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

For this entry, we’re checking out a debut issue of a limited series from BOOM! Studios that horror fans will want to have on their radars. HARROWER #1 by Justin Jordan (Spread), Brahm Revel (Guerillas), and Pat Brosseau welcomes readers to Barlowe, New York and it’s mysterious figure. BOOM! has been on quite a roll with its’ horror books with such hits as Basilisk and Specs (to name a few). Let’s jump into this issue and see how things fare for the residents of Barlowe, shall we?

HARROWER #1 - On Sale February 8th, 2023
Creative: Justin Jordan, Brahm Revel, and Pat Brosseau
Credit: BOOM! Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story kicks off in the small town of Barlowe, New York. The sheriff of the small town returns home to find a marking on the inside of his walls. Knowing there is danger nearby, he draws his gun waiting but is attacked from behind. His gun is lost in the struggle. When he goes to reach for his gun, a foot stands over it. At this moment, readers witness an intimidating figure standing over the sheriff. With a defiant look and last words, the sheriff is killed by the frightening figure.

The story then shifts to high school where a teacher is explaining the mark on the sheriff’s wall. It is referred to as the “sinner’s mark”. The teacher explains to the class that the mark sends a call out to the Harrower, an avenger that “keeps Barlowe pure”. One student in this class listening is Jessa Brink. Class is dismissed with an eerie warning. Jessa meets up with some friends, her boyfriend and Carter Creed, a trouble soul who gets into an altercation with Jessa’s boyfriend. It’s revealed when Creed storms off that his sister was killed in the same accident as Jenna’s brother.

Readers are taken thru a meeting with Jessa’s parents as they head out into a town gala. Jessa questions their decision but ultimately they have made up their mind. When they leave Jessa takes off for a party with her friends, no one is ready for what unfolds next. What starts out with fun intentions takes a side track that immediately will impact the small town. What happened on the way to the party? Who is the sheriff related to and where does that story now lead? Readers will get those answers plus a final moment that will have some conversation started until next issue.

Jordan sets up the pieces for an entertaining horror tale. The story had a very retro feel to me (which isn’t a bad thing) as it captures some classic horror themes. The Harrower is only shown a few times within the issue giving plenty of page time to the residents of Barlowe. There are many introductions to the town’s residents but the standout moments are with Jessa and her parents. There is an event that affected their family and Carter’s which gives a vibe that there is much more to dig into with that sub-plot. The final moments speed a few things up and gives a twist ending that will be interesting to see if it holds up moving forward.

Revel illustrates the brutality of the Harrower right from the opening moments. The altercation with the sheriff is brief but effective in showing the danger surrounding the title character. The emotional points with Jessa and her family started to connect why that moment looks to be more impactful than anyone realizes now. Th set-up from the drive to the party to the conclusion was perfect for giving a vintage horror sense to the drama unfolding. The final panel was a bit of a surprise as I feel it could in two very different ways when the next issue opens, but did enough to cap off the suspense from the debut.

FINAL POINT: Harrower #1 gives readers a vintage horror feel with a mystery just starting to unfold. Jordan, Revel, and Brosseau craft the suspense of the small town’s supernatural figure with solid storytelling and art. If you’re looking for a new horror story at the LCS, Harrower #1 is one to check out.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Harrower #1. Thanks for reading.

HARROWER #1 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

Ken M