Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast! On this edition, we’re concluding a fantastic story from the Comixology Originals banner via Best Jackett Press. Clear #6 by Scott Snyder, Francis Manapul & Andworld Design has been nothing short of a pure adrenaline filled thriller that hasn’t let readers go since the beginning panels of this story. The futuristic world of Detective Sam Dunes has unveiled (pun intended) readers to a very captivating thought of what technology can really do to reality as we know it. How does it all end? Let’s deep dive into the conclusion of this epic tale and find out, shall we?

Clear #6 - On Sale May 31st Creative: Scott Snyder, Francis Manapul & Andworld Design Credit: Comixology Originals - Best Jackett Press — Clear #6 - On Sale May 31st
Creative: Scott Snyder, Francis Manapul & Andworld Design
Credit: Comixology Originals - Best Jackett Press

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The issue kicks off with Detective Dunes making his way to the New Golden Gate, a massive Veil production plant. In 2052, Veils allow users to re-create their reality in the vision of whatever they think of. The mystery of veils connects with the death of his love Kendra which has started him on this adventure to begin with. After learning the truth about Veils from the Widow last issue, Dunes is now committed to end it all once and for all. He’s not alone in this latest move. Petal Madders, the client who hired him to investigate her husband is along for the ride.

As with all good intentions, nothing goes as planned here as instantly, an action is made that lights the match on this powder keg moment. What transpires after is a rollercoaster ride of reveals & scenarios that will have readers completely caught off guard and fully invested. Ultimately, the story concludes in a way that only it can. There’s a wide variety of emotions that readers will have right up to the final panel. It’s a fitting end for a character’s journey who’s struggled to find out what is real and what’s behind a veil.

WHAT A FANTASTIC CONCLUSION! Snyder brings this story to an epic finish that really brings everything back to square one. Dunes’ investigation has lead him to dig deeper to see things more “clear.” As we have witnessed reading this series, Snyder has challenged the reader in seeing the problem isn’t so much the antagonist challenging Dunes, but is it technology and what it can do. Our main character is flawed but sticks to his instincts for better or for worse. In this final issue, readers get to see how this all plays out for Dunes and what cost. There’s much to be contemplating about after the final page. Excellent work.

The world of 2052 is brought to so much life by Manapul’s artwork. From the opening page of this issue, the emotions are set as readers see Dunes and Petal driving into New Golden Gate. The art pops off the pages esp. during a 2 page spread featured later in the book (not featured here) and when Dunes and Petal make their way up the building elevator. Adding in so many different elements to this new landscape really brought out the most of this story. From seeing views through other’s eyes really tied thoughts back to the original question theme posed here about technology. There are some great action and character sequences during this issue but nothing stands out more than the final page of this book. It’s those closing images that put the perfect exclamation point on this incredible read.

Overall, Clear #6 brings a strong ending to readers who will have much to savor in re-reading this. Snyder and Manapul create a future world that proves not everything is easy to see when eyes aren’t wide open to the truth behind it. This is a broken record statement on this blog but do yourself a HUGE favor and get signed up for Comixology Originals so you can read incredible stories like this, Night of The Ghoul, We Have Demons & more must-read books. (editor note: This is from first hand testimonial). While checking this book out, make sure to hit up your LCS as well and get the print version of We Have Demons by Snyder and Greg Capullo via Dark Horse Comics.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Clear #6. As always, thanks for reading!

CLEAR #6 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS/BEST JACKETT PRESS)

Ken M