LAST TIME
When last we left Nocterra, Val had made the decision to refuse Blacktop Bill’s request to turn the old man and his granddaughter over to him. Instead, she ejected some explosives from the back of her rig and tore off down the road. Knowing that Blacktop would soon be in hot pursuit. However, she hoped that their destination (The Sanctuary) would help her brother Emory, who was running out of time. The Shade infection, or metamorphosis was advancing at an alarming rate. She still remembered how it was with her parents. She didn’t want it to happen to Em.
NonStop Bill
Just as Val feared, Bill was hot on her tail. And he was talking, forever talking. Whether he just loved the sound of his own voice or if it was his way of instilling fear in his prey she wasn’t sure. But she WAS sure that at the next turn at the Neon Grove, she had a surprise for Bill. The sign was called “CB Rider.” She was a pretty little Cowgirl, with an explosive personality. She and her Dispatcher Bellwether had set it up. Unfortunately, Bill recognized it for what it was and stopped his crew right before the Rider blew her stack. Damn it! Next up, was the Constellation…which also had no effect. And the talking continued. Telling about his former life and how he liked to hunt his prey. Geesh, doesn’t this guy ever shut up?
Then, Bill proved he has more than a never ending monologue as he shot two harpoons into the back of Val’s rig. They immediately begin to draw the power from Val’s truck. Slowing down could prove to be fatal with Bill gaining fast. Realizing the situation they were in, the old man, Dr. Augustus McCray apologized to his granddaughter. He apologized for lying about bringing the sun back. He also gave her a book. It wouldn’t make any sense to her, he told her, but it would to his brother. She should get the book to him at the Sanctuary. He then opened the back door of the rig, telling Bill to come and get him, if he wants him. Bill needed no such prompts. Shooting another harpoon, this time through the old man’s chest as he yanked him out of the truck. Still talking the entire time.
Getting the Point
Although he wasn’t finished. He shot another harpoon. This time aimed at the girl. Fortunately, Val was able to pull her out of the way just in time. She then told Em to drop whatever else they had left. If Bill caught them, it wouldn’t matter what else they had in their arsenal. So the following explosion shielded their escape as Bill and Dr. Augustus talked. The Doctor had apparently been involved in Bill’s creation. He also told Bill that he gave his Granddaughter a fake book. He had the real one. Bill could have it. So there was no further need to continue to pursue the girl. He could kill him if he so desired. Bill was unmoved and he assured the Doctor he wouldn’t kill him. Instead he would leave him harpooned in the dark until the Shade overtook him. Then, the Doctor would kill the girl for him.
Meanwhile, Val had gained some distance from Bill and had driven her truck just outside of Tipton. This was the outpost that was recently overran by Shades. The one that was SUPPOSED to supply the Xenon lamp for Emory before it fell. Now they were hiding in a cavern that was decorated with fluorescent hand prints. There was a debate about the origins of these prints. Were they real or were they just a tourist creation? Val didn’t care at the moment. She let Emory rest as they waited. While he laid down, Val needed as much information about the Sanctuary as she could get. And since Dr. McCray was no longer available, Bailey was her only source of information. She needed the help from the Sanctuary that Dr. McCray had promised her. For Emory’s sake.
What Do You Believe?
But Val wanted Bailey to know she was not interested in whatever fantasies that her grandfather had told her about the Sun returning, or anything else. All she wanted to know was about the possibility of saving Em. As for Bailey, she had never known the Sun. She was born after the world went dark. But she still clung to what her Grandfather told her. About how things would get better. As a matter of fact, she chose to believe that the handprints were authentic. Whatever Val chose to believe was up to her.
So as Val contemplated what she believed, she turned her attention to Em. She let him know she loved him and he returned that sentiment. But when he opened his eyes, they glowed red. Just like their parents. What looked like the point of no return.
Thoughts
For those who read the first two books, the fate of Emory was always in question. This issue seems to answer the direction that was going to take. But leave it to Scott Snyder to give it a depth and an almost beauty, even though it is a tragedy. Or at least appears to be. This is a comic after all and things are not always what they seem. But at first glance, it doesn’t look very encouraging. We also get a bit of Bill’s backstory and the involvement of Dr. McCray. No wonder Bill was so obsessed with him. If the depth we have been given in just three issues so far is any indication, this series is going to be amazing.
Artwork
It really isn’t fair. There is only so much I can say about the exquisite artwork and coloring that entreats the eyes with every issue of Nocterra. Otherwise I just become repetitive. Tony S. Daniel and Tomeu Morey’s expertise is in full display on every issue and every panel. Lights, shadows, Fluorescents all done with brilliance. What else can be expected in the world of Nocterra?
So what will be Emory’s fate and how will Val deal with what may have to be done? And of course, there still Blacktop Bill and his posse to deal with. He will not be satisfied with just Dr. McCray. There is still Bailey to account for and rest assured, Val’s insolence against Bill will also be answered for. In other words, the journey continues. Image Comics Nocterra #3 can be found where all great comics are sold. Just be aware that Nocterra has been extremely popular and has needed several reprints. But patience will be rewarded. Just as it will when Issue #4 arrives.
Make sure to check out our podcasts each week including Geek Vibes Live, Top 10 with Tia, Wrestling Geeks Alliance and more!
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
