Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary blog to the ODPH Podcast. On this edition, the “Year Of Valiant” shines bright with one of the best books at the LCS right now: The Harbinger by COLLIN KELLY, JACKSON LANZING, ROBBI RODRIGUEZ, RICO RENZI & HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU by Valiant Entertainment.

The book has been a consistently solid read since the character of Peter Stanchek has resurfaced in the Valiant Universe. Currently, the latest story involves Stanchek remembering who he is…literally, while the rest of the world is after him. Issue #3 gave a very strong cliffhanger that gave readers some questions that need immediate answers. Let’s see if issue #4 delivers on that, shall we?

THE HARBINGER #4 - On sale JANUARY 26th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+
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** CLAUDIA IANNICIELLO
**Pre-order Connecting Cover by** DAMION SCOTT
**Credit: Valiant Entertainment**

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

To say Peter Stanchek is a complex individual is an understatement. While being one of Valiant’s most powerful beings, he is also one of the most damaged. Thru this current series, we’ve seen Peter as someone finding himself and who he’s supposed to be. By the end of last issue, we find that his past (literally) might have caught up to him.

“The Renegade” claims to be Peter Stanchek as well. Readers get some clarity on this question right from the start. In an “Angel/Devil” balance type of way, readers see that the Renegade is build from all of Peter’s darker experiences. The overall creative team brings this battle to life very well with use of different color schemes. It’s a very cool look at the insight of a character such as Stanchek & how his actions made him into something else…literally.

The resolution to all this sets a new stat quo into the man currently claiming to be “The Harbinger.” The phrase “Be Better” has never had so much deeper meaning behind it & the people of the Valiant Universe had better be ready for what’s coming….good and bad.

It might sound like a broken record at this point, but what Kelly & Lanzing are doing in this book is so different than what you see in superhero comics today. With a character as infamous as Stanchek is, the writers have really broken him down and given him some new sides to this character that readers have never seen before. What an antagonist to create for our hero here! It’s a great take on a character that isn’t exactly the most innocent yet trying to be a hero when it’s all said & done.

Rodriguez’s art in this book continues to be a perfect compliment to the story happening here. The imagery to show what’s going on in Stanchek’s mind gives the pages a completely stand-out vibe. Readers can basically “feel” what’s happening within this story. Quieter flashbacks mixed with excellent color balancing gives the fight in this issue a stronger presence.

Valiant’s best book continues it’s hot streak with another incredible issue. Peter Stanchek has never been more polarizing and interesting. The fallout from this issue will be something readers should be buzzing about for at the shops this week. “Year Of Valiant” might be the motto but #BeBetter might be the hashtag of 2022. Amazing job by the entire creative team here. Get your copy asap!

Let me know what you thought of The Harbinger #4 on Twitter. As always, thanks for reading.

THE HARBINGER #4 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT 2022)

Ken M