May 15, 2024

ODPH Podcast

Avengers, Comics, Entertainment, Marvel Comics, Marvel Press, NCBD, Movies, Pop Culture, Super Heroes, X-Men

MS. MARVEL: MUTANT MENACE #3 (MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT)

May 15, 2024

ODPH Podcast

Avengers, Comics, Entertainment, Marvel Comics, Marvel Press, NCBD, Movies, Pop Culture, Super Heroes, X-Men

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points!

For this entry, we’re jumping into an adventure starring one of Marvel’s brightest new stars! Since her debut, Kamala Khan has been winning over fans in droves. The character has made the transition to live action flawlessly. Now poised to have a bigger role in the comics and MCU with her new “Mutant” origin, Ms. Marvel is making waves during the fall of the Krakoan Era.

MS. MARVEL: MUTANT MENACE #3 by Iman Vellani, Sabir Pirzada, Scott Godlewski, Erick Arciniega and Joe Caramagna (Marvel Entertainment) brings back an old friend as Kamala finds herself in uncharted water.

Let’s take a closer look at how things play out.

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

With the return of Red Dagger, Kamala’s life becomes more complicated. Throughout the seriousness of Orchis’ attack, the writing keeps things centered around young love and her dealing with her new status quo. The action comes into play quickly in the middle act. Vellani and Pirzada playing off the notion of the Five is a solid plot theme in describing the familiar faces that are popping up.

Seeing the true villain’s plans in motion is an easy connection for readers. With Kamala being involved in the Mutant issues of the current MCU, the notion of Orchis involvement helps. It brings Kamala in a closer connection to Mutant affairs. The closing page might have something to say about that as Kamala’s dream escape crashes back to reality.

The art by Godlewski and Arciniega reflects the ever optimistic title hero. Red Dagger’s introduction brings up images of youthful hope and romance. It serves to counter the heavier matter of the Mutant hunting going on. The introduction of “zombie” Cyclops is gifted a half page image. Seeing the X-Man in this state makes for a loud, positive visual. This builds up for more as the book progresses. Readers will have a big surprise waiting for them on the final page. it is one that should have more fans talking about what is unfolding here.

FINAL POINT: 8

With an old friend stopping by, Kamala Khan’s world gets turned upside down. The writing brings out the best of Kamala’s personality. Paired with solid imagery depicting action and a blossoming romance, fans will have much to be invested in. The final page should have some readers buzzing with who stops by. Keep this one on the radar when at the shops this week.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #3. Thanks for reading.

June 28, 2023

ODPH Podcast

Boom Studios, Comics, Entertainment, Movies, NYCC, Pop Culture

CREED: NEXT ROUND #1 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

June 28, 2023

ODPH Podcast

Boom Studios, Comics, Entertainment, Movies, NYCC, Pop Culture

Welcome to a new installment of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast!

For this entry, we’re checking out the latest addition to a movie franchise via a brand new comic series from BOOM! Studios. Since its’ debut in 2015 with “Creed”, the spin-off story of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) ahs been winning over fans with two very successful sequels, “Creed II” (2018) and “Creed III” (2023). Hitting comic shops this week is the continuation of the saga with Outlier Society (Michael B. Jordan’s production company) and Chartoff-Winkler bringing the franchise to the world of comics.

CREED: THE NEXT ROUND #1 by LaToya Morgan (Dark Blood, AMC’s Walking Dead) and Jai Jamison (Superman & Lois), Wilton Santos (Break Out), DJ Chavis (Lunar Room), and executive producer Elizabeth Raposo, associate producer Christina Raquel of Outlier Society and Chartoff-Winkler (Creative Director: Michael B. Jordan) jumps the story ahead from where fans last saw Creed and his family. Let’s take a closer look and see how things are shaping up now, shall we?

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The events of this story take place a decade after the conclusion of “Creed III”. Quoting directly from the opening page: “AMARA CREED WAS BORN DEAF AND HER MOTHER, BIANCA CREED, HAS COMPLETELY LOST HER HEARING BEFORE THE EVENTS OF THIS STORY. THE CREED FAMILY USES A MIX OF BASL (BLACK AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE) AND LIPREADING TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER.”

The first image readers see is Amara walking to a ring, clad in a boxing robe. With her father in her corner, Amara prepares for a boxing bout. Amara is facing Rebecca Gonzalez with a record of 5-3-0. Readers see the process of how Amara breaks down the fight. Her father waives a red towel, which Amara refers to “stop messing around and utilize your jab.” Amara complies and sets up to finish the fight with a win!

After the fight, Amara, Bianca and Adonis talk about the fight. Left with conflicting views, Amara looks at the trophy case and flashes back to when she first started. Readers see that since Adonis has retired, something has changed about his behavior in Amara’s eyes.

The next day, Amara is back in the gym, training with her dad. Amara is looking for tougher competition but her dad thinks otherwise. Meanwhile, someone is in the gym not showing the respect to Amara.

When she arrives at school, her friend Mel points out that there is an underground fight meeting happening later. With her parents away on business, Amara makes plans to go. What happens when she arrives at the fight club? Readers don’t wait too long to see Amara bring the action. The fallout sends her on an unexpected course that no one will see coming. No one ever said the road to becoming a champion was easy as the final moments show this story isn’t going to the judges for decision.

BREAKDOWN: Morgan and Jamison recreate the magic of the films with a story that carries a big Hollywood feel. Amara’s journey into becoming a champion mirrors some of the same youthful confidence personas conflicting with the elder experienced trainer. The writers play heavy into Adonis’ conflict post-retirement. Trying to balance being a father to being a trainer make for some strong character moments.

The family dynamic is another big element of this issue. Seeing Bianca and Adonis try to figure out a way to let Amara find her own path (to a degree) spotlight what makes these movies so special. The characters are easily relatable and readers can't help but to root for them to win. The final moments throw a solid curve into the mix and concludes a great first issue.

Santos and Chavis come out of the gates swinging with fast paced panels. The initial fight sets a solid pace for where things head into the story. The full page “Victory” panel closes the fight and transitions smoothly into the next phase of Amara’s path. These panels are followed up well with Amara looking into the trophy case and thinking of where she’s been and where she’s going.

The close-ups of Adonis and Bianca trying to figure things out breaks form the action to give readers a better connection with the characters. The training sessions with Amara mimicking Adonis play out perfectly to show how she’s growing as a fighter and slowly breaking form his shadow. The fight club panels push forward the emotions of fighting while adding more layer to Amara’s overall character. Great final sequence of panels to mix in the surprise ending and send readers into the next round with a loud visual statement.

FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10

The next chapter in the Creed saga doesn’t lose the opening round as readers are treated to an excellent first issue. Morgan, Jamison, Santos and the entire team repackage the magic of the movies and deliver it to the comic shop with superb writing and energetic art. You won’t want to miss picking this up on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Creed: the Next Round #1. Thanks for reading!

November 23, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Entertainment, Pop Culture, Valiant Entertainment

BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #3 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

November 23, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Entertainment, Pop Culture, Valiant Entertainment

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this entry, we’re taking another look at one of the best versions of a franchise character from Valiant Entertainment. BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #3 by DENIZ CAMP, JON DAVIS-HUNT, JORDIE BELLAIRE and HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU continues its captivating tale and portrayal of the high profile character. Note: This title is a Mature Readers one and some of the imagery shown in the issue and blog post is intense. That said, If you’re good to continue, let’s take a closer look at what’s happening here, shall we?

BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #3 - On Sale November 23rd
Creative: DENIZ CAMP, JON DAVIS-HUNT, JORDIE BELLAIRE, HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover C by JUAN JOSE RYP
Credit: Valiant Entertainment

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Opening page is the Valiant staple for new readers with a quick once-over of what’s going on. This run of Bloodshot has focused on his mission of taking care of rogue super agents that the government even thought were too dangerous. Two issues in and THIS has been a great depiction of what Bloodshot should be. He is broken, flawed and ruthlessly committed to getting the job done. It’s made for a must-read each time out.

The story kicks off with a mother in labor. What she births is anything but a child, much to the delight of those assisting her. The story then progresses to a serum in an older rural church. Two attendees will stand out to Valiant readers. One is Bloodshot. The Other is the franchise face of Valiant himself: X-O Manowar! Both are undercover hearing what the pastor is saying…with a snake slithering around his shoulders. There are some flashback scenes where the pair of heroes are discussing the enemy they’re both in conflict with. An alien race that the government has known about since 1979 and was using in warfare attacks. Now loose to the public, X-O and Bloodshot must stop it from spreading.

The pair have different ideas of how to handle the threat and form a reluctant pact to get the job done. With hearing what the pastor has to say, they follow the congregation to an unknown location. From there, readers see how the heroes are set up and in over their heads. How do they survive this situation? Can they survive each other long enough? Readers will have their answers with plenty of action and violence mixed in with an outcome some won’t see coming.

Camp has really captured Bloodshot’s voice and made him such a complex character. Valiant allowing a Mature readers book for the character helps showcase how flawed and brutal he can be. It couldn’t be in better hands than Camp. Seeing the dynamic between the two heroes made for an enjoyable read. Another aspect of this book which always jumps out is how Bloodshot deals with the false memories implanted in his mind. Readers get to see how damaged he is from what’s been done to him, yet he still pushes forward when it’s time for the mission. The resolution to what happens here wasn’t a huge swerve persay but seeing how the choice was made to finalize the ending jumped off the page. It was excellent pacing to keep things moving while letting the story grow. It’s epilogue played well to close the issue out with tying it back to the overall character of Bloodshot.

Davis-Hunt drawing monsters was a great reminder of his work on Shadowman with Cullen Bunn. The elements in play for the story brought some intense scenes for this book. Seeing how the pastor was fully entranced into the message of the alien was a difficult read for the right reasons. The body language given off showed how utterly committed the congregation had become and what steps the heroes were needing to go to free them. The action and violence played factors here. There are quite a few scenes where Bloodshot goes over and above what simpler heroes would to complete the task. The scenes with X-O were great complements to the seriousness of the story’s nature as well.

Final Point: The brutal adventures of one of Valiant Entertainment’s most high profile characters continues its ferocious and intense run without a missing a beat. Even with the addition of another superhero heavyweight in tow, Camp, Davis-Hunt and the team carve out their corner of Valiant with another can’t miss issue. Make sure to add this book to your collection on new comic book day!

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

October 26, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Entertainment, Pop Culture, Valiant Entertainment

BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #2 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

October 26, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Entertainment, Pop Culture, Valiant Entertainment

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast! For this entry, we’re reloaded on the latest tale of Valiant Entertainment’s wildly popular anti-hero. BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #2 by DENIZ CAMP, JON DAVIS-HUNT, JORDIE BELLAIRE and HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU continues the explosive Mature readers debut story that fans have been buzzing about. THIS is the version Valiant fans want on screen for the Vin Diesel sequel for the 2020 movie! Note: This take on Bloodshot isn’t meant for younger readers so discretion is advised. If you’re good to go, so am I, so let’s discuss the latest adventure shall we?

**BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #2** - On Sale October 26th
Creative DENIZ CAMP, JON DAVIS-HUNT, JORDIE BELLAIRE and HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
**Cover C by** ALEX GARNER
Credit: Valiant Entertainment

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARING ***

Two things before we get started: 1. LOOK at that cover by Alex Garner! 2. Nobody does a recap page like Valiant. Every issue is a “welcome to new readers” which I wish more companies utilized.

This issue picks up with Bloodshot’s latest assignment: eliminate the loose Walking Weapons who are terrorizing the United States. Who’s more qualified than the walking force of Nature himself? Readers don’t wait as the action pops off on the first page. Bloodshot is battling one of the escapee weapons. However, the BIG difference form last issue is the young boy crying “Daddy!” Before readers can grasp what is unfolding, the story shifts to a earlier time. Bloodshot and his “son” are on their way to Hope, Michigan. While undercover, Bloodshot is questioning residents of the town who are visibly sick. The reason: Radiation Poisoning. The cause: an escapee weapon.

With some further digging, it’s revealed that the Lombard motors factory is the site of the poison leak. Bloodshot makes his way to the factory. While there, readers get some clarity on who the young boy is hanging around Bloodshot. It’s solid reveal and makes perfect sense. There’s little time to celebrate that discovery as the latest weapon makes their presence felt. How does Bloodshot handle this threat? Will this be just another day at the office or is there more going on that he’s not ready for. Readers shouldn’t expect a sophomore slump here as all the overtones of the previous issue carry on stronger here.

Camp doesn’t pull any punches with the themes in this issue. Bloodshot is still a broken character trying to put things together. The story with his “son” was a great change-of-pace complement to the overall mission going on. Camp’s Bloodshot is extremely flawed from his past and seeing how he deals with it in his own unapologetic manner is one of the book’s stronger elements. Being a Mature Readers book, there’s nothing holding the creativity back. Take a look at how Bloodshot and his “Boy” have their interactions throughout this book. Camp excels at bringing this toughness to the forefront. The action is paced well to balance out the story. It’s a high quality with all these elements going on that we haven’t even dived into this issue’s antagonist. There’s a lot of win with this comic.

Davis-Hunt raises the bar up for the art with the visuals featured here. the effects of the radiation are horrific and gives an added feeling of uncomfortable lows to the event unfolding. Another strong visual moment was Bloodshot addressing his “son” at the Motor Factory. The range of emotional features shown pops off the page. It is overshadowed by the intense action sequences when the battle finally happens here. The battle panels in the factory do NOT disappoint. There’s no quiet moments here. The brutality shines thru. When “Unleashed” is in the title, it should be reflected in the product. It definitely is here.

Final Point: The “Unleashed” in the title doesn’t just mean the well known character of Bloodshot. “Unleashed” means Camp, Davis-Hunt and the team take the anti-hero into some captivating directions in correlation to his mysterious past. The mission he’s on here never softens the blow it hits readers with from the opening page to close. THIS is the Bloodshot we’ve all been waiting for. Don’t miss tis book at the LLCS this week!

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