Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! It has been an interesting few days for Valiant Entertainment but this blog is about the comics and not the business. That said, What a return for their original odd couple! ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER #4 by STEVE FOXE, MARCIO FIORITO, ALEX GUIMARAES & HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU has brought the pair back with an absolutely fun adventure. Let’s take a deep dive into the latest of this series, shall we?

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER #4 - On sale AUGUST 10th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+
Creative: STEVE FOXE, MARCIO FIORITO, ALEX GUIMARAES & HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
**Cover A by** BERNARD CHANG
Credit: Valiant Entertainment

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The focus of the story thus far has been Armstrong, the merry immortal, suddenly losing his immortality while his best friend, Archer has made it a mission to save his friend. Through their globe-trotting journeys, the pair has found a possible solution in the Golden Apples of Idunn. The apples have been under the watchful eye of Frig, a creature that isn’t exactly willing to give them up. During this time, they are confronted by another creature known as The Maw. Now captured and awaiting their fate, it seems that the pair (along with Frig) has finally met their end.

This issue opens up with the Maw about to feast but is stopped by soldiers working for the Eccentric, a man who’s had a long standing grudge against Armstrong for….his “behavior” in the 1970’s. It’s tough to blame Armstrong though as he was considered a “living specimen” as a part of the collection. That time has built to the Eccentric’s plan of revenge: stealing Armstrong’s last chance at immortality. It’s such a classic super villain moment that readers can fully appreciate.

Will the Eccentric pull off his scheme? An unlikely event happens that gives this story a solid shot of exciting drama. That moment is balanced out with the usual comedic pace that readers have come to know and love. The big moment here though will definitely have readers talking. It’s a great twist that really changes the pair forever (no pun intended). There is much to enjoy about this issue.

Foxe has really captured the voice of Armstrong with his work on this series. His moments in this issue really jump off the page. From the timely flashbacks to his shining action of this issue, Foxe gives him many layers that will connect with the reading audience. The pacing is great for hitting all the key components. At no point did anything feel forced or rushed. A very cool addition to the storytelling is the description of Archer’s fighting style and moves. The conclusion is one that sets a new direction out for the pair that is a surprise take, but effective one. Its a game-changing moment for the pair and one not to miss!

Fiorito presents another great issue for readers with the art duties. The flashback sequences were a nice break in the overall plot. The big moment of the book was presented with all the sudden impact one would expect. Action spots connect for some noteworthy fragments in this issue, with one being very important as the catalyst to what redefines the duo. Readers are also left with a final page that will have some questions raised for the future of the pair, but a big win for the readers.

Overall, Archer & Armstrong Forever #4 concludes its’ first arc with a status quo finish that reshapes the pair’s future. Foxe & Fiorito deliver on another great issue re-introducing readers to one of the most legendary duos in comics. Hopefully, there’s many more stories to tell with this team on board. In the meantime, make sure to pick up a copy at the LCS this week!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of this issue? Thanks for reading!

ARCHER AND ARMSTRONG FOREVER #4 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

Ken M