- Writers: Desirée Proctor and Erica Harrell
- Artist, Colorist, Letterer: Lynne Yoshii
Thanks to Fanbase Press for the review copy!
Alternative history stories are the ultimate ‘what if?’ NUCLEAR POWER takes the Cuban Missile Crisis and looks at what the world would look like if things had gone differently. It’s fascinating to see the writers change one detail and play out all the ways things would change as a result. It turns out that one of those ways is the creation of X-Men like mutants. Unlike X-Men, who all have crazy unique powers, it seems like the powers seen in this series fall into a few categories. I can’t put my finger on why, but this really makes the world of NUCLEAR POWERfeel more grounded.
The first issue introduced the society that emerged, while the second took a look at the people who lived outside society and the powers they developed. Both were good, but this issue may be the best of the three, bringing the history back to the forefront. I like the superpowers, but I really like the writers’ take on history and this issue packs a crazy reveal. Claudia continues to be an interesting character. On the one hand, she seems like a typical resourceful, tough hero, while on the other hand, her motivations and long term plans are just hidden enough to give me some doubts. I have this nagging suspicion she’s playing the long game to benefit herself somehow.
The art in the series art continues to be a strong point, with clear bold lines and a depiction of the powers that really helps visualize what they can do. I really like NUCLEAR POWER’s use of color, which really feels like its own character. The color palette shifts depending on where the story is, with this issue employing a green tint that meshes well with the book’s theme.
If you like alternative history stories like The Man in the High Castle you should read this series. I recommend starting with issue 1, which established the rules of the game and introduced the main character. The series is advertised as lasting 6 issues, so you are guaranteed a payoff without having to commit to a long term series.
NUCLEAR POWER #3 is now available for 99 cents(!!) on comiXology and the entire 6 issue series is available as a trade paperback for pre-order now.
Check back soon for my thoughts on the 4th issue of the series.
Also check out the interview I did with Desirée Proctor, Erica Harrell, and Lynne Yoshii about the series
Have you read the title? Want to talk to me about it? Feel free to chat with me on Twitter or leave a comment below!
