Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book blog to the ODPH podcast. For this entry, it’s back to the old west with one of the best books on the Comixology Originals line via Best Jackett Press! CANARY #4 by Scott Snyder, Dan Panosian, Richard Starkings and Will Dennis has been a fantastic horror western tale that has been leaving readers in awe with some jaw dropping moments and frightening themes. After last issue’s final image, let’s not delay any longer and see where the story goes from here, shall we?

CANARY #4 - On Sale December 6th
Creative: Scott Snyder, Dan Panosian, Richard Starkings and Will Dennis
Credit: Comixology Originals via Best Jackett Press

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

In case you’re just joining in, this story centers around a brutal murder in Utah in 1891. Marshall Holt, a legendary lawman, is assigned to the case before he retires. When investigating, Holt is led back to the town of one of his most terrifying case: Canary. It is in Canary that Holt crossed paths with Hyrum Tell, a psychopath who’s heinous activities have scared the bravest of lawmen. The images of the children Tell killed in the flashback last issue give a true indication of what evil Holt was fighting against.

Upon his return, Holt meets up with Edison Edwards (or Ed-Ed), & Mabel Warren, daughter of Canary founder Chester Warren, as they investigate a cave that may hold the key to solving the case. The cave has its own dark history as well being the spot where Chester and some miners were killed. With the use of Edward’s Sonotron, the trio investigate the water levels of the cave. Their findings come as a shock to all as voices are heard saying “WE’RE STILL DOWN HERE!!!”

This issue opens up with Canary Mayor Gem using the Sonotron to investigate about the voices heard in the cave. Meanwhile, Holt, Edwards and Warren make their way to an abandoned house that Chester used as a headquarters for a group known as “The Global Geological & Divination Society 1081” or House 1081. Inside the house, there may be more clues to solving the reason behind the grizzly murders of the first issue. As the three move throughout the house, they dive deeper into the story behind the “Canary Evolution” theory and brace for some massive reveals.

All that said, one of the biggest shock surprises is what Mayor Gem pulls up from the cave with the Sonotron’s rope … or should I say who? The fallout from this moment is big. Even with this reveal, readers are 1000% NOT READY for the final page of what closes this issue. What do the trio find at House 1081 and what makes Canary so special? What came out from the mine thanks to Mayor Gem and WHAT ABOUT THAT LAST PAGE! Get ready for another can’t miss issue in this series!

Leave it to Snyder to keep dropping surprise after surprise after surprise this issue. Readers will have much to process with the two main stories happening here. The mystery behind House 1081 made for excellent drama as Holt starts pulling back the curtain on the secret of the murders. There’s a quiet moment in the book that connects everything with Holt’s past and present. Snyder spins that into the story perfectly so when the emotional impact hits, readers will feel its’ weight.

The other main story is Mayor Gem’s discovery. Snyder progresses that storyline much like the “canary Evolution” formula. There are any twists and turns with this plot that readers witness the growth into the final form (last page) and can’t help but be blown away. Excellent work pacing these big moments out where none overall the other.

Panosian bestows some amazing visuals throughout this issue. The atmosphere created by the art adds layers of tension and uncertainty as Holt ad company try finding answers. It plays off the writing flawlessly. Mayor Gem’s find at the mine is a full page shocking moment that will connect with every reader. It’s balanced out but the attention to details within House 1081. Later in the book, there’s a scene where Holt is looking at some framed pictures. Panosain makes those panels stand out with great detail and how it connects to a major reveal hits all the marks. With all these fantastic visuals to witness, Panosain drops a lasting image to close this chapter out that fans will be buzzing about.

FINAL POINT: The “Last Ride” Of Marshall Holt takes some thrilling turns before leaving readers with a haunting final image in the latest chapter of Canary. Snyder, Panosian and the team bring the tension and speechless reveals with excellent storytelling and art. It continues to be a must read at Comixology each month. Don’t miss this on new comic book day!

Hit me up on ODPH socails and let me know what you thought of Canary #4. Thanks for reading!

CANARY #4 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS/BEST JACKETT PRESS)

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