Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast!
For this entry, we are checking back in a young girl who has become involved in the family business …so to speak. Coming from one of comics’ most creative duos, a new crime mystery has overtaken fans with it’s style and charm. Now heading into the second chapter, all bets are off to where things lead now.
MASTERPIECE #2 by Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, Ian Herring and Josh Reed picks up where a billionaire’s vendetta has drawn the attention of a shocking figure. Let’s take a closer look at where things line up now.
MASTERPIECE #2 by Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, Ian Herring and Josh Reed (Credit: Dark Horse Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Emma aka “Masterpiece Lawford” was a normal teenager trying to survive high school. The daily student life took a back seat to the actions of Zero Preston. Preston has an axe to grind against Emma’s parents who stole a hefty sum from him. Unknown to Emma herself, her parents were legendary criminals. Legendary is the only way to describe their legacy of heists.
Emma is now being used by Preston as a pawn in another plan of revenge. However, she might have help in surviving this ordeal with a mysterious stranger crossing her path.
The issue begins with a “retelling” of Emma’s parents story. The version comes from a movie created by Zero Preston. Emma and her friend Lawrence watch the film. Emma has difficulty processing what she’s seen. This is even more complicated with the stranger who saved them last issue.
The young kids were saved by THE PARAGON. Readers find out his connection to Emma’s parents which is more complex than meets the eye. How does this tie into Preston’s plans? And who is “Katie Roots”? An idea spawns direction but not without opposition. The closing images suggest Emma’s world is about to get much bigger, whether she likes it or not.
MASTERPIECE #2 by Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, Ian Herring and Josh Reed (Credit: Dark Horse Comics - cover: Patric Reynolds)
Bendis takes readers on quite the ride within these pages. The introduction of Emma’s Parents works to develop the ideas of how they truly were to the reader. Emma’s contradiction only helps make that theme clear. Seeing her as one who’s quickly trying to figure a mystery out incorporates fear and anxiousness into her character flawlessly.
The Paragon makes an excellent dynamic into the story. Seeing his story play out through Gleason’s eyes elevates the looming reputation he exudes. The moments with Lawrence and The Paragon provide a splash of comic relief into the seriousness of Emma’s search for answers. The closing moments usher in an altered stat quo but not without leaving more questions in its’ wake.
Maleev and Herring develop an aura of intrigue on each page. The opening “movie” sequence has a vintage feel until the closing moments reveal its’ true form. The Paragon’s origin is also presented in a 70’s-esque format. It works on connecting the audience to the imposing legacy he carries.
Another exceptional image is Emma’s breakdown of a “team”. The art positions the cast into a set-up that made me think “Mission: impossible” at first read. Combine this with the anguish and uneasiness of actions and readers will leave knowing that they are in for something extraordinary.
FINAL POINT: 9
Who is Emma Lawford? That question haunts the pages of comics’ next big thing. Bendis orchestrates the ultimate heist of readership with brilliant writing. Paired with Maleev’s electric art and its’ another winning combination fans can’t afford to miss.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Masterpiece #2. Thanks for reading.
