Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points!
For this entry, time is ticking away on Jace Boucher. “The Butcher” of the “Slaughter-verse” has angered two very dangerous groups. Dealing with the House of Boucher is one thing. Trying to fight off them and their allies in the House of Slaughter spells certain death. How long can he survive for now?
HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #23 BY Tate Brombal, Antonio Fuso, Miquel Muerto and AndWorld Design (Series Development: James Tynion IV and Designs and Development: Werther Dell’Edera) heads right into the fallout of last issue’s initial strike.
Let’s take a closer look at how things shape up now!
HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #23 BY Tate Brombal, Antonio Fuso, Miquel Muerto and AndWorld Design (Series Development: James Tynion IV and Designs and Development: Werther Dell’Edera) - BOOM! Studios
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Brombal shows how this conflict is breaking down both sides. Jace is trying to fight his battle but shows his emotions are leaking his weakness. With each wund that has been done, it’s fueling Jace on his mission. The question becomes: will it be enough to win?
On he other hand, being embarrassed by a lowly hunter doesn’t go over well with each house. The alliance seems to start showing its’ fractures after the defeat. The Old Dragon steals the spotlight to show his plans to eliminate Jace are the only options now. This causes big tensions with the opposing house. The writing shows how much more is layered beneath the surface. Even in the final moments, there are secrets to be unlocked. This is all much to fans’ benefits.
Fuso and Muerto lean into Jace’s rage in the opening pages. His talk with Maven leaves no doubt of how personal this all has become. It’s capped off with a strong near full page visualizing why he is fighting this fight.
The breakdown between the Houses also jumps out at readers. The embarrassment of Jace winning drives the Dragon into full panic. His facial reactions speak of the last shot to reclaim his reputation. The fallout demonstrates the power play each parties are attempting on the other. Once the closing pages start, readers will have the inclination that the end is coming faster than expected.
FINAL POINT: 8.1
Jace’s last stand builds towards an unimaginable showdown with the latest chapter. Brombal keeps the paranoia and rage high with the writing. Fuso, Muerto and the team magnify the breaking of spirits amongst the key players as Jace’s time ticks closer away.
Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on House of Slaughter #23. Thanks for reading.