NINJAK VS ROKU #4 (VALIANT COMICS/ALIEN BOOKS)

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points!

For this entry, the super spies of the Valiant Universe have arrived at their final showdown. Colin King was left on Death’s doorstep. Roku is a fractured shell of herself through grueling combat. Who will be the ultimate victor when the smoke clears?

NINJAK VS ROKU #4 by AJ Ampadu, Diego Giribaldi, Lautaro Ftuli, and Camila Jorge is the final stop on the “Road To Resurgence”.

Let’s take a closer look to see how events conclude.

NINJAK VS ROKU #4 by AJ Ampadu, Diego Giribaldi, Lautaro Ftuli, and Camila Jorge (Valiant Comics/Alien Books) Cover: Richard Ortiz

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Ampadu mixes in a few surprises while closing out events for Mr. King and company. The opening sequence does a solid build into the first reveal. Readers will see a shift in direction as Ninjak crashes the scene. The explanation of how he recovers is a unique concept. It plays into the mystical subplot looming with the Undead Monk. Ninjak is redefined from the experience which helps for what lies ahead.

Pacing never takes a break as the story progresses. Readers get locked in for the showdown as the action pops off the pages. Ampadu constructs a steady build until the final blow is dealt. Its’ fallout deescalates slowly for the key players to each get their parting shots in. The ending is a fitting conclusion before the next crossover event. It is one that lives up to the bar that can only set from Valiant’s super spy.

Giribaldi and Ftuli deliver stellar imagery as the showdown commences. The full page shot of Ninjak entering the scene grabs readers right away. It’s matched by a few full splashes as Ninjak rebuilds his pysche. The panels present a deep dive into a broken soul. Readers will see how things unfold as Ninjak finally is ready for the last face-off.

The action panels never waiver on the excitement. Its’ paced with an energetic feel. Action fans will be very pleased at the final product. The pages flow very easy to the parting image. Ninjak’s closing action is gifted a near full page shot that concludes an impressive thrill ride once and for all.

FINAL GRADE: 8.2

The final stop before Resurgence doesn’t miss its’ mark with a solid ending for the one and only Colin King. Ampadu’s writing conveys a battle of wills and skills. Giribaldi and Ftuli craft excellent action through a chaotic backdrop. It’s a fitting addition to the legacy of Valiant’s definitive Super Spy.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Ninjak vs. Roku #4. Thanks for reading!

ASTONISHING TIMES: RISE OF THE KOKIN (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points!

For this entry, readers have arrived at the conclusion of a mysterious origin. The world of Astonishing Times has had fans talking since 2021. It is a fantastic read for any superhero fan. One character has broken out from the pack in that series. The story behind the dangerous Kokin has reached its’ final destination in this closing chapter.

ASTONISHING TIMES: RISE OF THE KOKIN #5 by Frank J. Barbiere & Arris Quinones, Ruairi Coleman, Reese Hannigan, Andrew Cramer, Taylor Esposito and Dylan Todd looks to wrap up loose ends before departing.

Let’s take a closer look at how things fare now!

ASTONISHING TIMES: RISE OF THE KOKIN #5 by Frank J. Barbiere & Arris Quinones, Ruairi Coleman, Reese Hannigan, Andrew Cramer, Taylor Esposito and Dylan Todd (Comixology Originals)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Coleman fills the pages with a sense of danger and deceit. Yuto’s scheming comes to a head with a power play made by the Kokin. It instantly creates the uneasiness while waiting for the next move to be made. Pacing keeps things moving at a very fast level. It matches the frenetic action now kicking into high gear.

The writing sets up a duel that isn’t short on its’ shock. Once the winner is about to proclaim victory, Kokin’s dialogue gives a few key quotes before ending it with a loud exclamation point. The fallout ties up most loose ends, with a few heartstring pulling pages. It has been quite a journey seeing how the Kokin has evolved since day one. Knowing that key component will kickstart some interest to go back and read Astonishing Tales is a big win for all.

Coleman and the art team give readers one last chapter flooded with action. Yuto and Kokin’s build before its’ eventual showdown captures Yuto’s cockiness. It camouflages the challenge thrown down. At this stage, the action is in full swing. The showdown is met with a violent ending. Before bowing out, the art team brings the emotional wear of the Kokin to the forefront. Events close with a familiar face and wondering if this is the end or the end…for now?

FINAL GRADE: 8.3

The thrilling saga of the Kokin comes to a show-stopping end with its’ blend of excitement and drama. Coleman delivered an excellent wrap-up with their writing. Coleman and the art team never falter on giving readers big action before mixing in the strong drama fueling this series since day one. If action stories are your specialty, there’s no way you can afford to pass on this story.

BRZRKR: LOST BOOK OF B #1 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points!

For this entry, the saga of a half man, half god, all killing machine has returned. Spawning into a live action & anime series, the adventures of B (aka Unute) continue to draw attention on a greater scale.

Heading back into the comic shops is a brand new story. It is even more special due to the fact that the original creative team have returned for this project. This is the first time since the conclusion of the original series in March of 2023.

BRZRKR: The Lost Book of B #1 by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, Ron Garney, Bill Crabtree and Clem Robins (BOOM! Studios) focuses on a lost chapter in B's legacy.

Let’s take a deeper look at how this chapter fares.

BRZRKR: The Lost Book of B #1 by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, Ron Garney, Bill Crabtree and Clem Robins (BOOM! Studios)

***POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Kindt and Reeves blend the historic aspects of Genghis Khan into the unruly violence that follows B wherever he goes. Seeing the strategy used to recruit B plays well into the lore of the conquering dictator.

Readers watch as the offer of power is great for some but what is it ultimately to a half god? It's a question that applies some ethics in-between the many stages of brutality displayed.

There are some very creative devices planted firmly into this chapter. One that comes to mind involves a catapult. It ushers in a defining moment for B while mixing up the familiar formula of attack, destroy, repeat. Once events shift gears, pacing does move very rapidly.

In a sense, the shift fully showcases how even power isn't the most valuable asset to someone. The fallout from the closing act is as expected. It leaves things as mysterious as the lead character is. There is no doubt there are more chapters to be written on an already impactful legacy in the making.

Garney and Crabtree return with the intense imagery this series is known for. The story doesn't wait long to unleash B's fury. A near half panel announces an angry Unute into action. Panels becomes consumed with the violence on hand. It is not one for the weak of heart. The views effect the savagery of barbaric times. This feels like a familiar realm for B with his untamed association with violence.

The "calmer" times let readers in on Khan's over-confidence. The expressions being made show a man who thinks he's in full control. As events unfold further, the blind confidence becomes oblivious to what's on its way. Once the closing act kicks in, the art team goes bold to usher in the closing.

From a close-up on B's eyes to the pain he soon after inflicts, nothing escapes the reader as his pain is dished out on the masses. The closing pages set a more tame tone as this chapter closes. It's a fitting end with a bird flying with a message. Readers will have much to divulge and enjoy with this return to form.

FINAL POINT: 8.5

The latest trip into Unute's trail of violence is flooded with familiar themes of redemption through pain. Kindt and Reeves construct a layered insight into the man behind the constant mayhem. Garney's fierce visuals expose Unute at his purest nature. It's a strong read that is a welcomed addition into the ever-growing legacy of a conflicted half man and half god.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on BRZRKR: The Lost Book Of B #1. Thanks for reading!

ASTONISHING TIMES: RISE OF THE KOKIN #1 (COMIXOLOGY ORGINALS)

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

For this entry, readers are returning to the world of Astonishing Times. The story of Noah Sans and superheroes continues to win readers over since it’s debut in 2021. For the return, the spotlight is thrown on one of Sans’ most respected heroes and thier own origin tale.

Astonishing Times: Rise of the Kokin #1 by Frank J. Barbiere, Arris Quinones, Ruairí Coleman, Andrew Cramer, Taylor Esposito and Dylan Todd dives into the complexity of this impact player. Let’s take a closer look and see how things play out.

Astonishing Times: Rise of the Kokin #1 by Frank J. Barbiere, Arris Quinones, Ruairí Coleman, Andrew Cramer, Taylor Esposito and Dylan Todd (Comixology Originals)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins with a man readers know as Kokin runs from armed individuals. The narration leads readers to follow along with his idea of evading demons. Little did anyone know where they were running. It’s not an average street. It’s running downhill on a side of a building!

Chasing the man are demon masked assailants. As Kokin evades the action, he now faces a skull-masked warrior running right at him! As his next challenger moves forward, Kokin starts remembering his childhood.

Growing up on an army base, A young Kokin draws the ire of a sergeant on the base for disobeying the rules. After some slick banter to the officer, Kokin gets hit in the face. It is at this moment, Kokin’s father walks in and ends the confrontation. Kokin doesn’t walk away unscathed as his father tears into him about his attitude. He leaves the young boy with a statement that lights a fire inside: Clean up or just go already.

Readers see quickly that the choice is relatively easy. The young boy packs up and leaves the base. It is at this moment his life changes forever.

What sends the young boy on his new path? The drama builds as a chance encounter leads into the start of new-found purpose. It also builds the drama towards a final act shrouded in mystery. The final moments eluded to a start of new beginnings reads won’t want to miss.

Astonishing Times: Rise of the Kokin #1 by Frank J. Barbiere, Arris Quinones, Ruairí Coleman, Andrew Cramer, Taylor Esposito and Dylan Todd (Comixology Originals)

Astonishing Times: Rise of the Kokin #1 by Frank J. Barbiere, Arris Quinones, Ruairí Coleman, Andrew Cramer, Taylor Esposito and Dylan Todd (Comixology Originals)

Barbiere and Quinones sets the foundation for a multi-layered breakdown of what makes up Kokin. The initial start is an intense kickoff with an insane fight set-up.

Breaking away to focus on the younger years gives a sense of how much Kokin has changed since readers first saw him in the original volume. The searching for belonging is a major take-away. the rest of the book dives into his “new life’ and sets the stage for a deeper adventure waiting in the shadows.

Coleman and Cramer deliver on kinetic fight panels. The building side images are instant excitement. The near full page panel is prime example of this. They contrast the time at the military base. The emotional conflict between father and son pours off the pages.

Once Kokin embarks on his new path, the art balances the action with slowly adding to the drama unfolding. The closing panels pose a new challenge added to the mix of an already engaging tale. There’s lots for fans to invest in with this story.

Astonishing Times: Rise of the Kokin #1 by Frank J. Barbiere, Arris Quinones, Ruairí Coleman, Andrew Cramer, Taylor Esposito and Dylan Todd (Comixology Originals)

Astonishing Times: Rise of the Kokin #1 by Frank J. Barbiere, Arris Quinones, Ruairí Coleman, Andrew Cramer, Taylor Esposito and Dylan Todd (Comixology Originals)

FINAL POINT: 8

Diving into the clouded past of the Kokin, the creative team of Barbiere, Quinones, Coleman don’t delay in setting a strong pace to follow. Solid writing and explosive art will lock readers in for a journey they can’t afford to miss.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Astonishing Times: Rise of the Kokin #1. Thanks for reading.

TRANSFORMERS #1 (IMAGE COMICS VIA SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT)

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

For this entry, the wait is finally over! Ever since the secret was let out in the pages of VOID RIVALS, fans have been eagerly waiting for the “ENERGON UNIVERSE” to kick into high gear! Bringing two of Pop Cultures biggest fandoms together in one universe is always an exciting time. Considering the pair making their re-introduction and it’s not just an event. It’s a new chapter in a historic legacy in comics.

Since its’ debut via Marvel in 1984, TRANSFORMERS has been a staple at the comics shops throughout various publishers. Often paired along with the world of G.I. Joe, their stories have been entertaining fans for decades. Now primed for a HUGE relaunch via Skybound Entertainment (and Image Comics), the quiet build has been trending towards a new series with one of comics’ biggest names behind it.

TRANSFORMERS #1 by DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON (MURDER FALCON, DO A POWERBOMB, BETA RAY BILL), MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN looks to keep the momentum going as a new chapter is about to be written in the franchise’s history. Let’s not wait any longer and dive in, shall we?

TRANSFORMERS #1 - DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins with imagery reflecting a struggle has happened for two major figures. One is “Sparky” Witwicky. The other is Optimus Prime (longtime leader of the Autobots). Both have seen better days during these panels.

The story shifts back to the present where Sparky’s son Spike find him at a bar. The mood is tense as Spike tries communicating with his dad, who’s not very receptive to the chatter. The name of “Jimmy” is mentioned which sways the dialogue into new areas. Sparky is rescued by a co-worker/designated driver, leaving the talk ended with much disdain.

Spike is picked up by his friend Cindy and her uniquely painted van. The pair heads to the mountains for star-gazing and a break from the Witwicky family drama. Little do the young couple know what is coming ahead.

With a loud rumble, the ground shifts. They fall down a ways. When they get their bearings back, Sokie and Cindyt realize they are not on a mountainside anymore. They are on the backend of a certain spaceship implanted into the actual mountain!

As they start looking around, readers see some familiar faces lying inside. The mood is tense and shocking. Before they can react, someone has crashed the party. They are the key connecting the Energon Universe!

What is their purpose? Did they come alone? It’s at this moment that the creative team turns EVERYTHING up to 11 as the action begins to furiously hit! There are many highs and lows within this sequence of pages. They will not disappoint! Just when readers think they’re a break to catch their breaths, the closing panels set up a terrifying! possibility for their future. There is WAY more that meets the eye with this explosive debut!

TRANSFORMERS #1 - DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)

TRANSFORMERS #1 - DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)

Johnson constructs an exciting and driven debut chapter for the next phase of Optimus Prime and company. The opening sequence may start off at a slower pace compared to the remainder of the issue. This allows the Witwicky family tension enough time to start connecting with readers. However, the moment that changes everything is the debut in this series of a certain character fans have seen before.

Once that character hits the page, the flood gates open with more of the fandom’s heavy hitters. Pacing really picks up, taking readers into peaks and valleys. The ending throws a solid curve into what has been nothing but fast moving blockbuster thrills!

With a big battle taking place, the art really pops off the pages. Anytime an Kazuchika Okada rainmaker is used in a comic battle, readers KNOW this is going to be something special! Excellent semi-full page panel featuring this. The dramatic panels reflects the deep emotions felt with the father/son dynamic.

It gives small breaks to the frenetic pace but nothing to overshadow it. Readers want big action and there is no disappointment to be found. It is a Hollywood summer blockbuster brought to life in a new media form. Nothing but win to set the bar for a universe that looks to make a huge impact right out of the gate.

TRANSFORMERS #1 - DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment - Cover: Cliff Chiang)

TRANSFORMERS #1 - DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON, MIKE SPICER AND RUS WOOTEN (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment - Cover: Ryan Ottley)

FINAL POINT: 9.5 OUT OF 10

If anyone has any questions on why this book has generated all the hype it has, it only needs a few pages to prove it! Johnson, Spicer and Wooten get right to the point with superb writing and electrifying art as the next chapter of the Transformers fandom makes a bold leap forward that new and old readers won’t be able to get enough of. Absolutely do not miss this on New Comic Book Day!

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