Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast. On this edition, we are at the end of the first story from House of Slaughter by Boom Studios. The spin-off title from Something is Killing the Children has been a must-read with a story starring Aaron Slaughter & his heartbreaking story with Jace. House of Slaughter #5 by James Tynion, Tate Brombal, Chris Shehan, Miquel Muerto, AndWorld Design & Werther Dell’edera has reached the conclusion of the first story. Let’s see how this tragic love story ends, shall we?

House Of Slaughter #5 - On Sale February 23rd
Creative: James Tynion, Tate Brombal, Chris Shehan, Miquel Muerto, AndWorld Design & Werther Dell’edera (Cover: Chris Shehan)
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING ***

Since the beginning of this series & story, the focus has been on Aaron and the assignment to eliminate Jace, his former love. The build has been very well down showcasing the heartbreak, esp. last issue. Readers jump in to the more recent past & see Jace has been working on plans of his own with an offer for Aaron. From there. the issue flashes back to where Jace makes his move for revenge against the House of Slaughter. Going after the elder statesman of the house has been the endgame for Jace all along. With Aaron out of the house, this leads to the final confrontation.

What Jace didn’t expect was Aaron to return to the house. After another threat emerges, Aaron has more issues to deal with. While this is going on, Jace continues on his plan moving forward in a very dangerous battle. With the entire house involved now, Aaron makes a choice that impacts all around him. No spoilers on that here but readers will have much to discuss post issue .

Tynion and company had a great story to kick this series off. The emotional pull on Aaron is felt thru this entire run. Even when Jace is having his final confrontation with the house,readers can feel the heightened tension until its resolution. Pacing was great and never let anyone not grasp the importance of the final arc. There is much about the first story that is a win. When a book can hit you in the emotions like House of Slaughter did, you know you have something special to check out.

The art really brought this story to life. Great use of 2 page spreads thru this issue. Shehan flourished in bringing the emotions of Jace and Aaron to the forefront here. From the emotional final battle & its resolution to Aaron’s choice, those moments jump off the pages in this book. For being a book about “monster hunters”, there are so many other layers to this book. It’s been an incredible ride thus far.

House of Slaughter #5 gives a solid conclusion to the first story arc of this book. It’s been one of the best books at the LCS so if you haven’t checked it out yet, make a point to catch up before the new story arc starts next issue. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Hit me up on Twitter & let me know what you thought of House of Slaughter. As always, thanks for reading!

HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #5 (BOOM STUDIOS)

Ken M