THE DEAD LUCKY #4 by MELISSA FLORES, FRENCH CARLOMAGNO (Image Comics)

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book blog to the ODPH podcast. For this entry, we’re continuing to follow one of the best new series of 2022 & one that should be a must-have in your pull lists on New Comic Book Day. THE DEAD LUCKY #4 by MELISSA FLORES, FRENCH CARLOMAGNO, MATTIA IACONO AND BECCA CAREY (along with editor Michael Busuttil) for Image Comics pushes onward with it’s energetic debut arc. The latest addition to comic’s hottest line, The Radiant Black-led “Massive-Verse” doesn’t fail to impress and astonish every issue. Let’s not waste another second and jump into the latest chapter, shall we?

THE DEAD LUCKY #4 - ON SALE NOVEMBER 30TH
CREATIVE: MELISSA FLORES, FRENCH CARLOMAGNO, MATTIA IACONO, BECCA CAREY & Michael Busuttil
CREDIT: IMAGE COMICS/BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

In case you’re just jumping into the story now, Bibiana Lopez-Yang aka Bibi returned to her home of San Francisco after being honorably discharged from the armed forces. Much has changed since her time away. Morrow, a company with an agenda all its’ own, has been digging their clutches int San Francisco while opposing them has been the Salvation Army, who has their own ideas about what San Francisco should be. The only person standing in their way is Bibi, who’s emerged as a hero the city needs while dealing with her own mental health post service (PTSD and Survivor’s Guilt).

This issue jumps in with the fallout of Morrow making a play to draw Bibi out which resulted in her parents restaurant being destroyed and her father injured. Bibi makes the save with some help and rescues her dad before flying off. Meanwhile, Mr. Jimmi Moss, the head of Morrow, is relaxing while the chaos is ensuing. His plan to take down Bibi has started to work.

From here, readers catch up with former Officer Maria Garcia who has become an ally to Bibi, and Valentine, who’s Morrow through and through. The conversation is poignant as the question of Morrow’s ethics come into play. However, readers won’t be ready for what comes next as there’s a dive into Bibi’s past that will change her future forever. How will Bibi handle what’s coming next? Will Morrow pull off their next phase? and HOLY CRAP, WHAT JUST HAPPENED ON THE LAST PAGE?!?! Get ready for an issue that is sure to have fans talking!

The saga of Bibi’s heroic evolution continues to be absolutely incredible. Flores presents Bibi as a character who doesn’t do everything right but does everything needed to win. One of the strongest moments in this issue is right after Bibi makes the save of her father and starts reflecting after. Giving readers an inside peak into what Bibi is thinking made for some powerful imagery. The pace doesn’t slow down after that as Bibi heads straight into Morrow’s way. Readers can’t help but root for her to win and that’s all based on how the writing has established the emerging hero.

Carlomagno and Iacono give the world of Bibi’s San Francisco a bold energy in this issue. Bibi’s emergence from the restaurant pops right off the page and gives that panel an iconic feel. Without spoiling, the place where Bibi goes after is presented exceptionally. The action is high impact when it happens while the emotional moments stand apart on their own. The final shot form this book is one that adds more excitement to the moment which already had a huge aura to it. Excellent work from all involved.

FINAL POINT: The Dead Lucky shows no sign of slowing down from its meteoric pace. With a lead character that is complex while balancing bravery, Bibiana Lopez-Yang has become a character you can’t pass reading about. Flores, Carlomagno and the creative team craft another hit with the emotion and action readers crave from a super hero tale. Don’t leave the comic shop without this issue in your bags this week.

Hit me up on the socials and let me know what you thought of The Dead Lucky #4. Thanks for reading.

THE DEAD LUCKY #4 (IMAGE COMICS)

Ken M