The Big PM makes for strange bedfellows in Nocterra #8, by writers Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniel, art by Daniel, colorist Marcelo Maiolo, and letters by Andworld Designs. Snyder and Daniel drop another great issue on readers, one that’s ripe with glimpses of the ways of this darkened world.

At Fort Speed, a mysterious man runs to the base and is let in before the Shades can get him. As they prepare to share their hospitality with him, he opens fire and takes off his helmet to reveal Blacktop Bill. At the Hubcap Radio Mast, the Sundogs discuss their next move and look for information on how to Bill. Meanwhile, the Nocturnes Bill killed are found by more of their number. Their leader, William, is told to take up the hunt for Bill. At Fort Speed, Bill uses the outpost’s power to communicate with Nox and learns its grand plan, one that drives him to despair. Nox sends Shades to kill him, but the Sundogs show up and save him. Val gives him a ultimatum to tell them how to get to Eos, and he agrees, ready to take them to the outpost they made him into a Nocturne at.

Snyder and Daniel present a well-crafted story in this one. There’s no big chase scene like in the previous issue, but that’s okay because this one just drops bombshell after bombshell on readers. To begin with, Bailey is pretty much perfect as a narrator for this issue, talking about the way the Big PM has affected humanity and how much it’s changed people for the better in the beginning. It’s a moment that lets readers know there’s something bad about to happen, but it’s also worldbuilding, as this event that readers know is about to occur is an anachronism.

This issue is a lot of talking and exposition, yet it’s surprisingly fast-paced for all that. It never feels like the story is bogged down by being a bunch of talking heads because it all builds towards the reveals. For example, at Hubcap Radio Mast, Em reveals he can still hear the Shades, and they’re readying for war. This is juxtaposed with Mother and Val learning that the Nocturnes have been attacking outposts and dragging off everyone there. Later, when readers meet William and the Nocturnes, there’s a panel set at Eos, which basically looks like the Garden of Eden. Finally, the whole thing with Bill finding out Nox’s plan shows that not only is Em probably right but brings Bill into the Sundogs, a development that is sure to be important in the future.

Daniel’s art is interesting in this issue. The parts in Fort Speed, in the beginning, look different than the rest of the book does, as if Daniel is either experimenting with another visual style or was rushed and couldn’t draw like he always does. The rest of the book is his normal style, and it looks very good. One of the highlights of this issue is how well he’s able to capture Blacktop Bill’s emotions using just his mouth. Readers know exactly what his mind is and how things affect him.

Nocterra #8 may not have any big action scenes, but the book makes up for that with the sheer amount of plot on display. The fact that it’s so fast-paced works in its favor and the way plot threads build off others is excellent. Snyder, Daniel, and company continue to impress with every issue of this book.

Grade: A-