Image Comics reviews 4/13/23 – The Ambassadors #2, Nocterra #13

Nocterra #13

Nocterra benefited from its mini hiatus. The writing from Scott Snyder has been more focused on the ensemble with less emphasis on Blacktop Bill. Tony S. Daniel is taking bigger, more daring artistic swings with his layouts and the book has been all the better for it.

It’s ironic that a book all about fighting off the darkness through light has been boosted from a little recharge.

Bill has tracked down the Sundog Colony and has a pitch for them if they’re willing to submit to his boss.

During this confrontation, Em reflects on his desire years before the Big PM to meet his birth parents. Snyder is setting this up like something clearly went wrong and is taking his time before the payoff. The slow burn is definitely building the tension and provided the reveal is worth it, this has been a solid showcase on Em.

Daniel keeps finding new ways to make Bill look as nightmarish as possible to bring that horror element to the series. It’s in the less action-focused scenes where Daniel’s art has shown noticeable improvement. He’s more dialed in with the personalities of the characters now and making them more unique in their poses and reactions.

Colorist Marcelo Maiolo continues putting together mesmerizing color combinations, which is tricky considering the essential need to cast so much of the present-day events in darkness.

The issue ends with a significant cliffhanger that could potentially mark the end of the road for the Convoy and their conflict with Bill. Maybe brighter days are in store yet?

Rating: 9 out of 10