Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points! It’s the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast.

For this entry, the chess match between Zero Preston and Emma “Masterpiece” Lawford continues onward via Dark Horse Comics. With revenge as his motive, Preston crashes into Lawford’s world. An ordinary teenager finds out quickly she’s anything but. Emma’s parents are legendary thieves. Preston was one of their targets. The ultimate revenge for him means ruining her life. Little did he realize what his actions would cause.

MASTERPIECE #4 by Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, Ian Herring , Moo Meng and Josh Reed dives further into the dangerous cat and mouse game.

Let’s take a deeper dive at what is happening now…

***MASTERPIECE #4 by*** ***Brian Michael Bendis***, ***Alex Maleev***, ***Ian Herring*** ***, Moo Meng and*** ***Josh Reed*** ***(Dark Horse Comics)***

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

After confronting Preston at his mansion, the favor is returned to Emma and her team. Andrew Garrison the IV leads a group to track down Emma’s presumed location. Once they get inside, the group find no one. All that’s waiting for them is a laptop with a note to “play”.

Emma leaves a video recording. In the message she informs Garrison she has all his hidden information. Readers see the moves set in motion. Emma advises Garrison to quit his chase. If not, how will Preston react knowing he never completed his job?

The answer to that question is interrupted by The Paragon! The imposing figure demonstrates his style of action. He beats the group to a bloody pulp! Once that business is finished, it’s onward to the next phase.

What does Emma have in store now? How will Preston respond to the failure of Garrison? Readers sit ringside as both parties take their plans up a few levels. The final act tips off a few clues as to where the mystery heads now. None will be more impactful than who enters the game on the final page. Just when you think you have all the answers, more questions are thrown into the mix.

Bendis paces the back and forth moments to give readers a closer look into both parties schemes. Emma has emerged as the true heir to her family’s reputation. The dynamic between her set-up for Garrison is through and leads off perfectly for the Paragon to appear. Post the encounter, the story shifts back towards Preston.

The writing reflects his brash defiance that Emma is challenging him. Even with the results of the Paragon’s involvement, Preston looks shaken but refusing to accept his loss. This plays well for the closing act and the drastic measures he takes. Each side gets ample time to shine and this only builds more excitement for what is unfolding within this tale.

Maleev, Herring and Meng give the Paragon a huge entrance into this chapter. Switching from dark Blue to tinted Yellow connects with the change of demeanor and attack. The use of Red also makes the images pop, which is another cool technique.

The page panel used for Preston’s reaction is a complex one that readers will enjoy. The facial reactions vary to Preston finally comprehending what is going on. The grainy footage from the tablet also stands out to amplify his emotions. This builds towards a nice parting shot to throw another twist into a can’t miss story.

FINAL POINT: 9

With revenge fueling the dangerous game of cat and mouse, the showdown between Lawford and Preston takes things up a few notches. Through flawless writing and exceptional imagery, each party make bold moves to ensure victory. Will it be enough in the end?

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Masterpiece #4. Thanks for reading!