Know the signs: black gums, gnarled bones, and haunting yellow eyes. When you spot a human shade out there in the endless night…run. Nocterra #3 continues the darkness enveloping series adding dread at every turn.

Writer Scott Snyder has done an excellent job of balancing the past and present in the world of Nocterra. Nocterra #3 opens with a glimpse of the past as the world struggled with what was happening. It also provides us the reader a solid way of learning more about how one turns into Shades and what it means as Val and her brother must confront their infected parents.

Nocterra #3 has no problem shifting gears continuing the high octane pursuit as Val, her brother, and her cargo must stay ahead of Blacktop Bill. But, even that hints at more. We find out there’s more to Bill’s pursuit hinting more at the world before.

Snyder has done a fantastic job of balancing this world building and action. The series has balanced between the two playing with its themes of dark and light. Nocterra #3 drops a bit of religious connotation into that with discussions of prayers and the dichotomy of what happens once one turns into a Shade.

The art continues to impress. Tony S. Daniel‘s art brings so much to the world. He’s able to mix a tinge of horror with the science fiction elements. A great example is the tragic opening with Val’s parents is an example of that. Tomeu Morey‘s colors help add a ton as the colors deliver a neon hue that brings a little light to the world. The art really brings home the tension that Snyder creates throughout the series.

Nocterra #3 is another great issue that delivers a deeper view into the world and building up the tension. There’s a lot packed into the issue from visual hints to outright terror. It keeps up the action while shining a little light onto the world and its characters.

Story: Scott Snyder Art: Tony S. Daniel
Color: Tomeu Morey Letterer: AndWorld Design
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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