Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this edition, we’re looking at the latest issue of a series spinning out of the pages of Something Is Killing the Children. House Of Slaughter #7 by James Tynion, Sam Johns, Letizia Cadonici, Francesco Segala, Andworld Design and Werther Dell’edera has just begun a new arc diving into a story concerning the red masks from the Order of St. George. In a change of pace, Edwin Slaughter was selected to investigate a scene at a campsite. This is new territory for a red mask so let’s tag along and see where this latest issue takes us, shall we?

House Of Slaughter #7 - On Sale July 27th
Creative: James Tynion, Sam Johns, Letizia Cadonici, Francesco Segala, Andworld Design and Werther Dell’edera (Cover: Rafael Albuquerque)
Credit: Boom Studios

House Of Slaughter #7 - On Sale May 18th
Creative: James Tynion, Sam Johns, Letizia Cadonici, Francesco Segala, Andworld Design and Werther Dell’edera (Cover: Rafael Albuquerque)
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story picks up with Edwin Slaughter’s initial investigation of a mysterious campsite. After the first encounter, he sails away to use his unique perspective to cypher what is happening. While drifting at sea, Edwin starts talking to Hermes, his brush companion about what could possibly be next. Edwin (mentally) paints the picture of what their next plan of action should be. All the while, Hermes is becoming more impatient as time passes by.

Edwin starts breaking down a story of a family who drowned in a flood. When the story escalates, Hermes stops the story. As they make their way back to the island from sea, it appears the pair might be lost. Edwin breaks down where they are using the stars. Readers start noticing how Edwin sees the world is vastly different than most. From this, will the pair make it to shore? Did Edwin get more clues on what is killing people? What will he do with the information? There is a lot of questions that arise that readers will get some answers and theories to before closing this issue.

This issue really takes a deeper look at how Edwin sees the world. It’s a very unique take as his perception is giving this story something fresh in a character. Using Hermes as a balance to his visions has been a solid take. For being a red/scarlett mask with no real experience, Edwin is holding his own . Readers are seeing the slow build for something big to happen. The payoff should be excellent.

The art has a distinct look that makes Edwin’s world pop off the pages. The conversation with Hermes comes off “normal” as it possibly can be. The flashback sequence to the story he tells Hermes is well done. It captures the terror and fear of that moment perfectly. Readers will also enjoy the small foreshadowing of Edwin’s vision being correct in its’ assumptions. Without spoiling anything, there’s a 2 page spread late that hits the mark without revealing everything. Solid work all around.

Overall, the slow-burn of House Of Slaughter #7 spotlights its’ unique lead character. Storytelling and art deliver on painting a standout perspective of what this story is capable of. It’s just getting started now so make sure you snag a copy at the LCS this week and don’t miss when this pace picks up. It feels as it will be a memorable journey to watch along.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of House of Slaughter #7. Thanks for reading.

HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #7 (BOOM STUDIOS)

Ken M