Nova Classic #1

In orbit above Earth, the dying Centurion Nova-Prime selects high school student Richard Rider as his successor, passing on the power of the Nova Force. Now wielding cosmic might as Nova, Richard must face the relentless conqueror Zorr, who threatens to bring ruin to the galaxy.

In "The Deadly Diamondhead Is Ready to Strike!", Diamondhead pushes his limits in search of greater power to confront the looming threat of the Dreaded One, drawing him into a tense clash with Nova and an unexpected alliance with the Condor. Meanwhile, Rich Rider struggles with the pressures at home and school, caught in a storm of his own.

In "Evil Is the... Earth-Shaker!", Nova finds himself caught between a moment of creative inspiration and a sudden, seismic threat as Tyrannus rises from beneath New York City, piloting his massive Earth-Shaker robot to wreak havoc. Written by Marv Wolfman and illustrated by Sal Buscema, the story blends the personal and the explosive as a hero’s quiet moment is shattered by a force that’s as much a test of will as it is of power.

In "And So... the Sphinx!", the mystery deepens as the enigmatic Sphinx is finally revealed as the Dreaded One feared by Diamondhead and Condor, while Rich's friends grapple with the unsettling disappearance of Caps—kidnapped by the ominous Megaman. The story unfolds with tension and intrigue, weaving together secrets and shifting loyalties in a world where heroes are tested by the shadows they once ignored.

When Megaman Comes Calling — Don't Answer! is a pulse-pounding tale from Nova Classic #1, where Nova returns to Earth just in time to find his friend Caps in danger. Trapped by his uncle, who’s now the menacing Megaman, Nova must confront a foe who’s both personal and terrifyingly powerful.

In "Fear in the Funhouse!", Nova faces off against Megaman in a blazing funhouse, where twisted mirrors and collapsing structures amplify the chaos. Meanwhile, Charles Rider's world unravels as he's suspended from his job as a school principal—just as the flames close in.

In "Nova No More!", the Sphinx, driven by a long-held mystery, finally closes in on the truth hidden within Nova—but chooses restraint over violence, marking a rare moment of hesitation. Meanwhile, Rich Rider struggles to keep up in school, his personal turmoil drawing concern from those around him.

In "Who Is -- the Man Called Photon?" from Nova Classic #1 (2013), Nova teams up with Spider-Man to unravel the mystery behind the murder of Rich's uncle Ralph, a man whose secret chemical formula has drawn deadly attention. As the investigation leads them through a web of deception, they must piece together the truth behind the enigmatic and dangerous figure known as Photon.