Welcome to a brand new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we’re jumping back in on one of the best series to come out of 2022! Spiraling out of the pages of “Supermassive”, ROGUE SUN has been a breakout hit for Image Comics & the Massive-verse, the Radiant Black led universe which is poised for a HUGE 2023! ROGUE SUN #10 by Ryan Parrott, Marco Renna (filling in again for series regular Abel), Natalia Marques and Becca Carey picks up where a new villain made an immediate impact while no one was ready to see a drastic action unfold like it did to conclude issue #9. Let’s not wait any longer and see how things play out here, shall we?
ROGUE SUN #10 - On Sale February 1st, 2023
Creative: Ryan Parrott, Marco Renna, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey (Cover: Luana Vecchio)
Credit: Image Comics
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Dylan Siegal leads a very interesting life. After inheriting the mantle of Rogue Sun after his father’s murder, Dylan is thrusted into the world of the Supernatural as Earth’s protector. Dylan might be the best candidate for the job but he’s making it happen, albeit never without its’ struggles. Dylan now lives with a family he knew nothing about while trying to navigate one of the scariest places on Earth: high School.
Where we last saw Dylan, he was left nearly for dead by a new antagonist known as Hellbent. Meanwhile, his step-siblings tried conjuring their (and Dylan’s) deceased father for help. What they got instead was Caleb Hawthorne, the KNIGHT SUN! As this issue opens up, readers see a quick introduction to Caleb as he fends off a creature. Dylan, who’s recovered from his injures meets Caleb and it goes as well as one could expect from Dylan. Due to her actions, His step-sister Aurie has been sent away from the house in fear of more reckless actions. All the while, the latest danger to Dylan starts making more moves.
Hellbent checks on the condition of his father who was hurt in a confrontation with Rogue Sun. While a the hospital, Hellbent re-connects with an old friend eluding there’s money and power to be theirs for the taking. After a brief stop thru school, Dylan meets up with Dotty Perrine, the shop owner who’s an ally to Rogue Sun. While at the shop, Dylan gets some much needed information on Hellbent and the mysterious hand-print that has been featured on some of his rogues. Readers find out the mark is referred to as “The Favor”, and Rogue Suns have battled them for quite a long time. With more information about the mark, Dylan makes a plan which screams uncertainty for what’s to unfold.
What is his play? Can Dylan stop Hellbent? And what about Caleb? Can he be trusted to help or is there more to him than what we’ve seen thus far? Lots of questions heading into the final act of this book. Readers had better buckle up as the journey into the closing moments are going to get a bit bumpy and wild, which is never a bad way to close out a strong book on.
Dylan Siegal is a unique character to follow. Parrott presents him in this issue with his brash, standoff attitude but seeing the interactions with Caleb shows Dylan might soften his stance. Considering how Marcus and Dylan never had a good relationship, it will be interesting to see Caleb in that “mentor” role. There’s a line that Caleb says that readers will know in that moment, he has won over Dylan. On the other hand, Hunter aka Hellbent trying to save his father and losing himself in the process made for another strong piece of storytelling. In a very short time, Hellbent has established himself as an antagonist with a tragic story of great power corrupting the purest intentions. How close this could have been (and still could be) Dylan’s life made for an excellent read.
Renna sticks around for fill-in duty again and that is such a big win for readers! The introduction of the Knight Sun was a great opener for this issue. Renna wastes no time establishing Caleb’s skills and this plays out greater further in this issue. The emotions and expressions of Dylan’s normal life” jump out as well. With all the supernatural elements with this book, the “human” scenes give a solid break and demonstrates to readers fun (even if a bit harsh) moments of trying to grow up while still being a hero. However, the final act is where fans will be praising the art (as they should). When Dylan and Caleb start to execute Dylan’s plan, the destination pops right off the panel with a great deal of energy and wonder. Excellent final shot to set up next issue.
FINAL POINT: The Hellbent storyline continues to heat up with an issue you simply do not want to miss. Parrott, Renna and the team mix together fantastic storytelling and high-energy art to bring the latest adventure of Dylan Siegal into uncharted territory. The book keeps getting better and better & you don’t want to leave the comic shops with a copy this week.
Hit me up on ODPH podcast social media and let me know what you thought of Rogue Sun #10. Thanks for reading!