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

For this entry, the comic book world was shaken up with the announcement of a brand new company that truly is going to be a game-changer. Early in 2023, David Steinberger and Chip Mosher announced a company was coming which was going to be one of the most pro-creator companies in history: DSTLRY !

If anyone is unfamiliar with the pair, they were two of the biggest names over at Comixology. With their respected backgrounds, this upstart brand had a solid foundation to begin growing. Following them was a who’s who of top named creators who are founding members of the brand. They are Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Brian Azzarello, Stephanie Phillips , Mirka Andolfo, Joëlle Jones, Tula Lotay, Lee Garbett, Marc Bernardin, Becky Cloonan, Junko Mizuno, Elsa Charretier, Jamie McKelvie, Ram V, Jock and editor Will Dennis.

With a business structure set to benefit creators like no other (actual partnerships with financial stakes), the anticipation around their first project has astronomical. This week, DSTLRY makes their debut on New Comic Book Day with The Devils Cut.

The special edition features 11 short stories from the founding members and others. Let’s not wait any longer and see how DSTLRY makes their initial debut, shall we?

THE DEVIL’S CUT (CREDIT: DSTLRY MEDIA - COVER :JOCK)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Due to the amount of stories, the overview of each tale will be shorter than usual reviews.

The book opens up with “Spectregraph” by Tynion IV, Christian Ward, and Aditya Bidikar - It centers around a job proposition that is more than anyone expects. Incredible art by Ward leaves a lasting impression by the time the final image appears. Perfect way to kick off the first impressions of the book and brand.

“SHEPARD” by Bernardin, Ariela Kristantina, Lee Loughridge, and Bernardo Brice - A sci-fi tale that only scratches the surface but will leave readers wanting more. The creative team meshes a mystery behind the futuristic set-up. Clearly, this story is far from being completed.

“8 Rules To Make It Out In One Piece” by Charretier, PK Colinet, Nick Filardi, and Clayton Cowles - An outrageous spy thriller that is sure to win readers over. Sharp writing keeps things moving through Colinet’s eye-catching visuals. Fun caption to close out with as this story might not be over just yet.

“What’s Mine is Hearse” by Phillips, Joëlle Jones, and Lucas Gattoni - The Wildest story of the eleven without question! Phillips and Jones present an unhinged lead character and their “unique” vision of love. Great work from the creative team giving the readers a true sense of pushing the limits with the freedom of creating at DSTLRY offers.

“A Blessed Day” by Mirka Andolfo, Fabio Amelia, Arancia Studio and Steve Orlando - a mix of fame, religion and the supernatural. Welcome to the world of Lev with haunting words filling the pages of the bright lights and big city feel of the visuals.

“The STOWAWAY” by Jock - a young boy’s mission to survive turns chaotic with the legendary art of Jock guiding readers along. Pacing keeps things escalading as the tension rises with each panel. With “Gone” following this book, fans of this story will be even more excited for October.

“DELETED SCENE, #2” BY Azzarello, Eduardo Risso, and Jared K. Flecther - a chilling western with a surprisng cause of events. Excellent two-page visuals to wrap things up with, leaving readers wanting to hear more of the tale being woven.

“WHITE BOAT” by Snyder, Francesco Francavilla, Andworld Design, and Tyler Jennes - The creative team behind “Night Of The Ghoul” strikes again with horror at high tide. Snyder’s gripping writing with the impectable work of Francavilla makes this one story no one will want to miss!

“What Happens Next” by McKelvie and Bidikar - a futuristic tale that literally challenges readers to watch as two individuals challenge the perfect status quo. McKelvie delivers stunning visuals around the thought provoking writing. The ending leaves much to the imagination of where things go from here.

“Waiting To Die” by Ram V, Garbett, Loughridge and Bidikar - With an impending solar flare affecting all in its’ sight, the creative team gives a fresh perspective on the idea of what one does in their final moments. The writing jumps out as choices are made and the repercussions don’t escape. Excellent artwork to back this stellar story out before closing with show stealing visuals.

“What Blighted Flame Burns In Thee” by Cloonan, Lotay and Richard Starkings - An escape from certain doom sets the stage for an accused witch’s tale with stunning visuals from Lotay. It is a fitting creative experience to cap off what is sure to be a highly discussed debut.

It is a challenge to deliver on hype. With a roster of creators with the pedigree they each possess, expectations can be almost unreachable. However, “The Devil’s Cut” firmly plants DSTLRY’s stake in the ground as they make a bold first impression for readers.

From the opening salvo of “Spectregraph”, Tynion and Ward swiftly set the pace for what lies ahead. The story is brooding but has a certain mystique to it as well. In contrast, “8 Rules To Make It Out In One Piece” gives readers a more playful look at the spy game. The story is just fun and never takes itself too seriously. It’s a big win for readers looking for something different at the shops.

Throughout the entire issue, the creators take full advantage of the freedom that you only get when it’s completely hands-free from a publisher. The biggest example of this is “What’s Mine is Hearse” by Phillips and Jones. The concept is very non-traditional but the creative team puts such a distinctive spin on the theme, it can’t be denied. “Waiting To Die” plays into flipping traditional ideas and repacking concepts. The story runs deeper than one might think and the final parting image soldifies that.

The artistry on display throughout the book is to be admired as well. Francavilla has mastered the building of horror tales that with “White Boat”, he times everything out perfectly to capture the moments. The use of two page spreads works to build the anticipation toward the story’s revelations. Cloonan and Lotay’s “What Blighted Flame Burns In Thee” hits their marks mixing in color usage to nail key imagery of their story to close out the monster debut.

Each of the eleven stories at hand could be broken down into greater detail. All carry a distinct weight and feel that truly demonstrates the message DSTLRY wants to project.

***“WHITE BOAT” by Scott Snyder, Francesco Francavilla, Andworld Design, and Tyler Jennes (The Devil’s Cut - CREDIT: DSTLRY)***

FINAL POINT: 10 OUT OF 10

A new era of comics starts NOW! Led by an all-star line-up of creators, “The Devil’s Cut” lives up to the building hype it has generated. No matter what you look for as a reader, there is something for everyone. Each story dives into various genres and all have moments that will grow readers’ anticipations more for when they get the next chapter of this game-changing imprint.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on “The Devil’s Cut”. Thanks for reading!