Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast! for this edition, It’s “Scottober” In July on the Comixology Originals line (Via Best Jackett Press) as Scott Snyder returns with THREE brand new series! Last time Synder unveiled new books on the CO line on October of 2021, fans were treated to “We Have Demons” with Greg Capullo, ”Clear” with Francis Manupal & “Night Of the Ghoul” with Francesco Francavilla! All three books are incredible reads and are must owns on Comixology and print form for “We Have Demons” (currently) via Dark Horse Comics. There was a great panel at New York Comic Con (NYCC) which I was in attendance for that broke down the movement to Comixology and plans for the comic line.

This week, Scottober 2.0 kicks off as Snyder has three NEW books that are perfectly timed to drop for San Diego Comic Con (SDCC). One of which has Snyder working with Jamal Igle, Juan Castro, Chris Sotomayor, Tom Napolitano and Will Dennis on Dudley Datson and the Forever Machine #1! Let’s jump into this issue and chck out the next wave of “Scottober” on Comixology, shall we?

Dudley Datson and the Forever Machine #1 - On Sale July 19th
Creative: Scott Snyder, Jamal Igle, Juan Castro, Chris Sotomayor and Tom Napolitano
Credit: Comixology Originals/ Best Jackett Press

*** POSSIBLE SPOILERS WARNING ***

The story opens up with a very quirky narration: did you know that every great inventor has something very similar in each of their own stories? They all have a pet. However, in one inventor’s case, that always doesn’t guarantee anything. His name is Dudley Datson, a young man who’s life is anything but normal.

Datson is about to have a huge presentation, with his father, who is dealing with some health issues, claiming to in attendance. This is giving our lead much anxiety as you would expect. From here, readers are introduced to other major players in Dudley’s universe. Ohno, his best friend, Dr, Shae and Daedalus, a lovable dog ….. to everyone but Dudley all join the fray as Datson prepares his invention of “Duds” as he refers to them as. “Duds” are L.C.D. integrated fiber clothing (to sum it up quickly). However the presentation doesn’t exactly go according to plan and it makes for quite the awkward moment.

From this fallout becomes another issue that Dudley will not see coming. The misfire of the presentation has now become the least of his problems. Readers will be very invested to see which way the story goes from here. No spoiler talk of what happens for the latter part of this story. All I will say is readers are in for a fun ride and a last panel curve ball they arguably won’t see coming. Get ready!

This book was such a fun read. Snyder brings to life all the anxiety of a young genius that one would expect. Seeing the stumbling in social settings felt natural for a kid feeling the weight of the world on his back. How the story shifts will be an entertaining turn for the young lead. The book might mislead to a degree where readers think its going, but once the new direction of events are established, this is gonna be something to be buzzing about. The supporting cast is one to watch as well. The back and forth between Ohno and Dudley is light hearted and breaks from the more “normal” tone of the book. This world created will lock readers in for the ride after first read. No doubt about that.

Igle’s art is stellar for this issue. From the detail work in the opening pages “History lesson” to the lab where Datson made his invention, the arts is very fine and makes the pages pop off. There’s another scene later where a big surprise is unveiled but Igle’s art needs to be acknowledged for it. The final panel is so well done. The energy of a young man in NYC is brought to life with much to rave about. Tremendous job.

Overall, Dudley Datson & the Forever Machine #1 is a big hit. There’s a lot of elements happening with this story but Snyder, Igle and the rest of the creative team present it with such energy and enjoyment. After that final page, expect to be locked in for the ride cause it’s only going up from here. Make a point to check this out on Comixology this week! Highly recommended!

If you are in attendance for this year’s SDCC, make plans to stop by the Comixology Booth for some great events and check out the Comixology “Scottober: West Coast edition” panel on Sunday July 24th - Room 6DE - 12:30PST!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Dudley Datson & the Forever Machine #1 !

Thanks for reading!

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this blog, we’re checking out the latest installment of one of the best books on the Comixology Originals line. The All-Nighter by Chip Zdarsky, Jason Loo, Paris Alleyne, and Aditya Bidikar returned last month with a shake-up to our favorite “diner team”. Don’t forget the initial arc is currently in print form from Dark Horse Comics so there’s absolutely no excuse to miss this series. Issue #7 wastes no time hitting the ground running so let’s deep dive into this exceptional series, shall we?

The All-Nighter #7- On Sale June 21st
Creative: Chip Zdarsky, Jason Loo, Paris Alleyne, and Aditya Bidikar
Credit: Comixolgy Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The issue opens up with a quick flashback to when the diner started to become home to our group of Vampires trying to blend in without making any attention. Normalcy is something this group has struggled with since the beginning of the series (and rightfully so). How is “normal” to vampires. That idea is brought right to the forefront as Joy heads home to reconnect with her mother. However, as readers will see, the idea of “you can go back home” is met with mixed results.

Meanwhile, back at the diner, Alex is trying to continue the “super hero” life an has a run-in with the new “heroes” on the block: the Justice Angels. After the previous story arc, Super Heroes have a split public view. Some are in favor, such as police officer and ally Andrea, while others are against the fact of unchecked authority. The question of “what side are you on” becomes a huge part of this issue. Readers will see how this question poses no easy answer as Alex begins to investigate his “friends from work.” The results & last page will have readers talking until the next issue.

Zdarsky showcases the struggles of normalcy in this world within these pages. In Joy’s case, it’s returning home after being away for so long and the reaction she interprets. As for Andrea, balancing the line between her emotions responding to the new stat quo she finds herself in. Both moments represent the toll taken for being apart of this supernatural life. The storytelling really shines thru during these moments for readers. Not to be forgotten, the set-up for the new group of “heroes” arc will be fun to see played out.

Loo delivers on another great issue with the art duties. Depicting Joy returning to see her mother after all this time was presented with much emotion and subtle imagery. Perfect example of this is when Joy sees her mother’s medication bottles on the table (as pictured above). The scene is brief but draws the feelings of uncertainty out of Joy. The rest of the main characters get some solid panel time moving their stories along. The issue is capped off with a last page that drives home what present danger looms on the horizon.

Overall, The All-Nighter #7 continues forward on its’ successful return. Zdarsky and Loo present this unique world with excellent storytelling and art. The hype is real behind this book. Make sure to read this issue for NCBD and get caught up on the previous arc if you haven’t already. It’s Fantastic work!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of The All-Nighter #7. Thanks for reading.

DUDLEY DATSON AND THE FOREVER MACHINE #1 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS/BEST JACKETT PRESS)

THE ALL-NIGHTER #7 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)