He is the first great enemy and dissenting voice of the Gun-Club project. He gained a legendary reputation during the Civil War for casting impenetrable iron armor for ships and military bunkers. He drew Barbicane's ire as Barbicane built more piercing weapons. When the moon-shell launch was planned, he went to war against the project, citing countless theoretical and material excuses based on his belief that it was impossible, and wagered his fortune on massive bets. Eventually, he comes face to face with his enemy Barbicane and the Frenchman Michel Ardan in a forest for a duel. After peace negotiations that completely extinguished his grudge, he shows revolutionary chivalry and joins the passenger crew.
Born in Philadelphia, Nicholl is a capable Captain who has spent years designing metal and durable steel armor. Although he advocates for protection rather than destruction, his primary goal is to prove that the materials he produced could never be surpassed. The theoretical clashes that occurred during the war turned his inability to confront Barbicane into an accumulation of anger.
A thin, tall, yet resilient-looking man with a spiked goatee, fitting the irritable, fiery, energetic American tradition.
J. T. Maston
He shows patience in the face of Maston's protective vehemence and, having ceased holding a grudge, adapts to the team's balance.
Michel Ardan
He succumbs to his conciliatory wit and reckless boldness, and grows to admire him.
Impey Barbicane
He transforms from his most fierce arch-enemy into the most respectable rival/companion with whom he shakes hands in a knightly spirit.