Xandar (/ˈzændər/) is a fictional planet appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist John Buscema, the planet first appeared in Nova #1 (1976).[1] Xandar, the seat of the Xandarian Empire, is a technologically advanced civilization located in the Andromeda Galaxy.[2] It is safeguarded by its military organization, intergalactic police task force known as the Nova Corps.[3] It is the home planet of the Xandarians, including notable figures such as their queen, Adora, as well as Nova Omega, and Air-Walker.[4]

Xandar
Capital of the Nova Empire
First appearanceThe Man Called Nova #1
(September 1976)
Created byMarv Wolfman
John Buscema
GenreSuperhero
In-universe information
TypePlanet
Ethnic group(s)Xandarians
LocationAndromeda Galaxy

Since its original introduction in comics, the planet has been featured in various other Marvel-licensed products, including video games, animated television series, and merchandise. Xandar makes its live-action debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Guardians of the Galaxy (2014).

History

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Blown apart in an attack by the Luphomoid Zorr, Xandar is saved from complete destruction by the timely intervention of Uatu the Watcher, who assists the Xandarians in creating a network of interconnected domed cities out of the largest remaining pieces of the planet.

The planet is later nearly destroyed by the Skrulls. Later still, Nebula destroyed the planet and the Nova Corps. The Nova Corps were resurrected by Richard Rider who used the Nova Force power to reboot the Xandarian Worldmind computer which proceeded to clone the dead Xandarians including Queen Adora.[5]

The war-torn planet is, once again, completely destroyed, and the Nova Corps decimated at the hands of Annihilus. Rider stands as the last surviving Nova Corps member following the massacre. The collective hive mind which resided in Xandar's core, an entity known as the Xandarian Worldmind, also survived and is now housed within Rider's newly modified uniform, which has also been enhanced to assist him in containing the full measure of the Nova Force.

For a short time, Ego the Living Planet became a temporary home for the corps, known as "New Xandar." This was short lived as it was revealed Ego's intelligence was gradually returning and was attempting to corrupt the newly re-formed Nova Corps.[6]

Xandarians

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The Xandarians are a peaceful human-like race.

Royalty

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Suzerain Adora was their Queen. Her husband Tanak Valt was Nova Prime. Adora once enlisted the Fantastic Four's help to end the war with the Skrulls.[7]

Nova Corps

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The Nova Corps was originally a space militia and exploration group for the planet Xandar. It consisted of 500 soldiers ranging in rank from Corpsman up to Centurion and its leader Centurion Nova Prime. The source of the Corps' power is a nearly limitless energy field called the Nova Force, generated by the Xandarian Worldmind.[8] There are many notable individuals who used to be members of the Corps, including Peter Quill, Rocket Raccoon, and Samuel Alexander.

Xandarian Worldmind

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The Xandarian Worldmind is a supercomputer located in the bowels of Xandar, made up of the collective intelligence of the deceased Nova Corps members and the Xandar people. Actual brains are stored within the computer. Its purpose is to preserve the knowledge and history of Xandar and to serve as the custodian of the Nova Force.[9]

Known Xandarians

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Reception

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Adam Lovegrove of Game Rant expressed interest in the introduction of Xandar in Marvel Rivals, suggesting that a battle on the planet could occur either during its thriving state or after an invasion by characters like Thanos or the Skrulls.[10] Alex Hannan of Screen Rant stated that, while Guardians of the Galaxy showcases many spectacular settings, Xandar is one of the standout locations.[11]

Other versions

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An alternate version of Xandar appears as a flashback in the comic mini-series Avengers: Infinity War Prelude (2018).[12]

In other media

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Television

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Marvel Cinematic Universe

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  • Xandar appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the capital planet of the Nova Empire and home of the Xandarians' military wing, the Nova Corps.[15] It first appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014).[16] The Xandarians had signed a peace treaty with the Kree Empire, ending a war between the two sides. However, Kree fanatic Ronan the Accuser used the Power Stone to attack Xandar in retaliation for the death of his father and forefathers. However, the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Ravagers helped the Nova Corps defeat Ronan and entrusted the Power Stone to the Xandarians. The primary Xandarians are depicted with pink skin, though other alien species live in the planet's cities. The setting of Xandar was inspired by the monumental steel, glass, and white concrete Liège-Guillemins railway station in Liège, Belgium. During the filming process, London's Millennium Bridge was used to double as a location on Xandar.[17][18]
  • Xandar is noted to have been "decimated" by Thanos before the events of Avengers: Infinity War, as he sought the Power Stone held by the Nova Corps.[19] A cut scene in the film involved an extended sequence where Thanos lays siege to Xandar.[20] Jim Starlin, the creator of Thanos, revealed that the assault on Xandar was indeed filmed for Avengers: Infinity War. However, the necessary special effects and post-processing were never completed.[21]

Video games

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Theme park

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  • In 2022, The Walt Disney Company unveiled the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion at EPCOT, themed around the Guardians of the Galaxy.[28] Located within the World Discovery section, this pavilion replaces the former Universe of Energy attraction. It features an indoor roller coaster named "Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind" inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe.[29] Furthermore, a gift shop named Treasures of Xandar was established,[30][31] and Disney launched the Heroes of Xandar collection, a line of products themed around the planet Xandar and the Guardians of the Galaxy.[32]

References

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  1. ^ Wolfman, Marv (1976). Nova #1. Marvel Comics.
  2. ^ Glassman, Julia (April 5, 2022). "Everything We Know About the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Ride at EPCOT". The Mary Sue. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  3. ^ Glennon, Christopher (July 9, 2023). "Skrulls On Superhero Teams In Marvel Comics". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  4. ^ Garcia, Mayra (April 19, 2023). "10 Most Iconic Alien Races In Marvel Comics". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  5. ^ Nicieza, Fabian (1993). The New Warriors #40–42. Marvel Comics.
  6. ^ Abnett, Dan (2008). Nova vol. 5 #17-25. Marvel Comics.
  7. ^ Wolfman, Marv (1979). Fantastic Four #204 The Andromeda Attack!. Marvel Comics.
  8. ^ Abnett, Dan (2006). Annihilation: Nova #1. Marvel Comics.
  9. ^ Wolfman, Marv (1979). Fantastic Four #205. Marvel Comics.
  10. ^ Lovegrove, Adam (September 24, 2024). "10 Locations That Could Become Maps For Marvel Rivals". Game Rant. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  11. ^ Hannan, Alex (May 1, 2020). "10 Most Scenic Locations In The MCU, Ranked". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  12. ^ Pilgrim, Will (2018). Avengers: Infinity War Prelude. Marvel Comics.
  13. ^ Marnell, Blair (November 29, 2015). "GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY ANIMATED SERIES Recap: 'Bad Moon Rising' — Nerdist". Nerdist. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  14. ^ Marsha F. Griffin, Jim Starlin, Stan Lee (writers) (October 24, 2015). "Undercover Angle". Guardians of the Galaxy. Season 1. Episode 6. Disney XD.
  15. ^ Lovett, Jamie (November 26, 2018). "Marvel Fan Catalogs Every Planet in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Fit for Human Life". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  16. ^ Abdulbaki, Mae (January 7, 2021). "Nova's MCU Origin Story Wasn't Just Part Of Infinity War". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  17. ^ Shahid, Sharnaz (August 11, 2013). "PHOTOS: Guardians Of The Galaxy Cast Get Physical In London Shoot". Gigwise. Archived from the original on December 2, 2014. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  18. ^ Hunt, James (July 8, 2014). ""Guardians Of The Galaxy" Set Visit Puts Concerns To Rest". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on July 13, 2014. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
  19. ^ Francisco, Eric (April 3, 2019). "'Avengers: Endgame' Spoilers: Latest Trailer May Show 2 Shocking Locations". Inverse. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  20. ^ Migalla, Sean (March 19, 2024). "Avengers Infinity War's Most Important Deleted Scene Can Now Happen 6 Years After It Was Cut". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  21. ^ Levandoski, Quinn (February 7, 2024). "Thanos' MCU Return Can Finally Reveal The Scene Marvel Has Been Hiding For 6 Years". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  22. ^ Silliman, Brian (September 29, 2021). "Ultron fights the Watcher himself as 'Marvel's What If...?' starts tying threads together". Syfy. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  23. ^ Anderson, Jenna (December 22, 2023). "What If...? Season 2 Premiere Is Marvel's Version of Blade Runner". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  24. ^ Partleton, Kayleigh (July 1, 2024). "The Best Marvel Games 2024". Pocket Tactics. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  25. ^ Mejia, Ozzie (May 23, 2017). "LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 preview: Time to Assemble". Shacknews. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  26. ^ Thwaites, Sarah (November 17, 2022). "Every Marvel Snap location (and what they do)". Polygon. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  27. ^ Morales, Greysun (October 31, 2022). "Marvel Snap Locations List". Game Rant. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  28. ^ Paige, Rachel (May 26, 2022). "'Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind': Discover the new Other-World Showcase Pavilion, The Wonders of Xandar". Marvel.com. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  29. ^ Rawden, Jessica (July 7, 2024). "What The Alien Message At The End Of Disney World's New Guardians Of The Galaxy Rollercoaster Cosmic Rewind Says". CinemaBlend. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  30. ^ Betti, Tony (August 20, 2024). "Photos: Cosmic Rewind Merchandise Features Guardians of the Galaxy In "Other World Showcase"". LaughingPlace.com. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  31. ^ Davis, Brandon (May 10, 2022). "EPCOT's Guardians of the Galaxy Gift Shop is Loaded With Marvel Merch (Photos)". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  32. ^ Paige, Rachel (May 26, 2022). "'Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind': Explore the Four New Rocking Merchandise Collections". Marvel.com. Retrieved 2024-10-02.