In the Annihilation: Prologue, we saw Xandar destroyed and the Nova Corp slaughtered. This issue starts with Nova lying injured, hearing voices. He learns he has the souls of the Nova Corp, aka The Worldmind, in his head now.

Drax and Cammi are also stranded on this planet with Nova.

The Worldmind tells Rider not to trust Drax because he’s been a villain in the past, but Nova still agrees that they should work together.

Nova tells Drax, though, that he is not like him and won’t be a violent and destructive warrior in the battle against Annihilus.

They’re then joined by Quasar, who tells them that the Annihilation Wave is heading for the planet.

The heroes try to evacuate the native life forms and fight off Annihilus’ army.

Annihilus is too powerful, though.

He seemingly kills Quasar–and gets his Nega Bands.

I mean, he is dead but only comic book dead. He’ll return in the future kinda like Obi Wan, as a spirit living in the Nega Bands.

Nova nearly dies as well, but manages to force Annihilus to retreat. Floating in space, he’s picked up by Drax and realizes he must become a force for violent vengeance.