Nuclear Power #2 delivers some answers to the mysteries set up in the first issue. It also adds so much danger and tension to the series. In the second issue, Claudia agrees to go with Reed and Iris in an effort to protect her patient, Lucy. Through that, we’re able to learn more about the Variants’ unnatural abilities and some of the secrets the American Union holds.

Desirée Proctor and Erica Harrell do a solid job of balancing the aspects of the comic. We get some solid action in an escape, some answers, and a setup of something nefarious. The trio of focuses really helps balance the second issue with a nice variation to the narrative.

What Nuclear Power #2 does really well is deliver some answers. It’d have been easy to drag out who the Variants are and what they want. Instead, the creative team gives us some answers. Though rather simple, they help set up the various sides and allows the reader to better understand who the villains are.

The issue is a little bumpy in one sense in the action sequence. After delivering some solid moments it just kind of shifts and we accept everyone escapes without really showing us how. With the way things were going, it’d have been nice to have seen that to give a bit more information about the sequence and the world. I found myself lingering on that aspect a bit more than I probably should have.

The art continues to be fantastic. Lynne Yoshii provides the art which feels like a cross between Des Taylor and Batman: The Animated Series. It’s a fantastic style and delivers a world that feels like there’s some thought put into it as to how it’d differ from ours. The issue feels like it falls a bit more into the Batman: The Animated Series side of the style, especially in the action and Variants. That’s a good thing as that show’s look is iconic and helps build out the details of the world.

Nuclear Power #2 is another solid issue. It’s really set things up well and I have no idea what direction it plans to go. It could easily veer into a more X-Men type story. It could also stick to its more grounded aspects of a world controlled by the military. Hopefully, it finds a nice balance between those as it’s done so far. There’s a lot to come based off this issue making this a series to really keep your eye on so you don’t miss out.

Story: Desirée Proctor, Erica Harrell Art: Lynne Yoshii
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Fanbase Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology

Nuclear Power #1 is a very unexpected debut that’s thought-provoking and somewhat shocking. The alternate history kicks off with the Cuban Missile Crisis and instead of a de-escalation, an exchange takes place devastating the United States. Taking place 60 years later, the US is now the American Union comprised of thirteen states and governed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Their military rule governs and helps rebuild society while protecting the survivors. Nuclear radiation has impacted society enhancing some but also making birth difficult for others.

With a story by Desirée Proctor and Erica Harrell, Nuclear Power #1 is an intriguing debut. Its themes touch upon so much including liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the right to life. Yes, abortion is at the center of the comic in many ways but the right to life extends beyond that to the survivors beyond a wall built to protect the American Union.

But, what stands out to be about Nuclear Power #1 are the small details. The world has been fleshed out with the impact of the alternate history playing a major role. Things like the Civil Rights movement wouldn’t have played out. The women’s rights movement of the 1960s and 70s as well would not have happened. The result is both a forward (in some ways) society and a backward one.

In the American Union, abortion is used regularly to terminate pregnancies impacted by radiation. Women though are clearly seen as second class in some ways who have an important role in helping repopulate the American Union. But, women also hold high ranks in the military infrastructure but also are called “emotional” in being dressed down. There’s an interesting mix of attitudes within the comic, one that’s fascinating to think about and deconstruct. Without social movements, in a military-focused and controlled society, how would things evolve as a society? Nuclear Power #1 delivers some thoughts concerning that.

The art by Lynne Yoshii is fantastic. The comic sticks to a black, red, and off-white coloring and style that evokes propaganda posters of the past. The style is very reminiscent of Des Taylor, a high compliment, and it works so well. While the page layouts mainly stick to various combinations of panels, there’s a focus on facial expressions that add a weight of emotion to the story. Like the society itself, there’s a focus on details that add to the story as well. The dress and technology feel like a throwback but also not quite as antiquated as the 1960s. There’s some small advancement but not a jump to what we’d expect in today’s world. There’s a focus on the military dress that presents a clean and organized society, stiff in many ways.

Nuclear Power #1 is a hell of a start. The alternate history story feels relevant in many ways and delivers a focus on details that’s unexpected and very welcomed. It’s a series that feels well-thought-out. The art has a sense to it that’s both beautiful and off-putting to look at. The comic as a whole gives a sense of order but something’s off. It’s a deliver that sucks you in making you want to find out more and explore the deeper meanings of what the comic is trying to deliver.

Story: Desirée Proctor, Erica Harrell Art: Lynne Yoshii
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Fanbase Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology