March 23, 2022

Ken M

Blog, Comics, Entertainment, Podcast, Pop Culture

POWER RANGERS UNIVERSE #4 (BOOM STUDIOS)

March 23, 2022

Ken M

Blog, Comics, Entertainment, Podcast, Pop Culture

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! On this edition, we’re continuing to dive into the origin of the Phantom Ranger in this pages of Power Rangers Universe #4 by Nicole Andelfinger, Simone Ragazzoni, Mattia Iacono, & Ed Dukeshire for Boom Studios. The series has been an exciting read thus far that has Mighty Morphin Power Rangers fans talking about this mysterious character. After last issue’s events, our heroes are not faring too well. Let’s jump in and see what’s the latest events in this book, shall we?

Power Rangers Universe #4 - On Sale March 23rd
Creative: Nicole Andelfinger, Simone Ragazzoni, Mattia Iacono, & Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Dan Mora)
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

After the events of last issue, Our young heroes are facing a scary dilemma. The powers they tapped into the Morphin Grid for might actually be killing them. It’s not a healthy move to absorb all that energy as they did. It’s a sacrifice that they had to make but now the situation becomes a race against time. Meanwhile, The general hears of how there’sa “Guardian” with a “Suit” & opts to pay a visit….with an ultimatum. After a layer of the Morphanaut’s emotions are revealed, a move is made that could change to course of action involved. Readers will leave this book very happy with a final series of pages that might tip the hand of how things could be ending in this story.

Andelfinger has the story moving in the right direction with this issue. The story focuses a lot on the Phantom Ranger and his emotions about what is going on with the young heroes. Meanwhile, we did get to see hints of a connection from the Morphinaut to the antagonist in this story. Andelfinger is setting this up very well as I’m guessing there will be a major connection between both to be revealed soon. . Pacing was great overall. There was also a great fan moment to close this issue out.

Ragazzoni crafted some great action sequences in this book. When the Rangers had their action in this issue, it felt like a big moment that was jumping off the page. Readers will be very excited to see the final pages as well. Even the quiet moments with the Morphinaut and Ori was a nice change of pace moment that set up a lot for later in this issue. There’s a lot to enjoy from this issue.

Overall, Power Rangers Universe #4 continues on the great story of the mysterious Phantom Ranger. Great story and art this issue with a moment at the end Mighty Morphin Power Ranger fans will be excited to see. Check it out at your LCS this week.

Hit me up on Twitter & let me know what you think of Power Rangers Universe #4.

As always, thanks for reading.

March 23, 2022

Ken M

Pop Culture, Entertainment, Comics, Blog

ARMORCLADS #1 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

March 23, 2022

Ken M

Pop Culture, Entertainment, Comics, Blog

Welcome to a all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! On this edition, we’re checking out a new series coming from Valiant Entertainment. ARMORCLADS #1 by JJ O'CONNOR, BRIAN BUCCELLATO, MANUEL GARCÍA, RAÜL FERNÁNDEZ, REX LOKUS & DAVE SHARPE is hitting the stores on March 23rd. If you’re on the Valiant discord, you’ve heard about his book for a while now. Sci-Fi battles with armored power individuals throwing down? Sign me up! Let’s check this book out & see if it continues the strong start of “The Year Of Valiant”, shall we?

ARMORCLADS #1
Written by JJ O'CONNOR & BRIAN BUCCELLATO
**Art by** MANUEL GARCÍA
**Inks by** RAÜL FERNÁNDEZ
**Colors by** REX LOKUS
**Letters by** DAVE SHARPE
**Cover A by** BAGUS HUTOMO
**Variant Covers by** MARCO MASTRAZZO & JEREMY ROBERTS
**Pre-order Cover by** KAEL NGU
**Distressed Metal 1/250 Variant** by LIVIO RAMONDELLI, designed by TRAVIS ESCARFULLERY
**On sale March 23rd | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+**
**Credit: Valiant Entertainment**

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

First and foremost, no one does opening intro pages like Valiant. Even with a first issue, they explain just enough so you get the idea of what the books about before diving in. This is so clutch for new readers. For this book, it gives the breakdown of what Armorclads are: Exoskeleton suits built for fighting in wars.

Readers are introduced to the planet of Xeru. On this planet, there is a mineral known as The Pure with is important to overall survival to the people of Alpharon. Readers also meet Sam, Peris & Lela who are miners of the Pure. They also have very unique suits of armor called Iron Clads. Iron Clads are primarily for construction-esque jobs. Those who wear them are not exactly treated as equals by the military force helping in their mining mission. Readers are shown that there is a class system set up in this universe, where the iron clad wearers appear to be on the bottom of. Prior to the mining mission, there are military forces scouting the area for an enemy that is unseen.

During the mining mission, Sam’s rope breaks that is holding him from falling down the caves in an unsafe area. Sam becomes trapped when the cave starts collapsing in on him. Peris tries to make the save but is stopped by Sgt. Troy who deactivates his suit. Reason being: They can’t afford to lose 2 Iron Clad suits & Sam is considered a lost cause. Sam dies right before Peris’s eyes.

Later, the iron clads are going back to base when they are encountered by the huge bug-like creatures that were lurking earlier in the issue. They attack Sgt. Troy. When Troy calls for help, Peris halts the Iron clads from assisting since he was the one who let Sam die. Troy is overwhelmed and killed instantly. Peris rallies the rest of their troop to fend off the attack. However, there is a sense of uncertainty that this wasn’t a random attack by creatures. Solid final page to set-up the story for next issue.

Fun & fascinating read for a first issue. O’Connor and Buccellato introduce readers to a new part of the Valiant Universe. There is a lot of set-up work done in this first issue. The motivations of Peris are very interesting. Obviously, the most stand-out character thus far, it feels as when we find out about his story, the actions involving Sgt. Troy will have a bigger impact. The other characters will get their time as the book goes on, but no one really made an impact other than Peris (& Sam). This new world has a lot of promise. Very intrigued at where we are going from here with the story at hand.

Garcia’s art complemented the story very well. Alien creatures looked like aliens. They had a “Starship Troopers”-esque feel to them which isn’t a bad thing. Action sequences were solid and didn’t reveal too much of what the armors are capable of. Speaking of the armors, both styles looked good too. The world of Xeru looked interesting and with a story just unfolding, it will be something to see what’s going on in this solar system they’re based in. I know it’s still early but I’ve very interested to see how Garcia presents more of this new universe & world to readers.

Overall, Armorclads #1 was a noteworthy debut of a new corner of the Valiant Universe. There seems to be a lot of layers to the story unfolding. Once this book gets going, there should be some stand-out moments coming that will get fans buzzing. If you’re looking for a great sci-fi book to add to your pull list at your LCS, give this book a shot on NCBD.

Hit me up on Twitter ad let me know what you thought of Armorclads #1. As Always, thanks for reading.

March 22, 2022

Ken M

Blog, Entertainment, Podcast, Pop Culture

CLEAR #5 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS - BEST JACKETT PRESS)

March 22, 2022

Ken M

Blog, Entertainment, Podcast, Pop Culture

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! On this edition, we’re taking a look at the latest issue of one of my favorite series out right now. If you haven’t checked out everything Scott Snyder has been doing on the Comixology Originals line via Best Jackett Press with We Have Demons (with Greg Capullo On Sale via print for the first time by Dark Horse Comics March 23rd ) & Night Of The Ghoul (with Francesco Francavilla), you are missing out on some of the best comics out there. Clear is no exception. Clear #5 by Scott Snyder, Francis Manapul & Andworld Designs (Comixology Originals) has been delivering on a crazy, futuristic thriller that hasn’t let up since issue 1. Let’s not waste anymore time and jump right into this story, shall we?

Clear #5 by Scott Snyder, Francis Manapul — Clear #5 - On Sale March 22nd
Creative: Scott Snyder, Francis Manapul & Andworld Design
Credit: Comixology Originals - Best Jackett Press

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story centers around Detective Sam Dunes. Being a cop in a future San Francisco in 2052 is not easy. The world has been completely re-invented from the use of “Veils". Veils allow a user to re-create their reality in the vision of what they want. Want to exist in a historic time period? Sure. Want to change an outcome of something in the past? Possible. All for the right price as veils are big business. With the ability to see the world as any vision you want, what would you choose? Dunes isn’t someone who subscribes to this philosophy. Dunes would rather see “Clear” & see the world for what it is. However, when the death of his love, Kendra appears not to be what it seems, Dunes investigates what happened.

From there, the story of her death is much like the world existing to the readers: not what it appears to be at all. For Dunes, he’s challenged with continuing this quest for answers while questioning himself on why even try fighting what the world has become. There is a great panel in issue #1 when he’s staring into his helmet reflection saying “Why Bother” to illustrate that point. The story has taken it’s fair shares of twists and turns that have made this series such an incredible read. When we arrive to issue #5, things are definitely moving fast.

Dunes takes a dive into the water much like Kendra did to avoid being captured by Police for something he did not do. The similarities stop there as Dunes is rescued by a mysterious figure known as The Widow that helps to answer some of the questions he has been asking. It’s a great back and forth with these two characters as readers get some clarity themselves on what motivations are with this story. There are some BIG revelations from the Widow here that need to be read and not spoiled. The final page will have readers excited to see how this will all end next issue.

Clear #5 - On Sale March 22nd
Creative: Scott Snyder, Francis Manapul & Andworld Design
Credit: Comixology Originals - Best Jackett Press

If you’ve listened to the ODPHpod, you know how much of a fan I am of Snyder’s work. Clear is presented in such a unique take that it really stands out from other books. The question of how much technology has altered the way we see the world is a driving point to this series. Dunes’ mission of addressing this “problem” is one that’s not so cut and dry. Snyder never let up from this idea and it pays off here. After the true revelation of “Clear” is made, it actually gives some thought on understanding of Dunes & what he feels he needs to do. Snyder crafts this very complex story with some great thought provoking moments. By the time we’re at the end of this issue, Dunes is ready to close this story out, for better or worse in his eyes or others.

This story is great but without Manapul & Designs on this book, I’m not sure if I could see someone else doing the illustrations here. Visually alone, it’s one of the best books you’ll see at Comixology. Manapul brought the futuristic sci-fi element right to the forefront. San Francisco felt like a whole new world and with all the characters involved. This really shines thru with the black & white vs. color panels in this book to represent what is “clear” and what is not. Even the visuals of the Widow really gave this character a distinct energy that carried thru her conversation with Dunes. There has been so many incredible images coming from this book that the art team needs all the accolades it can get. The future has rarely looked this impressive.

Overall, Clear #5 sets up a big ending to an incredible story. Snyder, Manapul and Design have absolutely crushed this book right out of the gate. Snyder has created a simple murder mystery and had it evolve into a whole different story that never lets go. Manapul does some of his best work & presents a unique version of the future with tying in so many elements of the past. Highest possible recommendation.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Clear #5. As always, thanks for reading.

March 9, 2022

Ken M

Blog, Comics, Podcast, Pop Culture, Entertainment

MIGHTY MORPHIN' #17 (BOOM STUDIOS)

March 9, 2022

Ken M

Blog, Comics, Podcast, Pop Culture, Entertainment

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast! On this edition, it’s a new era beginning from the fallout of “The Eltarian War” in the world of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers! Ryan Parrott & Marco Renna have left & we have a brand new creative team of Mat Groom & Moises Hidalgo starting their ranger run with Mighty Morphin’ #17 from Boom Studios! Let’s not waste another minute & jump into this issue, shall we?

Mighty Morphin’ #17 (Boom Studios) — Mighty Morphin’ #17 - On Sale March 9th
Creative: Mat Groom, Moises Hidalgo, Raul Angulo & Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Inhyuk Lee)
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

After the events of The Eltarian War, our heroes are left without a home. The command center is no more. Zordon is back to being an entity instead of walking around. This is a low point for the team. With no center, Earth is extremely open to attack. With that knowledge, there is an idea of how to fix this problem from the Mighty Morphin Squad. It’s one that might be impossible, but there is no time to delay on that. Plans move pretty fast, but not everyone will be involved with this plan directly.

As the team heads out with a quick stop to Promethea to see an “old friend”, one stays behind and with very good reason. However, danger doesn’t let said character get settled in to defending the earth by themselves. A new threat has made their intentions known. After the first shot is fired, the stakes are raised very quickly. How will this play out while the team is away? Is their plan coming together fast enough? And what happened with the Moon? It’s a brand new jumping on point. Trust me when I say: read it for yourself & you won’t be disappointed!

Groom hits the ground running pretty quickly here. Obviously, with the Eltarian War fallout, the team would be picking up the pieces from the events that just unfolded. The idea of how to fix their biggest problem here is very creative. It almost like an “Oceans 11” vibe to it for how this plan is shaping up. Stakes are high and Groom really drives that point home. The moments with Rocky and his family was a great chance of pace from the other stories happening in this issue. The action sequences with Rocky dealing with defending the Earth will have readers excited to see what happens with the latest threat to the Mighty Morphin team. Seeing the next phase in their plan was a perfect way to end the issue.

Speaking of the action, Hidalgo did a great job making those panels fly off the page. For anyone who thought this would be a calm issue after the Eltarian War will be happily mistaken. I really enjoyed how the battle was presented in this issue. Where the team is going for their mission had some great visuals to match it. After this issue, the creative team really has something special in the works & there is much to look forward to in this run.

Overall, Mighty Morphin’ #17 is a great issue for new readers to jump abroad & current readers will be very delighted with what’s going on here. There are some very engaging stories in the works and you’ll have to make sure this run is in your pull list each week at the LCS. Excellent issue.

Hit me up on Twitter & let me know what you thought of Mighty Morphin’ #17. As always, Thanks for reading!