NOVA: CENTURION #2 (MARVEL COMICS)
Has an MCU hero for hire ever been stationed in space before?
That is the current situation involving Richard Rider. The last NOVA left standing is maintaining the good fight in the universe. This time around, his work comes with a price. The Xandarian Worldmind, which powers hims, needs replenishment. That becomes a very costly arrangement. Nova has now turned to Pip the Troll to assist in getting clients.
His latest assignment puts him in the direct path of Ravenous. Due to their past history, this is a job he’s (almost) willing to waive a fee for.
NOVA: CENTURION #2 by Jed MacKay, Álvaro López, Matteo Della Fonte Mattia Iacono & Cory Petit brings on the cosmic rematch!
Let’s take a deeper dive into what’s unfolds here.
NOVA: CENTURION #2 by Jed MacKay, Álvaro López, Matteo Della Fonte, Mattia Iacono & Cory Petit (Marvel Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
MacKay gives more substance to Camille Benally’s story. The flashback scenes give some clarity to her involvement of the current problem. This brings Rider’s focus back on his old Annihilation foe. The writing starts putting the pieces into place before adding in another factor to the mix. Yr-Kett the Sentencer has her own agenda, complicating matters more. It serves as a solid foundation before jumping into the main event.
Once Ravenous is in sight, the action picks up. Readers get theirs money worth on the brawl. The writing constructs him as a true threat with the amount of characters trying to take him out. Usually this takes away from the hero, but it works in this situation. Mixing in Rider’s powers issue complicates matters even more. This leads into the close with no issues. The chapter ends with a solid landing and good momentum behind it. Can’t go wring with that especially in space.
WATCH LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
López & Della Fonte split art duties for this chapter. The opening sequence flows with distinct coloring. It ends with a simple but effective full page image. This allows for events to crash back into the present. Nova’s reaction to finding Ravenous tips off his over-confidence. The mood carries through to meeting Yr-Kett and their brief stand-off. After a clean shave, events move to the battleground for the long awaited reunion.
Readers see how locked in Nova is for this battle. A full page flying strike kicks off the combat in spades. The art goes back and forth with each blow. It’s a standard fight which gets more complicated as Ravenous refuses to go down. There are plenty of classic hero panels to keep engagement high. Pacing slows and speeds when there is a point to be drilled home. This becomes very clear in the final page. The full image of what unfolds concludes strong, leaving fans wanting more.
FINAL GRADE: 8.4
Revenge is powering Nova for his latest deal but is it enough? MacKay’s writing sets the table for a full course of action. The art team deliver on giving many looks to a rematch long overdue. Nova’s flying high with all the complexity you want from a hero’s perspective.
Let me know your thoughts on NOVA: CENTURION #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
