How Nova's Powers Could Rebuild The MCU's Nova Corps

A Nova project is in the works, and the heroes' powers could be the key to rebuilding the MCU's Nova Corps. Richard Rider a.k.a Nova is one of the Marvel heroes that for years fans have been wanting to see join the MCU. With the recent reveal that a Nova project is now being developed by Marvel Studios and Moon Knight writer Sabir Pirzada, this highly increases the chance of the potential for the hero being an integral part of the re-establishment of the MCU's intergalactic peacekeeping force, the Nova Corps.

In Marvel comics, Nova's powers derive from an energy source called the Nova Force, which grants him abilities like flight, energy generation, superhuman strength, speed, durability and stamina. After the destruction of the Nova Corps homeworld Xandar during the events of Annihilation, Nova became host to the entire Nova Force and the Xandarian Worldmind, the latter being a sentient supercomputer that holds information to preserve the Xandarian culture. In combination, the Nova Force and the Xandarian Worldmind greatly increased Nova's capabilities and powers, which were also essential to the revival of the new Nova Corps. The MCU's Nova Corps do not seem to possess the powers granted to them by the Nova Force like their comic book counterparts, or have access to the Xandarian Worldmind. Although being absent in the MCU, this doesn't mean that they cannot be easily adapted and incorporated into Nova's origin and the rebirth of the Nova Corps.

The Nova Corps made their first appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy, followed by their destructions off-screen at the hands of Thanos on his conquest to claim the Power Stone before the beginning of Avengers: Infinity War. Beyond Thanos, arc, several of the MCU's heroes have had their powers come from the Infinity Stones. For a number of years, the Nova Corps had possession of one of the Infinity Stones, the Power Stone. During the time that they had custody over it, Richard Rider's Nova could be the only member of the Nova Corps to have successfully bonded with the energies emitted by the Power Stone, manifesting powers similar to those in the comics. As seen in heroes like Captain Marvel and Scarlet Witch, the powers gained from the Infinity Stones are extremely potent and have near-limitless potential. With Nova being host to this endless supply of energy, the Nova Force can come into existence, eventually allowing him to bestow others with fragments of this power and rebuild the Nova Corps.

Nova and MCU Nova Corps in Guardians of the Galaxy

The Xandarian Worldmind isn't out of the question, either. The concept of a sentient AI that leads a faction within the universe of the MCU isn't farfetched, as seen in Captain Marvel with the Supreme Intelligence. The Xandarian Worldmind's data is completely comprised of the knowledge and experiences of deceased Nova Corps members, which is tasked with preserving itself and acting as custodian of the Nova Force. After being hosted by Nova in the comics, the Xandarian Worldmind constantly pushed toward the reformation of the Nova Corps. With this goal in mind, the MCU's Xandarian Worldmind could also be the catalyst that leads Nova to gain his powers, as well as preparing a failsafe for the resurgence of the Nova Corps.

Nova is the only hope for the MCU's Nova Corps. It will be a difficult task for the hero to fulfill, with many conflicts and dilemmas to face along the path. However, with the combination of the immense powers he has access to and the assistance of the Xandarian Worldmind, a new age for the Nova Corps can come.

Next: Marvel’s Nova Plans Set Up Guardians Of The Galaxy 4 In Phase 5