Nocterra #15

AIPT

As a whole, Nocterra #15 is another solid entry in the series that sets up the upcoming Nocterra: Nemesis Special before the final issue in this arc. Things seem to be ramping up rather quickly for the Sundog Convoy, and at this point, it’s time to batten down the hatches as things are likely to quite literally reach an explosive conclusion soon. Emory is once again showing that the spotlight was never meant for Val alone, as this arc has continued to immerse readers into the psyche of Emory while contributing to the threat at hand.

ComicBook.com

Nocterra #15 is an interesting issue, in that while it's relatively common for comics to have dueling storylines that mirror one another in two different locations or timelines, this one does it not with plot but with lore. There's a flashback story that deepens the characters' background, while the story taking place in the present deepens and elaborates on the mythology behind the world. It's a cool writing trick, and especially effective in the first few pages of the book, when it first hits you what Snyder is doing. Artist Tony Daniel and colorist Marcelo Maiolo hit a home run this issue, too. When Nocterra is done, it's going to be a great study in drawing and coloring light and darkness for future creators to look back on. It isn't reinventing the wheel, but executing what it does very effectively. And that same dichotomy -- suburban houses in the flashbacks, bizarre and alien-looking settings and characters in the present -- is an even bigger stretch for the art team than it is for Snyder. The issue ends on a pretty dramatic cliffhanger, and teases it to be continued in a one-shot, which might frustrate some readers, but given that the first couple of one-shots have deepened audience understanding of the characters and featured stellar guest artists, it's unlikely to be as maddening as it could be.

Lyles Movie Files

With the concept of the Shade being an ever-present threat, it might be time for writer Scott Snyder and artist Tony S. Daniel to incorporate a new Shade-empowered villain. Or even go The Walking Dead route and have some human villains for an arc or two just to fresh things up a bit. Daniel’s artwork is fantastic especially with the brighter backdrop provided by Eden. There’s some nice action sequences playing out, but Em’s fight to battle Blacktop Bill also contains some nice emotional moments. Colorist Marcelo Maiolo can emphasize colors more in this setting as opposed to the series’ typically darker settings. No Brakes has a special interlude next month before the arc wraps in August. Hopefully, Snyder has some clever tricks planned to make this arc more than Bill terrorizes the gang again.