In order to save Nova and the entire universe from a dangerous alien being, Captain America risked his own life and gained the powers of the Nova Force. In Secret Avengers #4, the team only had one chance to stop a mind-controlled Richard Rider from unleashing a threat so powerful it could destroy everything and everyone. In a brave move, Steve Rogers put on Rider’s Nova Corps helmet and rescued the future MCU hero before it was too late.
Marvel’s Secret Avengers team took on the universe’s biggest threats, as Steve Rogers (who wasn’t Captain America at the time), War Machine, Black Widow, Ant-Man, Beast, Valkyrie, Nova, and Moon Knight made up the unlikely squad. During one of their missions, Nova disappeared on Mars and gained the powers of the Serpent Crown. Losing control of his mind and body, the Secret Avengers fought their teammate so he wouldn’t unleash a universe-ending threat – the Darkest Child. Knowing they’d need more power to stop Nova, Steve volunteered to take on his Nova Force powers.
In Secret Avengers #4 by Ed Brubaker, Mike Deodato Jr., Rain Beredo, and Dave Lanphear, the Worldmind informs Steve Rogers that transferring the Nova Force – an incredible cosmic power wielded by members of the Nova Corps – is possible, but incredibly dangerous. It notes he might not survive the process. Being heroic as ever, Steve doesn’t hesitate to put on the helmet and gains the Nova Force. He immediately goes after Richard Rider and the Serpent Crown. The two possessed heroes exchange massive cosmic blasts.
Ultimately, Rogers successfully knocks Rider to the ground and removes the Serpent Crown. In doing so, he protects the universe by prevented a universe-ending threat from being freed. As Rider awakens, he admits he has no idea where he’s been for the past few days after being possessed. Steve agrees to fill him in on what happened and offers Rider his helmet back.
While Steve Rogers’ time using Richard Rider’s helmet was short-lived, his actions helped save the entire universe from a much bigger monster. If Rider had freed the Darkest Child, there’s no telling how much damage would be done across the entire Cosmos. Thankfully, Captain America proved, once again, he’s an incredible, selfless hero, as he nearly sacrificed his own life to gain the Nova Force and stop the Serpent Crown. With the Nova Corps already being teased in the MCU, the comic shows just how powerful the group and its members are – even if they can’t stop being wiped out in the comics.
About The Author