Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast! On this edition, we’re checking out a new series under one of the best banners in comics: Comixology Originals. If you’re new to the blog, I can’t stress this enough: Some of the best work in comics is being created under this brand. It’s well worth the investment, The latest addition to this line is one that will definitely get some people talking for its unique story. The Never Ending Party #1 by Rachel Pollack, Joe Corallo, Eva Cabrera, Cons Oroza, Zakk Saam and Noah Sharma has a lot of interesting elements going on within it’s debut issue. Let’s take a closer look at this debut, shall we?

The Never Ending Party #1 - On Sale June 7th
Creative: Rachel Pollack, Joe Corallo, Eva Cabrera, Cons Oroza, Zakk Saam and Noah Sharma
Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story centers around Mindy and her lover Lulu. They (along with Tommy, Flavia, Chris, Oliver and Don) become involved into a club scene that has MUCH going on that isn’t all that it seems. What begins as a simple night at the club switches gears quickly into a cult sacrifice for Dionysus, the Greek God of ecstasy. Kate Park serves as the “avatar” leading people into a blood drinking frenzy that starts escalating out of control. The reason: “The Never Ending Party”. However, things don’t end well as Lulu falls to the party.

Twenty Five years later and Mindy is left moving on from the events at the Arcane Club. Kate makes her best play to bring Mindy back to the fold but things spiral into different directions. Walking away from that encounter, Mindy has a lot to process. Now back home with Flavia, Kate’s world is once again turned upside down with a moment that will have readers guessing until the next issue.

The book has a very unique vibe to it. Doom Patrol fans will recognize and be amped up for Pollack’s name in the credits. The writing is very solid in setting up this very wild world. Mindy’s story is different than most in the sense of mixing Greek gods with a club scene that is anything but conventional. The fallout from a fateful night 25 years ago seems to raise many questions that readers will be interested in seeing how its played out.

The art is solid setting up the dark events of the club. Cabrera doesn’t pull any punches when depicting what is going on in the name of Dionysus. Some panels are very strong in sending the message of what people are willing to do for the “party that never ends”. Capturing Mindy’s reactions to the fast-spinning moments of the ritual will only add to the reveals in present time. Very intriguing final panel to close the book out on.

Overall, The Never Ending Party #1 sets up a fascinating peek into a story that stands out from most others on the comic reading list. Very strong writing and art delivers a first issue you should keep on your radars when checking out Comixology this week.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of The Never Ending Party #1. Thanks for reading,

THE NEVER ENDING PARTY #1 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

Ken M