Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we’re checking out a brand new series that is sure to be talked about by fans. With such hits as Nocterra, Deathstroke, the Tenth and Batman on his resume, the art of Tony Daniel has been winning fans over for quite some time now. However for this series, Daniel is pulling double duty with writing a tale of mystery and supernatural elements.
EDENWOOD #1 from Daniel, Jay David Ramos, and Nathan Kempf for Image Comics brings the action as an unlikely hero is thrusted into the midst of a dangerous conflict. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening here, shall we?
EDENWOOD #1 from Tony Daniel, Jay David Ramos, and Nathan Kempf for Image Comics
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The story begins in Wiliam’s Bay, Wisconsin . A group of young teens are walking around a lake area. The conversation seems centered around word of the Edenwood, an area that is the last line between NECRONEMA and the United States. Adelai, one of the young teens breaks away from the group looking for someone in the woods.
Once she enters the shrouded area, a mysterious stranger appears. His name is RION. Apparently, Rion is looking for Pip (a missing dog). The couple shares an embrace but their happiness appears to be short-lived. Loud noises fill the sky. The group left behind appears to be rattled, while the happy couple seems oblivious to the event.
It is only when Adelai sees Pip running, the course of events changes. Adelai chases after Pip but disappears. Rion follows and finds Pip’s skeleton. With no sign of anyone in sight, an explosion knocks Rion off his feet. When he stands back up, he is in a completely new environment.
Where has Rion landed? A wounded soldier pleads to Rion for help. As the young man approaches, a trap is revealed. How does he survive? Readers buckle in for a story that escalades quickly with its drama and conflict. Once the final act begins, there are more questions to be had heading into the next chapter. The biggest one is posed with the final image capping off one heck of a debut.
EDENWOOD #1 from Tony Daniel, Jay David Ramos, and Nathan Kempf for Image Comics (cover: Mahmud Asrar)
Daniel gives readers a solid introduction into a world filled with excitement and secrets. Rion takes the lead being the unlikely lead for the ever-evolving tale. Daniel doesn’t give him time to process events as he’s literally thrown into conflict in the second act. Readers pick up quickly how the overall danger is building.
With well paced action, the story moves very swiftly. Once the final act begins, the time jump doesn’t hamper where events lead to. The stage is set for more to come and there’s a great deal to process. This chapter is an absolutely engaging starting point to jump on board with.
The art shines on each page. The subtle beginnings of the innocence of youth kicks the issue off. The group of kids don’t seem too phased by events via their mannerisms. However, this changes quickly when the conflict comes right before them. Rion demonstrates a wide range of emotions but the middle point is where he grows. With the traps’ fallout, readers are treated to a stunning near-full page spread of action.
This page moves Rion into a new stat quo which never loses sight of the overall themes. There are quite a few full page panels near the end of the book to elevate the tension, but none bigger than the final image. It’s a great ending spot for this chapter but there is much more building with this series to be excited about.
EDENWOOD #1 from Tony Daniel, Jay David Ramos, and Nathan Kempf for Image Comics (cover: Ryan Stegman)
FINAL GRADE: 9 OUT OF 10
Tony Daniel welcomes readers into a fantastic new world overflowing with fantasy and intrigue. Solid writing and electric artwork brings out the best of a young upstart hero with the best yet to come. This will be one to watch for on New Comic Book Day.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Edenwood #1. Thanks for reading!
