Welcome back for an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary log to the ODPH podcast. For this edition, we’re heading back to the world of Magic with Pocus Hocus #2 by Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balando, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz for Bad Bug Media. The first issue was a fun trip into the crazy world of Pocus Hocus, a magician who’s signs a powerful deal with a demon for his soul. How that initial journey turned out was wild. This issue picks up at the insane ending of the opening arc. let’s see where this story takes us now, shall we?
Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balando, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz for Bad Bug Media
Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balando, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz for Bad Bug Media
Cover B by Kit Wallis
*** POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING ***
The Demon who Pocus made his deal with comes back after getting himself in some trouble. One card game gone wrong and now the demon needs Pocus’s help to get the price on his head removed. Sounds easy, right? Not in the land of Pocus Hocus as a surprise person catches wind of the events going on. Where does this all lead to? Read & find out!
Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balando, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz for Bad Bug Media
Radford & Dunford deliver on another darkly fun ride with everyone’s favorite degenerate magician. The humor hits between Pocus & the Demon. Their “unique” relationship has some fun moments that stand out. Plus how fun is a demonic card game? There’s good story-building with Pocus’ assistant Emily as well. One of the strongest points of the book is how the creative team camouflages the darker story going on with quirky funny moments throughout.
The art team continues their good work this issue. Remember the demonic card game? Balondo makes that sequence of events shine. It’s a wild force of nature in its own right. Readers will really enjoy how that sequence of events unfolds. The final pages put a nice finish & good cliffhanger to close this issue out on.
Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balando, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz for Bad Bug Media
Overall, Pocus Hocus #2 continues off its strong opening issue. The writing is sharp, funny & keeps the story moving in a fun direction. The art complements how dire this world can be while showing it’s bright moments during a card game gone wrong. You definitely want to check this book out!
Issue #3 will be starting up on Kickstarter soon so make sure you’re following Pocus Focus on social media & don’t miss out on a chance to get it!
Let me know what you thought of Pocus Hocus on Twitter. As Always, Thanks for reading!