If you thought inflation was bad here on Earth, try being a cosmic superhero with zero cash flow. Nova: Centurion #2 continues one of the most relatable storylines Rich Rider has had in years: he’s powerful, he’s experienced, and he is absolutely desperate for a paycheck.
Writer Jed MacKay creates a fascinating dynamic here. We’re used to seeing Nova Prime leading the Nova Corps, but instead, we’re seeing a guy who accepted a gig from Pip the Troll to work for a crime syndicate called the Kree-Skrull War (terrible name BTW) just to keep the lights on. It feels like a gig economy story set in deep space, and it works surprisingly well to ground the high-concept sci-fi action.
Old Grudges and New Debts
The issue picks up with Rich and his motley crew, including the ever-snarky Cammi and a surprisingly chill Aalborg, as they track down a thief who stole mysterium from their employers. The twist? The thief is Ravenous, a major villain from the Annihilation era.
For long-time Marvel cosmic fans, this is juicy red meat. MacKay leans heavily into the history between these two. Rich is facing the guy who masterminded the Nova Corps’ extinction. But the issue flips the script nicely: Ravenous isn’t the all-powerful general anymore. He’s an exile, on the outs with Annihilus, scavenging energy cells from a shipbreaking yard just to survive. It’s such a great parallel to see: both hero and villain are basically shadows of their former glory, scrapping in the dirt for resources.
Also, gotta say, Rich’s decision to shave off his beard made me a little bummed. I really liked the beard look! It gave him a rugged, “deep-space drifter” vibe that fit perfectly with his current broke status.
The Creative Team
Visually, the art team of Álvaro López and Matteo Della Fonte keeps the energy high. There is a grand vibe to the layouts; they’re clean and precise, but explosive when the fighting starts. The supporting characters here are also particularly strong. You can feel the tension between Rich and the Kree Accuser, Yr-Kett. She’s rigid and bloodthirsty, ready to execute Ravenous immediately, while Rich is trying to balance his morals, his rage, and his need to actually get paid for the capture.
Mattia Iacono’s colors do a lot of heavy lifting to sell the setting. The shipbreaking world of Tarvistaal II feels appropriately grimy and industrial, which is a great contrast to the bright, golden flares of Nova’s gravimetric energy. Letterer Cory Petit also deserves a shout for handling the dense dialogue without cluttering the action, especially when Worldmind starts nagging Rich mid-battle.
The Verdict
Ultimately, Nova: Centurion #2 hits a great sweet spot between humor and heavy stakes. One moment, Cammi is making bets on whether Rich and the villain will kiss, and the next, Ravenous is brutally draining the life out of his enemies because he’s starving. If you miss the Annihilation era but want something with a modern, slightly more cynical edge, this book is for you. It’s fun, fast-paced, and proves that even when you have the power of a star, you still have to worry about the rent.
‘Nova: Centurion’ #2 Review: The Broke Cosmic God vs. The Ghost of Annihilation
If you miss the Annihilation era but want something with a modern, slightly more cynical edge, this book is for you. It’s fun, fast-paced, and proves that even when you have the power of a star, you still have to worry about the rent.
