An impressive follow-up, Nocterra #2 (Image Comics) presents a horrifying landscape that feels grounded and fantastical at the same time. With the creative minds of Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel behind this apocalyptic vision, the readers are given a no-nonsense badass ninja to give them the tour.
Plot: “Val brings her passengers to their first truckstop—the Neon Grove! But with her brother getting worse by the minute, and dark forces in hot pursuit, our ferryman finds herself faced with a grave decision.”
Here are 5 reasons why you should read Nocterra #2:
5) Recap!
It’s been 10 years since the world was plunged into everlasting night. There are all these creatures hiding in the shades. Enter Valentina “Val” Riggs, who is a skilled ferryman. The ferryman is a significant figure in Greek mythology and Roman mythology. The ferryman carries the souls of the dead across the river Styx. Val transports people and goods in her heavily illuminated eighteen-wheeler.
4) The Writing!
With the main protagonist, Scott Snyder sets up two different sides of Val. When she’s with Emory, Val becomes this kind and caring big sister. And when she’s with her passengers in the eighteen-wheeler, Val becomes this hardboiled and isolated professional driver. This apocalypse has intensified Val’s struggle between demonstrating empathy and becoming numb. The lettering by Andworld Design does a great job showcasing the difference.
3) The Artwork!
It’s so true that the story happens to be only good when it has a great villain. Artist Tony S. Daniel captures the mysterious vibe of Blacktop Bill, as well as his lavish theatricality. Blacktop bill has to make an eye-opening entrance with his crew of misfits. His crew members wear helmets that have glowing smiles.
2) The Coloring!
Tomeu Morey’s flashy colors pop up the vibrancy of the truck stop, the Neon Grove. The Neon Grove looks like a combo of a cemetery and a carnival attraction. Within the splash page, the Neon Grove is covered with neon signs from top to bottom. Blacktop Bill stands out in the panels because he flashes his perfect white teeth.
1) A Fantastic Read!
Nocterra continues to be a fun horror/action hybrid. The cliffhanger will absolutely get readers psyched for the third issue.
Nocterra #2 will be available on April 7th, 2021.
[Writer’s Note: I put this review together while I was waiting for the COVID-19 vaccine. Get vaccinated.]