DEEP CUTS #4 (BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE/IMAGE COMICS)

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

For this entry, we are finally returning to an ambitious project from Image Comics via Black Market Narrative. Since its’ inception, Jazz has been a vital part of the history of music. As seen through the previous issues, its’ impact has been felt for generations. It’s a powerful entity to say the least.

Readers have seen the effects from New Orleans to Chicago then Kansas City. Now, the history of Jazz stops in New York City in the 1950’s.

Deep Cuts #4 by KYLE HIGGINS, JOE CLARK, RAMON K PEREZ, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou presents a tale of finding oneself through the power of music. Let’s take a closer look and see what’s happening now.

Deep Cuts #4 by KYLE HIGGINS, JOE CLARK, RAMON K PEREZ, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Credit: Black Market Narrative / Image Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The setting is New York in 1956. A man stands outside a run-down building. The story shifts to 1947. A narrator brings up conversations from “Dorian Emmaus: A celebration”. The previous run-down building is full of life and song. The crowd gathering outside exudes anticipation. A man in all yellow cuts across the street into the club. He seems focused on his task to play in a jam session. He will need to be.

As the man gets on stage to play, Dorian arises from his chair. The stranger can’t hang with the band on stage. He quickly leaves. Only the best can take the spotlight. Dorian focuses and begins to create. The band takes notice and sing their praises.

This is a far cry from 1953. Dorian is the man outside looking in. With the conversations from the article filling the pages, Dorian’s life has been anything but perfect.

Readers get taken on a journey through the rise and fall of a promising musician. Dorian’s path is plagued with tragedy and distractions. Now at a new phase of his life, can he make a comeback? The answer comes to fruition as the years pass by. Once the final page hits, there is no doubt a legacy has been left as timeless as the music is.

Deep Cuts #4 by KYLE HIGGINS, JOE CLARK, RAMON K PEREZ, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Credit: Black Market Narrative / Image Comics)

The writing reflects a grittier story fitting for New York City. Dorian is a multi-layered character. At first glance, his journey starts out with optimism and a love for music. It takes many turns in the course of years since that moment. The testimonials form the article give a fresh perspective as Dorian’s life hits peaks and lows. The closing act gives a bittersweet ending to Dorian’s story. It provides a fitting end to a compelling tale.

Perez constructs an intimidating feel to New York right from the start. The sequence of the jam session sets a loud tempo for where things start in Dorian’s journey. The testimonial panels stand out for their coloring scheme. They are very basic to reflect the blunt honesty of the events. This builds off the emotional range Dorian displays throughout the story. The closing pages conclude events with a parting image that leaves it to the audience to come to their own conclusion of Dorian’s story.

Deep Cuts #4 by KYLE HIGGINS, JOE CLARK, RAMON K PEREZ, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Credit: Black Market Narrative / Image Comics)

FINAL POINT: 8

The music leads a tale of triumphs and tragedies as it stops in 1950’s New York City. With emotional writing and superb imagery, the saga of Dorian Emmaus is sure to leave a lasting impression on comic book fans.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Deep Cuts #4. Thanks for reading!

DEEP CUTS #3 (IMAGE COMICS VIA BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE)

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

For this entry, we’re following along the musical journey featured in the hit series from Image Comics via Black Market Narrative. Deep Cuts by KYLE HIGGINS, JOE CLARK, Diego Greco, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou has taken readers from New Orleans to Chicago (by way of Broadway) with Jazz providing the soundtrack. Issue #3 takes a stop in Kansas City in 1940. Let’s see if the latest chapter hits a high note, shall we?

Deep Cuts #3 - KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, Diego Greco, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Credit: Image Comics via Black market narrative) - Cover: Chris Brunner

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

A young girl named Alice Leslie is looking at “The Spooky Boys” crime comic-book late at night. There’s a “mystery” surrounding a musician known as “Mr. Bones”. Suddenly, there’s a rumble and her father, Otis, comes home. Alice jumps out of bed to hear her parents arguing. The conversation stops when Alice knocks a lamp over.

The next day, the family tries starting the day off on a better note. However, Otis and Cindy (his wife) are clearly not on the same page. With an issue with the furnace distracting the parents, Alice misses her bus to school. Readers see that there’s a building jealousy with Alice over the youngest of the family, Vivian, who seems to always have her father’s attention. This theory is confirmed at school when Alice talks with her friends about Christmas.

In-between Otis working around the house, the words of the comic haunt Alice as she hears her father play music. When Alice questions why he stops, Otis is saved by an old friend named Lemont Boggs. Boggs is the drummer for the Baron Redmond Orchestra and has an offer for Otis to play a show. Otis tries denying the offer but Boggs won’t take no for an answer.

What is the reason behind Otis’s retirement? Alice takes more cues from her comic to start her own investigation. Readers join in on the case as Alice digs deep into the matter. The journey is filled with moments of young theories and old habits. Heading into the closing act, Otis makes a tough decision with impacts on the family. Will it be harmony for the holidays or a bad note to leave on? Readers will have no doubt with that final panel hits with a song in the air.

BREAKDOWN: Higgins and Clark don’t stray too far away from the foundation they have built. Otis appears as a compelling character, struggling to be what the family needs over his wants. It is evident when he plays music how much his demeanor changes. Once again, proof of how strong the power of music is when it has someone in its’ grip. Alice coming across as a young sleuth made for fun moments when tying it back to her comic.

The story challenges Otis to his core. Readers can instantly connect with his choices. At his core, the music never leaves him no matter how much he tries hiding it. It plays into some fun directions. Alice’s detective work takes some of the emotional weight off topic, but never anything to hamper the story.

Greco takes over art duties for issue #3 and jumps right into the 40’s. The visuals perfectly reflect the time. The mannerisms with Otis and Cindy translate to the audience their constant struggles. As the story progresses, it is clear to see Otis wanting to play more but feelings of guilt hold him back.

There’s an excellent run of “comic” panels where Alice is envisioning what her father’s “True” story is. The change in art stands out for a great break in the drama. The bond between Otis and Alice pops off the page with an excellent full panel page later in the book. The final visuals leave a lasting effect on the readers until the next chapter drops. There’s much to enjoy with the presentation here.

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

The saga of Jazz Music plays on with another great installment. Higgins, Clark, Greco, and the team orchestrate an entertaining mix of strong writing and stellar visuals to carry the music through its’ latest destination. Don’t miss this series on New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH Social Media and let me know what you thought about Deep Cuts #3. Thanks for reading!

NOSTALGIA #1 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

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

For this entry, we’re taking a closer look at a brand new series/event on the Comixology Originals line that showcases a writing debut from someone who fans may know from another form of pop culture. From the band Scissor Sisters, Scott Hoffman (aka Babydaddy) kicks off his comic beginnings with a very eye-catching tale. NOSTALGIA #1 by Hoffman, Danijel Žeželj, Lee Loughridge, and Steve Wands, presents a futuristic mystery that is going to make waves on New Comic Book Day. Let’s have a closer look, shall we?

NOSTALGIA #1 by Scott Hoffman, Danijel Žeželj, Lee Loughridge, and Steve Wands (On sale June 13th - Credit: Comixology originals)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story beings with a cover of “Musocity”, a music zine featuring Craig Mancini aka NOSTALGIA on the front page. The article breaks down his stage presence and the experience of watching him play. Things shift to NOSTALGIA on stage and the euphoric trance he keeps the crowd in while playing. In a flash, the crowd disappears and Craig is overlooking the city from his lavish apartment. Craig’s mood is that of despair and exhaustion looking at used to have been.

Craig’s roadie Lexi comes in the room and makes the impression Craig has fallen into a difficult time. Craig dismisses her and turns his attention elsewhere. The visuals readers see is a collage of the world Craig lives in. Much like today’s world, there is an assault of all forms of medias and opinions. Needing a break, Craig escapes into the dark city needing to clear his head.

Craig returns back to the Ziquara building and is passed along a package. From the deminer of the doorman, this isn’t the first time a package like this has arrived. Craig decides this time to accept it. Upon opening it, Craig finds an image of a shell, which sends Craig on a path to a life changing moment.

What is the symbolism of the package? Is Craig ready to find out what is behind these deliveries? Readers ride along as Craig maneuvers through the volatile landscape to reach a meeting place and a surprise he is not ready for. The final panel will raise some questions until the next chapter hits the digital shelf, so get ready.

NOSTALGIA #1 by Scott Hoffman, Danijel Žeželj, Lee Loughridge, and Steve Wands (On sale June 13th - Credit: Comixology originals)

NOSTALGIA #1 by Scott Hoffman, Danijel Žeželj, Lee Loughridge, and Steve Wands (On sale June 13th - Credit: Comixology originals)

BREAKDOWN: Hoffman presents a unique vision of life after music with the current issue. Craig comes across as a multi-layered character. Hoffman’s connection with being a musician brings a distinct approach when conveying Craig’s emotions after the spotlight is gone. Craig ranges from self-loathing to reluctantly bored with how things have now become. The small interaction with Lexi brings that right to the readers’ attention early. Even when he ventures out into the public, his attitude is one of loss. Only when he decided to take a chance with the package does it appear a spark got underneath Craig to do more. The current social climate plays a strong part in guiding the story. With the emotions of the public loud and aggressive, the toll it takes on Craig is evident. However, with the surprise at the end shifting gears, it will add a new dynamic to Craig that should be catching to see play out.

Žeželj kicks off the issue with a stunning portrait of how music has encompassed Craig and the crowd when he is on stage. The coloring done by Loughridge gives those panels an original feel that’s all its’ own. Craig’s venture into the city pops off the pages as the city itself has its’ own story to tell. The mannerisms of Craig feature how much he has fallen on a rough patch and the curiosity of the package actually gives him a weird speak. The journey to the meeting spot builds to a solid closing act, topped with a loud statement caping off a notable flashback time period. Great closing panel to send readers home and having them want to return for the next issue on.

NOSTALGIA #1 by Scott Hoffman, Danijel Žeželj, Lee Loughridge, and Steve Wands (On sale June 13th - Credit: Comixology originals)

NOSTALGIA #1 by Scott Hoffman, Danijel Žeželj, Lee Loughridge, and Steve Wands (On sale June 13th - Credit: Comixology originals)

FINAL POINT: 8 out of 10

After the music stops, when does life begin again? That is the question posed in the world of Craig Mancini. Hoffman, Žeželj and the team bring a powerful vision of a lost soul trying to find himself through solid writing and fantastic imagery. This is a book you don’t want to pass up checking out.

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

DEEP CUTS #2 (IMAGE COMICS)

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

For this entry, we’re checking out the next chapter into one of the most intriguing series hitting the local comic shops. Considering this book comes from the team over at Black Market Narrative, there’s no surprise on why it’s generating all the buzz it’s making. Deep Cuts #2 by KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, HELENA MASELLIS, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou continues to highlight the history of Jazz music with a stop in Chicago 1928. Let’s not wait another minute and see (and hear) what’s happening here, shall we?

Deep Cuts #2 - On Sale May 31st (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative)

Creative: KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, HELENA MASELLIS, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Last Issue, the journey started in New Orleans in 1918, showcasing a young musician’s rise in finding his voice in the city’s music scene. This issue kicks off in a dark theatre in 1928. A man is on stage, talking to the audience about how his instrument and the music it plays gives him life. As he continues to speak, the lights come on to start a musical number. However, this moment proves to be a rehearsal and the direction it goes in is one not hitting the high notes.

Immediately, the production is stopped by its’ director Gail Gelstein, who emerges from the empty seats with changes in mind. However, the pressure is building for a hit show because Gail’s show “Kansas, Oh Kansas”, is featured on Broadway. The theatre manager Herman challenges her to double down on the strengths of the show: the music. If there’s anything to save a bad show, it’s a great song. He gives her an ultimatum: Deliver a hit jazz song in 48 hours. The story centers around someone becoming a jazz man, so Gail is questioned why there’s no jazz music.

Gail reveals she doesn’t know Jazz, but Herman tells her to make it happen, no excuses. With time not on her side, Gail heads home to Chicago for a wedding. When she’s talking with her parents about the song she’s working on, Gail reveals it has no title. Her dad gives her a tip for help in the form of Ray Stroh. Stroh works for Wolverine Publishing and might be Gail’s only hope for making a hit.

Can Gail and Ray pull this off? Will the show be saved? Readers see Gail’s quest into making a great song isn’t such an easy path. There are many stumbling blocks to overcome but Gail’s not letting go of finding the hit she desperately needs. The story shifts into some different directions leading to a surprising final act. Gail’s search for the music might not be the only thing she (along with the readers) discovers along the way before closing off this chapter.

Deep Cuts #2 - On Sale May 31st (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative)

Creative: KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, HELENA MASELLIS, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Deep Cuts #2 - On Sale May 31st (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative)

Creative: KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, HELENA MASELLIS, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

BREAKDOWN: Higgins and Clark continue to display the power of jazz with another strong issue. Gail’s story is one of determination mixed with self discovery along the way. Knowing she needs to incorporate jazz into her production while not knowing anything about it made for a unique dilemma. The dynamic between her and Ray works well as his excitement to help is balanced out with her drive to secure the song. Another great sequence is the banter with her brother Toby. His unlikely advice plays a big part in sending the story into a new direction. The revelation of why Gail wants to make this song work so badly is a great twist that readers can easily comprehend. It all ties back to the power of music and the connections it makes. This all leads into the final act which comes off as a bit of a surprise, but plays out showcasing the impact the music has truly made in one person’s life.

MASELLIS makes a huge splash with the art in this issue. The style feels vintage with elements of abstract mixed in. The time period is fully captured within the panels. There are many incredible full-page panels sprinkled throughout this issue. The one kicking off the musical start sets a huge tempo for the rest of the issue. Gail’s train ride form New York to Chicago is another noteworthy visual montage capped off with her starring out the window while the conductor announces the arrival. Gail’s attention is lost in the song she’s building and the color scheme used to transition (excellent work by Monti) shows how lost in thought she had been in. This comes back full circle on the train ride back, led in by the panel with Gail standing in front of her suitcases. Masellis delivers on projecting the energy of live music with Gail’s time in a few night spots. The crowd reactions let loose on how the music affects them. The emotional reaction isn’t left there as sharp readers will see through the issue: the only times Gail smiles in this issue is when she’s listening to music. It’s a testament to how impactful music can link with someone’s soul.

Deep Cuts #2 - On Sale May 31st (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative)

Creative: KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, HELENA MASELLIS, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Deep Cuts #2 - On Sale May 31st (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative)

Creative: KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, HELENA MASELLIS, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

BREAKDOWN: 8.5 OUT OF 10

The music doesn’t skip a beat with Deep Cuts #2. Higgins, Clark, Masellis and the team guide readers through Gail Gelstein’s stop in Chicago with superb writing and exceptional art. There is literally nothing like this book on the shelves of the local comic shops. The series continues to be a must read for all fans & can’t be missed on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Deep Cuts #2. Thanks for reading.

DEEP CUTS #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 an intriguing limited series coming from Image Comics via Black Market Narrative. Readers should be very familiar with hearing those two entities paired together. Image and BMN are always connected to comics’ most exciting superhero line: the Massive-Verse. However, The latest book to come out from that pairing isn’t of the Radiant Black lore. It is one that will connect with readers of all walks of life for being based around the world of music. DEEP CUTS #1 by KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK (RADIANT BLACK), Danilo Beyruth, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou takes readers on a voyage thru story centered around the sphere of Jazz Music! Let’s take a closer look at this amazing debut, shall we?

DEEP CUTS #1 - On Sale April 26th

Creative: KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK (RADIANT BLACK), Danilo Beyruth, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story kicks off in the era of New Orleans in 1917. A young man with case in hand named Charles Stewart walks thru the streets, ignoring the people around. Stewart is focused on the musical notes filling the air. He is “looking” for a certain sound and is determined to find it through the busy city. After some stops, the young man finds what or should we say who he’s looking for. Making a run for the door, Stewart runs into the bouncer of the club and is turned away for his age. Determined to play in the show, Stewart pulls out his Clarinet and starts playing thru an opened window. This causes the bouncer to approach Stewart to stop him. Before he can make a move, a man peaks his head outside and invites Stewart in. That man is none Jack Cartier, the charismatic star of the show inside.

Cartier convinces the bouncer to let Stewart stay. Cartier recognizes Stewart from trying to crash other shows. It is revealed that Stewart wants to join Cartier’s band. Cartier is impressed by the effort of the young man but doesn’t have him join in the show that night. Instead, Stewart is offered to join Cartier’s band for a parade the next day. Excited beyond belief, Stewart leaves with his dreams in sight. Returning home, he greats his grandmother about his new job. She tries to pass on a warning of “Be careful around musicians. They will break your heart.” It reflects a similar message she gave Charles’ mother. The next day, Charles arrives for the show but finds out it’s not what he was thinking. Cartier greets him with the “honor” of holding his case while they walk in the parade, claiming their isn’t a current spot but if something happens, Charles is in. The parade leads to another opportunity with Cartier, one that Charles will actually be playing his instrument in.

Where is this job based? Readers find out quickly that the entry level Charles is starting at might not be ideal to his grandmother’s liking. The job leads to a whole new world that Charles may or may not be ready for. All he has to guide him is a love for music and makes an unlikely friend in a woman named “Dixie” who works at the establishment. With all these outside influences , what does the future hold for young Charles? Readers see a journey into self discovery as Charles begins to grow in his voice and playing which leads into many surprise directions. The ending is fitting for a first issue that has only begun to show what it’s all about.

BREAKDOWN: Higgins and Clark start this series off on a very strong note. Seeing the hopefulness pour out of Charles while he is chasing his dream is a theme that drives this first issue. His willingness to be a part of the band moves him into crossing paths with a variety of characters and morals. The relationships that form with the young player along the way each have a significant impact on his path. Cartier comes across as a charming but suspicious musician that reflects a side of the world Charles wants to enter. Due to his eagerness to play, Charles looks past what Cartier is doing but it plays into his eventual growth in this story. Dixie makes a great counter to Cartier as her intentions come across as genuine. The pacing of the tale allows moments to build along with seeing the overall effect music has on Charles. It is easy for readers to connect with what Charles is aspiring for. Once the closing moments begin, there are payoffs for the build that tie all the sub-stories together. It is a solid beginning to introducing readers to the power of jazz and music as a whole.

The art of Beyruth and Monti visualize the hypnotic power of music that engulfs Charles. His search for Cartier’s band comes across almost trance-like as he dodges the world around him until he finds the source. The depiction later in the book when Charles is paying at the new job stands out for much of the same reason. The panels’ coloring of notes and playing comes across as impactful to the listeners in attendance. The expressions of Cartier adds another dynamic to the story. He always comes across smiling with a devilish smirk . This plays into many of his actions with all the characters (not just Charles). Perfect example of this is with Mother Martha. The way that Cartier switches directions with his banter plays right into his influence on Charles and the overall story. The closing brings everything together and sets the tempo for more adventures to come.

FINAL POINT: Higgins, Clark, Beyruth and the team invite readers on a compelling introduction to one of music’s most famous genres. Readers won’t be able to deny seeing how one young man’s ambition leads him on a journey of self-discovery thru the mesmerizing appeal of jazz. Sharp writing and art fill the pages with bringing the story of Charles Stewart front and center to comic readers. You definitely don’t want to miss this on New Comic Book day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Deep Cuts #1. Thanks for reading!