Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! On this edition, we’re continuing to check out a brand new series from Valiant Entertainment that really hit a home run with fans on the first issue. Armorclads #2 by JJ O'CONNOR, BRIAN BUCCELLATO, MANUEL GARCIA, RAÜL FERNÁNDEZ, JORDIE BELLAIRE, & DAVE SHARPE continues the new story of a group of characters in the Valiant Universe that have now been put on a unexpected path with no other option other than to fight back. Let’s jump into the next chapter of their story, shall we?

**ARMORCLADS #2 On sale April 20th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+**
**Created by** JJ O'CONNOR
**Written by** JJ O'CONNOR AND BRIAN BUCCELLATO
**Pencils by** MANUEL GARCIA
**Inks by** RAÜL FERNÁNDEZ
**Colors by** JORDIE BELLAIRE
**Letters by** DAVE SHARPE
**Cover A by** BAGUS HUTOMO
**Cover B by** LIVIO RAMONDELLI
**Cover C by** BAGUS HUTOMO
**Pre-order Cover by** IKHWAN WALLIYUDDIN
**Credit: Valiant Entertainment**

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Side Note: Nobody does recap/intro pages like Valiant. Always a plus to see them.

Armorclads is the story of a group of workers who mine The Pure, a highly sought after mineral. They are known as IronClads. Their “bosses” are a Alphan militaristic force that are known as ArmorClads. During their latest mining job, Sam (A member of the IronClads) was left to die by Sgt. Troy, who oversaw this mining job. When returning back to base from that mining mission, their group was attacked by bug-like creatures. Instead of helping Sgt. Troy, Peris, one of the IronClads who tried saving Sam but was prevented, stood the rest ofthe group back and allowed Sgt. Troy to die. Now back at the base, more Alphan military is coming by to find out what happened.

Their group is interrogated by Major Helix demanding answers. After pressuring IronClads for information, Helix orders the Armorclads to execute majority of the group until Peris confesses to the actions and takes blame. Helix moves the group & Peris to their fates until some circumstances happen that buy the IC’s a chance to escape. Will the group of reluctant heroes make the most of this chance? What will be the fate of Peris? And how bout that final page?

Strong second issue by the writing team here. As previously mentioned in issue #1’s blog, once this story gets rolling, the characters will start winning readers over. Peris and Lela have great moments thru this issue. One great aspect of this book is there is a lot of world building happening here. The introduction of the Legionaires was a great sequence, plus who debuts on the final page. he true win of this issue though is seeing how these “heroes” are coming together as a team. The “Us against the Universe” mentality is something readers can definitely latch onto & grow with this team.

The art is very solid here as well. World building (especially in other universes) can be challenging but I’m a big fan of the designs of the Legionaires. Action panels really stand out here as well. Garcia brings big moments to the small fight which works. The “standoff” set-up is presented great and drives home the point of how this group is coming together as a team. Loved the final panel sequence with Helix and the Ironclads for setting up the next issue.

Overall, Armorclads continues to create a new corner of the Valiant Universe with a growing story and art bringing these worlds to life. Characters are starting to break out into their own roles which will only make the story greater as it progresses. Jump on now & get this book next time you swing by the LCS!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Armorclads #2. As always, Thanks for Reading!

ARMORCLADS #2 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

Ken M