Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points!

For this entry, we are following the final story involving a fan-favorite “slaughter-verse” character. House of Slaughter has given fans featured stories on certain characters. Few have won over readers such as Jace Boucher. Last we saw “The Boucher”, it appears his luck has run out. Can he make it though this latest ordeal in one piece?

HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #22 BY Tate Brombal, Antonio Fuso, Miquel Muerto and AndWorld Design (Series Development: James Tynion IV and Designs and Development: Werther Dell’Edera) looks to give fans some more clues on the Butcher’s last stand.

Let’s take a closer look and see how things shape up.

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The issue begins in an abandoned amusement park. A young boy stands underneath a carousel. His name is Sunny Boucher. Sunny was under the care of Jace Boucher. That was the case until he was recruited into the House of Boucher by Jolie Boucher. Voices fill the air eluding to Sunny being in trouble.

The story shifts to Sunny being back at the House with Jolie. Jolie mentions how the Order from Chicago is here to take care of Jace. She sets up Sunny to trick Jace into walking into a trap.

Will Jace take the bait? Readers watch as the young boy is influenced to be the decoy to an onslaught. The rival House of Slaughter has some reservations about trusting Sunny. However, it appears that the plan might be falling into place.

Brace for a final act that changes everything. The closing image will have fans on edge knowing the Butcher’s final stand is in full swing.

Sunny Boucher’s story shifts dynamics as the driver for this chapter. The writing portrays him as a child looking for direction. The dynamic with Jolie wavers from loyal to uncertain. If not for her blind confidence, Jolie would see Sunny’s swaying opinions. This builds for a strong pay-off later.

The final act will hit longtime readers more than ones who jump in on the new arc. Knowing the back story between Jace and Sunny, it is an emotional moment that leads into a stronger one unfolding. The set-up for the final page works to carry the tension right to the next chapter.

The art doesn’t steer away of the pull on Sunny. The opening image of Sunny standing by the carousel sets an eerie tone. With the word bubbles surrounding him, the fear starts creeping in the young boy. The series of panels with Jolie “recruiting” Sunny leads readers through her delusional methods. This builds towards a solid middle act and striking final page.

FINAL POINT: 8.4

The last stand of Jace Boucher speeds forward with a solid chapter. The writing shows the confliction in a character who’s still finding their way. The art gives readers a sense of the emotional toll being taken. Mix them together and you have an issue worth checking out at the Comic Shops this week.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on House Of Slaughter #22. Thanks for reading.

HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #22 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

Ken M