Welcome back for an all new edition of Parlay Points, the ODPH podcast’s complementary blog. We are absolutely THRILLED to announce we’re going to start reviewing comics from BOOM! Studios! If you’re not familiar with what BOOM!’s got going on, now is a perfect time to check them out. For this edition of the blog, let’s talk about Basilisk #3 by Cullen Bunn & Jonas Scharf
BASILISK #3 (BOOM! STUDIOS)
Creative team: Cullen Bunn, Jonas Scharf, Alex Guimarães, & Ed Dukeshire
On Sale August 4th, 2021
(credit: BOOM! Studios)
The story focuses on The Chimera, a savage group of individuals (Jimmy-Boy, Cara, Vanessa & Manny) with superpowers based around the senses. They’re leaving a trail of obliteration wherever they go. One former member, Regan might be the key to stopping them. She’s broken away & is now paired with a former victim, Hannah in ending the Chimera once and for all.
It makes for a very uncomfortable pairing considering Regan killed Hannah’s daughter. The pair’s actions has caused the rest of the Chimera to prepare for a confrontation. However, they have some warm-up action involving a face-off with the state police with one of the more wilder scenes you’ll see in comics. There is nothing routine for the pack of wild psychopaths, or all they all bad? With a tip from Manny, Regan & Hannah get the signal who’s on the move.
After the smoke clears, it appears all roads now lead to a final confrontation.
Credit: BOOM! Studios (Jonas Scharf, Alex Guimarães)
There is a LOT of win with this book. If you’ve read this blog before, you know I really enjoy Bunn’s writing. This book is no exception. Bunn presents this “family” as more than meets the eyes. Everyday moments turn into a powder-keg explosion at the drop of a dime. Take the moment at the rest stop when the State Police shows up as prime example. The Battle is BRUTAL. It’s a great horror element added to this book.
For the saga of Regan & Hannah, the tension is there from the moment you see them on page & never lets up. One key factor of how this translates is Jonas Scharf & Alex Guimarães’ artwork. The scenes ooze the pain & stress of the world we’re watching in these pages. Plus, when they bring the fight with the state police to life, no punches are pulled. The helicopter scene stands out for how vicious the Chimera can be. It’s an excellent compliment to the story being created in Basilisk.
Credit: BOOM! Studios (Jonas Scharf, Alex Guimarães)
Overall, Basilisk stands out on the shelves. The book’s motto could be “With Great Power comes No Regard.” The creative team takes the supernatural vibe up a notch by giving these characters powers & show how absolutely evil they can be. Even with the shades of gray throw in, the horror & dark elements stay strong throughout. Can Hannah & Regan stop The Chimera? We will have to read on & find out.
Basilisk drops on at the LCS on August 4th. Hit me up on Twitter & let me know what you think.
As always, Thanks for reading & supporting the ODPH Podcast