Nocterra #2by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Val, Em, and her fares (an old man and his granddaughter) make a pit stop for recharging. Trouble catches up, and Val has to choose sides, but her choice could bring them more trouble.This second issue opens with a look at a moment in Val and Em's past right after the Big PM hit: namely, how their parents reacted, and how that shaped their two reactions. I like how Val was the mature one even then, preparing for the worst but also comforting to her brother despite not believing the "maybe"s she replied with. It's a shame that their parents weren't of a more take-action mindset, but the religious angle makes sense for people to turn to, even if they themselves don't fully believe it. Later, we learn how terribly she was treated at the orphanage as the blind kid, which also plays into the hope of "maybe". All this is used to shape her view on things now, which is what's used to conclude this issue. The pit stop they make is at a "port". The analogy is explained as being ports for sailing ships to pull into ... but there's an interesting other use of that word that has to do with electronics, and I can't help but wonder if the creative team missed that entirely (though maybe they just chose to use the sailing one because it's better / more romantic imagery?). I'm initially surprised that they plan to eat a Shade, but what else is there to eat? It's an interesting moment of killing a captured Shade, but what's more interesting is the conversation it's paired with. Val's fare shares some information about who he is and why he's headed where he is ... and what actually caused the Big PM. But it's not the whole truth ... not until trouble shows up and forces him to confess. The science is definitely a bit out-there, but there is logic to it. Blacktop Bill, the villain, is very scary in design. How does he survive without being lit up? Or what is he? And why does he need a gang? I have so many questions about him. The art is phenomenal again -- excellent fire imagery in a few scenes, and excellent use of light in general (which is a major thing in this comic, a plot device even). Blacktop Bill's gang is stereotypical in their "scary" designs, but it's effective. I definitely recommend checking this comic out for an action thriller that offers something different. Written: April 8, 2021
|
|
|
Home | Features | Columns | Culture Vultures | Report Card Tart Store | Indicia | Contact | Archives © Sequential Tart, 1998 – 2020 |
