ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER #3 by STEVE FOXE and MARCIO FIORITO (Valiant Entertainment)

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the complementary comic book blog for the ODPH Podcast! For this edition, we’re checking out the latest escapades from one of the most legendary duos in Valiant Entertainment history! Archer & Armstrong Forever #3 by STEVE FOXE, MARCIO FIORITO, ALEX GUIMARAES. HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU continues the wild adventure of Immortality lost…and found? for the unlikely duo. Since their return, this book has hit all points and been so damn good. Let’s see where this latest issue take us, shall we?

**ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER #3** - On Sale July 13th
Creative: STEVE FOXE, MARCIO FIORITO, ALEX GUIMARAES. HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
**Cover:** NICK ROBLES
Credit: Valiant Entertainment

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

“What a long strange trip it’s been….” thus far. The duo has been on a quest of epic stakes as Armstrong, the long thought immortal appears to have lost his gift. Archer, his peaceful walking weapon best friend, has not given up hope on saving his friend. The past two issues have taken us to far places within the Valiant Universe but with no success. That is until the “Hail Mary” plan is set: rumors of “Golden Apples” in Norway that might hold the key. However, the Essentric has sent the Maw to recover Armstrong for his collection.

The pair has their hands tied up first with the guard of the apples: FRIG. She is not willing to give up those apples without a fight. The pair is outmatched and when Frig throws Archer down a pit, the story shifts from Norway….to the Faraway! Once there, the pair pleads their case to Frig, who gives her story to them in exchance, there appears to be a truce to try finding a way back. A portal opens but no good plan ever works in their favor. The Maw has tracked them down. Readers get a full glimpse of what Maw is all about. How does the now trio fare? Will they get home? Does the Essentric win? Readers need to check this issue out to get those answers and then some!

This book is so damn entertaining. Foxe writes well placed humor throughout this comic. The unlikely pair’s personalities shine thru yet again. The story is over the top fun and carries that energy throughouthe book. Even when they face off against Maw, it never looses that cool “odd Couple” vibe which makes this book great. Frig will be a fan favorite when it’s all said and done. She fits in perfectly with the pair. Hopefully this isn’t the last story we see her in. Readers have a lot to enjoy with the writing here.

On the art side, Fiorito takes readers on a great trio with this issue. From the fight with Frig to the wee spent in the Faraway, each moment feels different and pushes the story along at a great pace. the little moments of humor drawn in works well . Frig’s origin panels are prime example of that. No spoilers here, but I did have a good laugh seeing some “visitors” on one in particular. Maw’s appearance shifted the tone of the book and rightfully so. I’m very curious to see how that part of the story plays out.

Overall, if you’re looking for excellent storytelling and visuals with a dash of humor and adventure, Archer and Armstrong Forever is your book. The creative team continues with another great issue of the strong return for Valiant’s odd couple. Make sure to grab a copy when you hit the LCS this week.

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Thanks for reading.

ARCHER AND ARMSTRONG FOREVER #3 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

Ken M