Nathan Never

Nathan Never (by Antonio Serra, Michele Medda, and Bepi Vigna), a journey into noir science fiction.

Nathan Never, the long-running Italian comic from Sergio Bonelli Editore, is a blend of science fiction and noir, spiced up with a touch of cosmic pessimism that would make even Philip K. Dick pale. First published in 1991, the comic is set in a dystopian future dominated by technology and social alienation. At the center of it all is Nathan Never, a private investigator haunted by his past and a city that never forgives.

The main plot follows Nathan, a former cop now working for the Alfa Agency, as he tackles crimes ranging from murder to corporate conspiracies, often intertwined with ethical dilemmas involving artificial intelligence and genetic manipulation. The beauty of Nathan Never lies in its ability to mix episodic adventures with long-term storytelling that develops the character and the world around him.

Nathan’s characterization is one of its strongest points. Antonio Serra, along with his colleagues Michele Medda and Bepi Vigna, has created a deeply human protagonist: depressed, melancholic, and flawed. This is no classic comic book hero, but a man suffering from the loss of his wife, Laura, and the institutionalization of his daughter, Ann. Their absence is a constant presence in Nathan’s life, making every choice and mission a little heavier.

A fundamental aspect of the comic is its world. Nathan’s city is a futuristic megalopolis straight out of *Blade Runner*, with perpetually gray skies, neon advertisements, and a social divide mirroring our present. Technology is everywhere, but it’s far from comforting: rogue robots, unscrupulous hackers, and corporations ready to sacrifice anything for profit. One of the most memorable episodes, “Lost Memories,” delves into the concept of digital identity, with Nathan investigating a murder tied to the theft of artificial memories.

The supporting cast is equally well-crafted. Among Nathan’s colleagues, Legs Weaver stands out as a strong, enterprising woman who earned her own spin-off, and Sigmund Baginov, a brilliant hacker with a knack for getting into trouble. However, don’t expect idyllic relationships: the team often clashes, adding a layer of realism to their work dynamics.

If you’re looking for shootouts and chases, you won’t be disappointed. Every issue offers a mix of action and introspection, although the pace can sometimes slow down due to overly dense dialogue. Speaking of spoilers, in one of the most significant story arcs, “The War of the Worlds,” Nathan faces an alien invasion and is forced to make devastating moral choices, including sacrificing a team of innocents to save millions of lives. Not exactly a happy moment for our hero.

From an artistic perspective, the comic has always been of high quality. The artists who have contributed over the years have done justice to Nathan’s futuristic world, with a style ranging from detailed realism to the dynamism typical of action comics. The covers, in particular, are often art pieces that deserve a gallery spot. Of course, Nathan Never isn’t without flaws. Some stories suffer from a degree of repetitiveness, and some readers might find the protagonist a bit too introspective for their taste. Additionally, some secondary plots tend to lose focus, leaving the impression that the authors may have gotten a bit carried away.

In conclusion, Nathan Never is a comic worth reading, especially if you’re a fan of science fiction and noir. With rich storytelling, complex characters, and a world that feels alive, this comic has everything needed to keep you hooked. It’s not perfect, but perhaps it’s this imperfection that makes it so human and memorable.