Image Comics reviews 5/5/21 – Nocterra #3, The Good Asian #1

Nocterra #3

Things are looking bleak for our crew as time is running out for Em and Val is trying to stay one step ahead of Blacktop Bill.

Bill is a tremendous villain and artist Tony S. Daniel gives him an appropriately sinister visual. It’s telling that in this world overrun by nightmarish Shades that the character that’s mostly a silhouette is the most intimidating.

Writer Scott Snyder provides more background on the outbreak with Val and Em’s parents and how quickly the infection takes hold. Like any zombie movie there’s that sense there’s no cure so once the infection hits all hope is lost. As the chase plays out a pair of significant developments occur that seem to call into question Val’s mission.

This new landscape of the country with long stretches of darkness before man-made lighting makes for a unique world and Snyder is making for a strong tour guide along these roads and highways.

Daniel is doing some inspired work with the blockbuster style action sequences, but it’s his strength in the quieter scenes with building tension and terror that’s making his artwork so special. Tomeu Morey’s colors are a vital component of this presentation with the neon lightning.

By the end of the issue so much has changed from the developing status quo that I’m not sure how long Snyder and Daniel can keep this trip rolling. For however long the ride is, it’s got me highly invested and looking forward to every mile along the way.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10