Nova #34

Part of Marvel's 2010 "Realm of Kings" crossover event, this issue finds Richard Rider's Nova locked in a fierce physical struggle against a massive, gold-and-purple-armored opponent whose sheer size dwarfs the Human Rocket — a clash rendered in blazing orange and gold by cover artist Brandon Peterson. The dynamic composition puts Nova in a precarious grip, energy glowing from his chest as fire erupts in the background, conveying real tension in the third chapter of "Riddle of the Sphinx." Writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, with interior art by Mahmud A. Asrar, continue their celebrated run on one of Marvel's most consistently thrilling cosmic titles.