Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this edition, we’re taking a look at the penultimate (SAY IT AIN’T SO!) chapter in the latest adventure of Peter Stanchek. The Harbinger #7 by COLLIN KELLY, JACKSON LANZING, ROBBI RODRIGUEZ, RICO RENZI
& HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU by Valiant Entertainment has been on point since it’s debut. Where we last saw our lead character, it was definitely a mic drop cliffhanger moment, so let’s now waste any more time and jump into breaking this issue down, shall we?

THE HARBINGER #7 - On sale ARPIL 27th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+
Written by COLLIN KELLY, JACKSON LANZING
**Art by** ROBBI RODRIGUEZ
**Colors by** RICO RENZI
**Letters by** HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
**Cover A by** ROBBI RODRIGUEZ
**Cover B by** JONATHAN MARKS BERRAVECHHIA
**Pre-order Cover by** CULLY HAMNER
Credit: Valiant Entertainment

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Since his return appearance, Stanchek has been drawing attention from many people of the Valiant Universe. Obviously being one of the most powerful people on the planet will do that. Having his track record of actions will cause that as well. As this series has progressed, readers have found out that Stanchek has rewired his brain (literally) and become dedicated to be a beacon of hope for the people of Psiot City. This doesn’t go as easy as planned because he has one force standing right in his way: himself. The “evil” version of Stanchek is known as the Renegade who is trying to unleash chaos on the city.

From the fallout of their initial encounter, the Renegade has been working to build up an army of Psiots to assist in his plans. Harbinger’s mission is clear to stop “himself” at all costs. Luckily, he has some help in an old friend Faith aka Zephyr along with Cici and Young Ago. While en route flying to find the Renegade, Harbinger is SHOT IN THE HEAD by the assassin Blam!

This issue picks up literally as our hero is bleeding his mind out! With Cici and Ago trying to save Harbinger, Faith goes right after Blam. All the while, the Renegade has started the initial shot on his attack on Chicago with his army ready to go. Readers get a small glimpse of what’s to come if our heroes fail. Can our hero come back from Death’s door? Readers have seen Stanchek pull off some miracle moves before. Does he have one more left in his sleeve? And if so, is he ready for the battle ahead?

Kelly & Lanzing out do themselves on story ideas with this one! Their take on Harbinger and what Stanchek is capable with his powers is such a cool take. If anyone had questions of how powerful of a character he is had them answered with this issue. When they dive into moments like his “repair work”, it turns into the strongest part of the story. With all his powers, Stanchek is as fragile as ever finding his way to “Be Better”. The rest of the characters had solid moments as well with a final shot worthy of heading into a final battle.

Rodriguez crushes another issue! Holy Smokes! The imagery of Stanchek putting his mind back together was incredible! Rodirguez’s style is such a complement to the story. The full panel pages were excellent as well as the Renegade unleashing his first attacked (last picture in this blog) There’s no book out that captures such a unique trippy feel like Harbinger. It’s one of the best books out right now with a creative team that is leaving a tough act to follow. There’s much to enjoy with this issue.

Overall, The Harbinger #7 sets the pace for an epic finale to the current chapter of Peter Stanchek. Incredible storytellig with pushing the limits of psionic powers along with fantastic art makes this a must-have at your local comic shops this week! Also, get the first volume TPB if you haven’t already!

Hot me up on Twotter and let me know what you thought of The Harbinger #7. Thanks for reading.

THE HARBINGER #7 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

Ken M