Nova (1976) 1-A

"Nova"
Chapter 2, "The Coming of Nova"
Chapter 3, "Star-Power!"
Chapter 4, "Enter: Zorr the Conqueror!"

Nerdy college student, Richard Rider, gets zapped by a bolt of pure interstellar energy which puts him into a coma and fills his mind with visions of an advanced alien society.

Waking from the coma, Richard expels pure energy, which is overlooked by his family and friends, due to their sheer joy at Richard's recovery from strange, unexpected incapacity.

Back in school, Richard feels somehow different. His mind is sharper and keener than before. The energy bolt that struck Rider has infused him with the power and knowledge of a Nova-Prime Centurion.

What does Richard Rider do with his newly inherited abilities? Why, become a high-flying Super-Hero sensation, that's what.