# Xandar

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). Xandar, the seat of the Xandarian Empire, is a technologically advanced civilization located in the Andromeda Galaxy. It is safeguarded by its military organization, intergalactic police task force known as the Nova Corps. It is the home planet of the Xandarians, including notable figures such as their queen, Adora, as well as Nova Omega, and Air-Walker.
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

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.
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.

### Xandarians

The Xandarians are a peaceful human-like race.

### Royalty

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.

### Nova Corps

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. There are many notable individuals who used to be members of the Corps, including Peter Quill, Rocket Raccoon, and Samuel Alexander.

### Xandarian Worldmind

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.

## Known Xandarians

* Suzerain Adora
* Tanak Valt (Nova-Prime)
* Thoran Rul (Protector)
* Rhomann Dey (Nova, entrusted his powers to Richard Rider)
* Rieg Davan (Powerhouse)
* Garthan Saal (Supernova)
* Pyreus Kril (Firelord)
* Gabriel Lan (Air-Walker)
* Master Xar (Co-Creator of H.E.R.B.I.E.)

## Reception

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. Alex Hannan of Screen Rant stated that, while Guardians of the Galaxy showcases many spectacular settings, Xandar is one of the standout locations.

## Other versions

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

## In other media
### Television

* Xandar appears Guardians of the Galaxy (2015). The Guardians of the Galaxy are captured as they attempt to infiltrate the Nova Corps Headquarters on the planet.

### Marvel Cinematic Universe

* 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. It first appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). 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.
* 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. A cut scene in the film involved an extended sequence where Thanos lays siege to Xandar. 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.
** Alternate universe versions of Xandar appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe animated series What If...?. In the eighth episode of the first season, "What If... Ultron Won?" (2021), Xandar is destroyed by an Ultron variant. In the first episode of the second season, "What If... Nebula Joined the Nova Corps?" (2023), Nebula joins the Nova Corps to protect Xandar.

### Video games

* Xandar appears in Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2. The planet serves as the first level, wherein the Guardians of the Galaxy attempt to fight off Kang the Conqueror's forces. When Eson the Searcher was defeated, Kang stole a part of Xandar to incorporate into Chronopolis.
* Xandar appears as a playable card in Marvel Snap.

### Theme park

* In 2022, The Walt Disney Company unveiled the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion at EPCOT, themed around the Guardians of the Galaxy. 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. Furthermore, a gift shop named Treasures of Xandar was established, and Disney launched the Heroes of Xandar collection, a line of products themed around the planet Xandar and the Guardians of the Galaxy.