The war goes badly for the rag-tag forces opposing the Annihilation Wave. They've been pushed back repeatedly for six months, but for the first time, under the command of the last Nova, Richard Rider, they seem to be holding a position. But even with the efforts of Drax the Destroyer, and Gamora, the most dangerous woman in the universe, it's all they can do to hold the forces of Annihilus. But a desperate assault by Firelord, former herald of Galactus, yields the first victory of the war against the Annihilation Wave. But even in the face of a victory, grim tidings are brought to the foes of Annihilus.