Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we have arrived at the pen-ultimate issue of one of the best series on the Comixology Originals line via Best Jackett Press. Barnstormers gives readers a mystery behind a pair of unlikely partners turned lovers that has been quite the impressive read. Barnstormers #4 by Scott Snyder, Tula Lotay, Dee Cunniffe and Richard Starkings sees the aerial escapades of Bix and Tillie pushed to the limit with danger closing on on them at every turn. Let’s not delay any longer and see if the high-flying duo can keep their pasts at bay long enough to fly another day, shall we?

Barnstormers #4 - On Sale January 16th, 2023
Creative by Scott Snyder, Tula Lotay, Dee Cunniffe and Richard Starkings
Photo Credit: Comixology Originals via Best Jackett Press.

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Hawk E. Baron aka Bix is an aerial showman post his time as a pilot in World War 1. His chosen profession has led him to many towns but one fateful flight has changed everything. Bix crashes (literally) into the wedding of Peyton Carlyle and Tillie. Being of wealth and arrogance, Carlyle doesn’t appreciate Bix crashing his wedding and holds him prisoner on the family’s estate. Later that night, Tillie surprisingly frees Bix and the pair escapes. This doesn’t sit well with Peyton who hires Zeke West, a man with experience in these situations, to get Tillie back.

Meanwhile, Bix and Tillie start hitting town after town and stealing from the wealthy in the process. Love blossoms in an unexpected way, but both are tentative to divulge details of their pasts. While their love grows, so does Carlyle’s rage to get Tillie back. Accompanied by West, Carlyle runs into Bix and Tillie at a mansion party in Florida. An enraged Carlyle starts chasing the pair through the house, firing his gun at them. One missed shot results in a fire breaking out. The pair makes their dramatic escape while Peyton stands in front of the burning mansion.

This issue opens up with Tillie planning a surprise for Bix. Readers witness a brief montage of how Tillie has grown deeper in her confidence and love since pairing with Bix. The surprise in question is tailor-made flying costumes. Unfortunately, their happiness here is short lived as Tillie opens up a newspaper to see the pair featured in a two-page headline claiming the aerial team are murderers. The pair is being blamed for the fatal fire started when Carlyle fired his gun inside the mansion.

How does the pair react to the news? After a brief discussion, one makes a game-changing move to remedy the situation. Readers get a ring-side seat to watching how that simple choice spirals into more with dire consequences. Factor in Carlyle looming in the wings and the tension becomes explosive! The story really picks up a fast pace at this stage. Just when you think the moments can not get any worse, One major action is taken that solidifies there is no going back from here. Heading into the finish line now, readers will get the feel that love may not conquer all in the finale with the ending panel moments.

Bix and Tillie’s story takes some dramatic twists with this issue. Readers see how committed Bix is to Tillie with what he’s willing to do to solve their latest problem. The dialogue hits the desperation in his voice to set forth the next series of events. Tillie also gets her standout moments. Knowing what kind of danger they are in now brings out a frantic reaction. Carlyle’s time in this issue will cement how tragic the finale will be. Seeing the dynamic between these three characters ties together how emotional of a ride is unfolding. The ending act flows very fast but takes nothing away from its’ impact. Heading into the finale, this issue builds towards a huge closing chapter.

Lotay’s art is amazing bringing a few key moments to greater heights. Tillie’s reaction to seeing the two page headline was priceless. The fear and shock she has in her eyes pops off the page. It’s matched with a series of panel reactions from Bix. When he figures out something has happened, the coloring and facial reaction conveys such a strong point. Carlyle’s time in this issue is another great example that readers will have many reactions to as well. The final moments bring readers to the boiling point of the drama happening here. The emotional pay-off connects and will drive the excitement into the finale.

FINAL POINT: Barnstormers #4 soars into its’ closing issue with a very powerful read. There is no shortage of impactful storytelling as the high-flying duo’s race to outrun their pasts soars to new heights. Snyder, Lotay and the team present the latest chapter of Bix and Tillie with fantastic writing and art. This issue is the reason any comic fan needs to sign up for Comixology Originals so make sure you don’t miss this!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Barnstormers #4. Thanks for reading.

BARNSTORMERS #4 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS / BEST JACKETT PRESS)

Ken M