April 12, 2023

ODPH Podcast

Boom Studios, Comics, Horror, Magic, Supernatural

THE SEASONS HAVE TEETH #1 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

April 12, 2023

ODPH Podcast

Boom Studios, Comics, Horror, Magic, Supernatural

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

For this entry, we’re checking out a brand new series hitting the local comic shops from BOOM! Studios that has a very unique concept to it. The Seasons Have Teeth #1 by Dan Watters, Sebastián Cabrol, Dan Jackson, and Nate Piekos takes readers along for a journey into one man’s quest for atonement. Let’s take a closer look and see how seasons change from a defeated perspective, shall we?

**The Seasons Have Teeth #1**
Creative by Dan Watters, Sebastián Cabrol, Dan Jackson, and Nate Piekos
Credit: BOOM! Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story opens up with a man named Andrew Bates looking out his window. His next door neighbors are gearing up for a trip. The phone rings from a caller named Paul. The conversation centers around Andrew travelling to Shrewsbury after evading something at his last stop. Paul pleads to Andrew to start taking pictures again after losing his wife Cindy. Andrew downplays the plead as he stars out the window, seeing a vine work its way up to a birdhouse. This sets Andrew off on his latest travels outside his home.

Walking thru the streets, the vines are spreading through the quiet town. Andrew stops to see a dandelion and hesitates taking it’s picture, fearing he will damage it. It is at this moment Andrew hears a destructive boom in the distance. Andrew figures out that the noise came from the park. Once there, he sees a damaged pavilion which holds many memories for him and Cindy. After a flashback, Andrew also discovers teenaged kids are there. One has an accident with a branch that spirals into a bigger reveal and mystery all its’ own. What is Andrew chasing? Is there more to his work than meets the eye? Readers get some answers as an unveiling occurs that sets Andrew on a course to confront more than the ghosts of his pasts.

BREAKDOWN: Watters presents a deceptive concept with this debut. Andrew comes across as a saddened soul whose trying to find a fire that has been eliminated. Early in the book, its’ made clear that he hasn’t been the same since losing Cindy and readers get a closer look at this during a flashback scenario. This will surely play out as the story progresses, but even in a brief moment, it is one readers can connect with quickly. As Andrew begins his latest assignment, the mood stays very cold until the big reveal. The reaction to what is shown brings out something in Andrew that feels has been long forgotten. The final moment concludes this debut with a solid final moment until next issue.

Cabrol and Jackson keep the somber visuals to reflect Andrew’s feelings as the story moves along. The coloring utilizes dark tones except when something comes across as hopefully. These images are matched with brighter colors to spotlight the shift of emotions. There is an excellent two-page spread to show off the reveal and give readers much to break down about what Andrew is following. There are many elements mixed in this story and the art team brings them out for a solid first impression of the tale just starting.

FINAL POINT: The Seasons Have Teeth #1 ushers in a very unique story with deeper meaning as the times change. Watters, Cabrol and the team construct this narrative with solid writing and artwork. The groundwork has been laid for a deeply layered story so make sure to keep an eye out for this book on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of The Season Have Teeth #1. Thanks for reading.

April 12, 2023

ODPH Podcast

Comics, Horror, Image Comics, NCBD, Supernatural

PHANTOM ROAD #2 (IMAGE COMICS)

April 12, 2023

ODPH Podcast

Comics, Horror, Image Comics, NCBD, Supernatural

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

For this entry, we’re continuing to follow the adventures of a truck driver’s unexpected detour into another world in the pages of a brand new series from Image Comics. PHANTOM ROAD #2 by Jeff Lemire, Gabriel H. Walta, Jordie Bellaire and Steve Wands take readers along for the ride as they follow a pair of unexcepted allies trying to find their way home. Let’s take a closer look at how this story is moving forward, shall we?

PHANTOM ROAD #2
Creative: Jeff Lemire, Gabriel H. Walta, Jordie Bellaire and Steve Wands
Credit: Image Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Dom’s life turns upside down on a fateful route one night. Being a truck driver, Dom has seen his fair share of odd things on the highways but nothing could prepare him for what this haul was dealing with. After helping a couple after a fatal car crash, Dom tries helping Beverly aka Birdie with what’s happened. A mysterious object appears to have caused the accident. When Dom approaches it, a green flash ensues and the pair is transported away to a new world. Once they arrive there, faceless beings are coming for the object. Dom and Birdie fight their way out of the situation, protecting the object and trying to piece together what’s happened!

As this issue opens up, Dom and Birdie are traveling down the highway still processing what has happened. The conversation centers around what Birdie and her fiancée were doing on the road and where are they now. As they drive, they see more faceless figures standing around a familiar truck-stop. The pair pulls over and go to investigate. The area is vacant with mindless beings just standing around. As the pair goes inside, they don’t see anything. However, Birdie takes one look out the window and sees a frightening sight: it’s the world they know! As she runs outside, the vacant space returns…..

As they go back inside, Dom and Birdie are not prepared for what they find. There’s an enigmatic individual sitting in a booth. What answers does this person have for the pair? Can he explain where they are? Readers get some insight to what’s going on but as the story progresses, Dom and Birdie find themselves enwrapped into another situation that they can’t explain. The final image of this issue proves without a shadow of a doubt that the story has only just started to hit the gas!

BREAKDOWN: Lemire keeps readers on the edge with what is turning out to be one hell of a story. Lemire takes the two leads into uncharted territory and their banter definitely reflects that. Neither knows what to expect and there is trepidation in their words. Dom is trying to assess everything while Birdie is desperate in finding anything the resembles the way things were. The conversation between the pair and the figure at the diner gives some clarity onto what’s happening but still keeps the aura of wonder very vivid. The pacing moves at a swift rate but the final act throws a great curve into an already puzzling story. The closing moments bring up feeling of “what just happened” and readers won’t be able to help themselves but become further invested in what’s going on here.

Walta crafts a gritty and dark tone throughout this issue. The scenes at the rest stop feel cold and distant. Bellaire on the coloring helps to amplify those scenes. Even when there’s chances of cracking the mystery, the tone never changes. The emotions shown from Dom and Birdie when they meet the stranger come across as one would expect in their situation. Fear, frustration and anxiety fill those panels. The final act sets things up for the shocking twists in the closing moments. It builds up the tension while keeping readers guessing to the surprise at the end. Excellent final parting image to send readers out with.

FINAL POINT: Lemire, Walta, and the team take readers further down the dark highway with an excellent second chapter. The world of Dom and Birdie is filled with shocking turns and a thrilling puzzle that has only begun to show its’ true form. This is a book you don’t want to miss on New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Phantom Road #2. Thanks for reading!

April 4, 2023

ODPH Podcast

Comics, Comixology Originals, Supernatural

GRAMMATON PUNCH #2 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

April 4, 2023

ODPH Podcast

Comics, Comixology Originals, Supernatural

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

For this entry, we’re checking up the next installment of a brand new series on the Comixology Originals line. Grammaton Punch #2 by Miles Gunter, Briane Andan, Lee Loughridge, Taylor Esposito, Dee Cunniffe and Ed Dukeshire welcomed readers into the mysterious life of Van Nguyen. Coming off the heels of an impressive debut, the supernatural saga left readers with quite the cliffhanger. Let’s take a closer look and see where things shape up now, shall we?

Grammaton Punch #2
Creative:Miles Gunter, Briane Andan, Lee Loughridge, Taylor Esposito, Dee Cunniffe and Ed Dukeshire
Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Van Nguyen’s life is anything but normal. Being born during a solar eclipse, Van developed an uncanny ability to see ghosts. Unfortunately, Van discovered this ability while being the power source for energy to an evil spirit he referred to as “Eye face.” For his first five years of his life, Van spent time in an out of the hospital while his hair turned “Ghost” white due to Eye Face’s feeding off his energy. This all changed when Van discovered another that not only could he SEE ghosts, but if they could physically touch him, Van could physically fight it back!

With a knockout punch Deontay Wilder would be proud of, Van knocked Eye Face into oblivion (or so he thought). Each time Eye Face came back, Van became stronger in fighting back. This seemed to be starting a new age for Van assuming a (somewhat) normal life. However, like most best laid plans, this doesn’t go over well as a trip to see his mom in a power-lifting contest turns into something else as more ghosts have arrived. Van learns very quickly that Eye Face was the least of his problems.

After a harsh defeat, Van leaves home while his mom is asleep to take down more ghosts. Walking by a haunted house, Van runs into someone who might be able to relate to his issues.

This issue opens up with a man named Rick Wallace telling Van how he knew Van was born on an eclipse. Puzzled by his insight, Van starts digging into Rick’s knowledge of the house they are at. Rick tells Van (and the readers) about serial killer Dalton Wyngard and what he did with his victims’ bodies. This persuades Van to back off on his initial plan of dealing with the inhabitant ghosts of the house and follows Rick for more knowledge. After revealing he’s a witch, Rick breaks about how other kids haven’t been as fortunate as Van involving their gifts due to being medicated.

Rick has more to show Van concerning their world but Van is skeptical. What does Rick want to show Van? Readers hop on-board as Rick shows Van a whole new aspect in the land of the apparitions. How does the young hero handle this information? What other reveals does Rick have in store? Is there a big change in the story after? Readers will have a lot to process heading into the final page which is guaranteed to have fans talking about what they just witnessed!

BREAKDOWN: Gunter keeps readers on their toes with some solid reveals mixed in the overall story. The mystery behind Rick was an interesting dynamic to throw into the young hero’s world but played a noteworthy role in expanding the landscape they’re currently in. Van’s an emerging character at this age and has no idea what he’s not become involved with. Gunter doesn’t shy away from this and it made for some interactions that should play out bigger with the story’s progression. The big surprise in the final act brings up a huge shift in the story, but one that never loses focus on the main theme at hand.

Andan and Loughridge brings Van’s supernatural world a few different looks this issue. The panel sequence involving Dalton Wyngard jumps out with its’ use of colors and details on the victims. Another great panel sequence involves Van, Rick and a police officer in pursuit. The set-up (along with Dukeshire’s lettering) gave a dose of intrigue to a brief scene. This was followed by an excellent full page showcasing more facts about the ghosts that lurk in Van’s world. When the action hits, the pages feel fluid and never ease up on delivering on the importance factor. The final act is shadowed well enough until the very end, where it adds a big close to a packed issue.

FINAL POINT: The life and Times of Van Nguyen continues to capture the imagination of comic readers with a grand follow-up to its’ thrilling debut. Gunter, Andan and the team dive deeper into the questions surrounding Van’s abilities and what challenges lie ahead. Definitely keep an eye out for this issue and series on New Comic Book Day on Comixology.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know what you thought of Grammaton Punch #2. Thanks for reading!

March 22, 2023

ODPH Podcast

Boom Studios, Comics, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural

DAMN THEM ALL #6 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

March 22, 2023

ODPH Podcast

Boom Studios, Comics, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural

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

For this entry, we’re checking out the final issue of the first arc of BOOM! Studios breakout supernatural series. Right before this issue’s release, it was announced by BOOM! that this series has been officially certified into ongoing status! This is a huge win for fans of the adventures of Ellie Hawthorne, who has bursted onto the shelves at the local comic shop with one hell of a story to tell. DAMN THEM ALL #6 by Simon Spurrier, Charlie Adlard, Sofie Dodgson, Shayne Hannah Cui, and Jim Campbell looks to finally answer one of the biggest mysteries of the series thus far! Let’s not wait any longer and take a closer look at everything bringing a close to this initial debut tale.

Editor warning: this book has some panels that might be too mature for younger readers. That said, if you’re still good to go, let’s begin!

DAMN THEM ALL #6
Creative: Simon Spurrier, Charlie Adlard, Sofie Dodgson, Shayne Hannah Cui, and Jim Campbell
Credit: BOOM! Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

In case you’re just learning about this series now, Ellie Hawthorne has been tasked with the mission her late uncle Alfie had: stop the 72 devils of the Ars Goetia and send them back to Hell by any means possible.

During this mission, Ellie has had a group of allies to help her quest, let by Dora, a former officer with a connection to Alfie. Having some back-up to fight some devilish foes never hurts, especially when they are like Theo Bolster and the 500 Club. Ellie defeated Theo in their initial face-to-face encounter via an impromptu exorcism. From there, Ellie and Co. have hit the ground running dealing with threats like Ninebob Barry and Theo’s personal devil: Glasya-Labolas in a fashion that’s all Ellie’s.

The biggest moment to date was at the end of last issue, where Ellie and Dora make contact with the spirit of Alfie Hawthorne and how he died. It has been one of the biggest mysteries of the season and gets answered in a manner that no one sees coming. Alfie wasn’t murdered as guessed. It appears at first glance, it was by suicide.

This issue picks up right in the middle of Alfie talking with Ellie and Dora. Alfie narrates how he was told he had only a year left and lived two. Alfie sought whatever and whoever he could to help his situation out. This meant mending fences with Theo and seeing what he could do to help. There wasn’t much as Alfie decided to end his life. Ellie sees some holes in Alfie’s story and begins to question it. Readers sit back and see Ellie rip into Alfie’s claims.

The resolution to this is one for the ages as Ellie demonstrates how much she has grown in the time of taking Alfie’s spot. It also shows that she has much left to do before her story ends. When another familiar face returns to hit Ellie on a personal level, readers will need to prepare for the worst. This causes a series of events to domino until there are a few characters in the final act walking out unscathed.

The first arc wraps up with a few surprises to end things on a high note. The Ars Goetia will still be a threat going into the next arc, but moves are being done on both sides cementing that this series has a lot more to finish. Excellent final act to tie everything together and set the stage for the next arc to come.

BREAKDOWN: Spurrier delivers on a solid reveal of the mystery of Alfie Hawthorne. It is one that most readers never saw coming but follows the blueprint set up with issue #1. Ellie Hawthorne comes across as every bit as stubborn and jaded as her uncle was. Their dynamic pays off huge as Alfie’s death has been a huge puzzle that had many levels to it. The fallout from the reveal carries into another emotional sequence involving a returning character that Ellie has had an awkward dealing with. The payoff from all of these moments hits readers with a simple panel showing the toll this has all taken on Ellie. Spurrier captures this moment perfectly and gives readers a small glimpse at the true Ellie. The pacing allows each major character to get their time in before saying good-bye for now. All that remains is building anticipation to the next chapter with a final panel that raises a few thoughts.

Adlard doesn’t miss in the delivery of the Ellie/Alfie confrontation. Very solid technique in keeping Alfie’s face in the shadows where readers never see his eyes. Ellie’s reactions featured her range of feelings that have been building since his passing. The imagery used in these moments convey a direct implication at how the usually unemotional lead character lets her guard down. This gets highlighted even more when Ellie’s next conflict transpires with a major surprise twist. The images never hold back from being brutal and bold. Adlard builds upon the writing capping everything with a final panel that is sure to have fans talking.

FINAL POINT: The saga of Ellie Hawthorne has only just begun but has given readers enough memorable moments, one would think it’s been around for years instead of only six issues. This is all due to the fantastic work of Spurrier, Adlard and the team creating a supernatural experience unlike anything else at the local comic shops out now. Damn Them All might be done for now, but like any great story, it’s not getting banished away fro long. Till then, don’t miss picking up this and any previous issue on New Comic Book Day and see what all they hype is about!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Damn Them All #6. Thanks for reading!