Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this entry, we’re following the latest thrilling adventure of Mark Dawson’s wildly popular character: Beatrix Rose! The current series by Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, and Saida Temofonte has been a sensational tale with non-stop action and a very capturing story behind it. Issue #4 is hitting Comixology this week. Let’s take a closer look at what is going on in her world of espionage and danger, shall we?

Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #4 - On Sale October 18th
Creative: Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, and Saida Temofonte (Cover: Adriana Melo)
Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Beatrix’s life hasn’t become any less complicated since she went off radar after her intelligence team betrayed her. Re-emerging in Japan as a gun-for-hire, Beatrix has become entangled in the path of “Yaomo” or “Demon”’s mission of taking down the Triad. What appeared to be a simple contract did not go according to plan. Once learning the identity of Yaomo, Rose flipped sides and is now trying to keep Yaomo alive and the Triad from killing them both.

This issue picks up after Rose and Yaomo’s safe-house was compromised. Now being on the offensive again, the pair make a play towards Shen Junru (one of the Triad’s high ranking members). The differences between how Yaomo and Rose do business is very evident. This has been an undeniable theme since they forged their partnership. The impulsiveness of Yaomo proves to be a deciding factor in this mission’s result. However, there is a sliver of hope discovered that might be the deciding factor in finding “The Serpent”, the head of the Triad.

Who is this mysterious figure? Readers get a very unique insight into what the character is all about. It comes off as a bit of a surprise but it’s well placed for this area in the story. There won’t be too much time to stay patient as events unfold to build toward the final confrontation. Readers are left with a final image that drives that point home.

Phillips brings everything to a fever pitch with this latest tale. The dynamic between Yaomo and Rose is what drives this issue. They are similar in certain areas but the experience factor is what sets them apart. Rose is the consummate professional while Yaomo is filled with emotional rage that makes her lose focus at key times. There are a few areas where Yaomo’s actions could lead to dire consequences. This plays into the Serpent’s favor. Seeing his story unfold was a great chance of pace to the constant pressure building of Rose and Yaomo’s alliance. The book moves very fast but at no time will a reader be lost. The balance between action and drama is spot-on for this series and issue.

Favoccia continues to deliver high-paced action for this series. Opening with Yaomo’s attack on Junru set a solid pace for this book. The strongest element of this issue was the emotional battle between Rose and Yaomo. Favoccia showcased how Yaomo’s rage was almost a hindrance to what she was trying to accomplish. This was countered with Rose’s reactions as she is trying to protect her while not stopping her either. It’s a fine line to walk but Favoccia does a great job with this challenge. The same goes with the Serpent’s tale as well. Without giving away too much, witnessing how he interacts with people outside of the criminal activity to those involved made for another layer of his character without tipping his hand too much. Great job all around.

Overall, The end might be near for this chapter of Beatrix Rose but it’s one not to miss. Phillips, Favoccia and the team keep delivering on the action while pushing the emotional impacts of Beatrix and her reluctant partner. Where this latest chapter ends will only build that up more so you definitely don’t want to miss this when it drops at Comixology this week!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #4. Thanks for reading.

BEATRIX ROSE: VIGILANTE #4 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

Ken M