Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH podcast!

For this entry, we have arrived at the final issue for the return of a fan-favorite character on Comixology Originals. In case you’re not too familiar, The Black Ghost is the story of reporter Lara Dominguez, whos’ taken on the mantle of the vigilante while battling her own personal demons (First season Print version available via Dark Horse Comics). Season 2 hasn’t missed a beat with the new story “Shame The Devil” and new challenges to face head on. With how intense this tale became, THE BLACK GHOST: SEASON 2 #5 by Alex Segura, Monica Gallagher, George Kambadais, Ellie Wright, and Taylor Esposito has a lot of fans waiting impatiently to see its’ conclusion.

Let’s not delay any longer and see how The Black Ghost’s latest adventure wraps up, shall we?

THE BLACK GHOST: SEASON 2 #5 - On Sale December 20th

Creative: Alex Segura, Monica Gallagher, George Kambadais, Ellie Wright, and Taylor Esposito

Credit" Comixology Originals via New Wave Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

This season has shown Lara’s difficulties of balancing her super-hero vs normal everyday life. Lara’s personal life has taken some hits as she delves into the mystery surrounding a new threat in town by the name of Harrow and the corruption and body count that is pilling up in her wake. The first encounter didn’t fare in Lara’s favor and only by Harrow’s decision assuming Lara wasn’t a threat did our hero survive. Now, with last issue’s revelation of Harrow’s true identity and a new danger making their presence known, The Black Ghost sets forth for the final showdown.

This issue opens up with Lara digging into more of the background of Deborah Alverne aka Harrow. Alverne is the widow of a former Creighton mayor who blames the Police Department. With her anger, she has assumed the identity of Harrow and is enacting her revenge. Lara gets some unlikely help from Boyle, a fellow reporter at the paper. With some research of old files, Lara makes the connection needed to bring down Harrow. While this is unfolding, Lara’s girlfriend, Molly, cals with good intentions but the talk goes south fairly quickly which eludes to the end of the relationship. While balancing out all this extra events, Lara sets forth to confront Harrow at an old church.

When she arrives, Lara sees her tech sidekick Ernesto, who was presumed missing or worse last issue, has found his way to Harrow himself. The pair starts making a picture of events and recognize that LONE has returned. Lone played a big role in season one and his return means the stakes have become even higher. Without a moment to spare, Harrow makes a grand entrance into the story and readers won’t be ready for what they see! Sporting a unique new look, Harrow has police commissioner Paul leGrande captured. It’s time for The Black Ghost to act, but can see pull this off?

Readers will sit ringside for this rematch as they get some lingering questions answered that will build up this confrontation even more. There are surprises galore going into the final act that won’t disappoint anyone. They’re well timed and take nothing away from the build-up readers have been waiting to see pay off. The conclusion delivers on closure for some stories while the final image will have readers guessing when, not if, will we see Crieghton’s defender sooner than later.

Fantastic conclusion by Segura and Gallagher tying up loose ends. This latest tale showcased Lara trying to stabilize her dual identities with varying success. Her personal life as a reporter and partner was pushed by her drive to bring down Harrow. Lara doesn’t do everything perfect and readers can’t help but to get behind her on facing these issues head on. This issue proved without question that Lara is a hero and has earned the mantle of the Black Ghost. How she handles herself against the final challenges is proof of that. Pacing was perfect for hitting all the big moments. There are great surprises mixed in the drama. Harrow and one other character have can’t-miss panels. Readers will have much to enjoy with this story and speculation of the final page’s parting image.

Kambadais sends readers home very pleased with the artwork this closing chapter. No one will be ready for what Harrow does with her look. It’s a great twist that plays well with the writing. The action scenes cap off some big story points. Great full page image to conclude the biggest fight of the issue. The character moments between Lara and Molly are ones that illustrate how much Lara is trying to maintain the balance and what the cost is for being the hero Creighton needs.

FINAL POINT: Season 2 of The Black Ghost ends on a very satisfying note. The latest saga of Lara Dominguez doesn’t hold back on the drama and surprises before setting the stage for her next phase as Creighton’s defender. Segura, Gallagher, Kambadias and the creative team pull out all the stops to give readers something to talk about after the last page. Make sure to get this series on Comixology this week!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of The Black Ghost: Season 2.

Thanks for reading!

THE BLACK GHOST: SEASON 2 #5 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS/NEW WAVE COMICS)

Ken M