Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this entry, we’re continuing to check out one of the next wave of books from Scott Snyder via Best Jackett Press for Comixology Originals. One of those books was “Canary”, which gave readers an absolute hit with the introduction of Marshall Holt and his investigation into something sinister in 1891 Utah. The book feels like a horror western saga and plays heaving into the latest issue. Canary #2 by Snyder, Dan Panosian, Richard Starkings and Will Dennis moves the story forward with another electrifying chapter. Let’s not waste anymore time and take a deeper look at this book, shall we?

Canary #2 - On Sale August 23rd
Creative: Scott Snyder, Dan Panosian, Richard Starkings and Will Dennis
Credit: Best Jackett Press/Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story of Marshall Holt thus far has been very captivating. With a short time left before retiring, he investigates a brutal murder of a school teacher by a seemingly "innocent” boy. Holt finds out there might be more to this killing than meets the eye. After bringing him in, Holt finds out more bizarre circumstances where “normal” people are committing these deadly attacks. Holt takes a lead to track down a contact with a possible theory, all roads lead towards a haunting place: Canary. Holt reluctantly goes but readers see a flashback sequence where Holt sought out to arrest Hyrum Tell, a killer who’s encounter with Holt has left the lawman rattled when “Canary” is brought up.

This issue picks up where readers see more of the initial encounter between Holt and Tell. Once the flashback is over, Holt is en route to meet Edison Edwards (or Ed-Ed), a rock doctor who might have a theory connecting all these crimes. The theory centers around the Canary Mine. Upon their arrival at the Canary depot, the pair is treated with some hospitality form Mayor Gem, who gives off a very unique energy pertaining to the case at hand. Readers get more insight to what really happened in the Canary mine that plays a big part of the story going on within these pages. However, that takes a step back when Holt and Edwards arrive at “The Gem of The Utah Hills”, Canary. Readers get to meet some of the town’s most noteworthy characters, but none stand out more than Mabel Warren. What is her connection to this case? Readers will find out that answer plus have some great discussions after a final page sets the pace for the next issue perfectly.

Snyder delves more into what composes Azrael William Holt without slowing down too much of the overall story. The flashback sequence during the Mayor’s retelling of Holt’ novel moments connects to readers extremely well. The sequence with Holt and Tell truly translate into a battle of good and evil that fits in perfectly to this story. Once he gets to Canary and starts interacting with Edwards and Warren, Holt starts lowering his guards and connecting on a more personal level than we’ve seen thus far. His complexity of balancing what happened prior in Canary is a very big point of his character. Seeing a break here with what’s to come made for a well-rounded issue.

Panosian’s art crushes this issue. This western horror saga continues to amaze with it’s incredible visuals. The imagery involving the flashback/novel retelling is haunting and adds to the effectiveness of Tell as the main protagonist. Without spoiling, there’s a moment in the book when Holt makes a gruesome discovery after encountering Tell. Panosioan drives the horror factor home with a very few panels. It’s balanced out with moments meeting the residents of Canary and the mysterious Mabel Warren. Readers will have to make their own judgements on her character, but her mannerisms pop out due to the amazing artwork here.

Overall, Canary #2 builds the drama and slowly peels back the layers of the lead character with another can’t miss read. Snyder, Panosian, and their team give the readers excellent storytelling & art to showcase Marshall Holt’s struggle to solve the mystery without losing himself in the process. Don’t miss grabbing this over at Comixology this week.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you think of Canary #2. As always, thanks for reading!

CANARY #2 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS/BEST JACKETT PRESS)

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