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

For this entry, Scott Snyder and Best Jackett Press returns with an all new series on Comixology Originals. Snyder’s line of comics has been winning over fans since its’ first wave of books: We Have Demons (w/art from Greg Capullo). Clear (w/ Francis Manupal), and Night Of The Ghoul (w/ Francesco Francavilla).

Barnstormers (w/ Tula Lotay), Canary (w/ Dan Panosian) and Dudley Datson & the Forever Machine (w/ Jamal Igle) led the second wave charge. October 2022 witnessed the debut of phase 3 with Book Of Evil (w/JOCK).

With the majority of those stories concludes (and now in print form via Dark Horse Comics), fans have been waiting to see what’s next.

The answer is DUCK AND COVER #1. Snyder is reunited with Rafael Albuquerque (STOUT CLUB), who fans know from their incredible run on American Vampire. The pair is united with Marcelo Maiolo and Bernardo Brice and what a story they have lined up!

Let’s not wait any longer and jump right in, shall we?

***DUCK AND COVER #1*** - ***SCOTT SNYDER***, ***Rafael Albuquerque***, ***Marcelo Maiolo and Bernardo Brice (CREDIT: Comixology Originals via Best Jackett Press and Stout Club)***

Set in the 1950’s, a young teen named Del Reeves is aspiring to be a film maker. His father, the high school janitor, bought him a Modackchrome 330 camera on a month’s salary. With the dangers of heightened Cold War tension and The N.O’s (a local Gang) looming, the boys escape in their film world. While out with his “crew” filming, Fate decided to intervene and say “cut” on the production.

When a stray Doberman attacks Del, he loses his eye in the ordeal. At the hospital, an apology is given but not the one anyone would expect. The police are “blaming” Del for the incident and the dog’s owner will let things drop if Del apologies. Reluctantly he does.

The story then jumps several years ahead. Reeves is planning on heading to Hollywood. Working at a drive-in theatre, Reeves and his friend Oliver Ozawa come across a rough crowd. With the current climate of possible nuclear warfare, readers can understand the frustration. However, when Pugg Lansky’s radio speaker “doesn’t work”, it leads into a hostile confrontation with Reeves, Ozawa, Lansky and a few others.

After all hell breaks loose, Reeves visits the involved parties at “Daytention” at the school to confront Lansky. At this stage, an unexpected event happens. The event changes the course for everyone in the classroom.

What is the event? Readers quickly witness the world as Reeves and company knew is gone. What stands in its’ place is a landscape no one will see coming. It is one of the most creative flips involving history I’ve seen in a while. The final moments leave nothing to chance as to where things are heading now. Get ready for another can’t miss story from this line!

BREAKDOWN: Snyder brings in many different elements to this debut issue. Del Reeves instantly wins over readers with his drive and strength thru uncomfortable times. The social tensions challenge his character and he never falters rising above it. Reeves and Ozawa’s friendship is organic and their conversations pop up as a break from the anxiousness of the world around them. Lansky reflects the complete opposite and plays a solid foil to Reeves.

Just when readers think they know where the story is going, Snyder pulls one of the most brilliant changes with the path of the final act. The themes carries heavy in a reflection of the times but mixes in sci-fi elements to give it a unique edge. Pacing kept things moving and brought everything to a superb close with the final page. Excellent debut.

Albuquerque and Maiolo construct a detailed vision of America in the 1950’s. From the opening moments, the panels reflect a sense of optimism as the boys start their film. Through the tense emotions, the art showcases how the youthfulness is oblivious to the dangers. Fantastic two-page spread bringing the feel of the drive-in movies. This brings the introduction to most of the major players. The versatile mannerisms feature how everyone feels during this era. Perfect set-up to kick off the fight between Reeves, Lansky and all around.

The final act is where the art shines. Bringing in a completely new imagery to this time was a joy to witness. Events moves quickly and panels never missed a step translating that to the audience. The final page is a lasting impression that this is no ordinary story. That’s also a huge win for readers moving forward.

FINAL POINT: 10 OUT OF 10

Snyder and Albuquerque usher in an imaginative take on the combustible social climate of the 1950’s. Outstanding writing and flawless artwork set the stage for what is sure to be an instant classic. Fans will not be able to forgive themselves if they don’t pick up this issue. Highest possible recommendation.

Hit me up on ODPH Social Media and let me know what you thought of Duck and Cover #1. Thanks for reading.

DUCK AND COVER #1 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS/BEST JACKETT PRESS)

Ken M