Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast. For this entry, we have arrived at the conclusion of one of the best and most imaginative series in all of comics. Once And Future #30 by Kieron Gullen, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, and Ed Dukeshire for Boom Studios. The saga of “retired” monster hunter Bridgette McGuire, her grandson Duncan and Rose’s battle against a resurrected King Arthur has been such an exciting read. Seriously, 30 issues seem to have flow by. That’s how good this story has been since the first issue. Never once has this comic not delivered on an epic read. With how things were left at the end of last issue, let’s not delay getting into this monumental finale, shall we?

Once And Future #30 - On Sale October 12th
Creative: Kieron Gullen, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Dan Mora)
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The battle of England is at hand. With Arthur’s forces slowly dwindling due to Rose’s surprise emergence as the true Queen, there is only final play that could have major ramifications. Bridgette’s estranged daughter Mary has made a deal with the evil Merlin in return for her dead son Galahad to be revived. With a quick visit to the Grail Castle, the ending of the story appear to be at hand. Merlin has transformed into a dragon with his deal in sight: Duncan’s life (believing he’s Beowulf) for Galahads. The opening salvo is as intense as one would expect. Duncan is fighting to stay alive from a dragon and when things look it’s bleakest, Queen Rose comes flying on on a dragon all her own to save him.

All the while, Mary has a gun drawn on Bridgette ready to shoot. With the chance to bring Galahad back, nothing is left to chance. Readers are left to a very intense stand-off between Bridgette and Mary until a decision is made. The ramifications of this event are felt immediately. With the fate of Merlin now in sight, readers see how a noble sacrifice turns things upside down. The emotional pull don’t stop there as another major character says their goodbyes in an extremely dramatic way.

The epilogue is a fitting send-off to this series. After reading it, I don’t think this story could have truly ended any other way. Who gets a happy ending in this Arthurian fairy-tale? What happens once all the action is finally dealt? Readers will have their questions completely answered with a final parting image that can only be found withing this magical world.

All good things must come to an end. This is a bittersweet moment has Gillen sends Bridgette McGuire’s tale off with an excellent issue. McGuire has been one of comics most interesting characters. Sharply written, Gillen portrays Bridgette in many emotional places throughout this issue. The most noteworthy moments are her interactions with her daughter. Their dynamic has been one of the strongest pieces of storytelling. Both characters have similar personality traits but yet show differences in the final chapter. Where Bridgette is so committed to stopping the threat, she also shows a more emotional side in dealing with Mary a few times in this closing. Duncan and Rose also have standout moments as their connection remained a focal point thru this series. It’s been such a great read with characters that, even with the Arthurian element, can connect with the audience on a relatable level. Excellent work.

What can you say about Dan Mora’s art in this series that hasn’t been said? Mora IS the best artist in comics today. The action sequences with the dragons was exceptional. The moments felt huge watching Duncan and Rose battle the dragon Merlin. Take nothing away form the tension standoff between Bridgette and Mary. The sheer moving conversations will capture reader’s attention and not let go. The final one will be a lasting image fans will be chatting out for a while. Balancing all the vivid characters and battles is extremely difficult, but you wouldn’t know it because of how incredible Mora is at putting these all together. Factor in Bonvillain on coloring the book and how pages pop right off the paper, the imagery has never missed during this entire run. There was never a wasted panel in this entire run. A true testament to the art team on this book. An absolute pleasure to witness each time out.

Overall, Gillen, Mora and the team give readers a highly satisfying ending to this beautiful fable. With a lead like Bridgette McGuire stealing scenes with excellent dialogue in between the high adrenaline fight scenes, Once and Future never stopped pushing forward on where they could go with the story. It has been a hell of a ride and thanks for the memories. Do not miss this finale when it drops at the Local Comic Shop this week!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Once and Future #30. Thanks for reading!

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! On this edition, we’re checking out one of the most consistently imaginative and entertaining books at the LCS! Once and Future #26 by Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain & Ed Dukeshire from Boom Studios always delivers on bringing something special to readers each issue. Let’s jump in and see where the latest chapter takes us, shall we?

Once and Future #26 - On sale June 1st
Creative: Kieron Gillen, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain & Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Dan Mora)
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

On Otherworld, Bridgette, Duncan and Rose attempt to make their way back to Sherwood Forrest after recently recruiting the one and only Robin Hood in their fight. While on their way back to the forest, Bridgette unveils her master plan. It’s a gamble but one that has a fighting chance. Meanwhile at the Grail Castle, Bridgette’s daughter Elaine starts making her own moves. One that will cause some waves is the recruitment of Lancelot & his mission.

However, there is no time to focus there as readers are fast forwarded to Christmas time. There’s some great character moments with our trio of heroes to offset what will be unfolding on Christmas Day. New readers will appreciate these moments and regulars will have a nice sequence to build upon until the finals panels of this book and the last image which will have readers buzzing in anticipation.

“Otherworld is a magical place” to paraphrase Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. There might not be a better written character in comics than Bridgette McGuire. Gillen continues to add layers to her character and the overall direction of this story. For the reveal of her plan, it’s delivered in such a fun way that any other character was talking it, it would appear flat. The “Christmas” break is a great pause to the story that connects with the audience. Readers are so used to the fast pace then when it’s slowed down, it delivers on reminding that our heroes are human at the end of the day.

When top artists in comics today are talked about, Dan Mora’s name had better be in the conversation. Balancing the ever-changing world in which this story is set, Mora’s art gives such energy to this book. From the action sequences to the subtle moments with Duncan and Rose having a quiet pause, each detail shown elevates the incredible writing. Factor in Bridgette’s mannerisms and you have a can’t miss issue each month, let alone this issue.

Overall, Once and Future #26 continues the impressive quality run of this stand-out creative team. The issue feels almost like a change of pace from the regular issue, but it delivers on slowing down to remind readers about all these characters have accomplished before what is next to come. Waste no time getting to your LCS and get your copy this week!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Once & Future #26. Thanks for reading.

ONCE AND FUTURE #30 (BOOM STUDIOS)

ONCE AND FUTURE #26 (BOOM STUDIOS)