Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, the mystery of the Massive-verse marches on! Since its’ debut in 2023, the saga of the “Accountability Killer” has branched out from just being a comic story. It is a pop culture event. Not just any comic has a companion podcast featuring Patton Oswalt and Rachael Leigh Cook. The Black Market Narrative/Image Comic now starts heading into its’ final stretch with readers still buzzing about the question: “Who Is No One?”
NO/ONE #7 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Antonio Fuso, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou looks to provide some big clues surrounding some key elements. Let’s take a closer look and see how things shape up!
NO/ONE #7 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Antonio Fuso, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Credit: Black Market Narrative/Image Comics - Cover: Geraldo Borges)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The story beings at Ritter’s Diner in September of 2023. Former assistant Chief Ben Kern is talking with an old friend about his son Aaron Kern. Aaron is publicly known as the “Accountability Killer”. Aaron is currently out of jail via his confession being deemed illegal. Readers find out what Ben is planning and the burden on his soul will be immense.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Rios returns to work after an encounter with the latest “Accountability Killer” and No/One. His return is cut short when Rios gets a message on his phone. Walking into a car, readers find No/One behind the wheel. The conversation goes from a simple “Thank You” to an interview attempt. Suffice to say, it falls on deaf ears.
Both Ben Kern and No/One’s paths cross later in a confrontation which will have readers on edge. The fallout leads a surprise person of interest to Ben Kern’s door: Julia Paige.
Through the escalating tense climate led by Senator Noah Kemp, time is not on their side. What does this partnership uncover? The final act reveals a truth behind one character that readers won’t see coming. The last image sets the tone for the end game to start on the Massive-verse’s greatest mystery. Get ready!
NO/ONE #7 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Antonio Fuso, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Credit: Black Market Narrative/Image Comics - Cover: Stefano Simeone)
Higgins and Buccellato center this issue around the actions of Ben Kern. Kern has been the one most personally affected by his son’s recent actions. The writing reflects his guilt and anger. The choice he makes is a bold one. The contrast with No/One stands out as they both want justice but see differing ways of accomplishing it.
The stand-out moment of this issue is the partnership with Julia and Ben. Knowing both no longer have ties to their organizations, the writing reflects their focus on ending this case once and for all. The final act puts their work to the test. Readers see how the set-up provides a thrilling moment leading to a blockbuster break. With only a few issues left, the pacing picks up to take readers to the finish line after this trek.
Fuso steps in for Geraldo Borges for this issue and gives readers a more grounded look for the series. The page keep a steady format of multiple panel pages. The imagery points out the emotional reaction to events. Kern’s facial expressions range from pained to frustrated.
The art also builds a sense of danger when Kern and Non One cross paths. With Kern’s choice on attack, the fallout grants a hostile setting, planting the seeds for a future meeting. The closing act moves events right along showcasing Julia and Ben’s work in action. Fuso ends this chapter on a strong note with a panel that kicks off the beginning of the end of the mystery.
NO/ONE #7 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Antonio Fuso, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Credit: Black Market Narrative/Image Comics - Cover: Stefano Simeone)
FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10
With a major break in the “Accountability Killer” case, the Massive-verse’s greatest mystery starts its trek to the finale. With exceptional writing from Higgins and Buccellato, Fuso’s illustrations bring the drama to a stage where the saga is about to explode.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on No/One #7. Thanks for reading!
