Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog of the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we are checking out a brand new series from BOOM! Studios. In 2023, BOOM! had a monster year with such debuts as Mosley, Ghostlore and Harrower hitting the comic shops. They’re kicking off 2024 in a huge way with a mystery tale with an excellent creative team behind it.
Pine and Merrimac #1 by Kyle Starks (I Hate This Place), Fran Galán (Amazing Spider-Man) and Pat Brosseau welcomes readers to the world of a private investigating couple and their latest case. Let’s hit the ground running and see how things fare for the debut chapter.
Pine and Merrimac #1 by Kyle Starks, Fran Galán, and Pat Brosseau (Credit: BOOM! Studios)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The story begins with Linnea Kent waking up to some coffee brought to her by her husband, Parker. They reside in the quiet town of Jamesport. Readers get a look into Linnea’s past. Her sister Alma was kidnapped and murdered. This led Linnea into a life as a homicide detective.
On one case, she met Parker aka “Pitbull”. While investigating the death of his sparring partner, they fell in love. After solving the case (the coach did it), the couple marries and moves back to Jamesport to open a small investigation practice. It’s located on the corner of Pine and Merrimac.
However, a new case looks to re-kindle some old emotions. A couple approaches Linnea and Parker about their missing daughter. She bears an eerie resemblance to Linnea’s sister. Normally, the pair wouldn’t take the case, but Linnea accepts the offer.
Where the story leads readers into a start of a deeper mystery hiding in a small town. What secrets lurk in the shadows? Is Linnea and Parker in over their heads? Judging by the final pages, readers have much to be excited for as a new mystery awaits.
Pine and Merrimac #1 by Kyle Starks, Fran Galán, and Pat Brosseau (Credit: BOOM! Studios) Cover: Erica Henderson
Right from the opening pages, Starks locks readers in to deeply invest in these characters. The story of Linnea hits a few emotional notes. The love story between her and Parker is caring while showing their true strength is their adoration for the other. This comes into play with the minor cases they work on. Parker’s protective nature plays off Linnea’s confidence perfectly.
Once the missing girls’ case comes across their path, Starks shifts gears without losing this mystique. The initial start to the case leads to displaying what they do best. The banter is enjoyable and breaks the seriousness of the surround drama. The closing moments tease just enough that readers can’t help but become hypnotized in what is unfolding here.
Galán lays out the landscape for quite the impressive debut. The flashback page is a full page image that flows easily to convey the past of Linnea. This is equally met with Parker’s backstory visuals. The expressions displayed from the couple never stray away from their devotion for the other. Even with the drama unfolding, it all comes back to the pair and the mission they have now signed up for completing.
Pine and Merrimac #1 by Kyle Starks, Fran Galán, and Pat Brosseau (Credit: BOOM! Studios) Cover: Jae Lee
FINAL POINT: 10
The secrets of Jamesport are about to surface with a story you simply can’t miss picking up. With Starks crafting the unbreakable bond of love of Linnea and Parker, Galán’s magnificent imagery excels the mystery to new heights. Get ready for the start of something comic fans will talking about through 2024 and beyond.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Pine and Merrimac #1. Thanks for reading!
