What do you think?
Nocterra #6.5, 7-11
Nocterra, Vol. 2: Pedal to the Metal
After escaping abject terror in the events of NOCTERRA, VOL. 1: FULL THROTTLE DARK, Val, Em, Bailey, and the Ferrymen are seeking out the location of Eos, the place where evil was first unleashed onto the world when the sun was forever set. As our heroes traverse the shade-infested waters, shocking new pacts will have to be forged if they ever hope to survive.
Legendary creators SCOTT SNYDER (Dark Knights: Death Metal, WYTCHES) and TONY S. DANIEL (Batman, Deathstroke) provide all-new scares in the next arc of this pulse-pounding hit ongoing series. Also includes a chilling origin tale for series antagonist Blacktop Bill.
Collects NOCTERRA #7-11 & NOCTERRA SPECIAL: BLACKTOP BILL
Legendary creators SCOTT SNYDER (Dark Knights: Death Metal, WYTCHES) and TONY S. DANIEL (Batman, Deathstroke) provide all-new scares in the next arc of this pulse-pounding hit ongoing series. Also includes a chilling origin tale for series antagonist Blacktop Bill.
Collects NOCTERRA #7-11 & NOCTERRA SPECIAL: BLACKTOP BILL
144 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2022
About the author
Scott Snyder
1,779 books5,442 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 28, 2022
(A-) 80% | Very Good
Notes: Twists and action, math and fractions, goes a little slower, a solid sequel, not quite equal: special issue drags it lower.
Notes: Twists and action, math and fractions, goes a little slower, a solid sequel, not quite equal: special issue drags it lower.
August 16, 2022
The narration has switched from Val to the young girl she saved in the last volume, Bailey.
I'm not sure I liked Bailey quite as much, but there you go - I didn't write it.
So this time around they've got a goal that includes more than just survival. They think they know a way to bring back the light. But in order to find the place they need to infiltrate, they may have to team up with the sociopathic Blacktop Bill.
dun, dun, dun...
And a nice twisty cliffhanger at the end made me want to come back for more.
I've probably said this too many times, but I prefer Snyder's horror to his work in mainstream comics, and Nocterra hits a sweet spot for me.
Recommended.
I'm not sure I liked Bailey quite as much, but there you go - I didn't write it.
So this time around they've got a goal that includes more than just survival. They think they know a way to bring back the light. But in order to find the place they need to infiltrate, they may have to team up with the sociopathic Blacktop Bill.
dun, dun, dun...
And a nice twisty cliffhanger at the end made me want to come back for more.
I've probably said this too many times, but I prefer Snyder's horror to his work in mainstream comics, and Nocterra hits a sweet spot for me.
Recommended.
August 26, 2022
So after running out of options and ideas, the leader on the Sundog convoy comes up with the plan to go after Blacktop Bill. This plan may sound crazy but it’s all the have at this point. They learn of a place called Luna. This is where Bill was created. There, they can get the info needed to get to EOS and try to end the Big PM. Of course this will be no walk in the park. Big battles, uneasy alliances formed and some tragic deaths make up this volume. Also we learn a bit about these shades and it it not good by any means. Still having a blast with this and vol 3 can’t get here soon enough.
November 2, 2022
Still highly readable, this time featuring the time-honoured uneasy alliance trope after the Big Reveal of Blacktop Bill's origin story (kind of?).
July 15, 2022
3.5, rounded up
Nocterra's second arc introduces some new villains, and changes up the composition of Sundog Convoy even as we barrel towards our next confrontation.
I think my main complaint about this book is that Blacktop Bill is fast becoming the main character, and he's an enormous pile of dicks so I really don't want that to happen. A good villain is great, but they can overstay their welcome, which I'm worried is what's going to happen here. He's depraved and vile, but Scott Snyder and Tony Daniel clearly enjoy him a lot, so he gets his own origin special as well as a starring role in the rest of the issues collected here, to the detriment of the other characters.
The world building's still pretty good though, and I like the math references that frame each issue; the inner monologues are solid and give a good sense of the differences between the characters (when we get to see them), and it's already apparent that this series is going to get much wider in scope before it ends.
A decent second arc, but with a nagging asterix at the end. Don't Negan this one up, guys.
Nocterra's second arc introduces some new villains, and changes up the composition of Sundog Convoy even as we barrel towards our next confrontation.
I think my main complaint about this book is that Blacktop Bill is fast becoming the main character, and he's an enormous pile of dicks so I really don't want that to happen. A good villain is great, but they can overstay their welcome, which I'm worried is what's going to happen here. He's depraved and vile, but Scott Snyder and Tony Daniel clearly enjoy him a lot, so he gets his own origin special as well as a starring role in the rest of the issues collected here, to the detriment of the other characters.
The world building's still pretty good though, and I like the math references that frame each issue; the inner monologues are solid and give a good sense of the differences between the characters (when we get to see them), and it's already apparent that this series is going to get much wider in scope before it ends.
A decent second arc, but with a nagging asterix at the end. Don't Negan this one up, guys.
August 24, 2022
This is more world building than character driven, and suffers for it.
The first volume did do world building, and it was enjoyable, but the story very much was about Val. This time we have a bigger cast, focus on the villain Bill, and the big "bad" of the series. So it had less feel of character interest, and more of grand plot. I personally think Snyder hits his mark higher when he focuses on character.
Still, this was solid. The art is great, the fights are fun, and Bill is a nice piece of shit to give us a reason to hate him. I just couldn't get into the rest of the characters and Val felt like almost a afterthought here.
A 3.5 out of 5.
The first volume did do world building, and it was enjoyable, but the story very much was about Val. This time we have a bigger cast, focus on the villain Bill, and the big "bad" of the series. So it had less feel of character interest, and more of grand plot. I personally think Snyder hits his mark higher when he focuses on character.
Still, this was solid. The art is great, the fights are fun, and Bill is a nice piece of shit to give us a reason to hate him. I just couldn't get into the rest of the characters and Val felt like almost a afterthought here.
A 3.5 out of 5.
September 27, 2022
Nocterra's first volume was energized and engaging, if firmly over the top. Pedal to the Metal continues the trend. The Sundog crew are dedicated to finding Eos, but the only person who can truly help is that bastard Blacktop Bill. The team-up goes predictably awry as the Sundog's and Bill take on a Lux facility off the coast of Florida.
My issue with Nocterra is that it's entirely dependent on paragraphs of exposition to make any sense. Each issue seems to have a scene where the characters sit down to carefully explain their actions in soundbites of backstory or world-building. It's awkward and slams the brakes on what should be a fast-paced read. Snyder and Daniels also seem intent on introducing several "shocking" deaths to liven up the narrative, but they're never characters we actually know, and the deaths of characters we know are soon retconned.
So yeah, Nocterra is fun and mostly enjoyable, but with both of these volumes I'm left with a sour taste. Could have been better.
My issue with Nocterra is that it's entirely dependent on paragraphs of exposition to make any sense. Each issue seems to have a scene where the characters sit down to carefully explain their actions in soundbites of backstory or world-building. It's awkward and slams the brakes on what should be a fast-paced read. Snyder and Daniels also seem intent on introducing several "shocking" deaths to liven up the narrative, but they're never characters we actually know, and the deaths of characters we know are soon retconned.
So yeah, Nocterra is fun and mostly enjoyable, but with both of these volumes I'm left with a sour taste. Could have been better.
September 12, 2022
4.5🌟
In my City, Victoria. The Canadian one. Contractors with heavy equipment and big rigs put on a great Christmas light parade for the kiddos every year They would fit right in on this story.
I think stylistically this book is appealing love the look. I'm starting to like Snyder's story telling though in the past I have had some issues with the delivery. I'm definitely on board floor the next arc.
In my City, Victoria. The Canadian one. Contractors with heavy equipment and big rigs put on a great Christmas light parade for the kiddos every year They would fit right in on this story.
I think stylistically this book is appealing love the look. I'm starting to like Snyder's story telling though in the past I have had some issues with the delivery. I'm definitely on board floor the next arc.
September 25, 2023
Completely average, overwritten volume that insisted on drawing the hamfisted metaphor of how the state of the world is divided into fractions and ending with it talking about making it whole. Scot Snyder, please stop yourself. Otherwise, I don’t know what to make of this series anymore. I wish I liked it more. 3 stars feels generous based on the corny writing, but the art and color work are both still good. Nocterra seems to be heading nowhere, but whatever I’ll read some more!
July 15, 2022
I don't think I hidden two think I thing about Snyder. The first is that I am a fan of his American Vampire series. The second being the last couple of big series he did for DC were meh-at best.
Was leaving DC best for Snyder-probably. Nocterra is definitely a move back towards his horror roots. This volume adds to the cast and the explanation of what (might have) caused the Big Dark. The Big Dark is when the sunlight disappeared. It is always pitch dark, and if the living stay out in the dark too long they become monsters that eat people.
The cast grows, and maybe shrinks because the last page is...
Wow.
Was leaving DC best for Snyder-probably. Nocterra is definitely a move back towards his horror roots. This volume adds to the cast and the explanation of what (might have) caused the Big Dark. The Big Dark is when the sunlight disappeared. It is always pitch dark, and if the living stay out in the dark too long they become monsters that eat people.
The cast grows, and maybe shrinks because the last page is...
Wow.
August 19, 2022
A good follow up volume from the first, with a unlikely alliance and a big shift from the finale. I get kinda frustrated with the result of the arc but the finale doesn't shock me. Interested to see how much more gas this has in the tank, no matter how gorgeous it is to look at
September 7, 2023
Very enjoyable story with terrific art. Can't wait for the next one!!
August 3, 2022
Synder continues to deliver an entertaining original storyline about the sun being blacked out and shade creatures--zombie like vampire monsters--chasing a group of truckers down.
It consistently is a easy and fast read. It's by no means the greatest thing ever, BUT I'm a fan of Snyder and Tony S. Daniel and the writing and art are top notch.
As far as original books I've been excited to follow Crossover and Nocterra have been top of my reading pile!
If your a fan of monster stories check this out!
It consistently is a easy and fast read. It's by no means the greatest thing ever, BUT I'm a fan of Snyder and Tony S. Daniel and the writing and art are top notch.
As far as original books I've been excited to follow Crossover and Nocterra have been top of my reading pile!
If your a fan of monster stories check this out!
September 13, 2022
The story continues...
Highlights:
- Origin story for Blacktop Bill
- Bailey joins Sundog Convoy and takes the name Piper, and is their mathematician
- Val and the convoy find that outposts are being invaded by shades and people taken, but doesn't understand why
- Val captures Bill and demands he lead them to Luna, the place he was created, so that they can get the coordinates to Eos, the place where it all started and where they believe things can be set right.
.... You'll have to read the rest for yourself, but the tragedy at the end will definitely have you scrambling for the next Volume. Snyder and Daniel have a modern action/horror classic on their hands.
Strong recommend.
Highlights:
- Origin story for Blacktop Bill
- Bailey joins Sundog Convoy and takes the name Piper, and is their mathematician
- Val and the convoy find that outposts are being invaded by shades and people taken, but doesn't understand why
- Val captures Bill and demands he lead them to Luna, the place he was created, so that they can get the coordinates to Eos, the place where it all started and where they believe things can be set right.
.... You'll have to read the rest for yourself, but the tragedy at the end will definitely have you scrambling for the next Volume. Snyder and Daniel have a modern action/horror classic on their hands.
Strong recommend.
August 7, 2022
Continuing the Mad Max with creepy monsters vibe but this time with a shift of the stories perspective, more world building and great action panels.
November 17, 2023
This volume suffers a bit from the author not really persisting with coherent linear development. There is a bit of jumping back and forth with time skips and rushed subplots, almost as if the author forgot what he had written the month before and did not bother to thorough review. Also, the main character focus suddenly got split in half with a minor character in the first volume, which isn't really that meaningful.
The detached recap in the beginning confused me as I somewhat struggled to connect and make sense of the story after the events of the first volume. It's as if the author decided to start a new arc before cleanly ending the last one.
This same issue repeats itself a few times throughout the volume, which interrupts its pacing and forces you to simply "accept the story for what it's worth." So, although the plot is still interesting and continually expanding, the pacing is becoming inconsistent.
What really ushered my three-star rating was the conclusion of this arc. (But it's more like a 3.5 star, as there are some good parts here and there, as well as quality art.) The story takes a massive nosedive near the end of this volume, veering off into a direction that I presume most readers would not agree with. It focuses on things that are simply not worthwhile to spend one's time reading. The author flipped a coin to decide what kind of development the readers would enjoy, and guessed wrong.
Overall, I'm still invested in the overall story, so I will see what happens in the third volume before making a decision about whether or not I would continue on with the series.
The detached recap in the beginning confused me as I somewhat struggled to connect and make sense of the story after the events of the first volume. It's as if the author decided to start a new arc before cleanly ending the last one.
This same issue repeats itself a few times throughout the volume, which interrupts its pacing and forces you to simply "accept the story for what it's worth." So, although the plot is still interesting and continually expanding, the pacing is becoming inconsistent.
What really ushered my three-star rating was the conclusion of this arc. (But it's more like a 3.5 star, as there are some good parts here and there, as well as quality art.) The story takes a massive nosedive near the end of this volume, veering off into a direction that I presume most readers would not agree with. It focuses on things that are simply not worthwhile to spend one's time reading. The author flipped a coin to decide what kind of development the readers would enjoy, and guessed wrong.
Overall, I'm still invested in the overall story, so I will see what happens in the third volume before making a decision about whether or not I would continue on with the series.
December 3, 2022
So, I found out the volume 2 TPB was already out, Petal to the Metal, and I went out and got it right away. It collects issues 7-11 and the Blacktop Bill special.
Overall, the story is great, but not going to lie, the second arch is not as good as the first. Especially toward the end it starts getting a little sloppy. People talking about things they really shouldn't know about. Tying to squeeze some emotional pay offs that were not earned. But even still, it remains a fun ride to the end.
There is a major shift in perspective, where the narrator is not the original main character. It makes sense why they did it when you get to the end, but it was kind of odd. There is also a one shot coming out next month that you can bet I'm going to get. As for the story proper, I'm not sure if it's done or not. IF it concluded here, it would be a fine ending, not a conclusive or complete one, but fine. It is however left wide open to go on. If it does, I'll probably stay on the ride at least for a while.
My biggest gripe about this comic is it's categorized as "horror", and while I can kind of get it. I don't really see it that way at all. I'd put it in Adventure: either scifi, apocalyptic, or supernatural you can really kind of take your pick.
Overall, the story is great, but not going to lie, the second arch is not as good as the first. Especially toward the end it starts getting a little sloppy. People talking about things they really shouldn't know about. Tying to squeeze some emotional pay offs that were not earned. But even still, it remains a fun ride to the end.
There is a major shift in perspective, where the narrator is not the original main character. It makes sense why they did it when you get to the end, but it was kind of odd. There is also a one shot coming out next month that you can bet I'm going to get. As for the story proper, I'm not sure if it's done or not. IF it concluded here, it would be a fine ending, not a conclusive or complete one, but fine. It is however left wide open to go on. If it does, I'll probably stay on the ride at least for a while.
My biggest gripe about this comic is it's categorized as "horror", and while I can kind of get it. I don't really see it that way at all. I'd put it in Adventure: either scifi, apocalyptic, or supernatural you can really kind of take your pick.
August 7, 2026
I thought this was pretty solid, but nothing crazy compared to the first volume. I enjoyed where this one ends, and where that possibly puts the characters. What Snyder does an excellent job in this volume is the world building, and just expanding it in interesting ways.
One of those ways is the lore behind Blacktop Bill, and the whole science behind him. We also get insight into a god shade which is leading us to where the final conflict will be. While I do miss being inside Val’s head, I actually grew to really like Bailey. I think she has interesting insights, and the idea of her being afraid of the light since all she’s known is darkness.
While I do think this was overall pretty solid, I didn’t care for a lot of the supporting cast. I feel like Snyder is telling me everyone is close, but I’ve never seen it. I feel as though the group dynamic was fleshed out off page. With that being said, I do see the vision of where this series is going, and Snyder does focus narratively on that. I’m interested to see how this all concludes.
One of those ways is the lore behind Blacktop Bill, and the whole science behind him. We also get insight into a god shade which is leading us to where the final conflict will be. While I do miss being inside Val’s head, I actually grew to really like Bailey. I think she has interesting insights, and the idea of her being afraid of the light since all she’s known is darkness.
While I do think this was overall pretty solid, I didn’t care for a lot of the supporting cast. I feel like Snyder is telling me everyone is close, but I’ve never seen it. I feel as though the group dynamic was fleshed out off page. With that being said, I do see the vision of where this series is going, and Snyder does focus narratively on that. I’m interested to see how this all concludes.
August 2, 2026
I LOVED the first volume of Nocterra. It showed so much potential and Scott Snyder came up with a clever and creative, new kind of post-apocalyptic setting and well, the second volume is not as good, I'm sorry to say. This volume gets more into familiar and well-trodden ideas. The backstory about why the world went dark feels more Sci-Fi than post-apocalypse and the whole thing overall feels more comic booky than I would have liked. The "team up" with Blacktop Bill is something you've probably seen a million times in comic books, TV shows, or just about anything else really. That isn't to say Nocterra: Volume 2 is bad, it just transitioned into something other than what I really enjoyed previously. I want more harrowing post-apocalypse survival and more exploration of this world trying to survive in the dark and I didn't get it here.
November 6, 2022
I'm so glad I was able to get this through Hoopla instead of spending actual money on it, now I have to apologize to my library for wasting their cash instead of apologizing to myself. This volume is all about fractions, and subsequently divides my attention and multiplies my disappointment. Then it adds some great variant covers in a nice gallery in the back, and subtracts my interest in actually reading all the little narration boxes and speech bubbles. And, uh, square roots my ass or something. I don't know.
May 17, 2026
An okay second part that introduces more part of the cool world of nocterra while unfortunately not keeping the pace.
New infos about the world are not woven in elegantly but feel more like stop & go info dumps. This comes at the cost of having more room to get to know the convoy better.
Blacktop Bills backstory dies not add much to his great appeal in the first arc and should just have been left out.
The art is still gorgeous and is what makes Nocterras worldbuilding breath and a major readon to keep you going into part three
New infos about the world are not woven in elegantly but feel more like stop & go info dumps. This comes at the cost of having more room to get to know the convoy better.
Blacktop Bills backstory dies not add much to his great appeal in the first arc and should just have been left out.
The art is still gorgeous and is what makes Nocterras worldbuilding breath and a major readon to keep you going into part three
July 5, 2026
Snyder & Daniel's dark, creepy world continues and its another thrilling read. We learn more about this world, shades, Blacktop Bill, and more. The Sundog Convoy's mission gets intense and changes make it even scarier. I loved the focus on Piper here and Bill's actions are insane. I love that nothing is safe and there are threats everywhere. I thought the last issue might have got a little too mustache twirling villainy but it was still entertaining. Tony Daniel's art was spectacular. Great designs for the megas with excellent coloring. Overall, another hit for Snyder.
September 6, 2022
Sundog Convoy is out of options and ideas on how to find Eos and bring daylight back to Earth. As a last resort, they go after Blacktop Bill. Blacktop Bill is a terrific and terrifying villain, all in silhouette except for his teeth. We get to see more about what's been going on with the bad guys as things head in a new direction at the end of this. Snyder is at his best when he sticks to his horror roots.
May 4, 2024
Now that's how you end an arc as bombastic of a premise as this. I was really waiting for this second arc to make its mark, and lo and behold, after what felt like a not as impactful past few issues, it's finally done just that. Synder is that good of a writer. Daniel and Maiolo once again prove why theyre such an amazing art team, capturing the action and the pathos expertly. Can't wait for arc three as things are about to get real wild.
March 15, 2023
The Road to Hell
Another brilliant arc of this Macomb tale. On a mission to find Heaven thru a road of Hell. The story just keeps getting darker and darker. New revelations about the origins of the PM abound. And then there's the origin story of Bill. He was dark even before the Great PM. This is a amazing tale you can't put down. Enjoy
Another brilliant arc of this Macomb tale. On a mission to find Heaven thru a road of Hell. The story just keeps getting darker and darker. New revelations about the origins of the PM abound. And then there's the origin story of Bill. He was dark even before the Great PM. This is a amazing tale you can't put down. Enjoy
February 3, 2025
This did nothing for me to be honest. Blacktop Bill was very intimidating in Vol 1, but his backstory made me actually less interested in him. The story also didnt get me excited. I think I would've preferred a focus on less characters, because after Vol 2 I still did not care about most of the convoy.
January 8, 2026
I'll be less raving about this volume though.. Didn't quite understand all the factions maybe .. It seems like Snyder wanted to give us plenty of ammo, characters, details .. But maybe a bit TOO much for me .
Still a decent read of course though! Still enjoyed the action and of the magnificent art work!
I hope they can finish strong in the last volume!
Still a decent read of course though! Still enjoyed the action and of the magnificent art work!
I hope they can finish strong in the last volume!
Read
April 6, 2024This is one of those I know this is a good book. The art is excellent. I think the premises is interesting but for some reason, I am just not clicking with it. I really don’t like the overstuffed dialogue in the book and zone out reading it, it also could just be post apocalyptic fatigue
July 2, 2024
They will definitely try to spin this into another story about how all light is also as bad as all dark. Someone must have hinted at a television deal. All of a sudden everyone has a random backstory..lol
obvious much?
obvious much?
October 14, 2024
This vol lost me a bit. It felt really rushed. Also, the throwing ideas against the wall without follow up continued even further. Again I get the premise and liked that, but just felt really scattered.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews