Richard Rider (Mega-Earth)

History
Richard Rider was a C average high school student at Harry S. Truman High School. He was always the butt of jokes, the disappointment, and the guy that

everybody picked on. One day he was struck by an alien ray while in a malt shop. The ray originated from the Centurion, Nova-Prime. He had chosen Richard as his successor to take on Zorr, the energy reaping monster that had killed the Centurion's family and destroyed his homeworld. Since he was dying he chose a champion to take on Zorr, who would come for Earth next. Richard was chosen. When the bolt hit him he was knocked into a coma and taken to a hospital. He had a "dream" where he was visited by the Nova-Prime and told of why he was chosen. While the doctor checked up on him he woke up and shot out an eye-laser. After that he gained powers unimaginable.

Zorr
Using his newfound speed, strength, and super-skin, he witnessed Zorr wreaking havoc. Zorr, the one he was supposed to eliminate. He held his own for a while, but was near losing. He managed to save a man and his school mates, particularly Mike, Mike's girl, and Richard's girlfriend by holding up a building while they fled. With his dying breath in orbit, Nova-Prime managed to eliminate his foe, dying as well. From that moment on Richard became the Man Called Nova!!!--or more specifically, Nova-Prime.

The Many Foes of Nova
Though he was a young teenager who was a little inexperienced, he had powers that most men could only dream of. He used them for good, but also picked up many foes. This is when Nova realized that being a super-hero also meant huge responsibilities. Nova faced many villains, including Diamondhead, the Condor, and Powerhouse, who teamed up to take down the Sphinx, while trying to defeat Nova. Nova also faced the uncle of his friend, but found that he was good at heart. Nova became a popular but mysterious figure in his town, and even got to meet Thor. But Nova was still not trusted by some, so he accomplished some pretty big feats that did gain their trust. He even met with Sal Buscema and Marv Wolfman, who worked with Marvel Comics. They wanted to write a comic about him, just as they had done with Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Dracula. They declined Nova, but Nova continued to use his amazing powers to keep the city safe.

Powers and Abilities
Nova's abilities include super-speed that can reach mach four, the strength of 10 men, and while in his costume can breathe underwater, withstand extreme cold and heat, and is also bulletproof/has super tough skin. His helmet is collapsible when he takes it off but is strong as iron when on. He later learns that he can shoot photon blasts from his hands. He leaves a comet-like trail behind him when he flies.