Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast.
For this entry, the Massive-Verse from IMAGE COMICS via BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE has come back in a monster way since the “Supermassive 2023” crossover event. One series that is kicking into the next level is Rogue Sun. The adventures of Dylan Siegal have been anything but calm as the latest arc has challenged him like never before.
ROGUE SUN #15 by Ryan Parrott, Abel and Marco Renna (Artists), Natalia Marques, Becca Carey, Michael Busuttil (Editor and Design) keeps readers guessing on what is next for the young hero. Let’s take a deeper dive and see what is happening now, shall we?
ROGUE SUN #15 by Ryan Parrott, Abel and Marco Renna (Artists), Natalia Marques, Becca Carey, Michael Busuttil (Editor and Design) - (credit: Image Comics via Black market Narrative) Cover - Luana Vecchio
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Dylan’s tenure as the defender of the supernatural hasn’t exactly been an easy road. His estranged dead father’s spirit served as a mentor until Dylan decided to dismiss him. The replacement turned out to be Caleb Hawthorne, the Knight Sun. When Dylan couldn’t defeat Hellbent on his own, he turned over control of his body to Caleb to secure victory. However with that choice, Caleb has decided not to relinquish hold.
Now a literal prisoner in his own body, Dylan is learning the hard way that not every hero has good intentions.
With full possession of Dylan’s body and the power of the Sun Stone, Caleb has summoned the attention of Mourningstar, who has been responsible for most of Dylan’s troubles as Rogue Sun.
This issue kicks off with Caleb facing off with Mourningstar and her minions of creatures. What appears to be a challenge turns into a surprise no one is expecting. Caleb hasn’t come to fight, he’s come with a proposition. It is one readers will not believe when they read it!
Meanwhile, Dylan is meeting with his father and Grandfather in the astral plane in a configured reminder of family life: a cabin in the woods. The trio converse about life as Rogue Suns and how Dylan should move forward. Their journey takes them into a place where Dylan learns about the history of the mantle he once had. Dylan also makes a choice with big ramifications.
What choices are made? Can the heroes survive with the decisions they made? Readers witness how choices are always followed by consequences. Even with these stories going on, the final act drops one f the biggest shocking moments in this series history and that is saying something! Readers - BRACE FOR THE LAST PAGE!
ROGUE SUN #15 by Ryan Parrott, Abel and Marco Renna (Artists), Natalia Marques, Becca Carey, Michael Busuttil (Editor and Design) - (credit: Image Comics via Black market Narrative) Cover: Holly-Renee Blakeway
Parrott continues to weave more surprises and twists into Dylan’s life proving that any ideas you have about this series are far from concrete. The opening moments with Caleb and Mourningstar proves to be a solid pace setter for the remaining plots in this issue/story. Caleb has been one character that keeps his true intentions close to the vest but appears to be peeling back some of those layers with his actions. The family “reunion” breaks away from the overall story long enough to give some insight into the Bell’s dynamic while challenging if the powers of Rogue Sun affects the wielder more than anything thinks. Excellent final act to raise the stakes even higher as Dylan and Caleb appear on a much needed collision course.
Abel and Renna continue to be a winning team splitting art duties. Caleb’s body language with Mourningstar speaks volumes without seeing his face. The feel is tense as the enemies could attack at any moment. The family time showcases the strained relationship the Bell/Siegal family have with the pent-up emotions pouring out on the panels. Events move at a quick pace but never loses the readers attention as the escalation grows. It’s perfectly capped off with a final act and mind-blowing parting visual that will leave readers shocked at what’s about to happen next.
FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10
The life and times of Dylan Siegal never disappoint as the creative team continues to find ways to lead readers into directions that no one sees coming. Parrott delivers on the drama with exceptional writing. Factor in the one-two punch of Abela and Renna (along with the rest of the team) and Rogue Sun continues to be a must have on New Comic Book day.
Hit me up on ODPH Social Media and let me know your thoughts on Rogue Sun #15. Thanks for reading.
