- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Tony S. Daniel
- Colorist: Tomeu Morey
- Letterer: AndWorld Design
- Graphic Designer: Emma Price
- Editor: Will Dennis
- Assistant Editor: Tyler Jennes
Thanks to Image Comics for the review copy!
Pitch Black was an excellent movie that played with people’s innate fear of the dark by ushering in a ‘night’ that lasted a very long time. Nocterra takes this concept a step further by having a night that never ends. Like Pitch Black, it has monsters that thrive in the dark, but in this case, people turn into the monsters called shades, which adds a creepy element to the story, as people have to grapple with the impact of loved ones undergoing a change. That tension forms the emotional backbone of the story, as a sister tries to save her brother from turning into one of the dark creatures.
Nocterra continues to do an amazing job of providing peeks into the start of the ‘big dark’ that changed the world forever. While the present day action is always exciting, it is the flashbacks that get me thinking about how I would react if the world suddenly went dark. This issue hints at the backstory to the human bad guy, Blacktop Bill. Thus far, he has been made interesting primarily because he is completely mysterious and this issue continues that approach. I’m curious to see if he continues to be as interesting when we learn more about him.
The series continues to excel in depicting things occurring in the dark as well as creative use of lighting. Neon, head lights, and explosions really pop off the dark pages. In this issue we really get a good look at some of the shades, displaying their interesting character design. The back half of this issue of Nocterra has some of the most suspenseful action yet, culminating in a big cliffhanger reveal.
In addition to its grim post apocalyptic premise, Nocterra has some cursing and violence that warrants some parental discretion.
Nocterra#4 is now available.
Check back soon for my review of the 5th issue of the series.
Check out the interview that An Englishman in San Diego did with Scott Snyder below.
