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

For this edition, we are checking out the latest installment from an award-winning franchise via Dark Horse Comics. The Black Hammer story by Jeff Lemire debuted in 2016 and has garnered multiple awards including some Eisner’s in its’ time of publication.

In 2023, it appears as the series is heading to a conclusion with Black Hammer: the End #1 by Lemire, Malachi Ward, Bryce Davidson and Nate Piekos. Let’s take a closer look and see how things are setting up, shall we?

Black Hammer: the End #1 by Lemire, ***Malachi Ward**, Bryce Davidson and Nate Piekos (credit: Dark Horse Comics)***

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNINGS ***

In case anyone is new to the series, “Black Hammer” centers around a group of heroes stranded in the past in the town of Rockwood after an epic battle against the Anti-God. Rockwood is no ordinary place has has a distinct aura to its’ energy. Since that time period, the series has splinted into various spin-offs and crossovers throughout the years. One notable one was with DC Comics’ Justice League.

Now in 2023, thinks look very bleak for these heroes. The issue begins in Spiral City of Earth 312. Golden Guinevere and Zafram are fighting a losing battle against some creatures. When Zafram is disintegrated, Guinevere reverts back to being a child. However, hope for her might not be lost. A figure known as Spacedigger has appeared and teleports her away. Their destination is a space ship helmed by TLKE-WLKE and Colonel Weird. They all watch as the world they were just on explodes!

Meanwhile back in Rockwood, the police are pulling up looking for a missing child. Inspector Insector needs to hide as the sheriff starts asking questions. Once the mystery has been solved with the introduction of Lucy Weber, the small group makes its way to a farm long time readers know all too well.

What does Lucy talk with the group about? After witnessing a world die, What is Colonel Weird’s plan? Who or what is causing this? Readers get some clues as to where things are heading. Rest assured, after the final page, they will need to buckle in for one hell of an adventure.

Lemire sets the prime players in motion for what should be an unforgettable final(?) series. The introduction is a big statement at how dangerous the stakes are. Lemire ties in the game planning of Colonel Weird as a solid backdrop during the opening segments. This builds a brisk pace at where things are heading. The Rockwood portion gives a great balance as Lucy comes back into the fold with a grave warning ahead. Knowing this will be the presumed end, the tone of the book reflects the severity of conflict. This carries thru to the closing image, which lets readers know to get ready for a strong finish.

Ward and Davidson come out of the gate swinging with this issue. The two page spread (featured above) is absolutely eye-catching. Reflecting Weird’s demeanor as events play out makes another big statement. Even new readers (such as myself) will immediately connect with what is involving and how grave the outlook is. The Rockwood portion plays into that groups reactions to what lies ahead. The panels range from shock to determination. It added to the overall tale nicely. The final sequence will catch some off-guard but leaves no doubt of how things are shaping up.

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

What may be the final installment of the hit franchise builds the foundations for what can only be a monumental finale. Lemire, Ward and the team balance the excellent writing with dazzling visuals to kick things off in style. Don’t miss out on this for New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Black Hammer: the End #1. Thanks for reading!