Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast. For this edition, we’re continuing to follow the newest hit book coming from Valiant Entertainment. ARMORCLADS by JJ O'CONNOR, BRIAN BUCCELLATO, MANUEL GARCIA, RAÜL FERNÁNDEZ, JORDIE BELLAIRE and DAVE SHARPE has been a smash out of the gate & created a big buzz on this corner of the Valiant Universe. The first two issues sold out on the initial runs and issue 3 is sure to be following in those footsteps. Let’s take a deep dive into the latest chapter and see where we’re at, shall we?

**ARMORCLADS #3 - On sale May 18th | 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** IKHWAN WALLIYUDDIN
**Cover C by** BAGUS HUTOMO
**Pre-order Cover by** JUNGGEUN YOON
Credit: Valiant Entertainment

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Kudos to Valiant for always putting a recap page in before most issues so new readers can always jump in and catch up on a series.

The ironclads have been through a lot during their time on Xeru. From starting out as simple workers looking for the Pure to sustain the Alphan military, their journey has been anything but easy. When one of their own Sam is killed on a mining mission when Sgt. Troy leaves him to die, Peris steps up to lead the revolyt back and ultimately is responsible for Sgt. Troy’s death in retailiation. Once the group returns to their home, they are confronted by the Alphan military. Peris is taken away and the rest are almost certain to fall until some luck falls their way. Suffice to say, this group has become battle tested in a hurry.

This issue jumps in to where Lela has now taken up the leadership role and is planning on a rescue mission for Peris. There’s one problem with this: the Ironclad suits are not meant for that kind of battle but luckily there might be a way to fix that situation. Readers are about to witness the genesis of what these heroes are made of and the fight for freedom.

Meanwhile, readers meet Governor Dohman. He’s got some plans in the works and Peris plays a big part in those. What are the “Lost Suits”? All the while, Lela is bringing the troops to the forefront as they march to battle. The playing field has leveled a bit with these Ironclads making a play to fight the Alphans head on and free Peris. How will this ultimately end? It’s a gutsy call to attack but this group has had nothing to lose from the beginning. What’s one more mission, right?

The story is really starting to its’ stride with this issue. Lela has become the character that fans will be rallying around. There’s also a great moment with Jac that shows how much he’s grown as a character. This group of individuals are finally coming together as a team. Once you see the team ready to go, readers can’t help but be excited about the next phase of this story. The introduction of Governor Dohman and his plans add a nice twist to this saga as well.

Garcia’s art really shines in this issue. Readers get a great team shot as the ironclads level up. They also get some great action panels where we see how this team fares against a real threat. The breakdown of Dohman’s search for the Lost Suits caps off with a last page readers will be locked in with anticipation for the next issue of this story. This venture into another side of the Valiant Universe has been well worth the trip thus far for readers with no signs of slowing down.

Overall, Armorclads #3 continues to build its engaging story with solid storytelling and fantastic art. There’s always something new getting thrown at this group of reluctant, battle forged fighters. The hype is real & the fan reaction isn’t wrong. This side of the Valiant Universe is ever-evolving and it’s a story comic readers don’t want to miss out on. Make sure you have Armorclads in your pull list at the LCS.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you think of Armorclads #3. As always. Thanks for reading.

ARMORCLADS #3 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

Ken M