Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we’re at the conclusion of a break-out series from comics most exciting line: The Massive-Verse from Image Comics via Black Market Narrative. INFERNO GIRL RED: BOOK ONE #3 by MAT GROOM (Power Rangers, Ultraman), ERICA D’URSO (The Mighty Valkyries), IGOR MONTI & BECCA CAREY brings to comic shops the conclusion of the introductory story of Cassia Costa. Breaking down the Kickstarter volume into three issues has been no easy task but the series has been winning over fans month after month since its’ initial release via Image. Last time readers saw Cassia, Apex City is still reeling from the attack of the Griffin while Cassia has one of her biggest fears unfold right before her eyes. How do things fare in this final installment of Book One? Let’s take a closer look and see how the latest series of the Massive-verse concludes its’ spectacular debut, shall we?
INFERNO GIRL RED: BOOK ONE #3
Creative: MAT GROOM, ERICA D’URSO, IGOR MONTI & BECCA CAREY
Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Going away to school was expected to be a life-changing event, but even Cassia Costa didn’t expect how fast things would change when she arrived at the Helix Campus. Being a new student at the prestigious school in Apex City carries enough weight, but becoming the surprising beacon of hope and the only line of defense against the Griffin might be too much to bare.
When danger struck as the Griffin caused the entire foundation of Apex City to rise, fate found Cassia in the form of a red object that activitied her fire inside becoming the hero INFERNO GIRL RED! With the assistance of her mother, Ana and her roommate Harriette, Cassia has faced down the Griffin’s forces until a showdown between them proved too much for Cassia to handle. Rebounding from the encounter, Cassia is lured out to face the threat while the Griffin kidnaps her mother, leaving Cassia is a state of sheer defeat.
This issue opens up with Harriette returning to their dorm room and seeing Cassia crying over the disappearance of her mother. Cassia opens up to Harriette about how her mother was on to the Griffin’s ways and she was disgraced to the point Cassia’s father left them both. Feeling truly alone, Harriette provides comfort and confidence standing by Cassia’s side during this time of need and reminding her what truly makes her a hero. The conversation results in Cassia revealing her superhero identity, which Harriette already deciphered.
The pair then discuss plans to stop the Griffin once and for all. With an assist from a fellow student, they find a location where a tremendous amount of power is being used. Cassia prepares to head to the location, ready to overcome the odds and be the hope that Apex City needs in this time of crisis.
At this stage, The Griffin addresses Cassia’s mother and his identity is revealed to the readers. Once Cassia arrives, the final showdown begins! Readers are ringside for a battle of the ages as Cassia goes toe-to-toe with an adversary who Cassia has no choice but to defeat with the lives of her mother and residents of Apex City hanging in the balance.
The conclusion doesn’t leave both combatants unscathed. It leaves readers filled with ranging emotions. Once the battle has passed, the final moments offer a satisfying conclusion to the inaugural chapter of the Massive-Verse’s latest hero.
BREAKDOWN: Groom leaves readers with an exciting ending to Cassia’s first solo story. At the core of this tale has been the concept of hope. It truly is Cassia’s super power. Once she believes that she can accomplish the impossible, Cassia proves that powers never made her a hero in the first place. Groom showcases Cassia as a determined character who faces her fears and doubts head-on. This portion of the story shows her growth in believing as she needs to find the fire inside her to push forward with the absence of her mother as her normal guide. This becomes even more apparent with the showdown with the Griffin. Having been previously defeated, Cassia needs to push herself beyond her fears know what failure could mean. The resolution of the battle magnifies how important it was to win and sends off Cassia’s world with a compelling good-bye (for now…)
D’Urso’s art amplifies the intensity of the final battle to incredible levels. The action panels hold readers’ attention and never lets go with its non-stop pacing. This has been a staple of this book since its’ inception. D’Urso brings a vibrant energy to the series which reflects the optimism and hope Cassia has (with much praise going to Monti & Carey to amplify these panels). D’Urso also brings out the deeply emotional elements of Cassia’s world. The moments she shares with her mother and Harriette show readers the power of self-belief can overcome insurmountable odds.
FINAL POINT: Groom, D’Urso and the team have not only made a highly enjoyable superhero story, Through their work, they’ve reminded comic readers what makes a hero isn’t the powers they have, but the fire inside that gives them the courageous drive to be heroic. The series is a must-add to your collection and you can’t leave the local comic shops this week without a copy.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Inferno Girl Red: Book One #3. Thanks for reading.
