Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we’re following along the musical journey featured in the hit series from Image Comics via Black Market Narrative. Deep Cuts by KYLE HIGGINS, JOE CLARK, Diego Greco, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou has taken readers from New Orleans to Chicago (by way of Broadway) with Jazz providing the soundtrack. Issue #3 takes a stop in Kansas City in 1940. Let’s see if the latest chapter hits a high note, shall we?
Deep Cuts #3 - KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, Diego Greco, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Credit: Image Comics via Black market narrative) - Cover: Chris Brunner
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
A young girl named Alice Leslie is looking at “The Spooky Boys” crime comic-book late at night. There’s a “mystery” surrounding a musician known as “Mr. Bones”. Suddenly, there’s a rumble and her father, Otis, comes home. Alice jumps out of bed to hear her parents arguing. The conversation stops when Alice knocks a lamp over.
The next day, the family tries starting the day off on a better note. However, Otis and Cindy (his wife) are clearly not on the same page. With an issue with the furnace distracting the parents, Alice misses her bus to school. Readers see that there’s a building jealousy with Alice over the youngest of the family, Vivian, who seems to always have her father’s attention. This theory is confirmed at school when Alice talks with her friends about Christmas.
In-between Otis working around the house, the words of the comic haunt Alice as she hears her father play music. When Alice questions why he stops, Otis is saved by an old friend named Lemont Boggs. Boggs is the drummer for the Baron Redmond Orchestra and has an offer for Otis to play a show. Otis tries denying the offer but Boggs won’t take no for an answer.
What is the reason behind Otis’s retirement? Alice takes more cues from her comic to start her own investigation. Readers join in on the case as Alice digs deep into the matter. The journey is filled with moments of young theories and old habits. Heading into the closing act, Otis makes a tough decision with impacts on the family. Will it be harmony for the holidays or a bad note to leave on? Readers will have no doubt with that final panel hits with a song in the air.
BREAKDOWN: Higgins and Clark don’t stray too far away from the foundation they have built. Otis appears as a compelling character, struggling to be what the family needs over his wants. It is evident when he plays music how much his demeanor changes. Once again, proof of how strong the power of music is when it has someone in its’ grip. Alice coming across as a young sleuth made for fun moments when tying it back to her comic.
The story challenges Otis to his core. Readers can instantly connect with his choices. At his core, the music never leaves him no matter how much he tries hiding it. It plays into some fun directions. Alice’s detective work takes some of the emotional weight off topic, but never anything to hamper the story.
Greco takes over art duties for issue #3 and jumps right into the 40’s. The visuals perfectly reflect the time. The mannerisms with Otis and Cindy translate to the audience their constant struggles. As the story progresses, it is clear to see Otis wanting to play more but feelings of guilt hold him back.
There’s an excellent run of “comic” panels where Alice is envisioning what her father’s “True” story is. The change in art stands out for a great break in the drama. The bond between Otis and Alice pops off the page with an excellent full panel page later in the book. The final visuals leave a lasting effect on the readers until the next chapter drops. There’s much to enjoy with the presentation here.
FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10
The saga of Jazz Music plays on with another great installment. Higgins, Clark, Greco, and the team orchestrate an entertaining mix of strong writing and stellar visuals to carry the music through its’ latest destination. Don’t miss this series on New Comic Book Day!
Hit me up on ODPH Social Media and let me know what you thought about Deep Cuts #3. Thanks for reading!
