Nebula Ultra

Nebula Ultra is a 2015 zine that compiles parts 1-15 of Nebula, along with the short story Nix and additional artwork produced outside of the comic. It has 145 pages of content (not including Nix), is pay-what-you-want, and free to download.

Synopsis
''This covers parts 1-15 of Nebula, and the short segment Nebula?. For more information on the series as a whole, see the main article linked above.''

Part 1
The story begins with a strange humanoid with an asteroid for a head. A glowing light emits from their body, and their head floats away from their body.

Earth notices the asteroid coming in her direction. She asks Uranus if they saw it, too, and after they confirm, Earth comments that it looks bad. Uranus dismisses her, saying that since Sun didn't say anything about it, it's nothing to worry about. Earth asks Mars in kind, but he only replies that it's fine. As the asteroid comes closer to approach, Earth becomes more worried, but the other planets dismiss her.

Jupiter quickly comes to her aid and blocks the asteroid, but it still impacts Earth. However, Earth thanks Jupiter, but he responds that he was just hungry when asked if he was saving her, and that "no one cares" after she thanks him. After the impact, Earth discovers she now has a moon.

Part 2
Pluto notices everyone in the main solar system coming together, thinking that they're having an important discussion.

It's revealed that they're discussing Pluto's role in the solar system. Earth states that they can't leave him behind and that he should be included, to which Jupiter questions her and asks her if she's even interacted with him, or if she's just on one of her speculation spiels. Sun says that Earth is correct and that Pluto is "one of [them]", but that the issue isn't whether or not he's apart of their group, but rather, whether or not he poses a threat to the group.

Saturn believes that it's unlikely he's dangerous, since if Pluto actually posed a threat, he would've already made a move; they point it's been centuries, yet Pluto's never spoken to anyone. Jupiter rebuts that he shouldn't be included nonetheless, because Pluto has never contributed anything to the rest of the group. Uranus agrees with Jupiter, but they have a short spat with Neptune over Jupiter's opinion, at which point Sun interrupts them and reminds them that Jupiter isn't in charge.

Pluto, still onlooking, considers going up close to the group and trying to help, meeting them for real this time. However, Sun tells everyone it's best to move on without him, and they leave him behind before he gets a chance to say anything.

Part 3
Sun tells Mercury he might feel sick. When Mercury asks how so, Sun responds that perhaps he's not sick, but that he feels "bigger" and "hotter". Mercury asks how this is an issue, but Sun says while it might not be problematic on its own, he says he gets a "weird feeling" about the rest of the solar system; Mercury asks if Sun feels angry, and that it's understandable (presumably due to recent arguments), but Sun adds that isn't it, either.

Meanwhile, Earth throws an asteroid at Venus, who gets upset with Earth for throwing the asteroid, but Earth apologizes.

Sun tries to describe how he's feeling, but he shortly drops the subject. He tells Mercury to take the day off, and asks for space. After Mercury takes his leave, Sun begins to see the rest of the solar system all in red - he menacingly notes to himself that he's hungry.

Part 4
Earth greets Mars as he stares off in the distance, and tells him she finds it strange that they're so close to each other, but don't know each other very well. He immediately tries to shut her down, and she asks him if he genuinely thinks they shouldn't get to know each other well.

He continues, saying that everyone already knows each other, that they all talk and know each other's names, and asks Earth how much detail she really wants. While Earth cites her curiosity as a desire to be better friends with him, Mars continues to shut her down, stating that knowing every intricate detail isn't going to make them any closer. He begins accusing her of not being interested in genuine friendship, but instead wanting to satisfy her own curiosity and that she's the only one who seeks to interrogate him.

He then pushes her away, and tells her let go of the idea of trying to be friends with him. He asks her to leave him out of any curiosity-seeking project of hers and to instead try learning about herself.

Part 5
Jupiter catches and tries to train a strange moon-like dog. Venus and Neptune onlook, and Venus asks what's going on. Jupiter only says "clearly, it is a thing", and refuses to further specify because he thinks Venus wouldn't understand.

Venus asks Jupiter if Sun is okay with this, but Jupiter insists he intends on keeping the dog because Sun's command on the matter is irrelevant. Venus questions Jupiter, citing the last time anyone came into contact with a "weird rock clump", it injured Earth by impacting her on her head. Jupiter states he refuses to keep living under Sun's rule and will keep the dog, regardless.

He then states that someone needs to stand up to Sun; he further criticizes Sun's authority, saying that Sun's not in charge because he's the smartest, but because he's the biggest, and Jupiter believes he could act as a better ruler. Venus says that's not something Jupiter should want to say out loud, and Neptune tries to rebut Jupiter before he interrupts and labels Sun a tyrant.

Jupiter further explains that Sun is becoming unfit as a leader because he's getting older, and has become increasingly distant from the rest of the solar system, save for Mercury. Neptune adds that Sun has been around longer than anyone else, and that nobody knows what life would be like without him, but Jupiter insists that change is coming, so it's time to find out what it would be like without him, and that Sun cannot rule everyone forever - especially not Jupiter.

He further continues on his spiel, stating that he's a more capable leader than Sun is, and that it won't be long before he can supplant Sun's authority himself, all to justify keeping the dog. After his speech, Venus asks where his dog is after it ran off during his rant. Jupiter, now dumbfounded, asks to be alone.

Part 6
Uranus approaches Saturn, asking Saturn for their moons. When Saturn questions Uranus, Uranus only responds "because [they] want them", but Saturn refuses. Uranus says that they're the only one without moons and calls Saturn selfish for turning them down, then states that they're ready to "get weird" (i.e. argue with Saturn) about the matter.

Saturn suggests that Uranus should take moons from Jupiter instead, but Uranus points out he ate most of them - Saturn is baffled by this, to which Uranus states they don't know why either, then again asks Saturn for their moons. When Saturn refuses again, Uranus asks them if they'd actually do anything if Uranus reached out and took their moons. Saturn replies, "I guess not", and Uranus successfully takes 6 moons from Saturn.

Part 7
Mars and Earth look at Sun, and Mars tells Earth he needs to talk to her. He asks Earth if she's noticed anything strange about Sun lately, and Earth comments that Sun is rather strange in general, though Mars corrects her in that he means that something about Sun has felt wrong. He explains that Sun has been floating in the distance staring at nothing, has not responded to Mars calling out to him at all, and often even burns too hot for Mars to get close. Mars says that, while he isn't completely sure, he thinks Sun is growing bigger.

Earth says Mars' observations sound similar to Jupiter's, to which Mars comments that Jupiter is "very dumb" but that doesn't mean he can't (accidentally) be right about something. Mars further comments on Sun's state, saying he can't tell if Sun is angry, in pain, or both, but that he's definitely getting worse. Earth says Mars has a good point, but she tries to look at the situation optimistically, believing that this is just a short phase Sun is going through and that he'd never hurt anyone.

Mars rebuts Earth by saying that he thinks everyone could be in serious danger, and that the forthcoming situation likely won't end well for anyone. He then suggests that everyone tries to stick closer together, to Earth's excitement, but he clarifies it's for safety more than anything else. Earth adds that Mars shouldn't worry too much and that it'll likely be okay in the end.

Part 8
Uranus greets Jupiter, who doesn't respond. Uranus comments that Jupiter is "just chillin'" and that they respect that. He asks them what they're trying to do, to which they respond they're trying to get friendly with him, but he doesn't return the sentiment.

Uranus continues by derogating Sun in an attempt to get Jupiter to talk to them, but he asks them to leave him alone. Uranus keeps pushing the matter in wanting to be Jupiter's friend, but he consistently turns them down. After Uranus tells him that they're "on [his] side", Jupiter grabs a moon and loudly munches on it. Uranus only responds in confusion, "what the fuck".

Part 9
Mars confronts Sun, saying he needs to deal "with this". Sun questions Mars and states that not every "light [the group finds] out in the middle of nowhere" is a threat, and that it's just "some thing". Mars retorts by mentioning the last "thing" was an asteroid that impacted Earth, to which Jupiter rebuts that it isn't a "thing" - the figure in question had a face.

Sun comments that it's likely a drifter, like Pluto, but Uranus further adds that it was nothing like Pluto. Mars asks if Sun understands, and says that everyone can tell that there's a problem, including Sun. Sun deflects by tone policing Mars, but before the situation can escalate, Earth says she thinks it's speaking - Sun then implores her to keep talking. Earth explains that she thinks it's speaking to her; Jupiter says he can't hear anything, but Earth says she feels it's speaking "inside of [her]". The entire group goes silent in response.

Sun breaks the silence by saying he refuses to pursue the issue any further, and tells everyone to ignore it and move on. Mars makes one last attempt at a rebuttal, but Sun dismisses him and repeats that everyone should move on.

The scene cuts to Black Hole. Standing alone and presumably onlooking to the solar system, she continuously cackles.

Nebula?
Saturn speculates about the moons. While moons are believed to be inanimate objects in Nebula, Saturn muses about how they sometimes worry that the moons have feelings. They comment that it feels like moons flinch upon being touched, and that they believe moons oftentimes hate the planets.

Part 10
''Note: On Ghostfruits' Tumblr, this strip is labeled as Part 13, but in Ultra, this part comes after Nebula? and will be ordered here as Part 10.''

Jupiter looks at Sun, then he comments that he hates Sun and that the only reason people obey Sun is because he's the largest. Jupiter says that if he were the largest instead, people would correctly obey him because not only would he be the largest, he's also the smartest. He then plans to become massive, and starts eating hundreds, to thousands, to countless moons to enlarge himself.

After eating so many moons, he says it's not enough and that he can still "do more". Sun then checks in on him and asks if he's alright, but Jupiter only enthusiastically replies he's having dinner. Sun says that it looks less like Jupiter is eating, and more like he's forcing and holding moons painfully inside of his body. Jupiter says it doesn't hurt, and bids goodbye to Sun.

Sun tries to confirm one more time if Jupiter is alright and that he can help Jupiter if the moons are stuck inside, but Jupiter insists that he's fine though he appreciates Sun's concern. With Sun gone, he sarcastically comments that he's eating and digesting food in a normal way, then says he hates Sun behind his back.

Part 11
Venus greets Mars, and asks him if they could discuss something with each other. Venus asks Mars what he plans to do "when things get bad". Mars replies that he doesn't understand what she means, but she confutes that he does, and that he's probably the only one who understands. She further describes the issues plaguing the solar system; Mars has been watching as Sun sinks further in turmoil, Jupiter is constantly pushing his idea of revolution, Earth appears to be hearing voices, and while not mentioned by name, Black Hole is still a threat.

Venus tells Mars that the situation is clearly going haywire, so she wants to be prepared when it finally takes a turn for the worst - she believes Mars is the only other person who cares about their current issues. Mars responds that the situation is "bigger than [them]", beyond anything they're able to handle; nobody else listening and Sun discouraging discussion only further complicates this. Venus dejectedly responds that it's "real depressing", and asks Mars if there's anything she can do.

Mars requests that, in the situation he dies, Venus should break open his moon no matter what. Venus promises Mars that he can count on her. The final shot shows Sun's arm being outstretched, presumably reaching for something.

Part 12
Jupiter is depicted in a somewhat crude crayon-like drawing, appearing to finally rule the solar system with a crown on his head. Mars praises Jupiter for murdering Sun and overtaking his role as a leader, with Earth adding that Jupiter is smart, strong and the best at leading. Jupiter humblebrags that he's just doing "what's best", and that his smarts and leadership abilities are just a coincidence.

Mercury adds on by saying he's happier to serve Jupiter than Sun, and Uranus says that even though they're clearly the dumbest, they can still tell Jupiter is the best at leadership. Jupiter eggs them on by affirming that Uranus is "very stupid", and laughs.

Returning to the comic's normal art style, Earth asks if Jupiter heard her, to which Jupiter responds with confusion. She clarifies that she was asking him what it would be like if Sun weren't around, since Jupiter frequently discusses this scenario. Jupiter only responds that things would be better, without any further clarification.

Part 13
Note: On Ghostfruits' Tumblr, this strip is labeled as Part 10, but in Ultra, this part comes after Part 12 and will be ordered here as Part 13.

Pluto wistfully onlooks the rest of the solar system. He says that it's lonely being so far out by himself, but says he doesn't mind because everyone is busy with their own matters. Black Hole suddenly interrupts him, and says he should mind. Pluto jumps in surprise, and asks if someone was speaking to him. Black Hole responds that the rest of the solar system has abandoned him, but she hasn't.

Pluto insists otherwise, that they're just busy, but Black Hole tells him he is not one of them, and that he's "not a friend" (presumably to the solar system), but that she'll take up the role of being his friend instead. Pluto tells Black Hole that the others don't seem to like her, but she asks him if they even like him. He keeps insisting they are his friends, even if he doesn't see them often - Black Hole insists that she can still take their place, in that he can see her.

In awe, he asks if he really can see her; she assures him he can, then implores him to come to her. Pluto remains obstinate about staying in contact with the solar system and that he still needs a moment to think on it, though Black Hole says they won't matter in due time.

Pluto asks her for her name, to which she doesn't respond. Pluto, now alone again, only hopes to see her next time.

Part 14
Black Hole returns once more to emotionally manipulate Pluto, and asks him if he knew he wasn't alone. After Pluto asks what she means, she explains that he is special and there are more people like them "out [there]" with her. Pluto asks if she could send one of them out to meet him, but she refuses because she believes the rest of the solar system is dangerous, violent and barbaric.

Once again, she implores Pluto to come to her, but he turns her down again to explain that this is likely a misunderstanding. While acknowledging that they've "acted strange before", he explains his request to send out someone like him could help the rest of the solar system understand people like him, and that everyone can still be happy. He says that, since Black Hole is his friend, he wants to trust each other and the rest of the solar system. Black Hole compromises with him, and from her core, she creates a new being to send to the group - Ceres.

Ceres then descends on the group, speaking an incomprehensible language. Jupiter and Uranus respond with confusion, while Earth happily introduces herself. Ceres then begins to alter the atmosphere, launching everyone into pain and distorting their bodies' compositions. The solar system cries out to Sun for help while Ceres tortures them.

Part 15
Pluto watches Ceres from afar, excited that there's more people just like him and Black Hole. Meanwhile, Sun angrily requests that Ceres identifies themself and explains what they're doing. The planets continue to cry out in pain, begging Sun to make it stop. Sun orders Ceres to cease immediately, while Pluto wonders what they're all saying.

Ceres continues to respond in incomprehensible language, and Sun yells at them to leave. Still speaking in gibberish, Ceres shows a symbol of Black Hole's hand on their helmet. Sun finally kills them by chopping their body in half with his arm, and Pluto screams in horror.

Sun steams and heavily heaves, while the planets try to bring themselves back together albeit in disorientation. Black Hole asks Pluto if he finally understands how dangerous the solar system is and tells him they would have killed him as what happened to Ceres. Black Hole again tells Pluto to come to her, vowing to love him and help him become stronger than the rest of the solar system - even Sun. He agrees, and tells her that he's coming.

Official Links

 * Gumroad - Official download for Nebula Ultra
 * Ghostfruits' Tumblr - Announcement post for Nebula Ultra