GRANDMA CHAINSAW #4 (RABBIT IN A HAT)

Welcome to a special edition of Parlay Points!

Since their debut with the world’s worst magician, the team at Rabbit in A Hat have been setting a high benchmark on kickstarter. Their latest campaign smashed goals in mere hours of launch. Heading into its’ final hours, there’s only one thing on fans minds….

It’s Hazel vs EVERYBODY!

In the conclusion of a horror story for the ages, all bets are off. This is the kind of tale you would expect from the masterminds behind “Pocus Hocus” and “HORUS IN HELL”!

GRANDMA CHAINSAW #4 by Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balondo, Cari Salviejo, & Dave Lentz (and in memory of Jasen Smith) looks to send Hazel and company off in style!

Tome to EAT! SLAY! LOVE! and jump into the finale!

GRANDMA CHAINSAW #4 by Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balondo, Cari Salviejo, & Dave Lentz (and in memory of Jasen Smith) COVER D Art by Sajad Shah (Rabbit In A Hat/Bad Bug Media)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Dunford and Radford give readers a quick history lesson through the chaotic surroundings. Hazel is a complex character to say the least. The set-up for the final confrontation with Haiden and company is solidly built. The narration walks readers into a sudden shift in gears. This leads to a unique final act.

Tying in multiple lore’s, the writing keeps readers on their toes. However, they won’t be disappointed with the infusions of style. This book still packs the one-liners and insanity that has become a staple of this series. One member of the Dead Squad steals the show on each panel. From the conclusion of the conflict, the epilogue is vintage horror fueled. It is a fitting farewell to a horror story that fits in any time period.

Balondo crafts images that will be lingering with readers long after this series has ended. The full page introduction of Hazel lights the fuse for the explosive action later on. The two page history lesson breaks up the story in a perfect spot. It breaks just long enough to shift speed into a wild showdown.

The imagery here doesn’t shy away from the gore. It embraces it. One character gets a legendary send-off as the conclusion races towards the finish. The closing pages capture the emotional outpouring of what has just transpired. It is only outshined by the closing panel. With a simple recap, the story ends with much of what has made this series a hit: wondering what happens next.

FINAL POINT: 9.2

Since her debut, Hazel has haunted and thrilled readers with her wicked ways. Dunford and Radford sent her off with sharp humor and dramatic writing. The art is gory, blunt and unapologetic. It’s everything you want in a horror story. It’s also a story you can’t afford to miss adding to your collection.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on GRANDMA CHAINSAW #4. Thanks for reading!

THE SCHLUB #1 (IMAGE COMICS)

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

For this entry, we’re checking out a brand new series from Image Comics that has been making a lot of buzz in anticipation with comic book fans. With an all-star creative team behind it, there’s no doubt why readers have this book on their radar for New Comic Book Day.

THE SCHLUB #1 by RYAN STEGMAN (Vanish), KENNY PORTER (Superboy), TYRELL CANNON (Beef Bros), MIKE SPICER and JOHN J. HILL introduces Roger Dalton to the world and welcomes everyone to tag along with the start of an unlikely hero’s journey. Let’s take a closer look and see what’s happening here, shall we?

THE SCHLUB #1 by RYAN STEGMAN, KENNY PORTER, TYRELL CANNON, MIKE SPICER and JOHN J. HILL (Image Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins in a dentist office. Roger Dalton is working on someone’s teeth. The narration describes him as a loser who’s never had a big win. While working on his patient, Dalton looks out the window and catches a sight he doesn’t want to see. His Father and brother are setting up shop across the street with their 13th business location. Roger is not handling the news well while he’s on the phone with his ex-wife.

As he’s having the conversation, Roger is oblivious to a few things. The TV is broadcasting about an evacuation downtown. There’s a patient that is sitting there waiting for Roger to work. Right as he is ready to begin his work, the office starts shaking. Bursting thru the room is Cirrus, a powerful superhero.

Cirrus is squaring of with WYRM, a magical sorcerer. During the fight in the office, Wyrm drops a mysterious object. Roger picks it up and activates it! What happens next changes the course of not only this ordinary nobody but the fabled superhero trying to save the day!

What happens with great power in irresponsible hands? That becomes the question surrounding this series as Roger is no longer a nobody with the fate of the world now in his hands. Can he defeat Wyrm? Is he ready for what’s next? The final image leaves no doubt that this story is far from being your average superhero tale.

Breakdown: Stegman and Porter set a course of unlikely circumstance with the base of this story. Dalton is far from a worthy candidate to become a hero. His persona is driven by jealousy and failure. Even in what appears to be his greatest moment, it happens by sheer luck. The irony of his luck is uncanny and will win readers over as his story progresses. The pairing of Dalton and Cirrus meshes well as polar opposites fighting for the same cause but gives this issue a solid balance of light-hearted jokes in between the action. There’s a lot to enjoy of this debut.

Cannon and Spicer bring to life the absurdity of Dalton’s actions ranging from his jealously of his dad and brother to his cluelessness of his patient. Each panel comes across with a great sense of levity before the heroics begin. That portion starts with a big two page spread instantly bringing the bold world of Cirrus to readers. Seeing Dalton’s facial reactions after becoming a surprise hero added a grounded connection to the overall story. This all paved the way for the closing act which lets readers know Dalton’s life as he knew it will never be “normal” again.

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

Will great power wield great responsiblity? That is the question posed by Stegman, Porter, Cannon and the team with this highly engaging tale. The pairing of Dalton and Cirrus proves for a great combo of heroics and humor that should be a hit with readers for New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts about THE SCHLUB #1. Thanks for reading.

CENSUS #4 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book blog for the ODPH podcast! For this entry, we're checking out the latest chapter from a great series on comiXology Originals. CENSUS #4 by Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt take readers along for another assignment with Liam Malone & his unusual work for the census bureau. The book has been a great mix of humor and drama thus far. Let's see what's going on here and if the win streak continues, shall we?

Census #4 - On Sale December 13th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

Credit: Comixology Originals

Census #4 - On Sale December 13th
Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt
Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

In case you’re just joining in, Liam Malone is a likeable loser trying to find work and make it through this crazy place called life. When he applies for a job with the census bureau, Liam thinks it’s a sign of things changing in his favor. Unfortunately, not everything is what he thought. Liam works for the census bureau…but his job requires him to record the supernatural beings of New York City. From the start, he’s dealt with demons, leprechauns, and shape shifters just to name a few. After his last assignment, Liam gets ready to call it a day until a familiar face returns to see him: Lilith, the demon he “got close with” in issue #1.

The issue opens up with Liam and Lilith catching up since their initial encounter. The point of Lilith trying to get Liam on a date was a fun read as the bus driver had to jump in and guide Liam. Just when he thinks he’s got a win, his boss Mr. Pictor arrives to scold him on his recent escapades. Liam’s taken some different actions to get the job done and that is catching the eye of his boss. Liam walks away not too concerned as proceeds onto his next assignment: a cthulhu who proves to be quite charming.

With that meeting taken care of, Liam makes his way to a pizzeria in Hell’s Kitchen. Liam thinks he sees a literal ghost heading to the basement. As he walks down the stairwell, Liam finds ghosts of enslaved peoples on a burial site during the time of slavery. Liam leaves without any signatures and discusses what happened on his date with Lilith. During that conversation, Liam gets an idea to give the ghosts some closure thinking that will set them free from where they are living. What is Liam’s plan how to do this? Who does he get involved to help out? What will be the outcome if he pulls this off? Readers can expect more of the winning formula that this series has been delivering in answering those questions.

Census #4 - On Sale December 13th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

Credit: Comixology Originals

Census #4 - On Sale December 13th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

Credit: Comixology Originals

Census #4 - On Sale December 13th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

Credit: Comixology Originals

Bernardin and Freeman continue to present Liam Malone as a character of humor and heart. Thru all his “fish out of water” dealing with his job, Liam always comes across as someone who tries to be better that what life has thrown at him. The moments with Lilith and the bus driver came across very funny and work to win readers over each time. Seeing how Liam deals with the wide variety of characters he’s come across has shown a great deal of growth as he deals with his job. Seeing some of the supporting cast get more panel time as a nice change of pace. The story was entertaining in seeing what lengths Liam is willing to go to make things right no matter the consequence. Witnessing how his boss handles the latest event will be one to keep an eye on moving forward.

Piriz’s rendition of a cthulhu was amazing. It made for one of the more memorable scenes in the issue. Seeing the interaction with Liam and Lilith also made its’ presence known. Considering all the supernatural elements involved with this story, seeing the human aspect get valuable page time worked to connect readers with Liam and keep him grounded while moving thru assignments. Piriz’s attention to details (such as the cthulhu tentacles) was exceptional. The supporting cast got more attention this time around and Piriz made the most of their efforts in reflection to the story, where they haven’t had a ton of panel time previously. Great issue.

Census #4 - On Sale December 13th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

Credit: Comixology Originals

Census #4 - On Sale December 13th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

Credit: Comixology Originals

FINAL POINT: Census #4 progresses the legend of Liam Malone forward with another entertaining read. c Bernardin, Freeman, Piriz & the team don’t stray far away from the successful blueprint they’ve followed since issue one. Exciting writing (and humor) mashed up with fantastic art has made Census required reading each time out. Don’t pass on this issue for new comic book day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Census #4. Thanks for reading.

CENSUS #3 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

Welcome to an all new edition of parlay Points, the comic book blog for the ODPH Podcast. For this entry, we’re continuing to follow an incredible series on the Comixology Originals line. Some of the best comics at the (digital) shops reside on this line and since its’ debut, Census has been an excellent addition. Census #3 by Marc Bernardin (Fatman Beyond w/ Kevin Smith), Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt continues the long strange journey Liam Malone is on since he started working for the Census Bureau. Two issues in and the book is a delight to read. Let’s take a look at the latest chapter and see if that streak continues, shall we?

Census #3 - On sale November 15th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Demons. Leprechauns. Genies. This is the daily clientele Liam meets as he works for the Census Bureau. The “down on his luck” lead has been in some wild scenarios these past two reads and issue #3 starts off very innocent. It appears to be a normal (for once) neighborhood in Queens where Liam approaches a woman for a signature. Liam has been growing in this role as this is the fist time he’s been dressed up with shades on. The surroundings seem unique with statues all around the from door…..with the exception of one. Once Liam asks for the signature, the woman reveals herself to be Medusa!

Being accustomed to this world by now, Liam comes prepared with sunglasses covered by paper and a reflective template. Medusa turns herself to stone and Liam gets enough rock dust off for a signature. All in a day’s work. Liam gets back on his usual transit route and heads towards Brighton Beach to “Auntie Baba’s Bakery”. Liam appears to be investigating a grandmother working in a bakery with pictures of two children on her register. Everything seems normal, after all, who waits two hours for a Sharlotka if not? Liam tries the food and is sold on it. That is until he starts doing some research on the name of the bakery. Readers see the discovery and Liam’s reaction to the revelation.

What does Liam do with his information? Where does the story go from here after he starts digging. These moves aren’t stated in the job description but readers tag along with Liam as he tries doing what he thinks is right, even though not required. the resolution will catch some off guard. If you think this will be a huge surprise, just wait till the final panel as an Liam’s life gets turned upside down yet again.

Bernardin and Freeman took Liam into uncharted territory for this issue. The story shifts gears from the basic “get that signature” to now Liam has to question his moral instincts versus his job duties. It’s very telling on how he’s been able to stay somewhat grounded while dealing with the supernatural characters he comes across. Liam’s dynamic with his boss, Mr. Pictor, is an unsung bonus of this book. Liam trying to plead his cases to someone who is so desensitized to what is going on makes for a fun read. Another standout moment is when Liam is sent to Brooklyn and who he confronts there. The conversation plays out with makes for strong character work. The complexity of Liam’s character has made for some of the best moments of this book and continues to make a fascinating tale each issue.

Piriz continues to make some of the smallest character moments int must-see panels. The reaction to the Sharlotka incident created well-timed comedic relief before going into more serious drama. Seeing how Liam stands up to the true antagonist this issue was a great visual leading into a full page spread. The facial expression work Piriz does truly elevates this book. Seeing how viably shocked Liam gets with certain scenarios doesn’t get old and reminds readers he’s still human after all. It plays into why you can’t help rooting for him to succeed, even when he should have no chance to survive, let alone win.

Final Point: Liam Malone’s moral conscience gets pushed to the limits within this issue. What does doing the right thing mean in the land of the supernatural? Bernardin, Freeman, Piriz and the team present that dilemma to readers with excellent storytelling and art. The series advances forward with arguably it’s best issue yet. Don’t miss this book at Comixology this week.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Census #3. Thanks for reading.

CENSUS #2 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast. For this entry, we’re taking another trip into the life and times of Liam Malone via Comixology Originals. Census #2 by Marc Bernardin (Fatman Beyond w/ Kevin Smith), Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt continues the saga of Liam’s new job with the Census Bureau. It sounds normal, but it’s everything but that. Let’s take a deeper look at the latest issue, shall we?

Census #2 - On Sale October 12th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

Census #2 - On Sale October 12th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The life and times of Liam have gone in some weird directions lately. Working for the Census Bureau should seem like a more “normal” job but the clientele Liam has to count is not fitting that description. Last issue, Liam wound up in a dire situation involving some demons. This issue, his journey starts off in a pub. However that pub is filled with Leprechauns. Searching for the name “Shamus” is proving to be a issue. On the bright side, Liam seems to be picking up at his new job & finds a noteworthy solution to his dilemma. After a quick peek into his home life, Liam sets out on his next assignment.

With tablet in hand, Liam steps into a small bodega. After his “ice-breaker” goes wrong with the owner and young clerk, Liam is sent out of the store with no success. Becoming very determined, Liam does some investigating on his own. After confronting the young boy and remembering talk of “wishing” mentioned, Liam is still left with some questions. For better or for worse, he now goes to his boss for some “professional advice”. With that knowledge in hand, Liam returns to the bodega. When he arrives, is there ever a big surprise waiting for him! Readers will be just as shocked as Liam is to what lies ahead. It’s a great twist that fits perfectly in line with this very unique tale. The final image of the book will draw a positive reaction out of the readers to end this story on.

Census #2 - On Sale October 12th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

Census #2 - On Sale October 12th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

Census #2 - On Sale October 12th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

Bernardin and Freeman present another enjoyable tale within these pages. Liam is an easy character to get behind with his “loveable loser” persona. The humor is spot-on point this issue as well. There has been noticeable growth with his character this time as he maneuvers thru the wild workplace environment of his job. Liam’s most notable skill is adapting on the fly. There are two cases in this tale that he’s had to think fast to complete tasks. The initial shock of last issue’s first assignment is long gone. For being only a week into the new job, becoming comfortable in this landscape is huge. It is a very organic pace to his story which takes nothing away from the overall picture. Seeing a piece of Liam’s home life grounded the story briefly but enough that it was a solid change of pace before stepping into the ever-changing world he now works in.

Piriz delivers Liam’s story with a great balance of self-loathing and somewhat optimism. The facial expressions he has when dealing with his roommates and bus driver stand out this issue. With all that negativity around him, Liam still focuses on his job at hand. It helps to sell Liam’s plight to the readers as a character you can’t help but root for in some capacity. This story does go into some wild territory but with Piriz’s art, it hits all the marks needed. Liam’s world is more than it seems and the team here crafts it to the readers with a fantastic delivery.

Census #2 - On Sale October 12th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

Census #2 - On Sale October 12th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

Overall, Census #2 is entertaining with it’s charm and outrageous story. Liam Malone’s life has well-timed humor moments mixed in with a never mundane atmosphere. Bernardin, Freeman, Piriz & the team don’t have a sophomore slump with this comic, so make sure to check it out when it hits Comixology this week.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Census #2. Thanks for reading.

CENSUS #1 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this entry, we’re checking out a new series on the great Comixology Originals line by way of Marc Bernardin. Readers might know Marc Bernardin’s name from the Eisner award nominee “Adora and The Distance” along with his work in podcasting (Fatman Beyond w/ Kevin Smith) and TV (Star Trek: Picard). Census #1 by Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt welcomes readers into the life of Liam Malone and his first day on the job, which is anything but normal. Let’s not waste any more time and jump into this first issue, shall we?

Census #1 - On Sale September 14th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

Census #1 - On Sale September 14th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

This issue kicks off with with one of the best “You’re probably wondering how I got here” pages in recent memory. Liam is tied up with only his underwear on while 3 demons are standing over him. From here, readers are taken back to the day prior as Liam is going for a job interview. This scenario seems very normal as Liam is talking to a possible employer with a simple job posting: “ Good Pay, Flexible Hours, No Experience Needed”. It sounds too god to be true, especially for someone looking for a win. Liam gets the job with the Census Bureau, which sounds like it will be a simple job. At this stage in life , Liam should know that anything that sounds this perfect is more than likely flawed.

With a tablet in hand, Liam sets out to count the residents of his first assigned address. With should be a routine count in a Brooklyn apartment spins wildly out of control. What starts as a friendly conversation quickly speeds into another moment that our protagonist was not expecting when he signed up for this job. Readers will see how Liam got into the mess in page 1 and if he can find his way out of that crazy scene. The conclusion of this issue will leave readers with a clear sense of where the book is heading and that they need to jump on board now.

Census #1 - On Sale September 14th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

Census #1 - On Sale September 14th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

Census #1 - On Sale September 14th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

Very solid debut issue. Bernardin, (along with Adam Freeman) create a fun beginning on Liam’s journey. The story is great balance with horror and supernatural elements along with well placed shots of comedy mixed in. Those themes rise up more to the reader when referencing the initial first case. Liam’s means to escape is quite the creative one that does cause a laugh out loud moment. No spoilers here, but it’s presented in a way that readers can only see Liam pulling off. The storytelling plays into his awkwardness in dealing with others as a strength. At no point did I feel that the story feel too cliche and it made for an enjoyable welcome into the life and times of Liam Malone.

Piriz’s art brings this story to life with capturing Liam’s ineptness into the new job field he’s entered. The facial expressions being showcased tell much of Liam’s character. Seeing his interactions with one of the residents of his first assignment to his new boss and what’s revealed at the end, Piriz crafts Liam’s conversations with a feel of uncertainty and reluctance. Readers will be able to pick up on this part of his character rather quickly but it’s never something that takes them out of the story. In fact, it’s something that as this series goes forward will become a stronger focus for readers to get behind and root for Liam to win.

Census #1 - On Sale September 14th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

Census #1 - On Sale September 14th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

Census #1 - On Sale September 14th

Creative: Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Sebastián Piriz, Bernardo Brice and Sarah Litt

credit: Comixology Originals

Overall, Census #1 provides readers with a great story of self-discovery and unexpected travels through the backdrop of New York City. Bernardin, Freeman, Piriz and the rest of the creative team present readers with the saga of Liam Malone. Where it goes from here is anyone’s guess, but that’s why I feel it will be one that you simply can’t miss reading each month. Make sure to check it out on Comixology this week.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Census #1. Thanks for reading.