Welcome back for an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary blog to the ODPH Podcast. On this edition, the adventures of Aric of Dacia & his partner in armor, Shanhara, continue in the pages of X-O Manowar! Valiant Entertainment’s legendary hero has been on a wild odyssey created by DENNIS HOPELESS & EMILIO LAISO these past few issues. X-O’s latest issue is hitting your local comic shops on October 20th. Let’s not waste anymore time & dive right into this issue, shall we?

X-O MANOWAR #7 Written by DENNIS HOPELESS Art by EMILIO LAISO Inks by RAFFAELE FORTE Colors by RUTH REDMOND Letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU Cover A by RAHZZAH Cover B by DEXTER SOY Pre-order Cover by CHRIS JOHNSONOn sale OCTOBER 20th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+Credit: Valiant Entertainment/DMG Entertainment — **X-O MANOWAR #7**
**Written by** DENNIS HOPELESS
**Art by** EMILIO LAISO
**Inks by** RAFFAELE FORTE
**Colors by** RUTH REDMOND
**Letters by** HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
**Cover A by** RAHZZAH
**Cover B by** DEXTER SOY
**Pre-order Cover by** CHRIS JOHNSON
**On sale OCTOBER 20th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+**
Credit: Valiant Entertainment/DMG Entertainment

*** POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING ***

The current story has been centered around Shanhara’s breakdown by mysterious reasons. Aric has been trying to adjust to working without his partner at 100%. Last issue, things seemed to have finally improved but it ended with an international issue happening in Paris after an encounter with a nanite being. The tension has been building & the emotions are showing on Aric each moment. The only one seeming unfazed by everything is Aric’s “ally” Troy Whittaker.

This issue jumps right in after the Paris incident. Aric is trying to put things together of what happened but Shanhara is quick to change the subject. Meanwhile Troy Whittaker is taking blame for what happened in a PR move until another incident of nanites causes a change in plans. Readers also bear witness to Shanhara battling her issues to the point that they start piecing together what’s really been going on.. Aric doesn’t have time to take a breath because he’s jumping into action addressing the nanite’s threat. However, that moment is topped by an even bigger one. Aric & the readers find out who’s behind all these issues with one incredible cliffhanger!

Hopeless delivers another solid issue with X-O #7. The pacing is very good & does a great job in keeping readers guessing at what’s going on. The only “tip-off” are Shanhara’s word balloons which doesn’t give too much away. Once the end surprise is revealed, readers will really connect the dots to what he’s been setting up. Genuinely didn’t see that coming but super excited for next issue!

The art continues to be a strong asset to the book. Laiso’s work brings the big action moments to life. Aric’s & Shanhara’s struggles are presented very well throughout this issue. Nothing is spoiled too early & the action has that “big fight feel” to it. Laiso does a great job building toward the big ending moment. No spoilers for that, but excellent delivery at the finish.

Overall, Aric of Dacia contuies on a strong return to comic shops with the latest issue. Readers are in for a big ending at the conclusion of X-O Manowar #7. Aric & Shanhara’s latest adventure speeds up to a jaw-dropping reveal that will have fans amped up for the next issue. Make a point to grab it at your LCS.

Let me know on Twitter what you thought of X-O Manowar #7. As Always, Thanks for reading!

X-O MANOWAR #7 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

Ken M