Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points!
For this edition, we’re checking out a brand new story on an imprint you need to know about! Magma Comix is a new imprint featuring some creative heavyweights. The Principles of Necromancy features the Hivemind (Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly), EAMON WINKLE and SHAWN LEE. Silicon Bandits is from JASON STARR and DALIBOR TALAJIĆ, STJEPAN BARTOLIĆ and SHAWN LEE.
Now joining their ranks is a story that is sure to make some waves on New Comic Book Day.
The Scale Trade #1 by Steve Orlando (Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver), Megan Huang (Star Wars) and Shawn Lee constructs a fantasy tale with a grounded feel.
Let’s take a closer look at how this debut fares.
The Scale Trade #1 by Steve Orlando, Megan Huang and Shawn Lee (Magma Comix)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The saga begins with a news report talking about Dragons. On the report, Blaire Monroe is an activist supporting the Dragon Conversation Agency. Monroe explains how Dragons are priceless. She also mentions how they’re in danger on the Black Market. it is also referred to as The Scale Trade.
Meanwhile, a pair of gentlemen are talking in a diner. It feels as an interview between DCA officials. On one side, it’s Agent Tritos. On the other is Agent Neil Cutter. Cutter seems as the grizzled veteran who’s schooling the young agent on ways of business.
Readers see a quick flashback of Tritos’ first encounter with a Dragon. It leads to the pairs’ first investigation. What starts as a routine check spirals into much more.
Things escalate very quickly as the pair furthers their investigation. What do they find? The pace picks up as the agents go to work. The fallout plants seeds for what lies ahead. A closing image will lead readers into the next chapter with many questions as to what is next to come.
The Scale Trade #1 by Steve Orlando, Megan Huang and Shawn Lee (Magma Comix)
Orlando sets up an intriguing prospect with this story. The agents conflicting personalities is sure to lead to much more drama. Their banter reflects an uneasiness with the climate at hand.
Agent Cutter comes across with cards held close to the chest. It even appears at times, he is baiting Tritos into something more sinister. The pacing grows faster once their case begins. The final act flows very rapidly to the conclusion. With its’ closing segment, Orlando brings an end for now but gives readers a few ideas to ponder till next time.
Huang presents the importance of the dragons right form the beginning. The two page spread for the dragons flying gives a sense of importance to these creatures. It helps amplify Monroe’s pleas to protect them. The panels with the agents vary in emotions from focused to reactionary panic. As their case comes to light, the images reflect the fast moving action. Once the ending begins, it leads to a solid parting image mirroring a calm before a bigger storm on the horizon.
FINAL POINT: 8
Combining crime elements with fantasy creatures, “The Scale Trade” delivers an interesting concept. With Orlando’s writing guiding reluctant partners, Huang’s art conveys the deeper mystery unfolding for the readers. It’s a solid debut issue that should lead to more excitement as events unfold.
Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on The Scale Trade #1. Thanks for reading!