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

For this entry, we’re checking out a one-shot from an Image Comics series that has captured the 90’s vibe like no other. If you haven’t been reading Local Man by Tony Fleecs and Tim Seeley, you’re missing out. The story of Jack Xaver has brought back the good, bad and what of that era while modernizing his fall from grace in the present.

The series just wrapped up its’ first arc but before starting the new one, readers are gifted a very special issue. Local Man: Gold by Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, and Felipe Sobrerio delivers a fun crossover fitting for this series feature some very familiar faces. Let’s not wait another minute and dive in, shall we?

Local Man: Gold by ***Tony Fleecs***, ***Tim Seeley**, and*** ***Felipe Sobrerio*** ***(Credit: Image Comics)***

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The life and times of JACK XAVER aka CROSSJACK in his post heroic career couldn’t have been more complicated if he tried. After being publicly fired from Third-Gen, Xaver tried returning to normalcy in his hometown of Farmington, Wisconsin, Jack doesn’t receive a hero’s welcome. Xaver also has to deal with the mysterious deaths of The Hodag and Frightside. Being considered the prime suspect, Jack resumes his his old ways. When Xaver starts investigating, he draws attention from Camo Crusader, leader of Third-Gen with an axe to grind. Their confrontation leads to Camo being killed by Jack , who saves Chief Bucholz in the process of clearing his name…for now.

This new chapter begins with Jack just starting his day greeting his parents It’s not just any other day. It’s Mothers Day. Jack has good intentions but like much of his post-hero life, his reputation proceeds him. Before he can get going with his day, Cheif Bucholz has summoned him down to the police station. When Jack arrives there, readers will be shocked to see who’s sitting in a cell: It’s CROSSJACK from the Third-Gen era!

What is going on here? Can Farmington handle TWO Jack Xaver’s?! Readers follow along as the Jack of old hasn’t come alone. There is a collection of classic Image Characters along for this wild adventure. What could possibly bring this eclectic group together? The journey is pure nostalgia mixed into the present time as the danger hits close to home for Jack. The result is a fun episode that fans won’t want to end.

Fleecs and Seeley continue to bring that certain 90’s era storytelling and mesh it into the present day like no one else. Seeing Jack come face to face (literally) to his past made for a very enjoyable tale. Jack’s realization of how he was back then made for a serious point in his continuous growth. The throwback characters stole scenes throughout the story. Seeing the interactions was a nice addition to the story at hand. Even the subtle lines referencing characters like “Billy Kincaid” are great easter eggs. The threat at hand is a solid surprise with its’ resolution. The ending doesn’t miss its mark and preps readers for what lies head as the adventures of Jack Xaver brace for another run.

The art keeps the classic feel of the story going forward. Crossjack continues to look the part of a “Youngblood” member with the art reflecting Liefeld’s style in certain panels. The near full page jail panel makes a prime example of this. Another great homage style is certain images of a classic McFarlane character (but probably not the one you think). The story builds the fighting to close with a two page spread worthy of the early Image crossovers of old. For anyone who wants to get a taste of classic Image in the modern time, this issue is one to check out!

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

The early vibes of Image shine bright in a throwback tale that needs to be read by readers young and old. Exceptional writing and art style continues to make the past of Jack Xaver an engaging read in the present with the help of some old readers. Check it out on New Comic Book Day,

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Local Man: Gold! Thanks for Reading!

LOCAL MAN: GOLD (IMAGE COMICS)

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