, , , , ,

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #39 (MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT)

, , , , ,

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

For this entry, we are on the battlelines of NYC as war has erupted via Marvel Entertainment. With a power vacuum of the criminal underworld now open, every crime boss is making a play for the throne. Standing in their way is a friendly neighborhood SPIDER-MAN. The question now remains: Is he going to be enough to stop the war or has the city already been lost?

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #39 by Zeb Wells, John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna, Marcio Menyz and Joe Caramagna lead Peter Parker into battle to save New York City! Let’s take a closer peek and see how things are shaping up!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #39 by Zeb Wells, John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna, Marcio Menyz and Joe Caramagna (Credit: Marvel Entertainment)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins six hours after the first strike was taken in the Gang War. The Streets are on fire. The residents are in the crossfire. A couple is trying to run away from the violence. Unfortunately, they run into a figure trying to stake is claim in the battle. He is the Ringmaster, from the Circus of Crime.

The couple gets hypnotized into joining the battle. Ringmaster leads their charge as the opposition comes from Crime-Master and A.I.M. With the conflict spiraling out of control, time is not an ally. There is an invested group watching over the rooftops. Their arrival is not a moment too soon.

Peter Parker has recruited some allies to save NYC. She-Hulk, Daredevil (Elektra), Spider-Woman and Miles Morales are waiting to strike. With innocent residents used as soldiers, Spidey and company know that extra care is needed. Once A.I.M. sends in a tank, the time for waiting is over.

The action revs up as the heroes enter the war. Readers see how the initial counter fares. It sets a pace for where things unfold from here. However, there are more figures making their presence known in this claim for the throne. None will be bigger than a return of one prominent player who could be the game-changer through all of this. If anyone isn’t sure about the magnitude of said character, just wait for the final page to send readers into the next chapter.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #39 by Zeb Wells, John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna, Marcio Menyz and Joe Caramagna (Credit: Marvel Entertainment - cover: Patrick Gleason)

Wells kicks off the first round of actin with a solid entry. Right form the start, seeing how badly New York City is faring makes a big statement. The use of civilians as soldiers shows the desperation and disregard Ringmaster has to stake his claim for territory. Readers are treated to great Spidey action as his team of allies make a big debut.

The break-off adventure later with him and She-Hulk is another stand-out moment. The banter is fun and provides a relief from the drama unfolding. The sub-plot with the crime bosses amplifies with a great return. Throwing in a wild-card to the mix, Wells creates a few uneasy alliances which should have a big payoff later. The issue ends on a great note to move things forward as desperate times call for desperate measures.

Romita JR and Hanna bring excellent storytelling to the pages of this chapter. Fans are greeted to a huge two-page full spread showing the conflict between Crime-Master and Ringmaster. This is matched with another two-page spread announcing the heroes’ arrival to the conflict. The art captures the impact of the returning character to raise up the writing. Seeing the frustration and anxiousness this character creates solidifies the importance of what they’re bringing. The final pages reflect that, even with sneaking in a quip on the way out.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #39 by Zeb Wells, John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna, Marcio Menyz and Joe Caramagna (Credit: Marvel Entertainment - cover: Lee Garbett)

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

“Gang War” launches Peter Parker and friends into the conflict head-on with a great introduction. Wells, Romita jr, Hanna and the team construct excellent action with high-stakes drama to give readers a great read for New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Amazing Spider-Man #39. Thanks for reading!

, , , ,

THE SENTRY #1 (MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT)

, , , ,

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

For this entry, we are witnessing the return (?) of one of Marvel Entertainment’s most polarizing characters. Bob Reynolds’ history in the MCU has been one shrouded in mystery. As one of the most powerful being, The Sentry has been been perceived as a complex individual.

Since being killed by Knull in the “King In Black” storyline, many had wondered if that was the last time readers would see the Golden Guardian. When unexplained events happen in present day, it appears we may have gotten our answer.

THE SENTRY #1 by Jason Loo, Luigi Zagaria, Arthur Helsi and Joe Caramagna bring forth the next phase of this enigmatic character. Let’s take a closer look and see how things unfold.

THE SENTRY #1 by Jason Loo, Luigi Zagaria, Arthur Helsi and Joe Caramagna (Credit : Marvel Entertainment - Cover: Ben Harvey)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins with a familiar face working on her office. Jessica Jones is face-timing her husband while fixing her door. Luke Cage is now the mayor of New York City. The couple takes a small break from their respective tasks to catch up. Their conversation is cut short as Jones’ building starts to shake. Jones goes to investigate, since she can sneak by Wilson Fisk’s law banning vigilanties in NYC.

When Jones arrives at a building a few blocks away, she is shocked at what she finds. A whole side of an apartment complex is destroyed. Before she can dig further, Misty Knight and the Abberant Crime Division arrive to take over the case.

The tenants describe what they saw. Readers get the idea of a powerful energy blast destroying the building. This is on top of what appears to be someone saving the residents. Knight and Jones team-up to investigate. Their findings lead to the idea that The Sentry is back.

Who are Mallory Gibbs and Ryan Topper? What are their connection to Bob Reynolds? The mystery takes pause to soak in the information as it appears the dangerous hero might be back from beyond the grave. Readers witness what led to the incident in New York while learning this isn’t isolated. Prepare for an interesting tale that brings forth many questions and possibilities as to the Golden Guardian’s return to prominence in the Marvel Universe.

THE SENTRY #1 by Jason Loo, Luigi Zagaria, Arthur Helsi and Joe Caramagna (Credit : Marvel Entertainment - Cover: Salvador Larocca)

Loo crafts a solid mystery for fans to try solving with in this inaugural chapter. Seeing the story through Jones and Knight made for a different and successful approach. Knowing what the Sentry is capable of, Knight presses the issue of solving what she fears has happened. This causes pressure between her and Jones but makes for a combustible dynamic.

The story of Gibbs and Topper further dives the story into chaos. Each has their own moments to feature the impact of powers. It sets events in motion for another key battle soon. In the meantime, Loo makes an easy connection to readers for Gibbs. Through her own experiences, Gibbs becomes a character you want to root for as this series enters into dangerous ground.

Zagaria and Helsi balance out the emotions form this story with fear and excitement of the possibility of the Sentry’s return. The return of the hero picks up after Jones’s call with a big two-page spread of a destroyed building. Post that event, the art team processes the background of Gibbs as she makes her way through the hustle from NYC.

The rest of the issue dives further into the legacy of the Suitor. The art team presents one candidate in over their heads. Tying events back to the famous words of Ben Parker, the art makes no mistake spotlighting what goes wrong when power corrupts. The closing moments address one key factor of this story and sets up for a bigger conflict down the road.

FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10

Bob Reynolds is dead, Long live Bob Reynolds. The next chapter of the legacy of the Sentry begins with a striking return. Loo’s slow-building plot along with Zagaria’s stunning visuals allows ample time for the audience to connect to the events plying out. The mystery is only just beginning and this will be one not to miss on New Comic Book Day.

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

, , ,

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: GANG WAR FIRST STRIKE #1 (MARVEL COMICS)

, , ,

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

For this entry, we’re getting ready for the next BIG story involving your friendly neighborhood SPIDER-MAN! As the wedding of Janice Lincoln (Beetle) and Randy Robertson was ruined and Janice’s father, Tombstone was left for dead, a crime vacuum has now opened in New York. With other figures poised to make some power moves, the Big Apple has become a powder keg ready to explode. Its’ only hope: the AMAZING SPIDER-MAN!

Amazing Spider-Man: Gang War First Strike #1 by Zeb Wells, Cody Ziglar, Joey Vazquez, Julian Shaw, Bryan Valenza and Joe Caramagna (MARVEL COMICS) prepares readers for what is sure to be a much-talked about event in the Spider-Man mythos. Let’s take a closer look and see how things shape up for the upcoming battle, shall we?

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins in the Bronx. A Who’s Who of the Criminal Underworld is in attendance. Owl, Crime Master, Black Mariah, Hammerhead and Shang Chi lead the notable names. The conversation sharpens as everyone appears to be making claims for Tombstone’s territories amongst others. Suddenly, a new player has emerged to the meeting: Janice Lincoln (Beetle).

Lincoln states her case for her father’s seat. Hammerhead leads the voices against this move. They claim Lincoln hasn’t earned it. He throws down a challenge for Janice to do. If she completes it, she’s in. The mission: Kill Randy Robertson, who’s working with Mayor LUKE CAGE to repeal Wilson Fisk’s law outlawing superheroes in NYC.

All the while, Spider-Man (Peter Parker) is attempting to stop Slyde. Luckily he has help from another Spider-Man: Miles Morales! Their conversation is more tense than expected as Miles addresses Peter’s disappearance months ago. With more guilt added on, Peter listens to Miles’ plea to help clean up Fisk’s mess.

Can Peter save the day? What of the future of Randy Robertson? Can Janice fufill the assignment?

At this stage, the opening salvos are thrown. The action speeds up as a choice is made that becomes the first domino to fall. Secrets are revealed as a major player makes a shocking debut. What other actions was this figure behind? Who will align with them? With one thunderous strike, Spider-Man is forced to act quickly leaving readers with a last image that leaves no doubt war has been declared!

The writing of Wells and Ziglar wastes little time in setting up the key players upcoming conflict. Janice is written as a conflicted character. On one hand, she is wanting to rise in the ranks of he father. In another, the situation posed throws an internal conflict to her feelings. This is an easy connection to readers as Janice seems to be trying to find level ground to stand on throughout this issue.

The rest of the story plays out much like a great true crime tale. Readers see there is very little loyalty amongst thieves. This tension builds heading into the closing act. The writers also throw a solid reveal in the mix which becomes a game-changer. Spider-man’s time in the story also steps back to allow the other players ample time to set the event in motion. This leads to a superb final page which leaves readers excited to see what happens next.

The art of Vasquez and Shaw paces itself quickly throughout the issue. Hammerhead’s mannerisms play into the dirty deeds he’s pushing on the other criminals involved. His non-stop smirk amplifies his evil ways. This plays into the reaction to Janice’s assignment. Once that resolution begins, Shaw’s art takes a more sinister look. This feel plays into a big moment in the book which becomes the catalyst for the upcoming war.

The art reflects the dangerous world this story is based in. Once the main villain explains their motives, readers see a superb visual breaking down each crime family stance after hearing another boss has fallen.

Even with the limited Spider-Man time, the art gives our hero enough time to become involved. This leads right into a closing image that leaves no room for mis-interpretation.

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

The first die has been cast in a battle where New York City hangs in the balance. Strong writing of Wells and Ziglar light the match with solid visuals from Vasquez, Shaw and the team finishing the explosive start to the next big Spider-Man event fans will be talking about. You won’t want to miss this on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Amazing Spider-Man: Gang War First Strike #1. Thanks for reading!

, , , ,

ARAÑA AND SPIDER-MAN 2099: DARK TOMORROW (Disney Publishing Worldwide, Marvel Press)

, , , ,

Welcome to a very special edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we are checking out a brand new novel from Disney Publishing Worldwide and Marvel Press that fans of a few notable characters in the Spider-Man mythos are featured in. The timing couldn’t be more perfect with the new “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” gearing up to hit theatres on June 2nd with one of these characters is featured prominently in the animated film. ARAÑA AND SPIDER-MAN 2099: DARK TOMORROW by Alex Segura, who fans know from such great stories as The Black Ghost, Blood Oath, Poe Dameron: Free Fall, and the Anthony Award–winning Secret Identity just to name a few. Dark Tomorrow features Anya Corazon who fans know as Araña and Miguel O’Hara aka Spider-Man 2099 on an adventure that stretches throughout the timestream.

Both of these characters have been around the Marvel COMICS Universe for a while now and have built up a very solid fan base. Araña made her debut in the pages of Amazing Fantasy #1 in 2004. From there, she has impacted a few Spider-Man events and even assumed the mantle of Spider-Girl for her own solo series. Miguel O’Hara led the charge in 1992 of welcoming comic fans to the 2099 universe as “Spider-Man 2099”. Since then, he has been a fixture in the comics scene by popping back in from time to time into the present day timeline. Pairing them together for the first time has fans waiting to see how they work together while facing more challenges than just the rogues of Spider-Man.

DARK TOMORROW is scheduled to drop on May 2nd. I was honored to receive an advance copy so here is my SPOILER FREE review of the unlikely pairing of two popular characters in the Spider-Verse.

ARANA AND SPIDER-MAN 2099: DARK TOMORROW by Alex Segura

(Credit: Disney Publishing Worldwide, Marvel Press - On Sale May 2nd, 2023)

*** SPOILER FREE WARNING ***

The story kicks off with a great introduction into Araña as she handles a lesser-tier threat. Readers get a great introduction in how she deals with the threat. From here, Anya Corazon’s life and relationships come front and center all while trying to juggle life at Milton Summer High School located in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Segura paints a vivid picture of how Anya is coping with school and seeing how others react to her other life in her role as a super hero. A great aspect of the story is her interactions with Gilberto, her caring father. He looks out for the best interest of his daughter but doesn’t know about her superhero life. This expands further when fate brings her into contact with a very special figure named Miguel Legar who opens her world to secrets that have a big impact on her life. It sends the story into a new phase as the focus dives in on the young hero growing in her role with guidance until tragedy strikes.

A major threat arrives on the scene (that Spider-Man fans should definitely know) and is amplifiesd even more when Anya must deal with losing someone who has become a mentor to her. Being unprepared for what’s coming is an overwhelming feeling of doubt that Segura challenges Anya with in the writing. It is an easy connection to readers who have witnessed Anya’s beginning as a hero. Can she find a win where she is adrift on what to do next. All the while, the looming presence of a dangerous Spider-Man foe is haunting Anya. The theme shifts to can Anya triumph over tragedy or is she now destined to fail?

Anya doesn’t have time to process as an event happens involving an object known as El Obelisco. The object becomes the catalyst for an even bigger mystery with Anya is in the middle. Where it leads is to a place she would never expect: Nueva York and home to someone that might be able to help Anya in her time of need: Miguel O’Hara!

Readers are given a great backstory on Miguel’s current state. Segura brings out many emotions from Miguel that bear some similarities with Anya. The experience factor doesn’t matter here. The challenge is what makes the hero move forward when they feel they can’t. Elements of the past follow Anya to this new era. It adds into the weight of the desperation of the heroes’ feelings, especially when a connection is made that shakes both heroes.

Heading into the final act, Segura brings all the major themes to a head. Anya and Miguel’s stories depicted here has been grounded with the themes of life after loss respectively. It brings out the best in both as they rediscover what it means to be a hero. There is also a great surprise presence that fans will be excited to see added to the mix. The conflict resolution plays out perfectly to reflect why the overall challenges felt so grave. It lives up to the motto made famous by Ben Parker way back when: “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility.” The fallout concludes a fantastic story bringing into focus what Segura drives home with this tale. Readers will be very excited to pick this book up.

BREAKDOWN: Segura crafts an excellent take on this unique pairing of heroes and delivers on a tale for the ages. Both main heroes are given an ample amount of time to have their individual stories explained to new readers who may not be familiar with each. The structure flows smoothly, moving things right along without taking anything away from the overall picture.  Heroes are defined by their actions. In this world they live in, there are losses and set-backs. Resilience is key to the blueprint of a hero. Both main characters go through this with loss and both find strength in others (and each other) to overcome.

One of the highlights of this book is the personal conversations that the heroes display with their supporting cast. Anya’s with Gilberto and Miguel’s banter with Lyla (his virtual assistant) spotlight their awareness that they are both still searching to conquer their losses and become stronger from them. Segura hits the marks featuring this in many parts of the story. They add another layer to each lead. It plays in even deeper when the main antagonist is revealed, adding to the threat of their actions. Knowing what this individual is capable of, the heroes need to find that extra drive to fight back. Luckily, they have each other to lean on.  

The dynamic between Anya and Miguel (Spidey 2099) has many instances of bringing out the best in each other to face the threat at hand. Segura portrays different roles for both, even switching who is the seasoned veteran and novice rookie at times which pays off later in the novel. There is a moment involving a letter that captures that element superbly. It shows the effect of their partnership and is a moment that readers will have a strong positive reaction reading. By the time that its’ concluded, readers have no doubt that two heroes were forged thru this and are stronger coming out of conflict.

FINAL POINT: ARAÑA AND SPIDER-MAN 2099: DARK TOMORROW by Alex Segura brings out the best of what defines being a hero with two popular characters of the Spider-Verse leading the charge. The story is filled with great surprises along with superhero themes lead by Segura’s phenomenal writing. Readers see first-hand how insurmountable odds and personal setbacks are tackled head-on showcasing what is a fantastic read that shouldn’t be missed.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of ARAÑA AND SPIDER-MAN 2099: DARK TOMORROW. Thanks for reading.