September 26, 2023

ODPH Podcast

Comics, Comixology Originals, Dark Horse Comics, Beatrix Rose, Mystery, NYCC, Stephanie Phillips

BLACK SIGHT #1 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

September 26, 2023

ODPH Podcast

Comics, Comixology Originals, Dark Horse Comics, Beatrix Rose, Mystery, NYCC, Stephanie Phillips

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this edition, we are checking out a brand new series from one of Comic’s biggest writers. With hit series such as Rogue & Gambit (Marvel), Eight Limbs (Humanoids) and THE coolest book at the LCS, GRIM (by BOOM! Studios), the hype is completely justified. Factor in such great series on Comixology Originals alone such stories as We Only Kill Each Other and Mark Dawson’s Beatrix Rose: Vigilante and there is no question with this latest entry is generating so much buzz.

BLACK SIGHT #1 by STEPHANIE PHILLIPS, along with Conor Boyle and Tom Napolitano brings forth an intense story of loss and mystery. Let’s not wait another minute and dive in, shall we?

***BLACK SIGHT #1*** by ***Stephanie Phillips***, ***Conor Boyle*** and ***Tom Napolitano (credit: Comixology Originals - Cover: Dave Johnson)***

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins with a haunting narration. There is a hand reaching through the yellow shading. Its’ intended target is a woman strapped and gagged to a gurney. Her name is Alex Greer.

Things change to what appears to be happier times. Alex is in a club in 1964 Amsterdam. Alex is dancing and enjoying the nightlife. A mysterious man tries to make time with Alex. She vaguely remembers him other than a big watch and bad hygiene. As the night takes over, Alex starts feeling the effects of the good time out.

Outside of the club, Alex vomits. The man tries to help her but Alex refuses. The man seems very focused on taking Alex somewhere for assistance until a stranger walks in and saves Alex from him.

Readers see how Alex’s night takes a different turn then expected. Heading into the final act, no one is prepared for where the story goes from here. Forget what you know and prepare for the unknown. If the final page is any indication, there is much to come to light other than a hangover from the night before.

There’s also a companion short story by Daleyna Abril and Marco Fodera that will be key to unraveling the mystery at hand.

Phillips scatters the pieces of the enigmatic puzzle being told here, you can’t help but be hooked for the long haul. Alex’s story starts out questionable from the openings page. However, it doesn’t take long for things to go sideways.

The build to the turning point almost feels like smoke and mirrors once the moment happens. It shows why Phillips is one of the best storytellers right now. From that moment, the story flips into a freefall which leaves many questions heading into the concluding pages, ensuring fans can’t afford to miss the next chapter.

Boyle’s art perfectly combines the feel of the 60’s with a haunting edge around it. The use of Yellow coloring plays such a big part in the visuals. There is no better case than the middle act. The usage builds around Alex’s new “friend”, building to a unique full page visual that tips readers off where things head next.

The switch of coloring brings the story back to a cold reality that readers will question especially after the final page. Get ready for a monster hit with this creative team only just starting.

FINAL POINT: 10 OUT OF 10

Phillips, Boyle and Napolitano make a big debut with a enrapturing thriller that no one can escape. Superb writing builds for a dramatic twist with stunning visuals solidifying the story you think you see is definitely not all that it seems. Highest possible recommendation for New Comic Book Day this week.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Black Sight #1. Thanks for reading.

November 15, 2022

Ken M

Beatrix Rose, Blog, Comics, Comixology Originals, Mark Dawson

BEATRIX ROSE: VIGILANTE #5 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

November 15, 2022

Ken M

Beatrix Rose, Blog, Comics, Comixology Originals, Mark Dawson

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book blog to the ODPH podcast. For this entry, we have arrived at the conclusion of the latest chapter of Mark Dawson’s hugely popular character within the excellent series featured on Comixology Originals, which has been announced for a print release from Dark Horse Comics in August 2023!. Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #5 by Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, and Saida Temofonte brings a fitting end to a non-stop adrenaline ride mixed with danger and deception. Taking a character such as Rose from books into the land of comics can be tricky. Does it live up to the legacy of the novels Rose has previously been featured in? Let’s not wait any longer and dive into the finale to find out, shall we?

Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #5 - On sale November 15th
Creative: Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, Saida Temofonte (Cover: Adriana Melo)
Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story of Beatrix Rose is a complicated one. Her story stems from working for 15, a British Intelligence Group until she was turned on by her own team. Rose’s Husband has been murdered. Her Daughter has been kidnapped. From there, Rose fell off the radar…until 2006 in Hong Kong. Rose has bee working for the Triad as a gun-for-hire. This story begins when someone is making a vendetta against the Triad. That someone is “Yaomo” or “Demon”, who’s been killing Triad members. Rose is assigned on the case but not everything is as what it seems.

After their scuffles, Rose had flipped her alliance to the side of Yaomo in hoping to help her cause. The pair works thru a very uneasy partnership which just simply can’t stay stable. Rose refuses to give up on Yaomo, even with the Triad now looking for both of them. It has some part to do with Yaomo’s story of avenging her father after the Triad killed him. At last point, readers saw Yaomo break away from Rose overseeing her to finish her mission of vengeance once and for all. The drama has built to a point it can’t stay contained for long. All roads lead to the person responsible for Yaomo’s anger: The Serpent.

This issue opens up with Yaomo attacking the Serpent’s home. The leader of the Triad has guards watching but prove to be no avail in stopping her. Post-initial attack, Yaomo thinks back to part of her training for this eventual play. Showing how as much as she thinks she’s ready, Yaomo is clearly not doesn’t defer her from the mission at hand. All the while, Rose has tracked her down to try stopping her from the attack in a way to redeem herself. The pair squares off which only leads into more problems and danger. Fighting each other in the belly of the beast inst the wisest ideas. Readers will see how this plays into the final showdown. What they won’t be ready for is what happens next. The surprise factors weigh in heavy as the combustible components finally explode when all together. Who makes it out standing? What is the fate of Beatrix Rose moving forward? Is there even a moving forward after this? Readers will get those answers plus more questions raised by the time they witness the final panel.

Philips closes this chapter of the life and times of Beatrix Rose with a memorable ending. Since the start, Rose has been a conflicted and complex character after re-emerging in Japan. Her motives are always hidden close so when readers see how she takes Yaomo under her wing, the conclusion here in this issue hits even harder. One theme seen in this series and especially in this issue is Rose answering “Who Is Beatrix Rose?” Seeing how she walks into this story and how there are parallels to her life before, Phillips weaves Rose’s lives into each other flawlessly. It makes for a fresh take on an established character. Factoring in Yaomo’s tale gave another layer into the rebirth of Rose. Nothing came off over the top and pacing worked well (even as fast as it was at times) for building the drama. Readers will be very invested at the fallout from this tale moving forward.

Favoccia delivers on big moments throughout this book. The final battle between Rose and Yaomo will lock in readers from start to the inevitable conclusion. The action never slows down once started. This works as the fight scenes play off the dialogue great. Favoccia’s art depicts the fury of Yaomo’s quest as an additional visual to the scenes at hand. Nothing tops the final stand-off between all 3 major characters. Favoccia casts a wide net on their reactions and readers will be reacting out loud as the final moments of the story wrap up the emotional toll this mission has taken on Rose. The closing panels mash up well to where things appear to be heading. Readers will be able to make some theories until the next time they follow along Rose and company, wherever that may be.

Final Point: The life of Beatrix Rose welcomes new readers and established fans to the new landscape with a solid conclusion on this “rebirth” of the title character. Phillips, Favoccia, Wright and the team ushered in the comic book tale of the espionage superstar without missing a beat. The conclusion here will have people talking and gives some insight into the next phase for readers’ to speculate on. Don’t miss this series and the concluding installment this week on Comixology.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thoughts of Beatrix Rose Vigilante #5. Thanks for reading.

October 18, 2022

Ken M

Beatrix Rose, Comics, Comixology Originals, Entertainment, Mark Dawson, Pop Culture

BEATRIX ROSE: VIGILANTE #4 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

October 18, 2022

Ken M

Beatrix Rose, Comics, Comixology Originals, Entertainment, Mark Dawson, Pop Culture

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this entry, we’re following the latest thrilling adventure of Mark Dawson’s wildly popular character: Beatrix Rose! The current series by Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, and Saida Temofonte has been a sensational tale with non-stop action and a very capturing story behind it. Issue #4 is hitting Comixology this week. Let’s take a closer look at what is going on in her world of espionage and danger, shall we?

Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #4 - On Sale October 18th
Creative: Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, and Saida Temofonte (Cover: Adriana Melo)
Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Beatrix’s life hasn’t become any less complicated since she went off radar after her intelligence team betrayed her. Re-emerging in Japan as a gun-for-hire, Beatrix has become entangled in the path of “Yaomo” or “Demon”’s mission of taking down the Triad. What appeared to be a simple contract did not go according to plan. Once learning the identity of Yaomo, Rose flipped sides and is now trying to keep Yaomo alive and the Triad from killing them both.

This issue picks up after Rose and Yaomo’s safe-house was compromised. Now being on the offensive again, the pair make a play towards Shen Junru (one of the Triad’s high ranking members). The differences between how Yaomo and Rose do business is very evident. This has been an undeniable theme since they forged their partnership. The impulsiveness of Yaomo proves to be a deciding factor in this mission’s result. However, there is a sliver of hope discovered that might be the deciding factor in finding “The Serpent”, the head of the Triad.

Who is this mysterious figure? Readers get a very unique insight into what the character is all about. It comes off as a bit of a surprise but it’s well placed for this area in the story. There won’t be too much time to stay patient as events unfold to build toward the final confrontation. Readers are left with a final image that drives that point home.

Phillips brings everything to a fever pitch with this latest tale. The dynamic between Yaomo and Rose is what drives this issue. They are similar in certain areas but the experience factor is what sets them apart. Rose is the consummate professional while Yaomo is filled with emotional rage that makes her lose focus at key times. There are a few areas where Yaomo’s actions could lead to dire consequences. This plays into the Serpent’s favor. Seeing his story unfold was a great chance of pace to the constant pressure building of Rose and Yaomo’s alliance. The book moves very fast but at no time will a reader be lost. The balance between action and drama is spot-on for this series and issue.

Favoccia continues to deliver high-paced action for this series. Opening with Yaomo’s attack on Junru set a solid pace for this book. The strongest element of this issue was the emotional battle between Rose and Yaomo. Favoccia showcased how Yaomo’s rage was almost a hindrance to what she was trying to accomplish. This was countered with Rose’s reactions as she is trying to protect her while not stopping her either. It’s a fine line to walk but Favoccia does a great job with this challenge. The same goes with the Serpent’s tale as well. Without giving away too much, witnessing how he interacts with people outside of the criminal activity to those involved made for another layer of his character without tipping his hand too much. Great job all around.

Overall, The end might be near for this chapter of Beatrix Rose but it’s one not to miss. Phillips, Favoccia and the team keep delivering on the action while pushing the emotional impacts of Beatrix and her reluctant partner. Where this latest chapter ends will only build that up more so you definitely don’t want to miss this when it drops at Comixology this week!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #4. Thanks for reading.

September 20, 2022

Ken M

Beatrix Rose, Entertainment, Mark Dawson, NYCC, Pop Culture

BEATRIX ROSE: VIGILANTE #3 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

September 20, 2022

Ken M

Beatrix Rose, Entertainment, Mark Dawson, NYCC, Pop Culture

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast. For this entry, The latest adventure of Mark Dawson’s wildly popular assassin continues to ramp up its’ story on Comixology Originals. Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #3 by Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, and Saida Temofonte continues Rose’s latest troubles with a mysterious companion now along for the ride. With more danger surrounding them, let’s not waste another second and jump right into a deep dive on this issue, shall we?

Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #3 - On Sale September 20th
Creative: Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, and Saida Temofonte
Credit: Comixology originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The latest installment of Beatrix Rose’s saga has been quite the captivating one. Rose has re-emerged after being betrayed by her own British intelligence team in Japan. Now working freelance for the Triad to hunt down the killer known as “Yaomo” or “Demon,” Rose has become locked in on completing her assignment no matter what. The previous run-ins with Yaomo have not gone in her favor. At the end of the last issue, Rose faked Yaomo’s death to help her escape. It was a drastic change in events but Rose saw a lot of her own young daughter in Yaomo which caused Rose to re-assess. With the repercussions of her actions coming, Rose and Yaomo now have a bigger target on both of their heads.

This issue opens up with an investigation into the apparent death of Yaomo. Wit no body being discovered, the Triad has their doubts of what has happened and immediately begin to look in the direction of Beatrix Rose. Meanwhile, Beatrix and Yaomo escape to a safe house to make plans for what their next moves are. During this exchange, Yaomo has to be helped with dealing with a stab wound….caused by Beatrix. In tending to the wound, Yaomo opens up (not without some great back and forth tension) about why she is on a deadly mission versus the Triad. Readers get a great insight to the character and also get a healthy does of action before closing out the book with a final parting shot to hype the next chapter.

The emotional layers of Beatrix Rose really shine thru this issue. Phillips walks the readers thru Rose’s complex situation without losing track of the overall mission at hand. Protecting Yaomo now fills a void from losing her family. Seeing the lengths she goes to save and help Yaomo is a strong point to this chapter. Even with the more emotional points, the story NEVER loses its’ espionage feel. Take the moment with Rose attending to Yaomo’s stab wound for prime example. Phillips also writes great narration from Rose’s perspective to guide the readers thru what she’s seeing. This is anything but an ordinary spy tale and one you simply can not miss.

Favoccia creates a solid balance of drama and action with this issue. Seeing Yaomo’s backstory come to life is one readers can fully grasp her motivations around. Rose’s mannerisms in dealing with helping Yaomo stand out as well. Witnessing how Rose flips from protector to spy in the course of a few panels (see the wound/gun panels) is very noteworthy. The action stands out as it has from the first issue. Even with this being more of a dramatic issue than the previous two (imo), it still carries that same momentum right up to the last page.

Overall, The adventures of Beatrix Rose continue to be a must-read with this latest entry. Phillips, Favoccia & the team present another fantastic balance of high action and drama that readers simply can’t put down. Make sure to check this book out on Comixology this week.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #3. Thanks for reading.

August 16, 2022

Ken M

Beatrix Rose, Comixology Originals, Comics, Mark Dawson, Pop Culture

BEATRIX ROSE: VIGILANTE #2 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

August 16, 2022

Ken M

Beatrix Rose, Comixology Originals, Comics, Mark Dawson, Pop Culture

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast. For this edition, we’re continuing to follow an explosive debut issue on the Comixology Originals line. Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #2 by Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, and Saida Temofonte furthers the return of the popular character created by Mark Dawson. The debut set a high pace, so let’s see how the latest issue shapes up, shall we?

Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #2
Creative Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, and Saida Temofonte (Cover: Adriana Melo)
Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

When we last saw Beatrix, she has re-emerged in Japan as a hired assassin. Her latest work was tracking down the killer of many Triad members, known as “Yaomo” or “Demon”. The first round didn’t go the way Rose had planned, but for readers, it delivered on hooking them into this fantastic story.

This issue opens up with a flashback sequence to the moment Rose was betrayed by her team and her family was changed forever. It’s a nightmare that haunts Rose as she recovers from her encounter with the Demon. e is also informed that she’s off the case. However, to no one’s surprise, Rose isn’t letting this one go.

As the story progresses, readers get a glimpse into the Demon’s past and motivation on why she does what she does. This leads into the next target. With the Demon ready to strike, Rose appears to stop her once and for all. The question becomes will she? Readers will get that answer but maybe not the resolution that they are expecting as the final panel in the book will set the stage for the next phase of the book.

Phillips is building towards something very big with this story. Rose’s journey isn’t so simplistic in the sense of just “Vengeance”. Seeing how she is playing the encounter of the confrontation with the Demon was an interesting swerve. Phillips plays Rose’s motives very close that we as readers get lead into some directions unexpectedly. There are no complaints about this what so ever. The pacing is very fast but never a situation of becoming lost in the story. The Confrontation between the two major characters here is excellent and changes everything moving forward. There’s a lot to enjoy with the writing here.

Favoccia turns up the dial with the action sequences here. The battle between Rose and The Demon flows at a very quick pace but reflects the moment perfectly. There is little time to stall during this exchange and every panel gives a serious moment to where the story should be. The flashback sequences didn’t hold back either as readers were treated to great insights when they popped up. There’s a unique vibe to this story and the art brings that to the forefront with ease.

Overall, Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #2 presents another solid issue building towards a combustible ending. Phillips and Favoccia raise the stakes with Rose’s return with a notable twist ending that is sure to have readers buzzing on NCBD! Don’t miss the chance to get this issue!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #2. Thanks for reading!

July 12, 2022

Ken M

Comixology Originals, Comics, Entertainment, Beatrix Rose, Mark Dawson

BEATRIX ROSE: VIGILANTE #1 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

July 12, 2022

Ken M

Comixology Originals, Comics, Entertainment, Beatrix Rose, Mark Dawson

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this edition, we’re checking out a brand new series on the Comixology Originals line at some fans might already know the main character, who has starred in her own series of novels. Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #1 by Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, and Saida Temofonte bring Beatrix Rose, the popular character from the Mark Dawson books to the comic world in a big way! Let’s check out the explosive first issue, shall we?

Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #1 - On sale July 12th
Creative: Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, Saida Temofonte (Cover: Adriana Melo)
Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The background of Rose is that she worked for 15, a British Intelligence Group until she was betrayed by her team. She disappeared after that until her re-appearance. The issue starts off in 2006 Hong Kong, where someone is disposing of a corrupt businessman and his associates. There are no punches pulled as our narrator who’s disposing of these people is none other than Beatrix Rose. Rose gives the readers a quick run down of events: Husband has been murdered. Her Daughter - kidnapped. She’s on her own and moving in the shadows, working for the Triad. Being the gun-for-hire wasn’t exactly the plan but a bad direction is better than no direction.

When Rose has been given her next assignment, she brings work on tracking down “Yaomo” or “Demon”, whos been assassinating Triad members. Readers get a glimpse into how Rose goes about preparing for these missions with great narration as a backdrop. From here, Rose goes to work and comes face to face with her intended target. Once there’s a meeting of these two forces, Rose now comes to the realization this mission won’t be as easy as she might have thought.

There couldn’t be a better writer selected for this than Stephanie Phillips. If you haven’t checked her work out on We Only Kill Each Other , the amazing Grim from Boom Studios or a little book called Harley Quinn over at DC Comics just to name a few, Phillips is crushing it right now. Bringing Rose to the comic world after having the established book audience is tricky to pull off. Phillips gives her a strong introduction from her first assignment we see. The narration is perfect for new readers to the character (like myself) which gives enough, but not everything away about Rose’s past. The fight scenes are laid out exceptionally well, much due to Phillips’ background as a Maui Thai fighter (source: Beatrix Rose press release). The pace never slows down but it doesn’t have to here. Rose in action is the story and it’s one that locks you in from the jump.

Favoccia does a fantastic job bringing the Hong Kong Underworld to life through Rose’s actions. The fights feel very intense and captures the readers attention without letting go. The first encounter with Yaomo and Rose is excellent. It’s arguably the strongest visual moments of this issue after the intro pages. Seeing what a force she is, Rose instantaneously connects with the readers. The world of espionage mixed with underground looks like this will be a fun ride to jump on board with.

Overall, This new world of Beatrix Rose shows promise and excitement with its first issue. Incredible storytelling and art set the stage for what looks to be a non-stop thrill ride with intrigue thrown in the mix. Make sure you check this out on Comixology this week. It’s one that doesn’t miss its mark.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #1. Thanks for reading.