Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points!
For this entry, the wait is over! It has been one year since readers have seen the city of Kiros. The mystery behind the death of Freyal III of Sidra has been solved. The price has been steep. Phaedra Essex has become the most polarizing citizen of the last city. This is to be expected when you are the responsible party for the “Essex Fire” which left the city in ashes. Where do things stand now with her and her Black Cloak partner Pax?
BLACK CLOAK #7 by Kelly Thompson, Meredith McClaren and Becca Carey returns five years removed from the events of the fire of Kiros. Where do things stand now?
Let’s not wait any longer & jump back into this series!
BLACK CLOAK #7 by Kelly Thompson, Meredith McClaren and Becca Carey (Image Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
With a time jump, things can go awry very quickly. There is no fear of that happening with the return chapter. Thompson recaptures the intrigue and mystique of Kiros right from the start. Phaedra’s new stat quo provides its’ fair share of strain with Pax. The former partners show the bond of comradery even with the events of the fire weighing heavily on both.
Phaedra’s caring nature pushes through in the end. It’s one of her strongest character traits. The writing teases its’ unveiling but ultimately lets it become the catalyst for the case at hand. Aldean offers some comedic relief in the “third wheel” role. This gives some welcomed breaks in the building case at hand. Events conclude with a great cliffhanger that is sure to please. Get ready for another incredible arc.
McClaren excels at building a vivid and imaginative new landscape of Kiros. The ruins carry a certain feel as Phaedra walks readers through her new home. Pax’s reunion with Essex covers a wide range of emotions. Readers can sense the lingering feeling from the fire. They can also pick up the longing to get back to where the partners used to be at.
Aldean is a visually catching addition to the team. Carey’s lettering in the conversation provides a pause in the drama while showing a new side of Essex. This returns to focus the trio on what lies ahead. The full page closing image delivers on leaving readers wanting more of the story. It also leaves no doubt that even with five years removed, the spectacle of Kiros burns bright with the art.
FINAL POINT: 9.4
Welcome Back Kiros! After a year away, Black Cloak storms back to shelves with an impressive return. Thompson weaves a new mystery around the emotional strain of The Essex Fire fallout with excellent writing. McClaren and Carey give readers a look at the mysterious new world with stunning imagery. Jump on board now and don’t miss it!
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