Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast. For this edition, we’re checking out one of the best comics out there and one that’s an immediate must grab on Comixology Originals. The All-Nighter #8 by Chip Zdarsky, Jason Loo, Paris Alleyne, Aditya Bidikar & Allison O’Toole has been such a fantastic read. The mysterious “family” & their epic diner have been serving up some supernatural excitement for readers since it’s resumed on its’ second arc. (Note: While available on Comixology, The first story is now available via Dark Horse Comics for anyone interested in a print version). Where is the story heading now? Let’s check out the latest issue and see, shall we?

The All-Nighter #8 - On Sale July 26th
Creative: Chip Zdarsky, Jason Loo, Paris Alleyne, and Aditya Bidikar
Credit: Comixolgy Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The Vampire “Family” of the All-Nighter Diner has been fractured over the past few issues. Ian, the patriarch/leader of the group has been missing and is captured. Cynthia, the second in command, is trying to hold things together while Ian is gone. Joy, the “youngest”, has left to reconnect with her mother while Alex, “the teenager” is still trying to be a “super hero” but has some competition with a new group of heroes named “The Justice Angels.” That’s only been the past few issues!

This issue opens up with a flashback sequence of another vampire named Charlie. When Charlie accidentally reveals himself to being a vampire, mysterious forces are trying to right that wrong. It’s an intense scene of events. All of this happens before Joy’s eyes until she is suddenly snapped back to reality where she is talking with her mother. During this moment, Joy’s dream of going back to her life before being a vampire is shown to be shifting in a different unplanned direction.

Meanwhile, “Francis’”, an ally to Cynthia , is confronted by Lazaruk, leader of The Justice Angels. Long time readers of this series know that there’s more that meets the eyes to both of these characters. Lazaruk is there to offer Francis a spot in his overall plan. It is one met with resistance as it is very ambitious but also very dangerous. Francis is left with much to think about.

With this information, he confronts, Cynthia and Alex, who are returning to the diner after last issue’s troubles. With the meeting of the three, Ian’s whereabouts are presumed and true nature is revealed. Francis also divulges Lazaruk’s plan. With little time to spare, the trio makes some moves. Readers are left with a returning character making an appearance but is greeted by someone they weren’t expecting and the last words will have readers very locked in for next issue.

Zdarsky really picks up the tension with this issue. Hearing Lazaruk’s plan explained is one that has dire consequences if he achieves it or not. With all the cards laid on the table, our heroes have decisions to be made. The quest to find “normalcy” seems to be fading further away with every action. This point is driven home with Joy’s story. Zdarsky crafts an extremely emotional break from the regular story to drive that point. The X factor in all of this might be Andrea, the former cop and human ally. The writing hits all the marks this issue (per usual) pushing the pace forward to what feels like a huge moment for our group.

Loo presents Joy’s story with much emotion and honesty as dealing with her return home. Seeing how her family reacts with Joy’s new life will hit readers very hard. The flashback sequence with Charlie leads to some great foreshadowing later on in the issue. Seeing the reactions of Cynthia and Alex to Francis’s omissions was very well done. The last page and line of the book capped off another solid issue of work. I can’t stress enough: this creative team is putting together one of the best comics out right now and there’s no reason not to give it a read with the consistent quality every time.

Overall, The All-Nighter #8 speeds up the drama with some big time revelations that shake the group right to the core. Zdarsky and Loo have been making some fantastic and imaginative stories within these pages. The supernatural elements mixed in with the human emotions of a group trying to find their place is must read material for any comic fan. Make sure to check this out on Comixology Originals this week as well as keep an eye out for the print version via Dark Horse Comics when available.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you think of The All-Nighter #8. Thanks for reading.

THE ALL-NIGHTER #8 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

Ken M