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

For this entry, we are following along the supernatural family serving the daily specials via Comixology Originals. Returning for their final arc, Ian, Cynthia, and Joy begin their plan to rescue their missing family member. However, after the ending of last issue, they might have some divine intervention on their side.

The All-Nighter #12 by Chip Zdarsky, Jason Loo, Paris Alleyne, and Frank Cvetkovic sets events in motion for the final showdown. Let’s take a closer look and see where things stand now, shall we?

***The All-Nighter #12 by Chip Zdarsky, Jason Loo, Paris Alleyne, and Frank Cvetkovic (credit: Comixology originals)***

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

GOD has entered the playing field.

As Ian, Joy and Andrea converse in the diner, they quickly realize they are not alone. GOD is inside and making milkshakes? Ian is not believing the stranger is how he claims to be. Readers see a subtle way of proving the claim via Blood Milkshakes.

Ian still denies the claims. He thinks this figure might have more to do with The Takers. God tries explaining more in detail. A new thought is posed where not one being but rather all Humanity is God now. Ian isn’t exactly on board (still) but the rest of the group clearly has warmed up to the notion. From this conversation, a new member looks ready to join the group in their rescue attempt.

The conversation is interrupted by figures representing the Takers. With the action escalating, does the mysterious stranger sway fate in their favor?

With a hasty escape, the group reunites with Francis and Cynthia. It is at this moment, the dynamic changes forever. What course does the family now walk towards? As one’s past comes to light, the rescue mission appears to begin, but not without a hefty cost. The emotional pull begins on readers leading into a closing page that won’t be soon forgotten as the end appears to be closer than anyone wants to fathom.

Zdarsky throws readers off their game with the introduction of a major player. Bringing in GOD to assist the team demonstrates a new look at the set-up of the story. The explanation of reasons and motives are an easy follow to readers. It also allows new directions into where things lead. God’s story provides a huge set-up for when the group escapes the diner.

Featuring a stand-out character in the spotlight, Zdarsky elevates their story tremendously. The effects form this raise the stakes of the final act many notches. Zdarsky taps into the emotional connections these characters have to completely bring the small wins crashing down. The final moments of this chapter drop a huge blow to all parties involved, lighting the match for an explosive final run.

Loo and Alleyne feature a few different looks to God’s introduction. From Ian’s disbelief to Joy and Andrea’s amazement of his “creation”, it provides a few light-hearted moments before cranking up on the emotions. Once the group arrives back at the forest retreat, the tone shifts and focuses on the actions and feelings of a notable character.

The personal panels showcase a different side before ushering in an action that kicks off the conclusion. The imagery perfectly covers what each connecting character is feeling once the end begins. It exemplifies how there is more to this story than just supernatural beings. It’s about the caring each major character has shown for their small group and how important the final act is to sacrifice so much.

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions as a heavenly figure makes their presence known in another fantastic issue. Zdarsky’s emotionally layered writing raises the stakes with Loo, Alleyne and Cvetkovic crafting the calm before the upcoming final play. There’s no reason this series shouldn’t be in your collection by the end of New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on The All-Nighter #12. Thanks for reading!