REVIEW: ‘Nuclear Power,’ Issue #3

Nuclear Power #3 is written by Desirée Proctor and Erica Harrell and illustrated and lettered by Lynne Yoshii. The series is published by Fanbase Press. Following the events of the first two issues, Dr. Claudia Tocchi is taken by the radioactive-powered revolutionaries, Iris and Reed, to help deliver a baby. Claudia also convinces Reed to take her to a place containing the secrets behind the American Union’s formation. That place happens to be none other than the White House, and it is guarded by other radioactive-powered rebels who don’t take too kindly to Claudia’s presence.

With this issue, the creative team drops a major bombshell surrounding this alternate history. As most readers and/or history buffs will know, the world was brought to the brink of nuclear war due to tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. This issue shows exactly what happened to tip the world into nuclear war and how exactly the American Union came about. And it’s appropriately chilling, as well as a reminder that those who take power will often do so for themselves while justifying it for the betterment of all.

On a somewhat lighter note, the life of the radiation-powered rebels is revealed, and they turn out to have their own cultures and traditions. They celebrate the birth of new children with elaborate celebrations and speeches. Children play in the streets, and drums are beaten with celebratory fervor. And certain places—including the ruins of the White House—are treated as hallowed ground. The only difference between their celebration and others is the range of superhuman power on display. Proctor and Harrell also draw a parallel between Claudia and Reed; both want to protect their respective loved ones and to do that, they have to trust one another. Their newfound bond also draws tension between Reed and his sister Iris, who doesn’t trust Claudia, and the squatters on the White House grounds.

Artwise, Yoshii continues to deliver action and emotion in equal measure. In a break from the first two issues, Nuclear Power #3 is entirely steeped in various tones of green that reflect the radioactive wasteland Reed and Iris live in. This makes the use of their powers stand out even more. When Reed activates his energy powers, he almost blends into the environment. A mysterious assailant also has the ability to duplicate himself, with multiple afterimages looking like flickering, flaming ghosts. Yoshii also gets to design a new look for the White House squatters. With war paint caking their eyes and makeshift armor, they look like extras from the set of Mad Max: Fury Road, albeit with nuclear powers.

Nuclear Power #3 pulls back the curtain behind the series’ alternate history, setting the stage for a confrontation between the American Union and a group of radioactive rebels. With a massive cliffhanger ending, it looks like Claudia and Reed will have to face multiple obstacles to reveal the truth to the world.

Nuclear Power #3 is currently available digitally on Comixology and Hoopla.