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Clear
Clear #2
Dunes reflects on times of love and war as he investigates the death of his ex-wife, with old friends and new foes emerging as he learns about the extent of her work.
Writer SCOTT SNYDER and artist FRANCIS MANAPUL step out from the world of caped heroes to present a sci-fi noir tale for the ages! In this wild and twisting mystery where nothing is as it seems, discover a future where no one sees life the same way.
Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology, Kindle and collected in print via Dark Horse Books.
Writer SCOTT SNYDER and artist FRANCIS MANAPUL step out from the world of caped heroes to present a sci-fi noir tale for the ages! In this wild and twisting mystery where nothing is as it seems, discover a future where no one sees life the same way.
Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology, Kindle and collected in print via Dark Horse Books.
24 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
About the author
Scott Snyder
1,778 books5,437 followersScott Snyder is the Eisner and Harvey Award winning writer on DC Comics Batman, Swamp Thing, and his original series for Vertigo, American Vampire. He is also the author of the short story collection, Voodoo Heart, published by the Dial Press in 2006. The paperback version was published in the summer of 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 13, 2022
The other guys call it World War III but not one soul here does. We tried to save face. Blamed it on lack of allies, pulled some neighbors tighter, said we were focusing on us. As for me, I didn't die. I was brought to a military hospital in the Philippines, not far from where my parents grew up. That's where I met her. She was a nurse who specialized in connectivity. Her job was to care for any head injuries that were disruptive to interfacing with the net. In other words, she was there to make sure no one would be left out in the cold....all alone.
While I wait for the next issues of We Have Demons (comiXology Originals) #2 and Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #3, I couldn't resist starting a third Scott Snyder Comixology Original series.
This time it is a noir style murder mystery set in a dystopian future where people us 'veils' to hide the real world and see what they want to see instead.
Former policeman and current Private Eye, Sam Dunes, prefers to stay 'clear' and see the world how it is. His work is usually simple investigations, following husbands who prefer to 'veil' their wives into someone or something else.
His world is turned upside down by the apparent suicide of his ex-wife. When he returns home from the morgue, he finds a box on his doorstep containing a gift he sent many years before which was never collected by his ex. Inscribed on the watch is a simple message; "I was murdered"
This is very good and right up my street. The juxtaposition between the classic noir PI styling and narration with the dystopian dying world hidden by advancing technology is very intriguing and I look forward to the next issue. 5 stars.
While I wait for the next issues of We Have Demons (comiXology Originals) #2 and Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #3, I couldn't resist starting a third Scott Snyder Comixology Original series.
This time it is a noir style murder mystery set in a dystopian future where people us 'veils' to hide the real world and see what they want to see instead.
Former policeman and current Private Eye, Sam Dunes, prefers to stay 'clear' and see the world how it is. His work is usually simple investigations, following husbands who prefer to 'veil' their wives into someone or something else.
His world is turned upside down by the apparent suicide of his ex-wife. When he returns home from the morgue, he finds a box on his doorstep containing a gift he sent many years before which was never collected by his ex. Inscribed on the watch is a simple message; "I was murdered"
This is very good and right up my street. The juxtaposition between the classic noir PI styling and narration with the dystopian dying world hidden by advancing technology is very intriguing and I look forward to the next issue. 5 stars.
December 4, 2021
I read this book via Kindle Unlimited.
Dunes is secretly struck by the loss of his ex-wife who he has been estranged from for a while. When he discovers she may have been murdered, he finds himself retracing her steps and attempting to find out the truth but in a world where nobody sees things the same ways, he finds himself questioning his loyalties, his friends and foes and what is really true in a world where you can make life whatever you want it to be. Again, the art in this series is astronomically good. The cyberpunk, neon style of the cities, contrasted to how Dunes's office is drawn really shows how he is a man out of time in some ways. The ENDING. @ Scott Snyder bestie, I am sick of getting invested in these series for them to be monthly, my Gen Z brain can't handle waiting !!
Dunes is secretly struck by the loss of his ex-wife who he has been estranged from for a while. When he discovers she may have been murdered, he finds himself retracing her steps and attempting to find out the truth but in a world where nobody sees things the same ways, he finds himself questioning his loyalties, his friends and foes and what is really true in a world where you can make life whatever you want it to be. Again, the art in this series is astronomically good. The cyberpunk, neon style of the cities, contrasted to how Dunes's office is drawn really shows how he is a man out of time in some ways. The ENDING. @ Scott Snyder bestie, I am sick of getting invested in these series for them to be monthly, my Gen Z brain can't handle waiting !!
March 13, 2023
A really good concept with gorgeous art!
Im not certain, but maybe a touch too much violence and maybe a touch short on showing the story play out - more interested in the past than the present - but it is the 2nd issue so some establishment might be wanted.
Cliffhanger and a half at the end of this :O
Im not certain, but maybe a touch too much violence and maybe a touch short on showing the story play out - more interested in the past than the present - but it is the 2nd issue so some establishment might be wanted.
Cliffhanger and a half at the end of this :O
April 11, 2022
So Good
Issue No. 2: Every issue with a twisted ending. Dunes, ex-military, looking for his ex-wife’s killer. But her death looks like a suicide, and only he knows she was murder because of a clue she sent him. Action is amped.
Issue No. 2: Every issue with a twisted ending. Dunes, ex-military, looking for his ex-wife’s killer. But her death looks like a suicide, and only he knows she was murder because of a clue she sent him. Action is amped.
November 21, 2021
great comic
Scott Snyder and Francis Manapul have created an intriguing world and have a great detective story inside it. Wonderful art and interesting new characters.
Scott Snyder and Francis Manapul have created an intriguing world and have a great detective story inside it. Wonderful art and interesting new characters.
February 2, 2022
Great!
Definitely five *****'s for this second issue! A very interesting series that is really engaging any entertaining! Cannot wait to move on to the other issues!
Definitely five *****'s for this second issue! A very interesting series that is really engaging any entertaining! Cannot wait to move on to the other issues!
September 8, 2026
Clear Vol. 2 — When Reality Starts to Break
Scott Snyder’s Clear #2, illustrated and colored by Francis Manapul, takes the intriguing concept of the first issue and pushes the story deeper into mystery, memory, identity, and the nature of reality.
The first issue introduced us to a fascinating future where people can use neurological “Veils” to change the way they see the world. In this second chapter, detective Sam Dunes continues investigating the mysterious death of his ex-wife, Kendra. As he follows the clues, he begins discovering that her work—and her connection to the technology—was far more significant than he initially imagined.
Snyder doesn’t simply rush the mystery forward. He spends time exploring Sam and Kendra’s past, giving the investigation an emotional dimension. The memories of their relationship make Sam’s search feel personal rather than simply another detective case.
A Stronger Noir Influence
Clear #2 leans even more heavily into classic detective noir. Sam is the quintessential troubled investigator, following one clue after another while discovering that powerful people may be hiding something.
There are familiar elements here—shady corporations, criminal connections, secrets from the past and a conspiracy that appears to be much larger than Sam initially realizes. Some readers may find these conventions familiar, but Snyder combines them effectively with the comic’s futuristic premise.
The result is a story that feels like classic hard-boiled detective fiction transported into a cyberpunk future.
Once again, the artwork is one of the biggest strengths of Clear.
Francis Manapul’s ability to visualize different versions of reality makes the book exceptionally interesting to look at. His layouts, colors, lighting and transitions give the futuristic San Francisco a distinctive identity. The flashback sequences are particularly effective because the visual treatment separates them from the neon-lit present.
The art isn’t merely decoration. It reinforces the central idea of the story: everyone can potentially see the same world differently.
The most interesting aspect of Clear remains its central philosophical question:
If technology allowed us to completely customize our perception of reality, would we still want to know the truth?
Sam chooses to see the world without a Veil, but Clear #2 makes us question whether seeing reality “clearly” is necessarily better. Sometimes our memories, emotions and personal experiences can distort reality just as effectively as technology can.
That makes the comic surprisingly relevant to the modern world. We already live in an environment where people can construct carefully selected versions of reality through technology and media. Snyder simply takes that idea several steps further.
Final Thoughts
Clear #2 is a strong middle chapter that expands both the mystery and the emotional history of its protagonist. It may rely on some familiar noir and cyberpunk conventions, but Snyder’s ideas and Manapul’s extraordinary visuals give the story its own identity.
Scott Snyder’s Clear #2, illustrated and colored by Francis Manapul, takes the intriguing concept of the first issue and pushes the story deeper into mystery, memory, identity, and the nature of reality.
The first issue introduced us to a fascinating future where people can use neurological “Veils” to change the way they see the world. In this second chapter, detective Sam Dunes continues investigating the mysterious death of his ex-wife, Kendra. As he follows the clues, he begins discovering that her work—and her connection to the technology—was far more significant than he initially imagined.
Snyder doesn’t simply rush the mystery forward. He spends time exploring Sam and Kendra’s past, giving the investigation an emotional dimension. The memories of their relationship make Sam’s search feel personal rather than simply another detective case.
A Stronger Noir Influence
Clear #2 leans even more heavily into classic detective noir. Sam is the quintessential troubled investigator, following one clue after another while discovering that powerful people may be hiding something.
There are familiar elements here—shady corporations, criminal connections, secrets from the past and a conspiracy that appears to be much larger than Sam initially realizes. Some readers may find these conventions familiar, but Snyder combines them effectively with the comic’s futuristic premise.
The result is a story that feels like classic hard-boiled detective fiction transported into a cyberpunk future.
Once again, the artwork is one of the biggest strengths of Clear.
Francis Manapul’s ability to visualize different versions of reality makes the book exceptionally interesting to look at. His layouts, colors, lighting and transitions give the futuristic San Francisco a distinctive identity. The flashback sequences are particularly effective because the visual treatment separates them from the neon-lit present.
The art isn’t merely decoration. It reinforces the central idea of the story: everyone can potentially see the same world differently.
The most interesting aspect of Clear remains its central philosophical question:
If technology allowed us to completely customize our perception of reality, would we still want to know the truth?
Sam chooses to see the world without a Veil, but Clear #2 makes us question whether seeing reality “clearly” is necessarily better. Sometimes our memories, emotions and personal experiences can distort reality just as effectively as technology can.
That makes the comic surprisingly relevant to the modern world. We already live in an environment where people can construct carefully selected versions of reality through technology and media. Snyder simply takes that idea several steps further.
Final Thoughts
Clear #2 is a strong middle chapter that expands both the mystery and the emotional history of its protagonist. It may rely on some familiar noir and cyberpunk conventions, but Snyder’s ideas and Manapul’s extraordinary visuals give the story its own identity.
May 21, 2022
I'm like a kid who learns a new vocabulary word and can't stop using it. It's like I don't bother finding new words or more descriptive ways of saying something because my new word seems to describe it all.
My word is "pacing."
One of the reasons I like Scott Synder's writing is that for the most part, it is well "paced." While sometimes predictable like how I felt about "Night of the Ghoul" it's bearable because it is a good story that allows you time to digest new information and story events and really enjoy the trip to the story's end.
Issue 2 introduces us to the "Red War" and the circumstances that lead to wide adoption of Veil and that lead Dunes to his current situation. We are shown how he and Sargent Collins are connected and why he is divorced.
Happily, we are only shown the bits of his past useful in building out his character and establishing the nuances of the current situation. By the issue's end, we are well established in present time and concluding in a cliffhanger that you know he'll get out of but are curious as to how Synder will explain it away.
My word is "pacing."
One of the reasons I like Scott Synder's writing is that for the most part, it is well "paced." While sometimes predictable like how I felt about "Night of the Ghoul" it's bearable because it is a good story that allows you time to digest new information and story events and really enjoy the trip to the story's end.
Issue 2 introduces us to the "Red War" and the circumstances that lead to wide adoption of Veil and that lead Dunes to his current situation. We are shown how he and Sargent Collins are connected and why he is divorced.
Happily, we are only shown the bits of his past useful in building out his character and establishing the nuances of the current situation. By the issue's end, we are well established in present time and concluding in a cliffhanger that you know he'll get out of but are curious as to how Synder will explain it away.
December 25, 2021
Clear #2 does a good job of furthering the mystery plot and the scifi worldbuilding. I especially enjoyed how the social and political implications of Veils are developed through this issue. Buildings being designed in a drab fashion because they will be seen through countless AR filters is a cool detail -- reminiscent of how many artworks, sculptures, etc. are made with Instagram in mind as artists know that more people will see social media posts featuring their work than will see the work in person.
December 29, 2021
'A forest of god-sized trees that are all compressed trash. A landfill made easy on the eyes.'
The second issue of Clear starts out with a war flashback that establishes the world and the backstory a bit more but it's still all very intriguing. Dunes is on the case, though and that means risking himself which is why the ending got me !!
Absolutely loved how the colors transform from the flashback to the present. I also very much liked the visuals of the forest made out of landfill. The neon art is truly something to behold in this
The second issue of Clear starts out with a war flashback that establishes the world and the backstory a bit more but it's still all very intriguing. Dunes is on the case, though and that means risking himself which is why the ending got me !!
Absolutely loved how the colors transform from the flashback to the present. I also very much liked the visuals of the forest made out of landfill. The neon art is truly something to behold in this
April 23, 2024
Clear, by Scott Snyder
Private Investigator, Sam Dunes, is in a futuristic world where you ‘veil’ what you see by using your preferred choice of filter lens in your brain so that you do not feel sad by reality. Dramatic, intriguing, heartbreaking! Feels like 40s noir in a dystopian climate.
#2 – Reflecting on how his life led him to this point, “Get ready to WIN, Dunes.” “Hell yes, sir.” “Now THAT feeling .. it stays with you much longer.”
Private Investigator, Sam Dunes, is in a futuristic world where you ‘veil’ what you see by using your preferred choice of filter lens in your brain so that you do not feel sad by reality. Dramatic, intriguing, heartbreaking! Feels like 40s noir in a dystopian climate.
#2 – Reflecting on how his life led him to this point, “Get ready to WIN, Dunes.” “Hell yes, sir.” “Now THAT feeling .. it stays with you much longer.”
August 20, 2024
Dystopian Mystery
The story progresses and improves in this follow up story.
Hard hit by the loss of his estranged and former wife, discovering she may have been murdered firms his resolve to solve the mystery.
The art bolsters the story and now I await the follow-up volume. Scott has got the knack of drawing the reader into the story very akin to a spider via its web.
Nice
The story progresses and improves in this follow up story.
Hard hit by the loss of his estranged and former wife, discovering she may have been murdered firms his resolve to solve the mystery.
The art bolsters the story and now I await the follow-up volume. Scott has got the knack of drawing the reader into the story very akin to a spider via its web.
Nice
March 26, 2023
What a ending
Wanna dive into a different world, then this is it with the black market veils that lets you make your own paradise or live whatever fantasy you want ... Great so far thanks Scott Snyder
Wanna dive into a different world, then this is it with the black market veils that lets you make your own paradise or live whatever fantasy you want ... Great so far thanks Scott Snyder
June 16, 2023
Teil 2 der Reihe hat mir nicht mehr so gut gefallen. Es gibt einen groben Rückblick, bei dem aber noch viele Fragen offen bleiben. Hatte das Gefühl, dass das nicht wirklich weiter führt bzw die Story voran bringt. Aber der Cliffhanger lässt mich weiterlesen.
November 18, 2021
Mysterious, dramatic and perfectly dark
A great 2nd issus. Drip feeding new info and leaving you with more questions. I'd recommend to anyone looking for a gripping read
A great 2nd issus. Drip feeding new info and leaving you with more questions. I'd recommend to anyone looking for a gripping read
November 20, 2021
Snyder is a great storyteller
The art in this book is great a vibrant color palette and an interesting plot. I highly recommend most all Snyder does.
The art in this book is great a vibrant color palette and an interesting plot. I highly recommend most all Snyder does.
November 21, 2021
The story goes great after a promising start in the previous issue. I’m hooked.
November 27, 2021
El anterior me encantó. Este lo vi menos claro. Pero sigo con ganas de seguir hasta el final
January 31, 2022
Great comic
Good murder mystery set in the future. Interesting concept. Scott Snyder and Francis Manipulated doing a great job. Definitely a concept worth exploring in the future.
Good murder mystery set in the future. Interesting concept. Scott Snyder and Francis Manipulated doing a great job. Definitely a concept worth exploring in the future.
March 27, 2022
Whoa! That ending. Now I need to quickly jump to the next. Interesting plot and world building here.
August 8, 2022
After that great first issue, this one didn’t really go anywhere. Typical filler issue with a light cliffhanger at the end.
November 22, 2022
Clear
I am enjoying the series so far. I can't wait to start the next chapter. I love this format on the tablet.
I am enjoying the series so far. I can't wait to start the next chapter. I love this format on the tablet.
May 18, 2023
HOW IS THIS SERIES SO FREAKING GOOD?! The twists and turns have me FREAKING SUCKED IN! Great artwork. Great story telling. 10/10
September 5, 2023
An epic comic. The start was a little just a little slow and dull but what an end
December 18, 2023
Keeps on getting interesting
Can't wait to read more of this Clear series. It is still a bit cliched, but it has an interesting angle and is super easy to get through.
Can't wait to read more of this Clear series. It is still a bit cliched, but it has an interesting angle and is super easy to get through.
August 6, 2024
Honestly this one was kinda dull, I have no idea what's going on or where this is going. The only reason it's still 3 stars is because of that last page... Now I'm intrigued!
October 13, 2025
Better than the first issue, but too much cursing for my taste, especially using the Lord’s name in vain.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews