Published by Image Comics, Nocterra #2 is available to purchase in print and on digital from May 5, 2021. Nocterra is written by award winning, bestselling writer Scott Snyder with artwork by bestselling writer and artist Tony S. Daniel.
Cover art is by Tony S. Daniel and Tomeu Morey.
Synopsis
“FULL THROTTLE DARK,” Part Three
Know the signs: black gums, gnarled bones, and haunting yellow eyes. When you spot a human shade out there in the endless night…run.
Review
Nocterra is quickly becoming my go-to read in its release week. After a blistering first issue (reviewed here) and multiple sell-out printings the book has quickly cemented itself as one of 2021’s most successful new titles. Now, with its third issue, writer Scott Snyder is able to begin moving from laying the foundations of his creation and really knuckle down to the story at its core.
Val is undoubtedly a strong lead character. Her conviction to saving her own ass is continually justified by the situation in which she finds herself. Here, finally, it seems that conviction might well place her as one of the most important people to saving humanity from the darkness. Making her a victim of circumstance feels perfectly in-keeping with her back story. Snyder is well known for his ability to craft characters born in darkness, just look at The Batman Who Laughs. The difference here is that the darkness was forced upon Val. Flipping the scenario and instead seeing how she fights against it rather than drowns in it.
This issue feels like a turning point for Val. Her responsibilities to her brother are what put her on her current journey. Now she finds herself with a greater understanding of what she’s gotten in to and that elevates her decision making. The first two issues gave us a less measured Val. One who had to make choices in the moment. But moving forwards, even with Blacktop Bill on her tail, it feels like she has every opportunity to prove herself a reluctant leader.
As with previous issues, Snyder treats us to snippets of Val and Emory’s back story via flashbacks. The opening sequence in this issue fills in some of the gaps in the early days of the darkness. It further anchors both Val and Emory in a tragic past but also beautifully illustrates Snyder’s conviction to building a well realised world for his characters to inhabit.
Learning more about those first days after the sun disappeared really makes me want to see a one-shot or other story set in that time. Something which doesn’t necessarily impact on Val but gives us a perspective on the chaos. Think Fear The Walking Dead but with less L.A. sun.
Back in the present there’s not a lot of room to breath as Blacktop Bill is catching up with Val and her rig. The action sequences are perfectly written and elevated perfectly by Daniels’ art and Morey’s colours. These three together, in this world, are gold dust. Despite the overwhelming lack of sun Daniels and Morey are able to render the world of Snyder’s script in an immersive and lively way. The post-apocalyptic landscape offers plenty of opportunity for new scenarios and, particularly with this issue, it feels like both artists are given the opportunities to explore that in-depth.
Verdict
With the mission set and the groundwork laid, Nocterra really gets down to business this month. Snyder’s energetic words are easily matched by the scorching artwork of Tony S. Daniels and Tomeu Morey.
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