Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we are checking out a brand new series from a legendary creative team. When fans see the names “Bendis” and “Maleev” in the same creators listing, most instantly think of their run on Marvel’s Daredevil. Others may think Scarlet. This time, they’re reuniting for a brand new crime mystery series for Dark Horse Comics.
MASTERPIECE #1 by Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, Ian Herring and Josh Reed welcomes readers to the mystery of Emma and the debt of her family’s sins. Let’s take a closer look and see how this story begins.
MASTERPIECE #1 by Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, Ian Herring and Josh Reed (Credit: Dark Horse Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
A teacher introduces Emma to fellow students in her new classroom. The moment is awkward as Emma’s speech doesn’t exactly connect. Making things even worse is the FBI crashing the welcome party. They’re looking for a “Masterpiece Lawford”. Emma is very confused as to what is happening. Emma is led away into a car with her next stop an unknown location.
After having her mask removed, Emma is in the presence of Zero Preston. Preston is a billionaire who surprises not only Emma but readers with his knowledge. Preston knows Emma is not her real name. Preston also explains how her parents stole money from him and disappeared without a trace. The grudge has grown over time leading to this moment.
Readers witness the master plan Preston has for Emma. It is a risky gamble, but with all the anger fueling him, Preston is locked in. Emma starts to try figuring out what is happening as she now faces a real problem. The fallout from this leads into a new direction.
The closing moments add danger and anxiety to the young 16 year old’s path of discovery. Rest assured by the final page, Emma’s world as she knew it becomes forever changed. Get ready for a story that fits its’ title billing.
MASTERPIECE #1 by Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, Ian Herring and Josh Reed (Credit: Dark Horse Comics - Cover: Tula Lotay)
Bendis crafts a new vision in what we define “criminal” as. Emma is presented as an outsider to a world she knew nothing about. The dialogue with Preston is filled with themes of intrigue and wonder. His drive of “villainy” is an easy play for readers to see. The story behind her parents is a great surprise.
The latter half of the book dives further into the revelations bestowed onto Emma. The dynamic in seeing how she is processing all of this is keeps the audience locked in. Pacing never allows for this to get lost in the shuffle. Emma’s closing arc throws more mystery into the plot which peels more layers away to her new stat quo. It leaves much for readers to think about as they process what is sure to be the start of something truly special.
Maleev, Herring and Reed kick things ff with a frantic scene of Emma and the classroom. Once the FBI makes their appearance, the art team captures the fast moving moments with excellent usage of the word bubbles to match her reactions of doubt.
Readers are gifted a fantastic two-page image with a further dive into Emma’s parents history. It has a vintage feel like the Jim Steranko covers of Nick Fury to hook readers into their history. The “Unicorn Pow” images provide a solid break to the tone of the book. However, the closing moment ramps up some action and mystique before bowing out the story (for now).
MASTERPIECE #1 by Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, Ian Herring and Josh Reed (Credit: Dark Horse Comics - Cover: Peach Momoko)
FINAL POINT: 10 OUT OF 10
The team of Bendis and Maleev strike another huge score with their latest mystery crime tale. Through fantastic writing and impressive imagery, the saga of Emma Lawford lives up to its’ apply titled name. The sins of the family come to light with an issue you can’t afford to miss at the local comic shop!
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