Basilisk #9 by Cullen Bunn and Jonas Scharf (Boom Studios)

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast! We’re finally returning to the battle of the Chimera in the return issue of Basilsk by Boom Studios! Basilisk #9 by Cullen Bunn, Jonas Scharf, Alex Guimaraes & Ed Dukeshire kicks off the final chapter of this horror comic, where a group of individuals known as the Chimera are on a murderous spree with one lone survivor trying to stop them. The series has been an absolutely violent and fantastic read with many twists along the way. Entering the final stretch, let’s see where this book is heading, shall we?

Basilisk #9 - On Sale July 6th
Creative: Cullen Bunn, Jonas Scharf, Alex Guimaraes & Ed Dukeshire
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

ICYMI: The Chimera is a murderous group who have been leaving death and destruction in their wake, while leaving a survivor from the attack to speak their legend. In one of those cases, someone has made it their mission to stop them once and for all. The hunters have become the hunted while the two forces have escalated things over this run. After the last issue, there is much fallout for the two forces of this story. This issue opens up with Vanessa, leader of the Chimera having a flashback to a moment growing up. This gives a bit of insight to how she became one of the Chimera, who’s powers are based off the five senses. Now it appears she has returned back to the beginning of everything. It’s an interesting part of the story with a lot more room to grow on. Vanessa’s actions of late have come back to haunt her to a degree.

On the other side, Hannah, the lone survivor of a Chimera attack, has her own flashback while waking up in a hospital. Regan, the Chimera defector and Hannah’s ally, is outside watching and listening. Their relationship takes a unique twist during this issue. It’s one readers will not be super surprised (and this isn’t a slight. It makes sense for the characters involved) at but its impact still hits very solid. The final sequence of events is another great surprise and one that could change the fate of the series moving forward.

Bunn is crafting a truly intense story within these pages for the final chapter. Last issue was a brutal one where Vanessa and Hannah both were left in bad condition for various reasons. This issue does a subtle reintroduction to these two focal characters. New readers might be a bit confused in certain areas but can pick up quick with talking the readers back thru their pasts. The most stand-out moment was the interaction between Regan and Hannah. Their “frienemy” status has been taken up a notch with a huge cliffhanger ending that I feel will have a drastic effect on this book’s conclusion.

Scharf delivers on the emotional toll from the series in this issue. This point rises to the front when dealing with Hannah and Regan this issue. Readers will easily connect with Hannah’s emotional reaction to those scenes. Vanessa’s reactions also stand out this issue as well. there isn’t a ton of fighting and action here, but the weight of the previous battles weigh heavy on the characters involved. Solid final panel to close out the latest chapter on.

Overall, Basilisk returns for its’ final chapter with a solid issue. Bunn & Scharf continue to break down the main characters for the eventual final battle. The payoff will be huge for the emotional moments showcased throughout this issue. Make sure to keep an eye out for it at the LCS this week!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Basilisk #9. As always, thanks for reading.

BASILISK #9 (BOOM STUDIOS)

Ken M