Welcome to a Brand new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH podcast.

For this entry, we're checking out a return of a series with quite the buzz around it. Edgeworld #6 by Chuck Austen, Patrick Olliffe, Lee Loughridge, and Jodi Wynne for Comixology Originals has a lot of readers attention and rightfully so. The science-fiction western saga is in animation development for Amazon Studios while vol. 1 (issues 1-5) is now in print via Dark Horse Comics. Will all this momentum, let's take a closer look and see how this series returns, shall we?

Edgeworld #6 - On Sale January 17th
Chuck Austen, Patrick Olliffe, Lee Loughridge, and Jodi Wynne
Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

If you’re new to this franchise, the story centers around Killian Jess, a soldier turned magistrate on the planet Pala. Along side Cheela, a resident of Pala, Jess fights all types of adversaries that would do harm on this violate planet that he’s trying to save. The wild, wild west, energy is very noticeable throughout this series but has other elements going on that makes it stand out form most.

This issue opens up with a Palan stage line transporting a group of individuals through rough terrain. On the stage coach, a man who two alien companions is trying to spark up some conversation with another passenger. The ice breaker: mentioning the man’s boots as United Authority issued, and thanking him for “saving” Pala. The reaction from a fellow passenger is not one of compliments. It is of frustration and anger. That reaction comes from a young Cheela. The man replies back abrasive to Cheela which only escalates things. It is only until Killian Jess jumps in with a boot to the man’s throat that cooler heads start to prevail…or does it?

All it takes is one slick comment and business resumes. The end result is Jess and Cheela kicked off the coach! From here, it's a long walk to the Moonlight, an establishment of an old friend: Shay! The pair catches up with a solid conversation between Shay and Jess about Cheela. However, that gets interrupted when trouble has followed them to The Moonlight.

Who shows up at their doorstep? What transpires now? This is no ordinary event as readers soon find out. There is someone with vested interest curious to see how this factors in on his own personal quest years in the future. There are many questions raised that will have readers engaged for the next issue to drop.

Austen welcomes back readers with a very solid return. Seeing the dynamic between Jess and Cheela made for some noteworthy moments. The ride on the space coach set the pace early for the story being told. Cheela’s rebellious nature brings the pair into some early drama with quick jabs of subtle humor mixed in. Once the pair arrives to meet with Shay, the mood in the book shifts. The conversation between Jess and Shay brings up themes that readers will see moving forward in this series’ return. The resolution to the conflict fit perfectly into the story’s direction. The final act may throw some readers off a first if they’re just jumping in, but the last moments will give a great premise for them to come back for more.

Olliffe captures the emotions of the lead characters in a very relatable manner. Jess being the protective “father” figure to Cheela when she’s insulted pops off the page. the intensity in which Jess’s mannerisms are displayed sells the calm anger he’s feeling at that moment. It’s only offset by Cheela’s outbursts to the actions made. Readers will have no doubt Cheela is more than capable of handling the insults with one swift action. The conversation between Shay and Jess will pop off the page as the reactions showcased adds more drama to the topic discussed and how it affects Jess moreso than Shay. The final act is more calm but never lets the drama escape it with an excellent final panel.

FINAL POINT: Edgeworld #6 brings back the much-hyped series with a stellar return. Killian Jess and Cheela bring the drama with well-timed humor to readers while slowly unraveling a bigger picture which impacts the future. Austen, Olliffe and the team present the wild, wild (space) western tale with excellent dialogue and fantastic art. This is a book that needs to be on your radar when you’re looking for comics this week.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Edgeworld #6. Thanks for reading.

EDGEWORLD #6 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

Ken M