Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points!
For this entry, the mind behind “The Umbrella Academy” has returning to comic shops. Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance fame is no stranger to comics. Way started as a DC Comics Intern in 2001 before his band took off to mainstream levels. Since then, Doom Patrol and being a co-creator of Peni Parker (2014’s Edge Of Spider-Verse) have been some of the musician/writer’s stand out moments.
Way is now poised to head back into the comic realm with a brand new series. It is perfect timing with the UA set to wrap up on Netflix in August of 2024. With one franchise closing, readers are gifted a new series via Dark Horse Comics.
PARANOID GARDENS #1 by Gerard Way, Shaun Simon, Chris Weston, Dave Stewart and Nate Piekos gears up to take readers into the wild unknown of creative genius. What secrets lurk behind the doors of comics’ most unique care facility?
Let’s not delay any longer and hop on board this trip!
PARANOID GARDENS #1 by Gerard Way, Shaun Simon, Chris Weston, Dave Stewart and Nate Piekos (Dark Horse Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Welcome to the wild side of the universe! Way (along with co-writer Shaun Simon) delve into the quirky landscape of Loo and an eclectic cast of characters. The writing keeps readers guessing at what in unfolding. Nothing is as what it seems. From simple patient care for an alien to “puppet” face-off, this book carries a sense of wonder from start to finish.
Once a powerful patient arrives for assistance, the story gains speed. Loo seems searching for answers as we meet her. Confronting this figure changes her direction. The writing does a fantastic job of slow-playing reveals as things progress. Certain staff members get spotlight moments as things are bookended with a unique reveal. There are many moving parts involved that will lock readers in for the long haul.
Weston and Stewart present a very grounded vision of this chaotic scene. The dream sequence introducing Loo pops with a mixture of select coloring. Once back in present time, the art depicts the center as a “normal” place. The gathering area panels mirror the daily routine of the Gardens.
Loo goes through a wide range of emotions. Readers her confidently shaking things up to frightened about discoveries. This plays well to other characters as events evolve. The closing act pays great attention to detail as devious moves are made. It’s an impressive display that harkens back to a classic Vertigo era that is nothing short of enjoyable.
FINAL GRADE: 9.5
The insanity and complexity of Paradise Gardens will be on readers’ minds and pull lists after this debut chapter. The writing builds an unconventional story with many avenues to travel down. Sharp imagery and lettering keep things entertaining while more is brewing behind the scenes. It’s a debut you simply can’t pass up.
Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Paranoid Gardens #1. Thanks for reading!