THE SINISTER SECRETS OF THE FABULOUS NOTHINGS

Talented young tinkerer Noah returns to the volcanic island of Singe seeking some defense against a second invasion of mysterious robots.

In a second episode that’s every bit as ponderous as the first and also leans heavily on familiarity with previous characters and events, the descent of clouds of Nothings (miniscule, midgelike machines programmed to fulfill every desire) drives Noah back aboard the ship the Abbreviated to flee the ungrateful residents of the battered town he recently saved. Having arrived at his missing father’s robot lab just as it’s being destroyed for unclear reasons by battleships from the Homeland Empire, he then narrowly escapes and returns home to save the town again—before immediately departing on further adventures. Along with picking up relations with previously met allies, Noah welcomes a surprise new friend in the form of Seven—one of the towering, multilimbed octochines that were repelled in the last volume—who switches loyalties and, proving to be a thorough scene-stealer, winds up wearing the ship like a hat while repeatedly saving the day. While Ferrell’s cautionary takes on the dangers of having wishes fulfilled—and, by implication, the hazards of nanotech—may be welcome, it’s Seven and some of the other colorful supporting characters who will keep readers engaged in this slow-moving tale. Figures in the angular, monochrome illustrations show some variations in skin tone.

Steampunk without much steam.