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

For this entry, we have finally arrived at the conclusion of the last ride of Marshall Holt via Comixology Originals & Best Jackett Press. Since its’ debut in the second wave of Scott Snyder’s line of BJP comics, the horror-western tale has grabbed readers’ imagination and never loosened its’ grip. Now, all best are off for the final showdown of good and evil in the wild, wild west.

CANARY #6 by Scott Snyder, Dan Panosian, Richard Starkings and Will Dennis brings down the curtain on the mystery of the terrors of a small town. Let’s take a closer look and see how things play out.

***CANARY #6 by Scott Snyder, Dan Panosian, Richard Starkings and Will Dennis***
***Credit: Comixology Originals via Best Jackett Press***

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Marshall Holt is on the verge of retirement. He’s recruited to investigate a murder in 1891. The case leads him to the town of Canary. Holt knows this town all too well. It is the location of his most disturbing case: Hyrum Tell.

While searching the case, Holt is joined by Edison Edwards (or Ed-Ed), & Mabel Warren, daughter of Canary founder Chester Warren. The trio’s journey leads them from an abandoned cave to “The Global Geological & Divination Society 1081” or House 1081. The “Canary Evolution” theory looms heavy as they can’t escape the danger. All the while, Holt is trying to hold it together with the memories of his past begin to creep into the present.

After a monstrous figure reveals itself from the grave surroundings below, Holt leads the charge to head to the bottom of the cave and address whatever evil lies there once and for all.

The issue begins with Holt returning to his family’s home. The mood is dark and looming with an evil hiss. As Holt walks in the house, he finds his wife and baby dead as canary eggs lie on the floor.

Suddenly, Holt is back with Mabel as they prepare to descend to the bottom of the cave. Knowing time is not on their side, the pair lowers the elevator. Once they begin to head downward, Mabel notices that things are not normal.

The road to Hell is paved with dark intentions as Holt and Mabel finally land at the deep bottom. Once they walk out of the elevator, readers see the insanity they set into. Answers are revealed and more burden is put on Holt’s soul as he now finds himself in a place he never expected.

The closing act floods the pages with excitement and rising uncertainty. Can Holt save the day one last time? Readers will walk away with a few parting images before a surprising one to conclude this epic tale with.

Snyder sends Holt off into the sunset with an unforgettable issue. The challenges he has faced have not been an ordinary case. Tull’s impact on his life never strays too far from this story. Holt battles the ghosts of his past to find a possible future. Snyder focuses in on this element during the key points of this finale.

Once the big revelation appears, Snyder presents our lead with the challenge of being vigilant for the greater good, no matter the cost. The conflict is one that will not easily escape reader’s minds as they read the tale. It pushes Holt to his breaking point. Knowing what lies ahead, his actions re-assure any doubt of his nobility in the face of overwhelming odds.

The final moments move briskly to end this saga on a very strong note. The parting images will have readers talking as the “Canary Evolution” theory leaves a lasting impression for an immediate re-read for years to come.

Panosian delivers on looming horror and crushing drama art to conclude the last ride. The heart-wrenching images of Holt struggling to deal with his family’s state instantly sets a devious overtone to the story. Once the decent inside the cave begins, readers brace for the impact of Holt’s valiant efforts.

The cave is filled with brooding images of terror and anxiety. There are a run of two-page spreads that scream volumes of the breaking of Holt’s spirit right before the evil’s reveal. Panosian welcomes that element to the main story with a devilish hello via its’ body language. Showing Holt’s reaction to all of this further cements the cost he must decide to pay to end things. The conflict concludes with another fantastic double page action shot before bringing the curtain down. The mastery of horror and western styles is truly remarkable with the artistry.

FINAL POINT: 9.5 OUT OF 10

When the dust settles and smoke clears, Snyder and Panosian conclude Marshall Holt’s last case with a spectacular conclusion! Superb writing lays the foundation for mind-blowing visuals to guide readers into a gritty showdown of good verses evil.

Hit me up on ODPH Social media and let me know your thoughts on Canary #6. Thanks for reading.