Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH podcast!

For this entry, we’re nearing the conclusion of Season Four from a a very popular series on Comixology Originals. If you are looking for a great mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery, this story is one not to miss. Ask For Mercy: The Circle of Time #5 by Richard Starkings and Abigail Jill Harding takes the drama up another level as the fight versus the evil Kroach is battled in two fronts. Lets’ not delay any longer and see how things shape up here, shall we?

Ask For Mercy: The Circle of Time #5
Creative: Richard Starkings and Abigail Jill Harding
Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

If new to this series, Mercy has been recruited in the fight against the evil Kroach. The previous seasons have been quite the journey for Mercy. Season Four kicked off with a timejump surrounding a young girl named “Becky,” who is revealed to be a younger version of Mercy! Ratmir and Jill Anderson, allies to Mercy, are setting up camp at the home of Becky’s Grandmother after escaping a tough situation. Unfortunately for them, time jumping doesn’t always land right and they missed the time by about 20 years before meeting up with an older Mercy. That said, the planet Tertiarus and its’ protector Alizarine becomes the second part of this season’s focus.

Where things jump in, Tertiarus hasn’t fallen yet. Alizarine and Mercy (who’s all grown up) are captured by Absolm Mooncrow, a space pirate. Before deciding what to do with his prisoners, Mooncrow’s ship is attacked. Mooncrow, Mercy and Alizarine form an uneasy alliance to handle the threat but is there really any honor amongst thieves?

The crew is now heading into the direct line of the Harvester, the Kroach’s monstrous figure with an army of Deathless leaving a deadly trail in their wake. Knowing the stakes, Alizarine reveals his past encounters with the Deathless and how he has tampered in creating them via the Pantheon of Tertiarus! He then makes a play with the crew to fight back: Alizarine makes them Deathless as well. Now on an even playing field, the battle begins.

The issue is split between two fronts: Ratmir and Anderson are in 2007 waiting and watching over a young Becky. However, readers see Anderson dosn’t wait long and starts her mission to stop the Kroach on Earth. Meanwhile back on Tertiarus, Alizarine leads the Deathless crew of Mercy and Mooncrow. The action is big and high-paced, but is it enough? Has Alizarine ran out of tricks? Can Mercy survive against the insurmountable odds? A path is forged heading into the season finale that is sure to have fans of this series talking.

BREAKDOWN: Starkings splits the story into two parts with equal vaule heading into he finale. Anderson’s story is brief but still impactful as her actions spoke volumes. However, the bigger takeaway readers will have is Alizarine’s methods for fighting the Harvester. Transforming the crew had its’ advantages but brings up questions about his true motives. There is a quiet moment between the fighting involving Mooncrow’s crew members Skully and Killsword that provides a great pause in the action to remind readers what the toll has been on the people of Tertiarus. Pacing isn’t an issue here as all signs point towards a huge season finale.

Harding’s art is electric for the fight with the Harvester. Alizarine unleashing he newly transformed Deathless into battle is a very poignant panel as it sets the tone for the fight ensuing. The full page panel of the Harvester speaks volumes for what the crew is up against. There are exceptional accommodating visuals to showcase how powerful the Deathless energy has made Mercy and Mooncrow. The fight’s conclusion is a great final shot to cap off what’s transpired before heading into the closing arc. There’s much to compliment about the artwork in this issue.

FINAL POINT: The penultimate issue of Season Four doesn’t miss its’ mark with bringing the action and drama. Starkings and Harding bring Mercy’s battle to the forefront with great storytelling and art. The groundwork is set for what should be a memorable season finale.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Ask For Mercy: The Circle of Time #5. Thanks for reading.

ASK FOR MERCY: THE CIRCLE OF TIME #5 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

ODPH Podcast