Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast! For this edition, we are continuing on reading one of the most creative and imaginative books on the market. Once And Future #27 by Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora, Tamara Bonvillain, & Ed Dukeshire for Boom Studios progresses on with its’ fantastic tale. Each issue, there’s something new and unique that makes this a must-read each time out. Let’s take a dive into the latest epic adventures of Bridgette, Duncan and Rose, shall we?

Once And Future #27
Creative: Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora, Tamara Bonvillain, & Ed Dukeshire
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

This issue opens up at Grail Castle where Elaine, Bridgette’s daughter has taken up residency. She is on a mission to save Galahad, her “son”. He is a mix of a half zombie and half mantaur but Elaine is pushing to save him by any means she can. Meanwhile, It’s Christmas Eve and everyone is making a play for the sword in the stone. Yes, that is correct, the legendary sword of Excalibur is in play for the one who should be King. Remember how I said this book is one of the most imaginative at the LCS? Need I say more.

Bridgette makes the plan on what to do: take out anyone trying to make a claim. She gets some unlikely help and readers are treated to an all out battle for the sword. It’s exciting action from the first panel! The resolution from that is big and fits into the outstanding character work from this book. The story of Galahad this issue also takes a few turns and readers are left with a final page that will really catch some attention.

Gillen creates a very solid issue within these pages. The Galahad story is one that gets broken up but has an ending that fits perfectly to where the characters connected are. Bridgette McGuire is one of the best characters in comics. Her personality throughout every adventure is always stealing the panel. How she prepares for the battle at Hyde Park will hook readers and add some excitement to the story at hand. The ending of this issue will hit some emotional marks and closes the book out strong.

Is there a better artist in comics right now than Dan Mora? Consistently, every issue he draws is energetic and always presents moments larger than life. The entire battle of Hype Park is prime example. The action is HUGE. They jump off the page. Not to be outdone, the Galahad ending proves not everything needs a huge panel. The quiet moments there hit with readers with an emotional combo. There are few books on the market as Once & Future for its creative quality.

Overall, Once and Future #27 continues to prove why its’ one of the best reads at the LCS. Great storytelling and fantastic art make this book a must have every time out. Keep your eyes peeled on NCBD at the local comic shops and don’t miss this issue!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Once and Future #27. Thanks for reading!

ONCE AND FUTURE #27 (BOOM STUDIOS)

Ken M