Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary blog to the ODPH podcast! On this edition, It’s time to check out the latest issue of one of our favorite new series of 2021. We're checking out the latest issue of the Harbinger by Valiant Entertainment!

Talk about bringing a character back in a big way! The life & Times of Peter Stanchek aka Harbinger has never been better for comic book fans to read. COLLIN KELLY, JACKSON LANZING, ROBBI RODRIGUEZ, RICO RENZI & HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU have been crushing this series & The Harbinger #3 shows no signs of letting up. Let’s jump right in & see what’s happening here, shall we?

THE HARBINGER #3
Written by COLLIN KELLY, JACKSON LANZING
**Art by** ROBBI RODRIGUEZ
**Colors by** RICO RENZI
**Letters by** HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
**Cover A by** ROBBI RODRIGUEZ
**Cover B by** ADAM POLLINA
**Pre-order Connecting Cover by** DAMION SCOTT
**On sale DECEMBER 22nd | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+**
**Credit: Valiant Entertainment**

*** POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING ***

“Who Is Peter Stanchek?” That’s the question that has been haunting this series since it’s debut. Stanchek, one of the most powerful beings in the Valiant Universe has no memories but everyone is looking for him. Is he a hero & is he something else? Unfortunately, he hasn’t gotten a lot of time to answer that question. He’s being tracked down but any action he makes causes a bigger reaction. Factor in no memories & we have some compelling scenes to endure for our main character.

After the events of last issue & battling the Warning, a group hunting down Psiots, Stanchek is now committed to being the hero needed during these trying times. Stanchek’s on a rescue mission to free Young Ago, a psiot stadning up for the people of Psiot City from the Warning.

With a fresh new superhero costume in place, The Harbinger is ready to rise up & fight. Readers are front row from this epic confrontation. The creative team delivers on the intensity and action. Knowing that this battle isn’t over just with the Warning, The Harbinger makes an attempt to take his offensive attack in a different direction with the public. It’s a very cool moment you need to see for yourself.

Readers are also left with a strong cliffhanger that will (possibly) finally answer some questions we’ve had since issue #1: “Who is Peter Stanchek?”

Just when you think this book has peaked, Kelly & Lanzing take it up a few notches with this issue. Stanchek assuming the mantle of the Harbinger symbolizes a new era in Psiot City. The battle he has with the Warning really drives that point home, It’s a crazy pace to balance but the writing team does an excellent job pulling it off. Even with how Stanchek comes to a resolution to the battle is unique. This story really transcends an ordinary super hero story into one of change and new beginnings.

Rodriguez continues his incredible work within these pages. The way Rodriguez manages to demonstrate Stanchek’s powers without taking away from the story is truly something special. Every moment after he suits up focuses on how Stanchek is using his powers. There is a lot of creativity in pulling these panels off. The two page spreads put a nice exclamation point on what the creative team is doing with this book.

The Life and times of Peter Stanchek have never been more engaging to readers. Kelly, Lanzing & Rodriguez are crafting a story for the ages with imaginative narration & incredible artwork. One of Valiant’s most powerful characters continues on with another must-have issue. Highest possible recommendation. Make a point to grab a copy of this comic at your LCS this week!

Let me know on Twitter what you thought of this book & series! As always, Thanks for reading!

THE HARBINGER #3 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

Ken M