears he'll have his revenge.

Meanwhile, Mike Burley has been hiding in the section of New York City known as the Bowery. He's been on the run since he attempted to rob a laboratory for the Yellow Claw in exchange for his brother's life. As he walks the Bowery, Mike stumbles across a man laying in an alley. The man is mumbling that he's the Comet and Mike takes him to the hospital.

Elsewhere in the same hospital, Nova changes back to Rich Rider and makes a fateful decision. Entering his father's hospital room, Rich explains to his family that Nova's rescue wasn't a coincidence. Ripping open his shirt, Rich reveals that HE IS NOVA!!

Two floors down, Mike Burley waits to hear about the injured man's condition. He also decides to turn himself in to the police to face the consequences of his actions. At the same time, the man Mike brought in is being examined by doctors. They decide to take x-rays to help determine his condition. The man objects but is ignored by the doctors. As the x-rays bombard his body, the man begins to glow!