Welcome to a new installment of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast!
For this entry, we’re checking out the latest addition to a movie franchise via a brand new comic series from BOOM! Studios. Since its’ debut in 2015 with “Creed”, the spin-off story of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) ahs been winning over fans with two very successful sequels, “Creed II” (2018) and “Creed III” (2023). Hitting comic shops this week is the continuation of the saga with Outlier Society (Michael B. Jordan’s production company) and Chartoff-Winkler bringing the franchise to the world of comics.
CREED: THE NEXT ROUND #1 by LaToya Morgan (Dark Blood, AMC’s Walking Dead) and Jai Jamison (Superman & Lois), Wilton Santos (Break Out), DJ Chavis (Lunar Room), and executive producer Elizabeth Raposo, associate producer Christina Raquel of Outlier Society and Chartoff-Winkler (Creative Director: Michael B. Jordan) jumps the story ahead from where fans last saw Creed and his family. Let’s take a closer look and see how things are shaping up now, shall we?
CREED: THE NEXT ROUND #1 by LaToya Morgan (Dark Blood, AMC’s Walking Dead) and Jai Jamison (Superman & Lois), Wilton Santos (Break Out), DJ Chavis (Lunar Room), and executive producer Elizabeth Raposo, associate producer Christina Raquel of Outlier Society and Chartoff-Winkler (Creative Director: Michael B. Jordan) - Credit: BOOM! Studios
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The events of this story take place a decade after the conclusion of “Creed III”. Quoting directly from the opening page: “AMARA CREED WAS BORN DEAF AND HER MOTHER, BIANCA CREED, HAS COMPLETELY LOST HER HEARING BEFORE THE EVENTS OF THIS STORY. THE CREED FAMILY USES A MIX OF BASL (BLACK AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE) AND LIPREADING TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER.”
The first image readers see is Amara walking to a ring, clad in a boxing robe. With her father in her corner, Amara prepares for a boxing bout. Amara is facing Rebecca Gonzalez with a record of 5-3-0. Readers see the process of how Amara breaks down the fight. Her father waives a red towel, which Amara refers to “stop messing around and utilize your jab.” Amara complies and sets up to finish the fight with a win!
After the fight, Amara, Bianca and Adonis talk about the fight. Left with conflicting views, Amara looks at the trophy case and flashes back to when she first started. Readers see that since Adonis has retired, something has changed about his behavior in Amara’s eyes.
The next day, Amara is back in the gym, training with her dad. Amara is looking for tougher competition but her dad thinks otherwise. Meanwhile, someone is in the gym not showing the respect to Amara.
When she arrives at school, her friend Mel points out that there is an underground fight meeting happening later. With her parents away on business, Amara makes plans to go. What happens when she arrives at the fight club? Readers don’t wait too long to see Amara bring the action. The fallout sends her on an unexpected course that no one will see coming. No one ever said the road to becoming a champion was easy as the final moments show this story isn’t going to the judges for decision.
BREAKDOWN: Morgan and Jamison recreate the magic of the films with a story that carries a big Hollywood feel. Amara’s journey into becoming a champion mirrors some of the same youthful confidence personas conflicting with the elder experienced trainer. The writers play heavy into Adonis’ conflict post-retirement. Trying to balance being a father to being a trainer make for some strong character moments.
The family dynamic is another big element of this issue. Seeing Bianca and Adonis try to figure out a way to let Amara find her own path (to a degree) spotlight what makes these movies so special. The characters are easily relatable and readers can't help but to root for them to win. The final moments throw a solid curve into the mix and concludes a great first issue.
Santos and Chavis come out of the gates swinging with fast paced panels. The initial fight sets a solid pace for where things head into the story. The full page “Victory” panel closes the fight and transitions smoothly into the next phase of Amara’s path. These panels are followed up well with Amara looking into the trophy case and thinking of where she’s been and where she’s going.
The close-ups of Adonis and Bianca trying to figure things out breaks form the action to give readers a better connection with the characters. The training sessions with Amara mimicking Adonis play out perfectly to show how she’s growing as a fighter and slowly breaking form his shadow. The fight club panels push forward the emotions of fighting while adding more layer to Amara’s overall character. Great final sequence of panels to mix in the surprise ending and send readers into the next round with a loud visual statement.
FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10
The next chapter in the Creed saga doesn’t lose the opening round as readers are treated to an excellent first issue. Morgan, Jamison, Santos and the entire team repackage the magic of the movies and deliver it to the comic shop with superb writing and energetic art. You won’t want to miss picking this up on New Comic Book Day.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Creed: the Next Round #1. Thanks for reading!
