Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast. For this edition, we’re closing out the latest adventures of one of Valiant Entertainment’s most polarizing characters. THE HARBINGER #8 by COLLIN KELLY, JACKSON LANZING, ROBBI RODRIGUEZ, RICO RENZI & HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU brings the savior of Psiot City to the ultimate confrontation with a threat that is his equal on every level: Himself! Let’s break down the epic conlusion of the Harbinger & see who’s the last one standing over Psiot City, shall we?

THE HARBINGER #8 - On sale MAY 25th | 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** ZU ORZU
**Pre-order Cover by** CASPAR WIJNGAARD
Credit: Valiant Entertainment

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Since his re-emergence, Peter Stanchek has been the center of a LOT of attention. Waking up with no memory and trying to stay alive, Peter connects with Cici and Young Ago, fellow Psiots that are standing up to authorities trying to hold back the people. With a new found sense of purpose, Stanchek now uses his powers to be a symbol off hope. However, there is a force at play that don’t want to see him succeed. That force is The Renegade, who as we’ve found out thru this series is the “evil” side of Stanchek. This goes to show a fraction at how powerful the Harbinger is: He literally rewired his own brain! Unfortunately, this corrupt version of the Harbinger doesn’t want peace and hope .He wants to watch the world burn.

With Stanchek’s return, readers did also see a return of a fan favorite of the Valiant Universe: Faith aka Zephyr. With their past, it was only a matter of time until she confronted her old “friend”. As Faith enters the fray, the Renegade makes his moves well known. The Renegade starts activating Psiots and preying on their pain and fears. While trying to stop the Renegade, our hero is shot IN THE HEAD by the assassin Blam. This isn’t a bait and switch moment. Peter’s brains are literally leaking all over the street! After some “motivation” from Ago while unconscious, Peter literally heals his own head wound?! Regrouped and refocused (with CiCi now activated in her powers), The Harbinger leads his team against the Renegade and his army of corrupt Psiots with the fate of Psiot City in the balance.

Starting this issue off is our hero leading his team directly into battle. Readers get a glimpse of a solid showcase of what this “team” can do. There is also an interaction between Faith and Blam that leaves a thought of more interactions between them are coming. However, fans see the battle that they’ve been waiting for. It delivers on tying everything back to where we started this series: “Who Is Peter Stanchek”? The conclusion is a fitting one and leaves some questions on can Peter “Be Better”?

Kelly & Lanzing close out this adventure on a very strong note with leaving more questions on the future of the Harbinger. Their run has been based on the theory of can Peter “Be Better”? From where readers witnessed his start to now, the answer is a resounding YES. This latest story has been one of redemption at the cost of fixing his broken soul. Their creative way of demonstrating Stanchek’s powers is one that I will personally miss from this book. The conclusion of the final battle almost felt anti-climactic until you go back and see what the meaning behind it was. To be better, Peter has to forgive himself and give himself another chance. It’s creative and left some doors open on the eventual return.

As for the art, Rodriguez goes back to the strong mental imagery of issue #1 and shows readers that the true battle was never of physical power, but that of mental will. There is an excellent back-to-back 2 page spreads where Peter falls into water that explains this perfectly. The moments feel big between these two. The ending visual of the battle resonates to the rest of the characters of the book. It l leave readers with a varying opinion as previously mentioned until they really break down what happened in this conclusion. The final panel shot is a very fitting one to cap this current volume off on.

Overall, The Harbinger #8 closes the latest saga of Peter Stanchek off with strong writing & amazing artwork. The creative team of Kelly, Lanzing & Rodrigeuz crafted a compelling tale of self discovery and self-closure all while balancing the unpredictable world of one of Valiant’s most powerful beings all the while. Personally when (and I can’t stress “when” instead of “if” enough, especially with a movie in development. ) we see the Harbinger return, the same creative team is back on the book. Their energy to the character was a fresh & welcomed take.

The answer of “Who Is Peter Stanchek” is answered while seeing a new status quo established for Psiot City when readers will see him next. Make a point to get to your local comic shop and get caught up on this latest adventure.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Harbinger #8. As always, thanks for reading.

THE HARBINGER #8 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

Ken M