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 the latest from a team that has been tearing it up on the independent scene for quite some time now. Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balondo, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz have been on quite to hot streak with their Kickstarter projects via Top Hat Studios. Their current one, Grandma Chainsaw #2 hit goal first day and has created quite the buzz for itself. The campaign ends April 28th and if you haven’t signed up yet, check out this review of the latest chapter of the book that put them on the comic map: Pocus Hocus! Let’s discuss, shall we?

Note: It is a horror comic and some imagery might be too intense for younger readers. Viewing discretion is advised.

Pocus Hocus #5
Creative: Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balondo, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz
Photo Credit: Source Point Press

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

In case you are not familiar, Pocus Hocus centers around a man who sells his soul to a demon to become the world’s greatest magician. Pocus’s reasons for doing this? He wants impress his father and get his paternal approval. Unfortunately for him, Pocus’s father passes away before seeing him display his powers. Years later, the demon reappeared looking for Pocus to help him get out of a mess. Failure to do so meant both the demon and Pocus would die. Luckily, there’s one person in Pocus’s life that might be able to save him: his assistant Emily. Together, they embark on a journey into Hell where more secrets are uncovered and Pocus’ life as he knows it has changed forever.

This issue kicks off with Pocus, Hugo the Demon, HORUS the rabbit (FTW!) and Emily being invited into the realm controlled by Queen Lilith. Persius walks in to break the news that the group is here, but Lilith knows this already since she invited them in. Persius is killed instantly for questioning the queen. Lilith allows Victoria to take out “team Pocus” with the exception of Emily, who she has big plans for.

Meanwhile, Pocus is drowning his sorrows in front of a small crowd. After making “friends” with the patrons, Pocus senses everything isn’t alright. There are voices lurking which tip him off. While trying to leave, it is revealed there is a trap set to kill him. The bartender transforms into a huge spider like creature. Pocus makes a run for the door and is greeted by his fellow travelers. With a united front led by HORUS, Pocus and the team handle the monster. However, there’s no time to celebrate as a mysterious figure by the name of Samuel S. Ramsuel arrives on the scene.

What is his intent? Why does he have a vested interest in Pocus’s journey? More importantly, what is the history between him and HORUS?! Readers jump along for the ride as Pocus faces a grave challenge that he might not be fully capable of handling. The final page drops a huge exclamation point on the latest chapter that will have fans looking for when the next Kickstarter campaign begins!

BREAKDOWN: Radford and Dunford keep readers guessing with a touch more serious issue that they have seen previously. The spotlight on Lilith gives this chapter a different feel as she teases at her master plan for Pocus and co. without having a great deal of panel time featured. That said, there’s no shortage of the classic humor that has made this series stand out. The initial encounter with the spider creature plays out with Pocus’ obliviousness to what is happening with quips sprinkled throughout. Even when the creature gets ready to strike, Emily counters with a monologue only to be countered with a bored Spider asking for things to get going again. Another standout moment is when Ramseul makes his debut. The conversation is light hearted with solid laugh out loud moments are mixed in. Horus’s reputation was already legendary but hearing Ramseul talk about it raised its’ stock. Form here, the story shifts back into a more serious-esque tone, ramping up on the drama before closing strong with a big final page.

Balondo welcomes readers into this corner of darkness with some wild imagery. The creatures featured in this series jump out from the moment they hit a panel. The spider debut was strong in its’ initial debut only to be complemented by a full panel showcase. Excellent two-page spread to show the “team” in action. The mannerisms of the team when first talking with Ramseul are a noteworthy moment. The way Balondo sets up the back and forth with Horus, Hugo and Ramseul gives a much needed detour from the more direct tone of the book. The action sequences play off well in the final chapter to ramp up what is unfolding. Superb final page to finalize events while building up anticipation for the next issue.

FINAL POINT: The next phase of the world’s favorite soul selling magician sets course with another excellent read. Dunford, Radford, Balondo, Smith, & Lentz mix up the light hearted dialogue with a more direct theme with the writing & outstanding art. The series sets a new course and readers will be excited to get this in their hands (along with Grandma Chainsaw #2). Make sure you don’t miss both!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Pocus Hocus #5. Thanks for reading!