Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! On this edition, we’re taking a look at the latest issue of one of my favorite series out right now. If you haven’t checked out everything Scott Snyder has been doing on the Comixology Originals line via Best Jackett Press with We Have Demons (with Greg Capullo On Sale via print for the first time by Dark Horse Comics March 23rd ) & Night Of The Ghoul (with Francesco Francavilla), you are missing out on some of the best comics out there. Clear is no exception. Clear #5 by Scott Snyder, Francis Manapul & Andworld Designs (Comixology Originals) has been delivering on a crazy, futuristic thriller that hasn’t let up since issue 1. Let’s not waste anymore time and jump right into this story, shall we?

Clear #5 by Scott Snyder, Francis Manapul — Clear #5 - On Sale March 22nd
Creative: Scott Snyder, Francis Manapul & Andworld Design
Credit: Comixology Originals - Best Jackett Press

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story centers around Detective Sam Dunes. Being a cop in a future San Francisco in 2052 is not easy. The world has been completely re-invented from the use of “Veils". Veils allow a user to re-create their reality in the vision of what they want. Want to exist in a historic time period? Sure. Want to change an outcome of something in the past? Possible. All for the right price as veils are big business. With the ability to see the world as any vision you want, what would you choose? Dunes isn’t someone who subscribes to this philosophy. Dunes would rather see “Clear” & see the world for what it is. However, when the death of his love, Kendra appears not to be what it seems, Dunes investigates what happened.

From there, the story of her death is much like the world existing to the readers: not what it appears to be at all. For Dunes, he’s challenged with continuing this quest for answers while questioning himself on why even try fighting what the world has become. There is a great panel in issue #1 when he’s staring into his helmet reflection saying “Why Bother” to illustrate that point. The story has taken it’s fair shares of twists and turns that have made this series such an incredible read. When we arrive to issue #5, things are definitely moving fast.

Dunes takes a dive into the water much like Kendra did to avoid being captured by Police for something he did not do. The similarities stop there as Dunes is rescued by a mysterious figure known as The Widow that helps to answer some of the questions he has been asking. It’s a great back and forth with these two characters as readers get some clarity themselves on what motivations are with this story. There are some BIG revelations from the Widow here that need to be read and not spoiled. The final page will have readers excited to see how this will all end next issue.

Clear #5 - On Sale March 22nd
Creative: Scott Snyder, Francis Manapul & Andworld Design
Credit: Comixology Originals - Best Jackett Press

If you’ve listened to the ODPHpod, you know how much of a fan I am of Snyder’s work. Clear is presented in such a unique take that it really stands out from other books. The question of how much technology has altered the way we see the world is a driving point to this series. Dunes’ mission of addressing this “problem” is one that’s not so cut and dry. Snyder never let up from this idea and it pays off here. After the true revelation of “Clear” is made, it actually gives some thought on understanding of Dunes & what he feels he needs to do. Snyder crafts this very complex story with some great thought provoking moments. By the time we’re at the end of this issue, Dunes is ready to close this story out, for better or worse in his eyes or others.

This story is great but without Manapul & Designs on this book, I’m not sure if I could see someone else doing the illustrations here. Visually alone, it’s one of the best books you’ll see at Comixology. Manapul brought the futuristic sci-fi element right to the forefront. San Francisco felt like a whole new world and with all the characters involved. This really shines thru with the black & white vs. color panels in this book to represent what is “clear” and what is not. Even the visuals of the Widow really gave this character a distinct energy that carried thru her conversation with Dunes. There has been so many incredible images coming from this book that the art team needs all the accolades it can get. The future has rarely looked this impressive.

Overall, Clear #5 sets up a big ending to an incredible story. Snyder, Manapul and Design have absolutely crushed this book right out of the gate. Snyder has created a simple murder mystery and had it evolve into a whole different story that never lets go. Manapul does some of his best work & presents a unique version of the future with tying in so many elements of the past. Highest possible recommendation.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Clear #5. As always, thanks for reading.

CLEAR #5 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS - BEST JACKETT PRESS)

Ken M