Comic Review: Nebula (2020) #2

Nebula #2

Marvel Comics

Writer: Vita Ayala

Artist: Claire Roe

Nebula is the new series from Vita Ayala and Claire Roe following none other than the unpredictable space pirate herself. Last issue Nebula was on a mission to steal a predictive analysis generator that ended with here just barely escaping. She made it out alive but the damage she took was so severe that she lost seemingly all of her memories. This issue picks up on the unknown planet she landed on.

Even though this is the second issue of the series, it feels like the beginning. It opens with Nebula in a small hut struggling to remember anything about herself. The rest of the issue mostly just explores the new characters around her. Luckily, those characters are actually pretty fun and interest. They establish some history of this desert world she landed on; how water is a very rare commodity and it is only easily accessed through one man who controls the water supply. It’s a pretty fun set up that not-so-subtly hints what the rest of the series will be about.

The art in the first issue was one of the highlights while reading it but in this issue, it just doesn’t land quite as well. It’s the same artist and colorist but the new setting just doesn’t let it shine quite as well. Something about the Tatooine-Esque planet this issue takes place on changes the feeling the art conveys. That said, the art is still great in this issue. The thick inks and line-y style make some pages feel like they’re straight out of a 90s book. One of the best creative decisions in this entire series is the occasional use of solid color backgrounds. It adds nice color to the pages and breaks up a scene that might start to feel monotonous.

Not a lot happens in this issue for Nebula, but it is still an enjoyable read. It sets a lot up for where this series will be headed in a short and sweet way. Both this issue and the overall series are very self-contained and don’t rely on much prior knowledge in the universe. Anyone new to Nebula that is looking for a fun and light read should consider picking it up.