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

For this entry, we are returning to a supernatural tale from Comixology Originals that simply can’t be missed. Since its’ debut, the story of Ian, Cynthia, Joy and Alex, a group running an all-night diner which has more to it than a daily special, has been a major hit with comic readers. The final image of where tings were left immediately created a buzz for when the series would be back.

At the Comixology Originals panel at New York Comic Con 2023, the final arc was announced. Since then, fans have been catching up in digital (and print via Dark Horse Comics) form. It is an amazing read filled with imaginative takes, pushing the creative limits. Heading into the close, the creative team is not ending their shift on a sour note.

The All-Nighter #11 by Chip Zdarsky, Jason Loo, Paris Alleyne, and Frank Cvetkovic returns with an issue you can’t miss! Let’s take a closer look and see how the road to the end begins.

***The All-Nighter #11 by Chip Zdarsky, Jason Loo, Paris Alleyne, and Frank Cvetkovic (credit: Comixology originals)***

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

After surviving their encounter with Lazaruk and the “Justice Angels”, The remaining members of the vampire group look to figure their future out. With Alex lost during an encounter with the Takers (the governing body of the supernatural), Ian and Joy looked to take the fight directly to their doorstep to get their family member back. As Ian put it, “After all….we’re super heroes” which Alex’s fascination with begin their wild adventures. Others haven’t played their cards just yet as the world they know has been turned upside down.

This issue picks up where Joy is continuing the vigilante ways patrolling the streets. Ian looks on from outside the closed Diner. Readers can tell he appears troubled with what’s unfolding.

Meanwhile back in the Forrest colony, Cynthia and Frank are discussing the fallout of events. They break away for a quiet moment of normalcy. It’s a change of pace that both are enjoying considering what has transpired.

The story shifts to Joy on patrol. She jumps into a fight over a woman between two men. Joy’s interference isn’t welcomed and a scuffle breaks out. Joy handles events but some of the women watching events play out are also not happy with Joy.

Readers quickly see a surprise as they are not whom they seem to be. Luckily, Andrea, the former human ally of Alex and the group appears. What transpires next catch some off guard as more clarity about what is the groups’ next step comes into focus. That said, once the closing pages begin, everything readers thought they knew changes course as the last panel solidifies what everyone knew going in: The story here is far from over.

Zdarsky brings readers back with a well-paced return for Ian and company. Having Cynthia act as a narrator of sorts reflects the mood of everyone since the last issue concluded. The tone is one of being worn down and wondering what’s next. The moments with Frank give this story a “normal” break before diving back into the supernatural. The ramifications of losing Alex weigh heavy on the rest of the group.

Seeing how everyone is dealing with that loss demonstrates a wide range of emotions. Seeing where Ian is leaning towards solving their problem is something readers can sense the consequences of those actions. It all ties together with the final panels, setting events in motion for a memorable farewell.

Loo and Alleyne bring the human emotions out of Cynthia and Frank right from the beginning. Their panels are a nice transition in comparison to what follows after. The fight between Joy and her combatants lead readers into a bigger payout later when Andrea joins the party. The art mirrors the mood of coping with loss as the issue progresses.

Ian’s frustrations stand out as he lets readers in onto where his thinking is leading to. The concluding pages give a great surprise to what has been an excellent return for the team of the All-Nighter Diner.

FINAL GRADE: 9 OUT OF 10

The supernatural heroes helmed by Zdarsky and Loo return for a fantastic start to the final arc. The loss of Alex haunts the team with with sharp writing and excellent visuals to set the stages for an unforgettable finale. Don’t miss the beginning of the end this week for New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on The All-Nighter #11. Thanks for reading!