REVIEW: ‘Nocterra,’ Issue #7

Nocterra #7 is written by Scott Snyder, penciled by Tony S. Daniel, inked by Daniel & Sandu Florea, colored by Marcelo Maiolo, and lettered by Andworld Design. It’s published by Image Comics. Part one of the new story arc “Pedal to the Medal” finds Val Riggs reunited with her fellow truckers as they scour the Earth looking for a way to save the world. That salvation may lie with none other than the sadistic Blacktop Bill—who is being hunted by beings that were enhanced with the same technology that runs through his body.

With the first arc having set up the world and characters of Nocterra, “Pedal To The Metal” now turns its focus towards exploring that world. In addition to Val, her brother Emory, and Piper, the newest member of their convoy, the cast has grown to include other “sundogs” including Val’s friend Bellweather and the eccentric cook Cali. It’s a nice mix of characters and personalities, and since this is a horror-themed book, I’m expecting half of them to get horribly murdered. However, Snyder still manages to write an engaging rapport between the Sundogs, whether they’re arguing about dinner or venturing into danger. His script also continues to raise more mysteries, particularly where Blacktop Bill’s endgame is concerned.

With a new cast of characters comes a chance for Daniel to develop a new set of designs, including the Sundogs’ anti-shade gear and their trucks. Each truck bears a different design. One has a pair of bedazzled bat wings jutting from the side, while the other is a tricked-out food truck complete with a massive hot dog attached to the top. Each Sundog also wears their own unique gear; while Bellweather dresses like a regular truck driver, complete with a blue jean jacket and cap, the Sundog Nephelle wears a getup similar to a Valkyrie from Norse myth—she even has a winged helmet. I also love that Daniel goes as big with his art as possible, splurging on splash pages and massive panels.

Topping off the artistic team is Maiolo on colors, who steps in for the previous colorist Tomeu Morey. His artwork is bright and eye-grabbing; quite literally, as each Sundog’s truck is decked out in blazing bright lights that cut through the darkness. Continuing with the theme of light, the Sundogs visit an outpost that is built entirely out of massive screens broadcasting a variety of movies. (Points to anyone who can correctly identify the movies playing on each screen.) And every so often, the page is filled with nothing but darkness, with the only source of color being Bailey’s violet word balloons as she takes over narration duties from Val.

Nocterra #7 launches the series’ second story arc, featuring an expanded cast and a new mission to save the world. With the Sundogs’ mission now pitting them against Blacktop Bill—who’s proven to be an absolute monster—the series has taken quite the turn and I can’t help but feel more horror is lurking in the dark, waiting to leap out at readers when they least expect it.

Nocterra #7 is available wherever comics are sold.