Welcome back for an all new Parlay Points, the complementary blog section to the ODPH Podcast. On this edition, We’re picking up on the events of Basilisk #5 by Cullen Bunn, Jonas Scharf, Alex Guimaraes, & Ed Dukeshire for Boom! Studios. It’s been a while since we’ve seen the group known as the Chimera reign havoc on the world, so I was pretty amped to check this book out. It’s been a solid read thus far & not one for the squeamish. Let’s see how Hannah & Regan are doing in stopping the super powered psychopaths & saving the world in the process, shall we?

Basilisk #5 - Boom Studios (On sale Dec. 8th)
Creative Team: Cullen Bunn, Jonas Scharf, Alex Guimaraes, & Ed Dukeshire
Credit: Boom! Studios

*** POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING ***

Readers get a quick flashback from Hannah, our human who’s committed to taking down the Chimera, before seeing the fallout from last issue’s wild battle. Regan, who’s defected from the Chimera is trying to help Hannah & get moving on their next plan. On the flip-side, we see the remaining Chimera processing what just happened in their own destructive way.

From there, we see Regan struggle from what appears to be a psionic attack. There is a jaw-dropping moment during this sequence that readers will very much enjoy. However, the final pages of the book will get the readers very excited since he majority of this issue is building towards the next battle of the Chimera & Hannah. Location could be a major factor in this one.

Bunn & Scharf continue on ramping up the build for what will be a chaotic battle & it’s really hitting its’ stride this issue. Pacing on this issue works well comign off the heels of last issue’s major fight. Both sides are wounded & hurt but can’t afford to take time to rest. The sense of urgency is felt by all the characters. This works so well wit stakes being this high. Readers also get more insight on Regan and how her powers have some good Easter eggs to build off from moving forward in the book.

Scharf’s artwork shines throughout this issue as well. His portrayal of the Chimera really connects with the reader. The “Hotel Stay” is prime example of this. The scene works on portraying them as the evil beings they are while trying to have readers see their vision as well. Even the flashback sequences are drawn with a different style to make them stand out.

Overall, Basilisk #5 gives readers a short break to catch their breath from last issue’s events. It has very good building moments for the key players & the artwork stands on its’ own to drive those points home.

Make sure to grab a copy this week when at your LCS. Let me know what you think of Basilisk #5 on Twitter. As always, thanks for reading!

BASILISK #5 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

Ken M