Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel continue to put the pedal to the metal as the third arc in Nocterra picks up. This time, the theme is “No Brakes” for the story. Recently, Snyder shared that this will close off the first segment of Nocterra; all while creating more opportunities for the future. Given that, the second issue in the group’s journey has never been more intense. As the battle for survival rages on, the Sundog Convoy continues to truck along while looking for a miracle that may not even exist.
Nocterra is such an interesting concept because although we’ve all seen countless post-apocalyptic stories, there’s something unique about this one. If it wasn’t clear before, hopefully, this issue lifts the curtain for readers to see what makes this series so captivating. These characters are human, but they’re far from heroes. And more than that, these are people grasping onto life and reaching for the future no matter the risk or cost.
So far, this arc of Nocterra has been balancing, as previous arcs before have, between the past and present. Usually, in stories like this, there’s a commonality that wraps the two together as the flashbacks help provide insight into the current battle. However, this time around, the flashbacks are focused on Emory’s history. This is a good strategic switch from previous arcs, which have both focused primarily on Val. But this time around, she’s taking a backseat as Emory leads the convoy. Through these flashbacks, we see what differentiates the two siblings from each other, from leading styles to personal motives. Without this, the story would lack some of the intensity it carries in the present.
Tony S. Daniel is not new to comics. In the last few years, his style has quietly evolved, though there are many similar traits at the core of his art style that make him the giant he has become. However, his art has become more kinetic and fluid, making each issue focus more on action and movement rather than characters or environments at a standstill. This is creatively juxtaposed with Scott Snyder’s dialogue-heavy storytelling, making the issue come to life as readers can hear the monologues happening while the story continues. It’s a fun contrast that makes for a more engaging story. Partnered with Daniel is colorist Marcelo Maiolo, who does a spectacular job bringing both joyful splashes of color and fear-inducing ominous tones across each page. Suffice to say, the art in this issue is electric.
Overall, Nocterra rages on as a stellar new adventure is underway for the Sundog Convoy. Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel continue to create an invigorating story that takes the expression “No Brakes” and puts it to good use. Time is of the essence in Nocterra, and every second seems to count as the issue continues to raise the stakes. This is another can’t-miss story by all accounts.
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