Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we’re following along with a brand new adventure on Comixology Originals (via Best Jackett Press). With the hype surrounding its’ debut, the initial entry from a father-son writing team made a huge impression with comic fans. Now poised to drop its’ follow-up chapter, the fantasy-adventure tale kicks into high gear with secrets ready to be told.
By A Thread #2 by SCOTT SNYDER, Jack Snyder, Valeria Favoccia, Whitney Cogar, Tom Napolitano, and Emma Price returns to New Comic Boom Day with an idea of hope shinning through the Shroud. Let’s take a closer look and see what’s happening now!
By A Thread #2 by SCOTT SNYDER, Jack Snyder, Valeria Favoccia, Whitney Cogar, Tom Napolitano, and Emma Price (Credit: Comixology originals)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
When a mysterious black substance coined “The Shroud” starts taking over the Earth, it leaves a trail of destruction and death. Years later, survivors have formed towers known as “Needles” to live on, hoping for a better tomorrow.
Jo and Canon are trying to find ways to survive in this dangerous new world. They come into contact with Pindle, who promises relief for a price. Readers see quickly all those promises disappear quickly. This is all due to Charon, a warlord in search of a stranger lurking around the Needle. Jo comes into contact with this stranger later and finds out he might hold a key to safety in this shroud era.
This chapter opens with a flashback to eighty days after the Shroud first emerged. Readers see the breakdown in society starting through a young Jo’s eyes. His parents killed. His world shattered. The chaos is everywhere.
As he prepares for the worst, he is rescued by Canon. The pair flies away to a new home. The moment impacts Jo greatly. It also influences him in the present time. With a black diamond in the possession of Rowan (the stranger Charon is seeking), Jo and his friends see this as a sign of hope. Can this be the break they have been searching for?
Readers see a valiant move as Jo and company dig further into the hidden agenda of Rowan. Can they stay out of Charon’s reach long enough to find out. The pages fill with wonder and excitement as a path is ventures with grave consequences for failure. As the final act unfolds, events lead to a parting image that can only mean this story is far from over.
By A Thread #2 by SCOTT SNYDER, Jack Snyder, Valeria Favoccia, Whitney Cogar, Tom Napolitano, and Emma Price (Credit: Comixology originals)
By A Thread #2 by SCOTT SNYDER, Jack Snyder, Valeria Favoccia, Whitney Cogar, Tom Napolitano, and Emma Price (Credit: Comixology originals)
The writing dives into the past, present and future of the world of the Shroud. The opening sequence gives readers insight to how quickly the world fell apart . Choosing to tell it through Jo’s eyes made for a solid connection to readers. The “present” of the book brings a deeper insight into the events unfolding.
Scott and Jack showcase the groups emotions as to what Rowan represents to their situation. The Snyders combine fantasy elements in with adventure flawlessly for where things lead. Pacing sets up for a fantastic finish. This story just keeps getting better and better.
Favoccia and Cogar continue to blow readers away with the impresssive visuals in this series. The flashback sequence fully brings to life the harsh new world young Jo now finds himself in. This concludes with a full page panel introducing readers right into the second act. The conversations reflect the the possibilities of Rowan’s cargo.
Readers can’t help but be caught up in the thrill of the adventure at hand. This is put on display with an exceptional two-page full spread. Just when readers think the bar can’t be raised higher, the parting image leaves no doubt of how incredible the journey is currently as its’ only just started.
By A Thread #2 by SCOTT SNYDER, Jack Snyder, Valeria Favoccia, Whitney Cogar, Tom Napolitano, and Emma Price (Credit: Comixology originals)
By A Thread #2 by SCOTT SNYDER, Jack Snyder, Valeria Favoccia, Whitney Cogar, Tom Napolitano, and Emma Price (Credit: Comixology originals)
FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10
The mystery of By A Thread draws readers further into danger with another excellent chapter. Scott and Jack Snyder’s superb writing is taken to another level through the mind-blowing visuals of Favoccia and Cogar. The journey continues to level up with each page. You simply can’t miss what’s happening here if you’re a fan of great storytelling.
Hit me up on ODPH Social Media and let me know your thoughts on By A Thread #2. Thanks for reading!
