Graphic Novel Reviews: Nocterra, Vol. 1: Full Throttle Dark

Nocterra, Vol.1: Full Throttle Dark

Written by: Scott Snyder

Illustrated by: Tony Daniel

Publisher: Image Comics

Format: Softcover, 168 pages, Color

ISBN: 9781534319943

Ages: 16 and up

Snyder, best known for his epic storytelling in DC’s Batman: Court of Owls series, has created his own post-apocalyptic thriller in Nocterra. In this world, a catastrophic event has consumed the sun and all its illuminating light, leaving the world in darkness and disarray. Humans and animals that stay in this permanent darkness for too long become infected and transform into terrifying beasts known as “shades.”

Val Riggs and her younger brother Emory were only kids when the event occurred and took the lives of their parents. Flash forward 13 years, Val is working as a “ferryman,” transporting people to safe zones across the county in order to make a living and take care of her brother, who happens to be infected and declining rapidly. Val is approached by an old man and his granddaughter who want to hire her services in order to travel to a mysterious haven where they claim natural light exists that can cure infected. However, this attracts the attention of the devilish bounty hunter, Blacktop Bill. A being so feared, he was thought to only be a myth. Bill has been tracking the old man because allegedly he caused the destruction of the sun and holds a book with a formula that could change everything.

This is one heck of a ride. Snyder has created a page turner that is illustrated beautifully by Daniel. The characters are well developed and interesting and the art on every page does an excellent job at mirroring the vibe of the story. There is some gore throughout the novel, but it’s not presented in a way that would be disturbing for younger readers. High school and public libraries would be wise to add this thrilling novel to their collections. Readers will be unable to put this book down until they get to the end.

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Jonathan Khan

Jonathan Khan has been a Public Services Librarian for 7 years and received his MSI degree from Florida State University. He currently works for the leading third-party comic book grading company, CGC Comics. He's an avid graphic novel and manga reader and has organized many successful graphic novel and fandom focused programs in libraries. He's very excited to see libraries becoming more open to this type of programming, and looks forward to seeing the progression of graphic novels in libraries.

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