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 brand new series hitting the local comic shops from BOOM! Studios that has a very unique concept to it. The Seasons Have Teeth #1 by Dan Watters, Sebastián Cabrol, Dan Jackson, and Nate Piekos takes readers along for a journey into one man’s quest for atonement. Let’s take a closer look and see how seasons change from a defeated perspective, shall we?
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The story opens up with a man named Andrew Bates looking out his window. His next door neighbors are gearing up for a trip. The phone rings from a caller named Paul. The conversation centers around Andrew travelling to Shrewsbury after evading something at his last stop. Paul pleads to Andrew to start taking pictures again after losing his wife Cindy. Andrew downplays the plead as he stars out the window, seeing a vine work its way up to a birdhouse. This sets Andrew off on his latest travels outside his home.
Walking thru the streets, the vines are spreading through the quiet town. Andrew stops to see a dandelion and hesitates taking it’s picture, fearing he will damage it. It is at this moment Andrew hears a destructive boom in the distance. Andrew figures out that the noise came from the park. Once there, he sees a damaged pavilion which holds many memories for him and Cindy. After a flashback, Andrew also discovers teenaged kids are there. One has an accident with a branch that spirals into a bigger reveal and mystery all its’ own. What is Andrew chasing? Is there more to his work than meets the eye? Readers get some answers as an unveiling occurs that sets Andrew on a course to confront more than the ghosts of his pasts.
BREAKDOWN: Watters presents a deceptive concept with this debut. Andrew comes across as a saddened soul whose trying to find a fire that has been eliminated. Early in the book, its’ made clear that he hasn’t been the same since losing Cindy and readers get a closer look at this during a flashback scenario. This will surely play out as the story progresses, but even in a brief moment, it is one readers can connect with quickly. As Andrew begins his latest assignment, the mood stays very cold until the big reveal. The reaction to what is shown brings out something in Andrew that feels has been long forgotten. The final moment concludes this debut with a solid final moment until next issue.
Cabrol and Jackson keep the somber visuals to reflect Andrew’s feelings as the story moves along. The coloring utilizes dark tones except when something comes across as hopefully. These images are matched with brighter colors to spotlight the shift of emotions. There is an excellent two-page spread to show off the reveal and give readers much to break down about what Andrew is following. There are many elements mixed in this story and the art team brings them out for a solid first impression of the tale just starting.
FINAL POINT: The Seasons Have Teeth #1 ushers in a very unique story with deeper meaning as the times change. Watters, Cabrol and the team construct this narrative with solid writing and artwork. The groundwork has been laid for a deeply layered story so make sure to keep an eye out for this book on New Comic Book Day.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of The Season Have Teeth #1. Thanks for reading.