Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH podcast!
For this entry, we’re taking a look at a book coming from Image Comics that has the pair of award winning creators from I KILL GIANTS teaming up again to present a mini-series that should be one to watch. IMMORTAL SERGEANT #1 by JOE KELLY and KEN NIIMURA presents the story of James Sargent aka Sarge, a police detective and his journey battling father time to solve one last case before his retirement. Let’s take a closer look at the series and see how everything kicks off, shall we?
IMMORTAL SERGEANT #1 - On Sale January 18th, 2023
Creative: JOE KELLY and KEN NIIMURA
Credit: Image Comics
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The issue kicks off with a ‘72 Caddilac Coupe speeding around the Shady Glen Golf Club. When the car finally stops, a man jumps out and throws his pocket watch into the air and starts shooting at it. The watch is engraved to “Deputy Sgt. James P Sargent upon his retirement of 45 years of Honorable service to the N.C.P.D”. What would cause Sarge to start firing at his watch on the middle of a green at the golf course?
The story time jumps one week prior. A few officers walk into Sarge’s office trying to make small talk about his retirement. Sarge’s answer is on they’re not expecting as he makes it pretty clear, hes not happy to go. As Sarge starts scoping out the police station, he stumbles upon an item in his desk that shakes him up a bit. The item is a shoe that readers find out belong to a body found in a grassy area. Sarge speeds off to Coppers, a police officers bar. Sarge even has a seat engraved with his permanent reservation. He makes some small talk with the bartender before leaving for his car.
Once outside, there’s a few young punks hanging around his car. Sarge makes a statement in how he handles the punks by hocking them when they’re leaning on the car! Once inside, he looks at the passenger seat of the car where he’s taken the shoe of evidence with him! What is Sarge going to do with this shoe? Is it a clue to a bigger case? Readers tag along for the ride to one more stop before ending Sarge’s night with a message that might change everything heading into next issue.
IMMORTAL SERGEANT #1 - On Sale January 18th, 2023
Creative: JOE KELLY and KEN NIIMURA
Credit: Image Comics
Kelly sets up the foundation for a very intriguing story. Sarge doesn’t reveal too many details out this case other than a reaction for the shoe found in the evidence bag. Readers can speculate this is for a case unsolved by his actions. Kelly depicts Sarge as a gruff officer not ready to hang it up just yet. The social encounters he has verifies that. Sarge makes it clear he’s not going anywhere and lives that motto with some reckless driving. The final moments will throw an interesting dynamic into Sarge’s last ride and that will make readers keep a close eye out for the next chapter.
Niimura’s art seizes the frantic energy of Sarge’s life. The driving panels will really stand out as they feel loud and fast. There’s one full page panel that exemplifies how fast the Cadillac is moving much like Sarge is moving to outrun Father Time. The driving is only matched by the shooting at the golf course. The two-page spread pops right off the panels into readers’ faces. Sarge’s unique grinning in certain panels lets readers know he’s not going quietly into the gentle night of retirement. The final images are crafty enough to let readers know Sarge’s feelings with what is now getting added into his final week on the force.
IMMORTAL SERGEANT #1 - On Sale January 18th, 2023
Creative: JOE KELLY and KEN NIIMURA
Credit: Image Comics
FINAL POINT: Immortal Sergeant #1 greets readers to a retiring sergeant’s last week that is anything but oridinary. Kelly and Niimura bestow Sarge’s world with crafty storytelling and art to plant the early groundwork for a story that will only grow stronger and bigger from here. Get on board now! Make sure to check this book out on New Comic Book Day.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Immortal Sergeant #1.
Thanks for reading.