I HATE THIS PLACE #10 (IMAGE COMICS via SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT)

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

For this entry, we are checking out the conclusion of a smash hit series from Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment. The story of Gabby And Trudy’s adventure into home owning has been anything but average with the terrifying scenario they have now become apart of. I HATE THIS PLACE #10 by Kyle Starks, Artyom Topilin, Lee Loughridge and Pat Brosseau looks to close out things on a strong note. Let’s not delay another second and see how things close out, shall we?

I HATE THIS PLACE #10 by Kyle Starks, Artyom Topilin, and Lee Loughridge (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

What started out as a promising future for Gabby Rutherford and Trudy Durant quickly turned into an unrelenting nightmare. The couple moves into a 500 acre farm left to them by Gabby’s aunt. During the first night, Gabby is awoken by their cows franticly mooing. When she leaves the house, a ghost touches her shoulder and transports her somewhere else for a brief moment. When Trudy wakes to check on what’s happened, the sky has opened overhead of their new home.

Searching for answers, the couple finds a VHS tape titled “Watch me” that gives a small part of an even bigger puzzle no one could envision unfolding. The VHS tape is left by Gabby’s great aunt Marilyn. Marilyn bears warnings that cannot be ignored. With the knowledge of the farm’s “rules” and the horned man lurking outside it, Gabby and Trudy dive into picking up the pieces of their dreams from the nightmare reality it is.

Through the course of the series, fans have met a wide variety of characters ranging from the dastardly Frank “Itchy” Renta, the charismatic Ghost Hunter extraordinaire Dante Howitzer and the unrelenting Joesph Durant to name a few. Mixing those characters with the violent and terrifying backdrop of the story made for quite the intense read. After the first arc concluded, the second has been focusing on Trudy’s father coming to the farm to bring his daughter back to his doomsday cult. He soon finds out, once you’re on the farm, you can never really leave. The drama is intensified when Gabby is thrusted into the future where she learns the truth about the farm and how it holds the key to the end of the world…literally.!

Inside the house was a piece of alien technology that the Horned Man had been searching for since the first issue. With this piece of equipment, a machine could be activated that destroys Earth as we know it. While Gabby has the piece, she is taken prisoner by Joseph, who now has the knowledge of what to do with the machine, thinking it’s for a “greater good” with an army from the future.

The finale starts with the Horned Man searching the farm property assessing the carnage all around from the battle of Joseph’s forces and the creatures haunting the place. In his path is Trudy, looking for her glasses after Joseph threw them into the woods, knowing she can’t see without them. All the while, Gabby is being led at gunpoint by Joseph to the machine with key in hand! With all these combustible personalities in one place, the sequence of events next couldn’t be any more intense!

Who makes it out alive? Is there a chance the Earth survives? Readers get all the answers they can handle as the finale gives the climatic throwdowns and emotional pulls one expects from a series finale. Nothing is held back with Gabby and Trudy’s desperate attempt to stop the apocalypse from happening. When the smoke clears, readers get a clear-cut vision of what the future holds with a final act that is sure to please long-time readers of this series.

TRUDY, GABBY & Dante Howitzer (I HATE THIS PLACE #3) by Kyle Starks, Artyom Topilin, and Lee Loughridge (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)

Frank “Itchy” Renta (I HATE THIS PLACE #4) by Kyle Starks, Artyom Topilin, and Lee Loughridge (Credit: Image Comics via Skybound Entertainment)

BREAKDOWN: In its’ conclusion, Starks drives home the strongest element of this story: the relationship of Gabby and Trudy is unstoppable. With the individual match-ups (Trudy vs Horned Man, Gabby vs Joseph), the re-enforcement of the other’s support is a key factor in pushing thru the moment in the attempt to win. Each character gets ample page time to let readers become entranced in how the stakes keep being raised. Once the dramatic crescendo is hit later in the book, the emotional outpour of Trudy’s words can be felt through the page. Pacing was never an issue as all loose detail are tied up with a few things for readers to ponder post-read. It’s exactly what you want from a finale.

Topilin and Loughridge begin this issue with a unique approach with 3 huge (1 full page) panels depicting the Horned Man’s assessment. The visuals make a big impact setting the tone for what is coming next. The inner fatigue of the lead characters emotions play a big part in connecting the dire times with the readers. This is clearly evident with Gabby is being lead to the machine by Joseph. The horror and violence factor didn’t disappear as the Horned Man’s attack on the soldiers left nothing to chance. However, the moment that jumps out after each read has been the small 3 panels for Trudy re-assuring Gabby of what needs to be done in the closing act. The confidence and love shown by Trudy is the extra boost needed to attempt the final save. Perfect closing panels to send this series off…for now?

FINAL POINT: 10 OUT OF 10

The terrifying world of monsters and ghosts is met head-on by an intensely deep relationship that refuses to falter under any circumstance. Trudy and Gabby’s final endeavor to save the world is brought to life by incredible writing and exceptional visuals to take readers into the closing events of a fantastic series. Highest possible recommendation this week for New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of I Hate This Place #10. Thanks for reading.

GRANDMA CHAINSAW #2 (SOURCE POINT PRESS)

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

Live now on Kickstarter (until July 7th) is the latest campaign for one of the fastest growing Comic book brands at the LCS: Top Hat Studios! Coming out of the gates with “Pocus Hocus”, The creative team of Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balondo, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz have steadily grown their fanbase with each project. With the spin-off character HORUS debuting in his own project, even more fans are dipping into this studios’ work for the first time.

That said, there’s another project from this team currently available as an add-on for the Horus campaign and it’s one fans won’t want to miss! GRANDMA CHAINSAW #2 brings the dark humor and frightening terror fans for this brand have come to know and love. Let’s take a closer look at this issue, shall we?

GRANDMA CHAINSAW #2 - CREATIVE: Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balondo, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz (Credit: Source Point Press/Top Hat Studios)

And before we get into the review, check out this amazing variant cover by the one and only KIT WALLIS!

GRANDMA CHAINSAW #2 - CREATIVE: Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balondo, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz (Credit: Source Point Press/Top Hat Studios)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING *** PREVIOUS ISSUE REVIEW

Haiden, his sister Gabby, girlfriend Haley and Liz started the day together at the beach. However returing home has been the trip from Hell. When their car breaks down, an elderly stranger named Hazel offers help and shelter for a dark night. The group soon finds out that help is hiding an even darker secret. The body count starts to rise as Hazel reveals her true form.

With Haley and Liz not making it thru the night, Haiden and Gabby are on their own. That is until FURY-CHAN, NIGHT MOON, DOC X, BLOOD SPARROW, SHADOW AXE & 2TON aka THE D.E.A.D. SQUAD arrive to …..help?

This issue picks up from the “dramatic superhero” entrance where 2TON takes a metal star to the forehead. Gabby is unimpressed by the “heroes” and plots to escape. Those plans are halted when the squad reveals plans to stop Hazel once and for all. A journal of events is presented chronicling Hazel’s history (as they know it).

Readers witness what she’s been doing this entire time and what she is capable of. Gabby is still ready to go but Haiden talks her into staying and seeing the squad plan through. All the while, Hazel is knitting and patiently waiting for the night’s new visitors.

How does the plan go? Readers tag along for the action as the group enters Hazel’s house. What dangers lie ahead? Are they up to the challenge? Will everyone get out alive…..probably not. What will everyone get instead? An exciting read with gruesome kills and more mysteries unfolding at each turn.

The danger keeps escalading as some continue to move thru the house, until the last page. The final moments leave more questions than answers but that’s a huge win for readers that the story is far from over.

GRANDMA CHAINSAW #2 - CREATIVE: Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balondo, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz (Credit: Source Point Press/Top Hat Studios)

GRANDMA CHAINSAW #2 - CREATIVE: Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balondo, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz (Credit: Source Point Press/Top Hat Studios)

BREAKDOWN: Radford and Dunford skillfully master balancing the horror and humor for this issue. The D.E.A.D. Squad is as ridiculous as it sounds, yet, they provide well-timed humor into the dark tale. Clearly, they are not ready for this job and it’s only a matter of time till their LARPing catches up with them. The banter between them and Gabby’s rationalization makes for the enjoyable break between the terror.

Excellent full-page breakdown of Hazel to give a closer look at what she’s about without revealing everything. Hearing it through the Squad’s voice added a nice layer to the story. Is it true or completely off-base? Only the reader will decide.

The story plays into the classic Horror Movie build and never feels forced or rushed for shock. Solid ending to this issue to continue the mystery for another round. There’s much for Horror readers to enjoy with this tale.

As with every great Horror story, readers measure it by the kills. Balondo and Smith bring the OMG to a few noteworthy characters. One that will no doubt have fans talking involves an air tank. No spoilers but you know the team had fun creating that visual (even Lentz writing the “Boop! :-)”.

Balondo constructs the eerie feel of the panels building small then leading into bigger and even full page visuals. One standout page is the group shot with a mysterious figure lurking in a doorway. Another is the creative way to say “Part Two” mixed in the background.

The little touches of detail add more apprehension for the group’s travel leading to the ominous closing visual. It’s another smash success.

GRANDMA CHAINSAW #2 - CREATIVE: Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balondo, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz (Credit: Source Point Press/Top Hat Studios)

GRANDMA CHAINSAW #2 - CREATIVE: Allen Dunford, Will Radford, Brian Balondo, Jasen Smith, & Dave Lentz (Credit: Source Point Press/Top Hat Studios)

FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10

Top Hat Studios plays to their strengths to give fans another smash fusion of horror and humor. Taking Radford and Dunford’s lead with doubling down on classic set-ups and timely banter, Balondo, Smith and Lentz run with striking visuals of the unlikely survivors’ plight to avoid being the next on Hazel’s “Eat, Slay, Love” diet.

Time is running out on the Horus in Hell project (where you can add this issue onto so don’t delay - sign up now)! Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Grandma Chainsaw #2! Thanks for reading!

POWER RANGERS UNLIMITED #1: THE COINLESS (BOOM! STUDIOS)

Welcome to a brand-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH podcast!

For this entry, It is crazy to think that the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers debuted in 1993. Since that moment, the property has expanded outside of television into a well known global entity. Their reach on pop-culture has been vast but one of the most consistent areas has been their comics line. Fans of the franchise celebrating its’ 30th anniversary have much to look forward to from BOOM! Studios in the upcoming months.

One such event is a one-shot focusing on Drakkon, the wildly-popular villain of MMPR lore. POWER RANGERS UNLIMITED: THE COINLESS #1 by Adam Cesare (Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal) Moisés Hidalgo (Dark Blood), Arthur Hesli and Ed Dukeshire with the mischievous version of Tommy Oliver thrusted into uncharted territory thanks to the growing threat of Mistress Vile and Dark Spector. Let’s take a closer look at the latest events in the world of the Coinless, shall we?

POWER RANGERS UNLIMITED: THE COINLESS #1 by Adam Cesare (Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal) Moisés Hidalgo (Dark Blood), Arthur Hesli and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Dan Mora - All art credit: BOOM! Studios)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

In case anyone is unfamiliar with “The Coinless”, it is a universe in MMPR lore where this verison of Tommy aka The Green Ranger was a willing member of Rita Repulsa’s forces. Being renamed Lord Drakkon, Tommy (along with Rita) led a brutal and deadly battle against Zordon’s forces of good. When the smoke cleared, the Power Rangers as fans knew were no more. The Power Coins were no longer in their possession. While there still are individuals fighting the good fight, they are clearly outmatched by Drakkon.

Last readers saw Drakkon, he was lurking around Safehaven. After freeing Kiya, a fallen ranger, from her prison, the pair escape thru a morphin arch with an ominous warning to the Omega Rangers. The message was clear: Destroy The Arch after because Vile will be invincible if she gets to it.

As this issue kicks off, Tommy and Kiya have returned to the world of the Coinless. Drakkon thinks the world is as he left it. However, as the pair progress thru Angel Grove, that idea disappears quickly. The force of Dark Spector attack them! The odds to not appear to be in their favor until back-up arrives in the form of Trini and Scorpina!

The meeting isn’t exactly cordial as Drakkon is not a friend, but as the saying goes, “The Enemy of my enemy is my friend”. Kiya and Scorpina are happy to ignore that and make a play to attack Drakkon. They are stopped by a familar face: Kimberly Hart aka The Pink Ranger or Ranger Slayer” of this universe for a brief time.

Being the voice of reason, Kimberly leads the group into a hidden bunker. At this moment, Drakkon nearly starts a riot amongst the survivors while revealing his plans to fight Dark Spector. Unknowing to all, the forces of Evil are already making moves in the shadows ready to strike.

Can the plan work? Will this group become a team in the name of good? What other secrets lurk in this universe? Readers are treated to the last stand of a falling universe. There are many surprises thrown in the mix while watching this unlikely team put it all on the line while dealing with the past. The final sequence of events send readers home with much to ponder and question if & when the next time the coinless universe returns.

POWER RANGERS UNLIMITED: THE COINLESS #1 by Adam Cesare (Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal) Moisés Hidalgo (Dark Blood), Arthur Hesli and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Dan Mora - All art credit: BOOM! Studios)

POWER RANGERS UNLIMITED: THE COINLESS #1 by Adam Cesare (Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal) Moisés Hidalgo (Dark Blood), Arthur Hesli and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Dan Mora - All art credit: BOOM! Studios)

BREAKDOWN: Cesare gives readers an exciting tale to which plays as a nice companion to what is happening in the regular series. Drakkon never changes from being a villain readers love to hate. The interactions he has with the survivors plays into his arrogance and corruption. Diving into much of the secrets of this universe made for a solid backdrop to the danger at hand. The landscape has drastically changed for Drakkon, which in turns makes him an uneasy ally. New readers might be lost in certain areas but can pick up quickly to the events taking place. The final moments drive home the importance of the mission, while leaving readers guessing about what the future holds.

Hidalgo is no stranger to the Power Rangers world. Being a former Rangers artist on a run with Mat Groom, Hidalgo picks right up harnessing the struggle of good vs. evil. Capturing the unhinged yet conniving deminer of Drakkon played a huge part in conveying the danger of Vile and Spector. There is never a shortage of great action sequences throughout this book. Those are equally balanced with the team’s reactions to Drakkon’s defiance in the face of defeat. Readers should enjoy seeing the pivotal panels bringing one of Kimberly’s biggest losses back to the forefront. The surprise panels hit their marks bringing hope, for however fleeting it is as the story races to its end. Hidalgo’s art reflects the dire times and bleak future ahead for the coinless superbly.

POWER RANGERS UNLIMITED: THE COINLESS #1 by Adam Cesare (Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal) Moisés Hidalgo (Dark Blood), Arthur Hesli and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Dan Mora - All art credit: BOOM! Studios)

POWER RANGERS UNLIMITED: THE COINLESS #1 by Adam Cesare (Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal) Moisés Hidalgo (Dark Blood), Arthur Hesli and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Dan Mora - All art credit: BOOM! Studios)

FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10

The dark times of the current Power Rangers story extends its’ grip into another universe with a thrilling adventure. Cesare, Hidalgo, and the team present an alternate time with an unlikely source of hope standing in the way of greater evil. Solid drama and fantastic action makes this a book to keep an eye out for on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Power Rangers Unlimited: the Coinless #1. Thanks for reading!

SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #2 (IMAGE COMICS)

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

For this entry, we’re following the next chapter from a brand-new series from Image Comics that more people need to be talking about. THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #2 by Drew Craig and Jason Finestone debut mixing in elements of the Jack Kirby style of storytelling with modern superhero themes. With all the groundwork being laid last issue, the future looks very bright for this series. Let’s take a closer look and see how things pan out in the second issue, shall we?

THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #2 by Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Credit: Image Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Grant Garrison isn’t your average high school student. After being found lost with amnesia, Garrison takes a shot trying to fit in. All the while, there are forces from outside of Earth looking for a weapon known as “Sharsrum”, which could spell doom for the entire universe.

During the day of school, the normal drama is cut short after a meteor crashes into Kirby High school. Garrison wakes up to find he's survived the crash with Jen, a fellow student. Everyone else has gone away. In it's wake, an unknown creature stands.

Garrison seems unready for what's next, but he bonds with an object, he transforms into something more than human. After defeating the creature, Grant finds out it was Principal Murray. With a mystery unfolding and dangerous figures on the hunt, Grant’s life will never be the same.

The next chapter kicks off with a recap of previous events. Readers find out that those involved have various levels of changes if they survived. Grant and Jen attend the mass burial for those who didn’t survive the meteor attack.

During the ceremony, the pair notice someone with a bodyguard walking around. She is revealed to be Angela Rizni, daughter of Don Rizni from the Techno Mafia. Angela is ushered away by her Uncle and isolated from her friends. At her home (under his protection), Angela escapes to clear her head. Someone else with the same idea is Starstrom, who crosses paths with her. All the while, something else is unfolding. Something ….Supernatural.

Readers find out that something has triggered ZOMBIES to come up from the ground! What or who caused this? Can Starstorm handle another threat? Things move pretty fast as events play out. The final moments give a few things to ponder as it seems that Starstorm might be just the start of powered beings in this universe.

THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #2 by Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Credit: Image Comics)

THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #2 by Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Credit: Image Comics)

BREAKDOWN: Craig mixes a few things into the overall picture that create a fun, but at times confusing story. Kudos on mixing in a famous line from “The Crow.” Angela’s plotline involving her friends seemed sudden in their reveals. Instead of diving in more to Starstorm’s own beginning, the addition of more powered characters takes away that connecting time but leaves the door open for expanding on a universe. Being only two issues in, there is still much clouded in suspense.

Craig never loses the superhero elements that shined in the first issue. The throwback feel still works, even with all the new names involved. The zombie portion of the book was a fun mix and something unexpected. Events moved at a brisk pace but with such a bigger cast now, where things head now is literally anyone’s guess following the final page.

The introduction of the Digital mafia was a solid display, giving enough but not diving in too much. The same can be said for the flashbacks of Angela’s parents. Craig gives a brief but effective origin to Angela. The interactions with Grant came off well and readers can easily pick up on the friendship forming. The zombies really popped off the panels with a subtle retro feel to them. The faceoff with Angela and her uncle stands out as well with the expressions showing the shift in their stat quo. The final full page panel looks to be one readers will remember as a possible start to growing an already budding universe.

THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #2 by Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Credit: Image Comics)

FINAL POINT: 7.5 OUT OF 10

The saga of Starstorm dips away from focusing on the main character to introduce some possible major players into the mix. Readers will enjoy the throwback feel of this story as it combines many elements with its’ blossoming origin. Craig and Finestone bring the always fun dynamic of zombies into the fold as the gear shift will be entertaining to fans that enjoy the superhero genre.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on The Savage Strength of Starstorm #2. Thanks for reading.

CREED: NEXT ROUND #1 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

Welcome to a new installment of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast!

For this entry, we’re checking out the latest addition to a movie franchise via a brand new comic series from BOOM! Studios. Since its’ debut in 2015 with “Creed”, the spin-off story of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) ahs been winning over fans with two very successful sequels, “Creed II” (2018) and “Creed III” (2023). Hitting comic shops this week is the continuation of the saga with Outlier Society (Michael B. Jordan’s production company) and Chartoff-Winkler bringing the franchise to the world of comics.

CREED: THE NEXT ROUND #1 by LaToya Morgan (Dark Blood, AMC’s Walking Dead) and Jai Jamison (Superman & Lois), Wilton Santos (Break Out), DJ Chavis (Lunar Room), and executive producer Elizabeth Raposo, associate producer Christina Raquel of Outlier Society and Chartoff-Winkler (Creative Director: Michael B. Jordan) jumps the story ahead from where fans last saw Creed and his family. Let’s take a closer look and see how things are shaping up now, shall we?

CREED: THE NEXT ROUND #1 by LaToya Morgan (Dark Blood, AMC’s Walking Dead) and Jai Jamison (Superman & Lois), Wilton Santos (Break Out), DJ Chavis (Lunar Room), and executive producer Elizabeth Raposo, associate producer Christina Raquel of Outlier Society and Chartoff-Winkler (Creative Director: Michael B. Jordan) - Credit: BOOM! Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The events of this story take place a decade after the conclusion of “Creed III”. Quoting directly from the opening page: “AMARA CREED WAS BORN DEAF AND HER MOTHER, BIANCA CREED, HAS COMPLETELY LOST HER HEARING BEFORE THE EVENTS OF THIS STORY. THE CREED FAMILY USES A MIX OF BASL (BLACK AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE) AND LIPREADING TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER.”

The first image readers see is Amara walking to a ring, clad in a boxing robe. With her father in her corner, Amara prepares for a boxing bout. Amara is facing Rebecca Gonzalez with a record of 5-3-0. Readers see the process of how Amara breaks down the fight. Her father waives a red towel, which Amara refers to “stop messing around and utilize your jab.” Amara complies and sets up to finish the fight with a win!

After the fight, Amara, Bianca and Adonis talk about the fight. Left with conflicting views, Amara looks at the trophy case and flashes back to when she first started. Readers see that since Adonis has retired, something has changed about his behavior in Amara’s eyes.

The next day, Amara is back in the gym, training with her dad. Amara is looking for tougher competition but her dad thinks otherwise. Meanwhile, someone is in the gym not showing the respect to Amara.

When she arrives at school, her friend Mel points out that there is an underground fight meeting happening later. With her parents away on business, Amara makes plans to go. What happens when she arrives at the fight club? Readers don’t wait too long to see Amara bring the action. The fallout sends her on an unexpected course that no one will see coming. No one ever said the road to becoming a champion was easy as the final moments show this story isn’t going to the judges for decision.

BREAKDOWN: Morgan and Jamison recreate the magic of the films with a story that carries a big Hollywood feel. Amara’s journey into becoming a champion mirrors some of the same youthful confidence personas conflicting with the elder experienced trainer. The writers play heavy into Adonis’ conflict post-retirement. Trying to balance being a father to being a trainer make for some strong character moments.

The family dynamic is another big element of this issue. Seeing Bianca and Adonis try to figure out a way to let Amara find her own path (to a degree) spotlight what makes these movies so special. The characters are easily relatable and readers can't help but to root for them to win. The final moments throw a solid curve into the mix and concludes a great first issue.

Santos and Chavis come out of the gates swinging with fast paced panels. The initial fight sets a solid pace for where things head into the story. The full page “Victory” panel closes the fight and transitions smoothly into the next phase of Amara’s path. These panels are followed up well with Amara looking into the trophy case and thinking of where she’s been and where she’s going.

The close-ups of Adonis and Bianca trying to figure things out breaks form the action to give readers a better connection with the characters. The training sessions with Amara mimicking Adonis play out perfectly to show how she’s growing as a fighter and slowly breaking form his shadow. The fight club panels push forward the emotions of fighting while adding more layer to Amara’s overall character. Great final sequence of panels to mix in the surprise ending and send readers into the next round with a loud visual statement.

FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10

The next chapter in the Creed saga doesn’t lose the opening round as readers are treated to an excellent first issue. Morgan, Jamison, Santos and the entire team repackage the magic of the movies and deliver it to the comic shop with superb writing and energetic art. You won’t want to miss picking this up on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Creed: the Next Round #1. Thanks for reading!

LOCAL MAN #5 (IMAGE COMICS)

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

For this entry, one of the underrated series on the shelves brings its’ next chapter to readers with another can’t miss issue. LOCAL MAN #5 by Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio from Image Comics has taken readers on a trip thru the up and down of Jack Xaver aka CROSSJACK as he adjusts to his life as a former superhero.

The series has paid a great homage to the classic superheroes themes of Image while mixing in a modern mystery. Last issue raised the stakes and revealed Xaver’s problems are only getting worse. Let’s not delay and jump into issue #5 & see how the drama unfolds, shall we?

LOCAL MAN #5 by Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio (credit: Image Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Jack Xaver aka CROSSJACK had a very public fall from grace when he was released from Third-Gen. Now forcefully retired from being a super hero, Xaver has returned home to Farmington, Wisconsin. The welcome hasn’t been warm. The residents (including his family) are not so favorable to his return. Xaver tries settling in but his super hero past still haunts him.

After an encounter with a former rival, the body count starts rising around Xaver. Former foes like Hodag and Frightside are mysteriously killed, with Xaver being a suspect. Xaver breaks the rules and starts to investigate. This brings the attention of his former team and one member with a HUGE grudge against him: Camo Crusader!

Jack infiltrates a secret base which might lead to some answers, but is interrupted by Crusader. A fight ensues and Xaver kills Crusader when he tries killing Chief Bucholz to frame Jack and protect his secrets. With Bucholz ready to clear Xaver’s name, he is attacked by a teleportating assailant, looking to finish what Crusader stated!

This issue picks up with Xaver waiting at the Fourth-Gen Community Center (former base). Xaver has no idea the chief is bleeding out and Third-Gen is in fast pursuit of the truth about Crusader’s fate. Xaver starts to get curious and starts to make his way through the old base of operations. The memories start coming back to Jack as seeing old pictures of the past hit a certain way. When thinking of what Camo Crusader’s plan was trying to do, readers can easily connect with the moments’ impact on Xaver.

Unfortunately, the trip down memory lane is short lived as the mystery assailant is finally revealed! Readers will not be ready as the attack begins on Xaver! The battle lives up to the built as Xaver is given a heavy weight to carry as the motivations come to light. The action picks up the pace until an unexpected conclusion brings that event to an end. Even with that moment being a huge one, it is overshadowed by the fallout from Xaver’s latest challenge. Another figure sparks a conversation that isn’t without weight. Heading into the final act, answers that fans have been questions surface, leading Xaver into a new direction. The final pages prove without a shadow of a doubt this series is only getting started.

The bonus story gives more clarity to Camo Crusader’s involvement with 4th Gen, putting a great bookend to putting a finish to one avenue of the ever-engaging series.

LOCAL MAN #5 by Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio from Image Comics

LOCAL MAN #5 by Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio from Image Comics

BREAKDOWN: Fleecs and Seeley pull out all the stops for an unforgettable issue. Jack Xaver is a complex character to put it mildly. Losing the spotlight in such a public fashion only to be forced to re-live the past with murders piling up isn’t an easy task. The writers have portrayed him as someone trying to do good, but slipping up more times then not.

Excellent throw-in line referencing the classic Image books. Seeing the effects of his action as it ties in with the assailant is a great twist to the basic set-up for good guy vs. bad guy.

As great as that sequence is, the one readers will have the stronger reaction to is the conversation with Xaver and who he speaks with in the fallout. It brings up feeling of sadness and disappointment as what Xaver thought was his dream was nothing more in reality.

In just a few panels, the writers cemented Xaver is a likeable loser with any wins swiftly taken away. If things look dire now, the closing moments bring more intrigue

The art displayed the brutal face-off with Xaver and his assailant superbly. The panels carry a steady pace with only slowing down to give readers moments of story. This adds more gravity to the moments unfolding as it sinks in to Jack what has been happening. There’s a few panels that shift Jack to an earlier time, displaying how he is seeing himself in this fight.

The emotional points hit with readers, especially when Jack finally has a talk with a person of interest after the fight. Reading the body language of the conversation, there is no way to dodge the sense of self-loss matching the words. Solid final sequence to set-up the next stage in Jack’s post-superhero life.

LOCAL MAN #5 by Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio from Image Comics

FINAL POINT: 9.5 OUT OF 10

Local Man #5 gives readers a very satisfying conclusion to the initial mystery of the book while planting seeds to for what is next. Jack Xaver’s life is anything but normal with the complex losses he keeps taking. Fleecs and Seeley have raised the stakes with excellent writing and art painting the picture of a broken hero. You need to add this series into your comic collection.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Local Man #5. Thanks for reading.

BONE ORCHARD: TENEMENT #1 (IMAGE COMICS)

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

For this edition, we are checking out the debut issue from a well known horror universe from Image Comics that has an extremely popular creative team welcoming readers back. Whenever fans see JEFF LEMIRE and ANDREA SORRENTINO paired up on a book, they know they are in for something special. With a resume touting Green Arrow, Old Man Logan and Gideon Falls to name a few, a new title involving those two is going to create some excitement.

BONE ORCHARD: TENEMENT #1 is the latest tale from THE BONE ORCHARD MYTHOS, which has already gifted fans with another incredible story: BONE ORCHARD: TEN THOUSAND BLACK FEATHERS. What are Lemire, Sorrentino and Dave Stewart planning for this new saga? Let’s take a closer look and see what’s happening here.

BONE ORCHARD: TENEMENT #1 BY JEFF LEMIRE, ANDREA SORRENTINO AND DAVE STEWART (Credit: Image Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

This issue begins with an ominous voice mentioning seven people who seem intertwined together by fate. Readers meet Issac, his mother Amamda, Justin, Felix, Tanya, Bob and Gary. All have a different story to tell. With a haunting narration, the story focuses on Issac, a young boy staring into a horrifying image. With bodies hanging from a tree bathed in a red sky, Issac stands frozen looking into a faceless stranger.

Before he can say anything, Issac is snapped back to reality. The sky changes back to a normal color. The tree he stared at has no bodies around it. The faceless stranger has turned into Justin, who’s trying to enjoy his cigarette in peace. Their common bond is revealed to be a Tenement. But as readers soon find out, this place has more than one sees on the outside.

The story shifts thru various interactions of the tenants of the building. Each one has an issue they deal with. Each relationship varies from pleasant to confrontational with all signs leading back to Issac. After the young boy has a conversation with another resident, what seems like a meaningless talk looks to bring something sinister in its wake. As Issac stares out into the sky, a book is nearby that is all too familiar readers of the Bone Orchard.

What could be transpiring in this building? Things begin to ramp up in the late hours of the night with a few restless neighbors. In an instant, an event happens that proves to be the match to the emotional timebomb ready to explode. The repercussions of this are felt with each tenant but one now appears to be heading towards a dark path with the closing image feeding readers worst suspicions. Get ready for something wicked on the horizon.

BONE ORCHARD: TENEMENT #1 BY JEFF LEMIRE, ANDREA SORRENTINO AND DAVE STEWART (Credit: Image Comics)

BONE ORCHARD: TENEMENT #1 BY JEFF LEMIRE, ANDREA SORRENTINO AND DAVE STEWART (Credit: Image Comics)

BREAKDOWN: Lemire gives readers a wide range of characters bound together with a sinister mystery looming. Each tenant of the building has their own tales but Issac quietly became the lead of this story. Lemire writes him as a normal child troubled by disturbing visions. His interactions with the other residents seems normal at first but one seems to know what Issac is truly capable of and ushers him in that path of destiny. Even with Issac getting a good majority of panel time, pacing allowed fair time for readers to meet the group involved with this series. The other neighbors each have problems they’re dealing with but none seem to know what is next. The book’s tone is troubling and grounded. The character’s own dramas might be blinding them but their roads seem to cross together with the event of the final act. Where things lead now is unknown but rest assured, there is much to be invested with this series.

Sorrentino and Stewart capture the grittiness of daily life with a supernatural shadow on the horizon. The initial introduction brings readers in with giving each major character a three panel mini story to clarify a piece of their daily activities. This method varies later int he book but smaller panel usage give a more personal feel to each sub-plot. When the first supernatural visual hits, it’s a direct, blunt two page spread filled with the brooding sky and mysterious figure Issac is looking at. The intensity of this is mimicked later in the book as the late night hours portion builds readers’ anxiousness up to a big payoff. The full-page lightbulb panel kicks off the final act with some emotional outbursts leading to a calmer stage sending this book into its’ next chapter.

BONE ORCHARD: TENEMENT #1 BY JEFF LEMIRE, ANDREA SORRENTINO AND DAVE STEWART (Credit: Image Comics)

BONE ORCHARD: TENEMENT #1 BY JEFF LEMIRE, ANDREA SORRENTINO AND DAVE STEWART (Credit: Image Comics)

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

The Bone Orchard universe crashes back into comic shops with a defiant new story that readers won’t be able to escape. Lemire and Sorrentino orchestrate a brooding tale with superb writing and haunting art, reflecting the danger slowly revealing itself to readers with every page. You won’t want to miss this issue on New Comic Book day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of BONE ORCHARD: TENEMENT #1. Thanks for reading.

ARCADE KINGS #2 (IMAGE COMICS)

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

For this entry, we’re following along one boy’s search for his brother in the pages of the brand new series from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment. The first issue made a big splash and the follow-up looks to continue to win another round. ARCADE KINGS #2 by DYLAN BURNETT, Walter Baiamonte and Sara Antonellini bring readers along for the journey through Infinity City as Joe pushes forward with more challenges in his way. Time to put some quarters into the game and level up for this review:

Arcade Kings #2 (Credit: Image Comics) Creative Team: Dylan Burnett, Walter Baiamonte and Sara Antonellini

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Years ago, Infinity City has been known as the home for fighting world champion Victor McMax! Watching in the crowd are his two sons Joe and Ken. Both boys show distinct differences about their “dad’s” line of work. Abruptly, McMax retires from fighting shortly after a title defense. From that moment on, to say things have changed is an understatement.

Fast forward to present time and Joe has emerged in Valleytown, a suburb of Infinity City. Joe has donned a helmet and has made the Round House Arcade his temporary home. However, when a stranger walks in to challenge the reigning arcade king, it turns out to be more than a game. The opponent has ties to Joe’s dad with a message to return to his side. Joe has other plans and survives the encounter. Unfortunately, winning means losing as Joe needs to leave the arcade to continue his quest: to find his brother Ken!

This issue picks up with Joe and Ken fighting as young kids in their Dad’s estate. The brothers spar with Joe getting the upper hand. This pleases their dad but Ken is belittled for not measuring up. In this mix, Victor struggles breathing. The training continues but Ken is dismissed.

Jumping to present time, Joe is on a train to Rockview, which looks to be abandoned when he steps off. Walking the streets, Joe comes across a vandalized billboard for his father’s school. All the while, Plum Khurana makes her way through the vacant streets running into a group playing a game. When she interrupts, the favor is returned by Joe, who sees Plum as another obstacle to his quest.

Readers ring the bell and see how these two “talk”. How does the conversation go? Suffice to say, their conversation has another vested party interested. Who jumps into the fray? Can Joe stay out of his dad’s reach yet again? The final act provides some answers while a move is made setting up a twist to the story heading to the next issue.

Arcade Kings #2 (Credit: Image Comics) Creative Team: Dylan Burnett, Walter Baiamonte and Sara Antonellini

Arcade Kings #2 (Credit: Image Comics) Creative Team: Dylan Burnett, Walter Baiamonte and Sara Antonellini

BREAKDOWN: Burnett keeps things moving with a very entertaining issue. Delving into the background of the brothers, Burnett gives some insight on what caused the rift between Joe and the family. The moment is brief but speaks volumes about the fractures with the family. Switching to present time, Joe comes across as confident as ever without showing the true emotions behind the helmet. The introduction of Plum Khurana was a great addition to the cast of characters. Being the “protector” of Rockview, Plum demonstrates strong reactions to counter and align with Joe when it becomes needed. When the third party arrives, Plum shows a change of character that gives a solid pause for Joe’s story. The moves made following the encounter is a very unique dynamic switch that is sure to keep readers on their toes.

The art flows very fast between panels. Rockview is displayed as broken and vacant. It is quite a contrast from Valleytown. Baiamonte and Antonellini (along with Simona Iurato and Sharon Marino) drive this point home when readers first see Plum wake up and head out into the street. The art team showcase her range of emotions to give her character a sense of varying levels. The action sequences recreates legendary fighting game energy with vibrant panels. Andworld Design’s lettering through these spots adds a fun look to the battles. There is an excellent image with Joe facing off against the challenger with the use of short panels to illustrate the action. It balances out the figure standing in the center of the page with a different blue coloring to make the page pop. Excellent build-up for the next chapter with a strong final panel to leave things off on.

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

It’s a second round knockout with the latest chapter of Arcade Kings. Burnett ushers in the next level of Joe’s quest with an excellent story matched by the dynamic visuals which are quickly becoming this series calling card. Make sure it’s not “Game Over” at the LCS this week and get yourself this issue on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH Social media and let me know what you thought of Arcade Kings #2. Thanks for reading.

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #109 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

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

For this entry, the current run of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from Boom! Studios can easily be defined as legendary (and its only just begun). It has almost been a year since the new creative team took the reins and never looked back. In this time period, they have reinvented a classic villain and given the Rangers their biggest threat to date. With a HUGE storyline kicking off with “the Darkest Hour” in MMPR #111, the path to get there has been must-read material.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #109 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Taurin Clarke) for BOOM! Studios continues to ramp the tension up with hope slipping further and further out of the heroes grasps. Let’s take a closer look at the events unfolding here, shall we?

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #109 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Taurin Clarke) for BOOM! Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Rita Repulsa has returned in a monster way. Repulsa has transformed into the dangerous Mistress Vile. In her first move, Vile sends a huge message defeating Lord Zedd and leaving him lying near death at her feet. The Rangers have been on the defensive since the intial encounter and haven’t been able to catch a moment to bounce back. Vile has been striking them with pin-point accuracy with her attacks. No greater move has struck the Rangers more than her kidnapping and brainwashing Matt the green Ranger.

Now with an army by her side led by Matt and “The Vessel”, the body of Zordon under an evil influence, Vile makes her biggest push to accomplish her plan of unleashing the evil of the Dark Spector by controlling the Morphin Grid. There is an unlikely challenger to Vile’s plans that no one saw coming: A Morphin Powered Lord Zedd! With the huge showdown looming, a familiar face is lurking in the wing with plans all his own.

This issue picks up with Lord Drakkon freeing Kiya, the former Omega Ranger from her prison. With their past, the pair quickly become reluctant allies with the chaos swirling around them. Drakkon convinces Kiya to help activate the Morphin Arch on Safehaven. The pair is intercepted by current Omega Rangers Kevor and Yale. Kiya is none too pleased to see her replacement and make quick work of the pair until Zach and Trini arrive. Drakkon and Kiya escape with a warning to the Omega Rangers: Destroy the Arch before Vile finds it.

Meanwhile on Earth, Vile has already made great strides in her plans and taken Grace Sterling hostage. On the cusp of winning, Vile thinks Vessel is returning after disposing of Zedd, but reality is quite the contrary. Zedd arrives and is ready to finally handle unfinished business. As for the Rangers, they make a stand against Matt and Vile’s forces. Readers are in for an emotionally charged throwdown as the payoff for the builds hit their marks. On top of the action, there appears to be an unlikely shift of allies heading into an imposing final issue to lead into ending this arc before the darkest Hour begins.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #109 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Taurin Clarke) for BOOM! Studios v

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #109 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Taurin Clarke) for BOOM! Studios

BREAKDOWN: Flores kicks off the conclusion of the current arc with an issue fans will be very excited to read. The return of Drakkon and Kiya has been hovering in the background for a bit but their re-introduction plays into how desperate times have become. The theme of “Enemy of My Enemy is my Friend” shines thru and plants a seed for a later return with the Omega Rangers. The showdowns fans have been waiting for will lock in with readers. The Zedd/Vile standoff presents the duel fans have been waiting for with great dialogue and a surprise factor thrown in the mix. The battle that will stand out the most is Matt vs. The Rangers. Setting up how he was before Vile captured him and referencing the potential romance with Aisha, Flores adds an extra level of emotion to the panels. Readers will literally hear the drop in Aisha’s voice when she says “Yes”. Overall, the key players and stories all had enough time with the pacing to head into next issue bracing for the uncertain future ahead.

Di Gianfelice returns to art duties after Marco Renna filled in last issue and doesn’t skip a beat bringing the action to this issue. The battle with Zedd and Vile had a strong presence to it with big panels featuring the two finally squaring off. The coloring from Angulo (with an assist from Jose Enrique Fernandez) captured readers attention and never let go. The emotional reactions were featured throughout this issue from Kiya seeing the Omega Rangers again and especially with Matt vs. The Rangers. The emotional reactions of Matt and Aisha during the fight never was lost in the shuffle. Those moments told their own story which will link up with readers. The panel with Aisha says “Yes” is told just reading her eyes. Each sub-plot looks poised for a big conclusion next issue with the closing full page panel sending readers home on.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #109 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Taurin Clarke) for BOOM! Studios

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #109 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Taurin Clarke) for BOOM! Studios

FINAL GRADE: 8.5 OUT OF 10

The dynamic duo of Flores and Di Gianfelice reunite to send the Power Rangers on the path to the Darkest Hour. With emotionally charged writing paired with incredible visuals, the hype surrounding this current story arc continues to be justified with another exceptional issue. There is something special unfolding with this series that all readers need to check out.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #109. Thanks for reading!

ROGUE SUN #13 (IMAGE COMICS)

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

For this entry, Comics’ most exciting universe kicks off its’ next phase coming out of the huge crossover event “Supermassive 2023”. Leading the charge is one of the pillars of the Massive-Verse, who left readers hanging with a new stat quo in place before taking a small break for the Image Comics and Black Market Narrative event. If you are jumping in for the first time, TPB for volumes 1 and 2 are in stores now, but shocking plot twists are nothing new to this series as longtime readers have known. Considering who is creating the series, fans know to expect the unexpected and fully get their moneys worth!

ROGUE SUN #13 by Ryan Parrott (POWER RANGERS, DEAD DAY), Abel, Marco Renna, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey (editor Michael Busittil) returns to comic shops with the next phase of challenges for Dylan Siegel. Let’s not delay any longer and jump into the next wave of massive-verse adventures, shall we? “ROGUE SUN!”

ROGUE SUN #13 by Ryan Parrott, Abel, Marco Renna, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey (editor Michael Busittil - credit: IMAGE COMICS AND BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Dylan Siegel’s life has been anything but normal since the passing of his father Marcus Bell aka Rogue Sun. Being the heir to the mantle of a superhero changes a few things. With unexpected dangers, new adversaries and a new family dynamic unlike anyone else, Dylan has had an interesting start to his heroic career to say the least. And we haven’t even mentioned high school yet. Dylan hasn’t been completely alone during this journey as he’s had astral mentors guiding him. The spirit of his late father and most recently Caleb Hawthorne, the KNIGHT SUN have been working on making Dylan the hero he potentially could be.

Last readers saw him, Dylan suffered an unexpected loss during a battle with Hellbent. One of his fellow classmates, Reggie, was killed standing up to the dangerous foe when Dylan was defeated. While distraught over the loss, Dylan turns control over his body to Caleb to finish the fight. When the battle has ended, Caleb surprises Dylan by maintaining control of his body, leaving Dylan as an astral spirit watching someone else control his physical body!

The next phase of Rogue Sun begins at the Crescent City Medical Center. The medical team on duty is finishing autopsies and one deceased body stands out for a gruesome image. Suddenly, one gets sick out of nowhere. They set outside to get some air and when they return, the body is gone but something else is in its place hovering overhead.

Meanwhile, Dylan is self reflecting on the recent events. Watching someone else live his life has made a strong impact on his view of the world. Caleb (as Dylan) makes his way to breakfast with the Bell family and the change is noticeable. Readers even see how the family is welcoming it. All the while Dotty is meeting with some of the well known villains of Dylan in an attempt to rehabilitate them but a warning is passed along that Mourningstar is coming.

The change is noted by his fellow classmates, especially his ex-girlfriend Vanessa. As much as things change, some things remain the same as Rogue Sun runs into an old friend with some unfinished business. Readers witness how the new dynamic between Dylan and Caleb plays out with another shocking twist to the story coming in the final moments. Get ready for another mic drop moment when the last page hits. This next phase of Dylan Siegel isn’t short of surprises.

ROGUE SUN #13 by Ryan Parrott, Abel, Marco Renna, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey (editor Michael Busittil - credit: IMAGE COMICS AND BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE)

ROGUE SUN #13 by Ryan Parrott, Abel, Marco Renna, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey (editor Michael Busittil - credit: IMAGE COMICS AND BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE)

BREAKDOWN: Parrott continues to push this story into compelling themes with this issue. Dylan is in uncharted territory watching someone live his life. The conversations and reactions of those around him is telling of what kind of person he was prior to the change. There is an epiphany starting to take place that Parrott begins to lead the readers on. Losing abilities he took for granted, Dylan lashes out at the worst time to Caleb concerning. Their relationship has deteriorated rapidly and justifiably. It challenges the motto of “with great power comes great responsibility”. One moment that really jumps out within these pages is a conversation with Dylan, Vanessa and Reggie’s mother. Parrott pens the scene with great care and drives home the impact of Reggie’s noble actions. Great final sequence to end this issue on and kick the next chapter off in style.

Abel and Renna split the art duties for this issue. That is never a bad thing when you have 2 extremely talented artists such as them working on a story. The moment of the villains meeting with Dotty displayed as a pyramid of mirrors for a full page panel comes across as a huge event for the readers. The emotional displays during the conversation about Reggie’s death hit very hard and add more weight to an already heavy moment. The action sequences complement the full page re-introduction of Dylan’s “Old Friend”. It’s fallout connects with readers sending them into the closing moments with a full page visual guaranteed to bring them back for more.

ROGUE SUN #13 by Ryan Parrott, Abel, Marco Renna, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey (editor Michael Busittil - credit: IMAGE COMICS AND BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE)

ROGUE SUN #13 by Ryan Parrott, Abel, Marco Renna, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey (editor Michael Busittil - credit: IMAGE COMICS AND BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE)

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

The new stat quo of Dylan Siegel shows no sight of slowing down what has already become a must-have series on NCBD. Parrott’s method of mixing in emotional moments with shocking twists delivers on another fantastic issue with amazing visuals form Abel, Renna and the rest of the team. The Massive-Verse is back in full swing and you don’t want to miss it!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Rogue Sun #13. Thanks for reading!

BATTLE CHASERS #10 (IMAGE COMICS)

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

For this entry, a legendary series returns to the comic shops this week for the first time since 2001! In the early 1990’s after the big Seven (Todd McFarlane, Erik Larsen, Jim Valentino, and X-Men line artists Rob Liefeld (X-Force), Whilce Portacio (Uncanny X-Men), Marc Silvestri (Wolverine) and Jim Lee (X-Men) left Marvel Comics formed Image Comics, many fans wondered who would be the next big superstar to emerge from the top line of comics at the time. They didn’t have to wait too long as an artist made an immediate impact and gave the flagship title a whole new look. His name was Joe Madureira.

Madureira was named the artist on Uncanny X-Men in 1994. His work led to the success of the “Age Of Apocalypse” storyline as well as “The Trial Of Gambit” just to name a few. With a style all his own, Madureira quickly became one of the biggest artists in all of comics. In 1997, Madureira left Marvel to join up with an offshoot imprint of Jim Lee’s Wildstorm line known as Cliffhanger. Madureira joined Humberto Ramos (Crimson) and J. Scott Campbell (Danger Girl) with a creator owned title “Battle Chasers” in 1998.

The fantasy-adventure book had much hype behind it but constant release issues with the series led to the last issue being published by Image in 2001! In that time, Madureira has gone on to different non-comic projects with a few returns to Marvel with “Ultimates 3” in 2007, “Avenging Spider-Man” in 2011 and “Inhuman” in 2014. However, fans have never stopped clamoring for more Battle Chasers. Image released The Battle Chasers Anthology in 2019 to huge reactions. With a fanbase still clamoring for more, an announcment was made that shocked and electrified fans…

Early in 2023, Image and Madureira announced that they were bringing the series back with the long-awaited Battle Chasers #10 (by Madureira and LUDO LULLABI). The wait is finally over! The book is in stores! Let’s take a deeper look at how the story fares after debuting 25 years ago, shall we!

Battle Chasers #10 by Joe Madureira and LUDO LULLABI (credit: Image Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

This issue kicks off with a great recap of characters for readers jumping in for the first time:

Garrison - A former Paladin coming to terms with his past involving Aramus

Red Monika - An infamous figure who plays by her own rules

Gully - The daughter of the legendary Aramus, Gully possess gauntlets once wore by her father that have immense power

Calibretto aka Bretto - A war machine that has a mind of its’ own and is a force to be reckoned with

Knolan - A wizard of great mystery and capabilites

The story as it stands is the world of Gaia is in danger. Mana, a prime resource is dying out. Sides are being taken and conflict is rising. King Vaneer has played a role in the power balance, helping Gully and Bretto in the search for Aramus. The same cannot be said for Garrison who defies an order to captrue red Monika and now becomes a fugitive himself!

Red Monika wakes up in Garrison’s house after escaping Lord August. Garrison is waiting at the house and informs her that she was followed. Outside the house is Mastreo, leading the Martial Paladins on their bounty mission. Readers get a quick introduction into what they are capable of after they dispose of Akiman, Monika’s partner. Mastreo and his team bicker about what to do when Garrison and Monika make a break from the house. However, they don’t get too far before the Paladins make another play.

All the while, Gully is confronting her alleged brother Sebastian Nefar, who is rotting in a cell with no hands after trying to put on Gully’s gauntlets. Their conversation is brief but sets Gully on a quest to fin answers. What happens when she goes searching? What of Garrison and Monika’s fate? How does Bretto play into the mix? Readers are taken on quite the adventure as events are set in motion, kicking the saga of Battle Chasers into high gear.

Battle Chasers #10 by Joe Madureira and LUDO LULLABI (credit: Image Comics)

Battle Chasers #10 by Joe Madureira and LUDO LULLABI (credit: Image Comics)

BREAKDOWN: Madureira plays into the strengths of what makes this series such a beloved one with fans. The relationship between Garrison and Monika has always been combustible. Madureira focuses in on this for some great back and forth moments. The latest threats of the Martial Paladins are an interesting one. They come across to the reader as highly dangerous and ones that have a separate agenda all their own. Gully’s story didn’t get as much time in comparison (only 6 pages)but hit its’ key points. The dynamic with her and Sebastian works flawlessly to set up the forthcoming drama. As a “welcome back” issue, it does a great job for connecting with new and older readers of the series.

LULLABI steps in the art duties and delivers on fast moving, BIG action panels. The short sequence with them taking out Akiman delved into that frenetic pace. The moments with the Paladins hunting Garrison and Monkia establish the stakes very quickly.This leads into an amazing 2 page full panel spread closing out Garrison’s portion of the issue. Lullabi does a spectactular job catching Gully’s reactions to Sebastion’s manipulations. Ranging from anger to puzzled to defiant, the emotions display sold that time in the book and made up for the lack of pages. Great final panel to send things off into the next issue.

Battle Chasers #10 by Joe Madureira and LUDO LULLABI (credit: Image Comics)

Battle Chasers #10 by Joe Madureira and LUDO LULLABI (credit: Image Comics)

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

The saga of Battle Chasers resumes without missing a beat. Madureira and Lullabi greet new and faithful readers with great storytelling and incredible visuals that encompasses why this series still connects with fans after 25 years! With the action and drama building back up, it is a perfect time to add this series to your comic book collection.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Battle Chasers #10. Thanks for reading.

KLIK KLIK BOOM #1 (IMAGE COMICS)

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

For this entry, we are jumping into a new series from Image Comics that reunites a team readers know from The Ride: Burning Desire. This series is sure to be one talked about on New Comic Book Day. Klik Klik Boom #1 by Doug Wagner, Doug Dabbs, Matt Wilson and Ed Dukeshire brings the mystery of Sprout and her unique vision of the world for a story that can’t be missed. Let’s take a deeper dive and peel back the layers of this intriguing tale, shall we?

Klik Klik Boom #1 by Doug Wagner, Doug Dabbs, Matt Wilson and Ed Dukeshire (Credit: Image Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins in New York City. Someone is leaving polaroid pictures in various spots throughout the city. One picture is that of a family celebrating a birthday with some cake at a restaurant. Readers see that there is a mysterious woman (known later as Sprout) taking pictures of the family outside the venue. It appears as she is trying to use the photos to communicate with the family but the photos are clearly not welcomed by the celebrating party. After being threatened, Sprout leaves but not before leaving a picture of the cake on the window.

From here, readers see Sprout walking down the street when she’s harassed by two men. The one smacks Sprout on her backside. She responds by staring at them followed by taking a picture. Leaving the pair, she walks by a man walking down the street and smacks him on his behind. If this wasn’t puzzling enough, the next action leaves many questions.

Sprout goes into her bag and draws a gun from a sea of Polaroids of a man readers find out later is her grandfather. With gun in hand, Sprout walks into a bank. With no vision inside, readers see shots fired and someone screaming. Suddenly Sprout walks out unscathed, picking up a dropped picture of her grandfather. This leads to a flashback where readers get a little insight into Sprout’s past 12 years prior.

In the present, a reporter named Serena Biggs is on the phone piecing together the mystery of Sprout. Readers find out what happened in the bank and how that is the tip of the iceberg behind a bigger conspiracy yet to be revealed.

What is found during Serena’s investigating? Who is a vested party of interest? How does Sprout figure into all of this? Readers don’t wait too long to bare witness to paths crossing and more questions raised. Just when the answers seem to appear, they get lost in the rising danger of Sprout’s world leading into a closing act that proves the enigmatic story of Sprout hasn’t even begun to be unveiled.

Klik Klik Boom #1 by Doug Wagner, Doug Dabbs, Matt Wilson and Ed Dukeshire (Credit: Image Comics)

Klik Klik Boom #1 by Doug Wagner, Doug Dabbs, Matt Wilson and Ed Dukeshire (Credit: Image Comics)

BREAKDOWN: This mystery is one that will capture readers attention and not let go easily. Wagner presents Sprout as a lost soul in a big world. The initial interactions with the people of New York City comes across as awkward and curious. Keeping the bank scene hidden elevates the reveal of events later in the issue perfectly. The addition of Serena plays as a dual role for the readers. Serena is asking the questions they are thinking while trying to process what world she has now stepped into. The conversation when it is revealed why Sprout takes pictures is one of the noteworthy points of the issue. Wagner does a great job of keeping Sprout’s true motives elusive with mixing in surprise locations throughout the journey. There never is a loss of tension and wonder for the duration, leading into a strong final moment.

Dabbs and Wilson bring a certain mystique to the artwork for the book. The use of 5-6 panel pages gives a feel of the reader themselves are looking at the polaroids while moving thru the story. The bank sequence is a strong moment in the book. Using only a few wide panels, readers can sense the action taking place and the surprising fallout when Sprout leaves. The flashback time with Sprout and her grandfather gives the readers a solid idea of their quirky relationship without fully playing all the cards to what has transpired. This formula is shown against when Sprout is involved in an altercation. The use of small panels and bright colors tell just enough before switching gears. Superb closing visuals to lead into the next issue of what is sure to be a monster hit.

Klik Klik Boom #1 by Doug Wagner, Doug Dabbs, Matt Wilson and Ed Dukeshire (Credit: Image Comics)

Klik Klik Boom #1 by Doug Wagner, Doug Dabbs, Matt Wilson and Ed Dukeshire (Credit: Image Comics)

FINAL POINT: 9.5 OUT OF 10

From the opening page, there is a certain enigmatic feel that captures readers and never lets go. Wagner orchestrates a slow burn thriller brought to life by Dabbs and Wilson’s amazing visuals reflecting the gritty and mysterious world of Sprout. This is a must-have on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Klik Klik Boom #1. Thanks for reading.

GHOSTLORE #2 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

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

For this entry, we’re following along the latest hit horror series from Cullen Bunn as the family dynamic of the Agates seems to have a paranormal problem. Ghostlore #2 from Cullen Bunn, Leomacs, Jason Wordie, Ed Dukeshire and Danny Luckert via BOOM! Studios invites readers to follow at their own risk into the unknown dangers waiting. Let’s take a closer look and see how this issue fares, shall we?

Ghostlore #2 from Cullen Bunn, Leomacs, Jason Wordie, Ed Dukeshire and Danny Luckert (On Sale June 14th, 2023 - Credit: BOOM! Studios *Featured Cover artist: Javier Rodriguez)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

One fateful night has changed the Agate family forever. When leaving church, Pastor Lucas Agate, his wife Emily, his quiet son Chris are involved in a car accident when his daughter Harmony swerves from a boy standing in the middle of the road. The car crashes into a tree. From the crash, Harmony is convinced someone is in the road, but her father doesn’t believe it. Chris emerges from his silence and starts speaking about what Harmony is seeing. Chris’s story talks of a child who turned into a monster after some young boys bullied her. Chris swears never to speak a word, even when the boys are killed. With a small community rocked, The parishioners of Pastor Lucas’s church start losing faith.

Chris’s story is puzzling to his dad but it sinks in that this isn’t Chris, but his spirit as he and Emily were killed in the crash. Once confessing, Chris can finally rest with Harmony now carrying the weight of his guilt. Surrounding the car are more ghosts who want their story heard to gain peace.

This issue jumps in with Lucas and Harmony coming to grips with what has happened. The scenes are cold and reflecting the losses they have endured. Leaving the house in silence, Harmony sets out for some errands. Lucas is still waking up when he’s approached by a spirit wanting to talk.

With Harmony gone, What happens when it’s Lucas now talking with the spirit? What story do they have to tell? Readers watch with chills as the spirit confesses their tale. With a new dynamic in play, will things go smoothly or crash and burn? The final act leaves nothing behind as it closes this chapter definitively while featuring a final panel that adds more to the mystery at hand.

Ghostlore #2 from Cullen Bunn, Leomacs, Jason Wordie, Ed Dukeshire and Danny Luckert (On Sale June 14th, 2023 - Credit: BOOM! Studios *Featured Cover artist: Javier Rodriguez)

Ghostlore #2 from Cullen Bunn, Leomacs, Jason Wordie, Ed Dukeshire and Danny Luckert (On Sale June 14th, 2023 - Credit: BOOM! Studios *Featured Cover artist: Javier Rodriguez)

BREAKDOWN: Bunn role reverses from last issue’s fallout with Lucas stepping into the ghost conversation. The opening moments give the readers a sense of how things have weighed down the family with no real sense of improvement. The ghost appearance made for an interesting dynamic as Lucas fills in for Harmony. Its’ story is arguably the strongest pint of the book as the ethics behind it leave much to be figured out. The results show that nothing is “normal” about how these meetings are conducted. Bunn filters in Lucas’ anger with a newfound layer into his character. The closing will catch readers off-guard but makes for more drama as the story progress int the following issue.

Art duties are split again with Leoomacs taking the main timeline and Luckert stepping in for the flashback story. This is a winning formula as the story comes across to readers as truly told thru the spirit’s eyes. Luckert’s visuals bring the emotional backstory into the spotlight. It wastes little time in creating the sense of fear haunting the ghost and the burden now on their shoulders. Leomacs makes the opening scenes click with no words uttered. It’s only body language that the readers can cypher. The panels speak volumes on how things are deteriorated between Lucas and Harmony. It’s countered with some truly horrific imagery stemming from the ghost story. The closing panel is very subtle but is sure to set the Agate family into another tailspin before it’s all said and done.

Ghostlore #2 from Cullen Bunn, Leomacs, Jason Wordie, Ed Dukeshire and Danny Luckert (On Sale June 14th, 2023 - Credit: BOOM! Studios *Featured Cover artist: Javier Rodriguez)

Ghostlore #2 from Cullen Bunn, Leomacs, Jason Wordie, Ed Dukeshire and Danny Luckert (On Sale June 14th, 2023 - Credit: BOOM! Studios *Featured Cover artist: Javier Rodriguez)

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

The supernatural hold on the Agate family becomes tighter as the pressure mounts in the latest chapter from Bunn and Leomacs. Strong imagery raises the frightening tale being constructed into new heights. Don’t miss checking this book out on New Comic Book Day.

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

NOSTALGIA #1 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

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

For this entry, we’re taking a closer look at a brand new series/event on the Comixology Originals line that showcases a writing debut from someone who fans may know from another form of pop culture. From the band Scissor Sisters, Scott Hoffman (aka Babydaddy) kicks off his comic beginnings with a very eye-catching tale. NOSTALGIA #1 by Hoffman, Danijel Žeželj, Lee Loughridge, and Steve Wands, presents a futuristic mystery that is going to make waves on New Comic Book Day. Let’s have a closer look, shall we?

NOSTALGIA #1 by Scott Hoffman, Danijel Žeželj, Lee Loughridge, and Steve Wands (On sale June 13th - Credit: Comixology originals)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story beings with a cover of “Musocity”, a music zine featuring Craig Mancini aka NOSTALGIA on the front page. The article breaks down his stage presence and the experience of watching him play. Things shift to NOSTALGIA on stage and the euphoric trance he keeps the crowd in while playing. In a flash, the crowd disappears and Craig is overlooking the city from his lavish apartment. Craig’s mood is that of despair and exhaustion looking at used to have been.

Craig’s roadie Lexi comes in the room and makes the impression Craig has fallen into a difficult time. Craig dismisses her and turns his attention elsewhere. The visuals readers see is a collage of the world Craig lives in. Much like today’s world, there is an assault of all forms of medias and opinions. Needing a break, Craig escapes into the dark city needing to clear his head.

Craig returns back to the Ziquara building and is passed along a package. From the deminer of the doorman, this isn’t the first time a package like this has arrived. Craig decides this time to accept it. Upon opening it, Craig finds an image of a shell, which sends Craig on a path to a life changing moment.

What is the symbolism of the package? Is Craig ready to find out what is behind these deliveries? Readers ride along as Craig maneuvers through the volatile landscape to reach a meeting place and a surprise he is not ready for. The final panel will raise some questions until the next chapter hits the digital shelf, so get ready.

NOSTALGIA #1 by Scott Hoffman, Danijel Žeželj, Lee Loughridge, and Steve Wands (On sale June 13th - Credit: Comixology originals)

NOSTALGIA #1 by Scott Hoffman, Danijel Žeželj, Lee Loughridge, and Steve Wands (On sale June 13th - Credit: Comixology originals)

BREAKDOWN: Hoffman presents a unique vision of life after music with the current issue. Craig comes across as a multi-layered character. Hoffman’s connection with being a musician brings a distinct approach when conveying Craig’s emotions after the spotlight is gone. Craig ranges from self-loathing to reluctantly bored with how things have now become. The small interaction with Lexi brings that right to the readers’ attention early. Even when he ventures out into the public, his attitude is one of loss. Only when he decided to take a chance with the package does it appear a spark got underneath Craig to do more. The current social climate plays a strong part in guiding the story. With the emotions of the public loud and aggressive, the toll it takes on Craig is evident. However, with the surprise at the end shifting gears, it will add a new dynamic to Craig that should be catching to see play out.

Žeželj kicks off the issue with a stunning portrait of how music has encompassed Craig and the crowd when he is on stage. The coloring done by Loughridge gives those panels an original feel that’s all its’ own. Craig’s venture into the city pops off the pages as the city itself has its’ own story to tell. The mannerisms of Craig feature how much he has fallen on a rough patch and the curiosity of the package actually gives him a weird speak. The journey to the meeting spot builds to a solid closing act, topped with a loud statement caping off a notable flashback time period. Great closing panel to send readers home and having them want to return for the next issue on.

NOSTALGIA #1 by Scott Hoffman, Danijel Žeželj, Lee Loughridge, and Steve Wands (On sale June 13th - Credit: Comixology originals)

NOSTALGIA #1 by Scott Hoffman, Danijel Žeželj, Lee Loughridge, and Steve Wands (On sale June 13th - Credit: Comixology originals)

FINAL POINT: 8 out of 10

After the music stops, when does life begin again? That is the question posed in the world of Craig Mancini. Hoffman, Žeželj and the team bring a powerful vision of a lost soul trying to find himself through solid writing and fantastic imagery. This is a book you don’t want to pass up checking out.

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

IN HELL WE FIGHT #1 (IMAGE COMICS)

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 dropping from Image Comics that is one of the wildest reads you will have on New Comic Book Day! Some say “Hell isn’t so bad if you know someone there,” but I’m sure that they never encountered a situation like what unfolds in this issue. In Hell We Fight #1 by JOHN LAYMAN (CHEW) and JOK takes readers on a trip that needs to be read to be believed! Let’s take a deeper dive and see what’s happening here, shall we?

In Hell We Fight #1 by JOHN LAYMAN (CHEW) and JOK

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins in a classroom with Alexander “Xander” Waterford giving a decertation to his class about frogs. While as detailed as it was, Xander incorrectly did the assignment. It wasn’t supposed to be a Biology report. It was supposed to be a BOOK report. Embarrassed, Xander grows a big hatred for frogs, taking his anger out on them. This hatred didn’t go unnoticed by Bufobeelz, The Frog Devil. It emerged and took Xander into the depths of the Mississippi River, drowning him.

When he wakes, he’s in a place that no one wants to be in. Xander is in Hell. While there, he’s made “friends” with Midori Fukada, a young assassin, Ernie Comstock, who was killed by a deadly axe stuck in his head and Balpha-Dagon, an annoying fire-breathing demon. On this day, the group decided to embark on a quest for some ice cream. What they got instead was more than they bargained for.

What has this group gotten themselves into? Can Hell actually get any worse? Readers find out quickly that the best laid plans can go up in smoke, even in Hell, as the group becomes entangled in an adventure that is sure to become more dangerous. Considering the final image closing the chapter out, the group had better be ready to fight because there is no easy way out of their troubles.

In Hell We Fight #1 by JOHN LAYMAN (CHEW) and JOK

In Hell We Fight #1 by JOHN LAYMAN (CHEW) and JOK

BREAKDOWN: Layman infuses elements of adventure and dark humor within the opening shot of this series. Xander is a compelling character to introduce readers to initially. His story brings in a fantasy element early into these pages. Once Xander meets up with the others, the book’s pace moves very fast to give an idea of why things are as they are. The others in this adventurous party get smaller origins but enough to connect with readers. The ‘Ice Cream Heist” plays out for an engaging tale but the hook is the surprise ending. What leans into being a safe quest rapidly swings into dangerous territory heading into the next chapter.

Jok’s depiction of Hell has a very unique look to it. The use of colors gives a deceiving look to what Hell appears like. The imagery looks like a twisted fairy tale landscape. The creatures roaming the land stand out and look anything but normal. Even with Balpha appearing to be a “teenage demon”, his look comes across as a mirage due to his facial and eye expressions. The one character that makes a huge impression when she appears is Midori, who commands the panels with her presence. This is all capped off with the twist ending visual leading this group into the unknown danger awaiting.

In Hell We Fight #1 by JOHN LAYMAN (CHEW) and JOK

In Hell We Fight #1 by JOHN LAYMAN (CHEW) and JOK

FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10

Four no-so innocent souls come together on an unlikely escapade that readers won’t be able to escape from. Layman and Jok present a wildly imaginative trek thru sharp writing and eye-catching visuals that are sure to leave an impression. Don’t pass it giving this a read on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of In Hell We Fight #1. Thanks for reading.

NOCTERRA #15 (IMAGE COMICS)

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

NOCTERRA #15 by Scott Snyder, Tony Daniel, Marcelo Miaolo and Andworld Design (credit: Image Comics)

For this entry, we’re checking out the pen-ultimate issue of the latest story arc from an Image Comics series that has generated quite a buzz amongst comic fans. Ever since its’ initial kickstarter run, the hype behind this series has been enormous. Knowing who’s the creative masterminds behind the series, it’s a no brainer on why it comes with justifiable hype behind it.

NOCTERRA #15 by Scott Snyder, Tony Daniel, Marcelo Miaolo and Andworld Design brings the battle against everlasting darkness to a screeching halt. Lets take a closer look and how this arc ends, shall we?

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

NOCTERRA #15 by Scott Snyder, Tony Daniel, Marcelo Miaolo and Andworld Design (Image Comics)

Ten years ago, the world as we know it changed. There was no more light. The sun was gone. In its’ place was endless darkness. People were turning into creatures known as shades. Artificial Light is the only thing keeping others from turning. Valentina "Val" Riggs aka Sundog is a ferryman whose fully lit eighteen wheeler moves goods and humans through the cold landscape. During one of her runs, Val came across Augustus McCray (Gus) and his grand-daughter Bailey, also known as Piper. The pair threw an offer in Val’s direction that she couldn’t say no to: Transport to an unknown safe haven and help cure her adopted brother Emory.

Since that time, the “Sundog Convoy” has faced many challenges including the deadly Blacktop Bill, who’s made it a mission to kill Augustus, or “the man who killed the sun”. Along the way, the convoy has gone through changes but the mission remains the same. As they head towards the mythical place known as Eos, the danger hasn’t stopped growing its evil hold.

NOCTERRA #15 by Scott Snyder, Tony Daniel, Marcelo Miaolo and Andworld Design (Image Comics)

This issue picks up where the convoy has arrived in Eden, a land of eternal sunshine. Bailey is trying to process her grandfather’s equation to fix things but it appears to not be correct. It is possible the equation was to lead people to Eos for safety. The Humanoid protectors of Eos known as The Glares are pressing for the convoy to decide if they are staying or going, but someone else has arrived that causes a change in plans.

Blacktop Bill has traced them down, bringing darkness with him. Shades are forming in the utopia. With their backs against the wall, Emory comes up with a plan. The plan is a long shot, but with Bill taking the fight directly to the group, they are running out of options. How does Gus’s equation fit into all of this? Can Eden be saved? Readers bare witness to Emory playing a deadly game and taking a chance that defines high risk/high reward. The repercussions are huge. With stakes never higher, the closing act feels like a roller-coaster heading into a final page that will surely leave readers speechless and waiting with baited breath for the conclusion in July.

NOCTERRA #15 by Scott Snyder, Tony Daniel, Marcelo Miaolo and Andworld Design (Credit: Image Comics)

BREAKDOWN: Snyder ramps up the action heading into the arc conclusion. Emory’s risky play demonstrates the critical situation they are in. With everything crashing around them, there is no time to play things safe. Readers can easily identify with the bold move as victory feels out of reach, but they can’t just surrender either. Blacktop Bill continues to be an impressive antagonist with his power play at Eden. The ruthlessness of his approach in dealing with Emory’ move resonates off the panels. It is a classic good vs. evil set-up which Snyder pulls off with ease and precise skill. Right thru the final act, the pacing matches the intensity of the situation leading to the jaw-dropping close of the issue.

Daniel’s art encompasses the danger of Bill’s threat right from the start. Bailey and Emory’s reactions speaks volumes thru their eyes as they see him appear in Eos. This is accompanied by a fantastic 2 page full-panel spread showcasing Bill bringing terror to Eos. The quieter moments also jump out as Emory has a moment with Bailey that feels like a farewell when readers see it. The battle with Bill and Emory holds nothing back with panels of Bill’s growing enjoyment of what he’s putting Emory thru. Daniel displays the varying emotions thru their encounter leading up to a spectacular closing image to send things into a bigger frenzy when the series returns.

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

With hope slipping away, the Sundog convoy throws caution to the wind in an attempt to face the darkness in an issue that can’t be missed! With incredible storytelling and amazing visuals provided by Synder, Daniels and the team, Nocterra shifts into another gear with no signs of slowing down.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you think of Nocterra #15. Thanks for reading.

PHANTOM ROAD #4 (IMAGE COMICS)

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

For this entry, we’re diving further into the mystery surrounding Dom and Birdie’s highway to Hell in the pages of Image Comics’ hit new series. PHANTOM ROAD #4 by Jeff Lemire, Gabriel H. Walta, Jordie Bellaire and Steve Wands picks up where the reluctant pair are heading now and the latest addition to the mix ended up after last issue’s shocking ending. Let’s not delay any longer and take a closer look, shall we?

PHANTOM ROAD #4 by Jeff Lemire, Gabriel H. Walta, Jordie Bellaire and Steve Wands

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Dom and Birdie’s paths crossed on a fateful night when a mysterious object turned their worlds upside down. Crossing over into a mirrored dimension with faceless figures coming for the powerful object, the pair is trying to make some kind of sense of everything. Last time readers saw them, they were running from the law after killing a faceless figure, who turned human shortly after.

The case is drawing more attention with the addition of FBI agent Theresa Weaver into the mix. Weaver starts putting things together and it appears there is a personal connection to the case. Unfortunately, Weaver is kidnapped from her hotel room by a masked assailant.

This issue picks up with Dom and Birdie still on the run (editor note: The pair wasn’t featured in issue #3). The conversation is small talk but reassures the readers that they still have a plan on what to do with the object.

The story shifts to the alternate dimension with a young girl standing in the path of the faceless. With a reassuring voice telling her to remain calm, she looks back at the pack before snapping back to our reality. The girl is actually FBI agent Theresa Weaver. Weaver is detained in an empty room. A masked man comes in and starts interrogating her.

What secrets are revealed during this conversation? What is “Project Jackknife”? Readers get more insight on the personal connection of the case to Agent Weaver, with information that even she doesn’t know. The final moments present more tension and uneasiness as the closing moments showcase all actions come with a grave cost.

PHANTOM ROAD #4 by Jeff Lemire, Gabriel H. Walta, Jordie Bellaire and Steve Wands

PHANTOM ROAD #4 by Jeff Lemire, Gabriel H. Walta, Jordie Bellaire and Steve Wands

BREAKDOWN: Lemire gives more balance to all the major players with the events of this issue. Dom and Birdie’s “partnership” is one that continues to be uneasy. Both have secrets in their pasts that block them from fully trusting the other. This plays well building towards one’s actions and the repercussions following it. The Agent Weaver portion of the book will be the one fans are most talking about. The interrogation levels new insight on the agent while giving the whole case a much bigger feel. Pacing worked well to give each story time to grow for a big impact before ending the issue.

Walta’s art doesn’t shy away from the fatigue wearing on both Dom and Birdie. Their expressions during their conversation paints a bigger picture of how they’re truly feeling in the moment. Agent Weaver’s portion of the book comes across blunt and to the point, much like the scene plays out. The panels demonstrate a solid back and forth with the questioning with well placed jumps to the past mixed in. There’s a gritty, dark feel throughout the pages which adds more layers to the deeper story at hand. Excellent closing panels to send readers on to the next issue.

PHANTOM ROAD #4 by Jeff Lemire, Gabriel H. Walta, Jordie Bellaire and Steve Wands

PHANTOM ROAD #4 by Jeff Lemire, Gabriel H. Walta, Jordie Bellaire and Steve Wands

FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10

The mystery grows deeper with secrets revealed and actions taken with grave consequences. Lemire, Walta and the team take readers down the supernatural road with excellent writing and art. You won’t want to miss this series at the local comic shops!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Phantom Road #4. Thanks for reading.

FENCE: REDEMPTION #1 (BOOM! STUDIOS)

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 debut issue of the next chapter stemming out from a GLAAD Media Award-nominated sports comic under the Boom! Box imprint of Boom! Studios. FENCE: REDEMPTION #1 by C.S. Pacat (Dark Rise), Johanna the Mad (Wynd), Joana LaFuente, and Jim Campbell re-introduces readers to the world of Halverton and the players involved in becoming the elite in fencing. Let’s take a closer look at see what’s unfolding here, shall we?

FENCE: REDEMPTION #1 by C.S. Pacat (Dark Rise), Johanna the Mad (Wynd), Joana LaFuente, and Jim Campbell (CREDIT: BOOM! STUDIOS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins with the fencers of Kings Row now set-up at Haverton, deep into training. Their coaches are observing and critiquing their technique. There is a noticeable difference in commitment from the team members. With the state championships looming, this is one of the last times the team can prepare for the event. The pressure is mounting and it can be seen on their faces. One player feeling this especially is Nicholas, who is determined to land a “flick’. Nicholas may not be the strongest skill-wise amongst the fencers but has arguably the biggest upside. This is a vast contraction to Seiji, who comes off unphased by what’s around him. However, others think he’s still not over a match with a rival, who is considered the best of the best. The team captain, Harvard, doesn’t seem to phased by what’s coming but the coaches are concerned with his time management.

Making matters worse, Aiden is late and doesn’t seem to be that committed to the team. This brings up more frustration which Aiden plays off, explaining how Harvard and him have known each other long enough to know what expectations should be. Once everyone arrives to the training, the coaches drop a bombshell on the group. The group from Exton is coming to observe the training. This causes a reaction out of Seiji, because he knows Jesse is coming with them and there’s a history between the both.

How will the team fare with Exton swinging thru? Can Nicholas improve in time to make an impact? How will Harvard step up to the challenge? Can Seiji confront the ghosts from his past? Readers will get some answers as there is more to this match than anyone realizes. The final page will set the pace for the rest of the series as a challenge is thrown down that will either make them into stars or break them in the process.

FENCE: REDEMPTION #1 by C.S. Pacat (Dark Rise), Johanna the Mad (Wynd), Joana LaFuente, and Jim Campbell (CREDIT: BOOM! STUDIOS)

FENCE: REDEMPTION #1 by C.S. Pacat (Dark Rise), Johanna the Mad (Wynd), Joana LaFuente, and Jim Campbell (CREDIT: BOOM! STUDIOS)

FENCE: REDEMPTION #1 by C.S. Pacat (Dark Rise), Johanna the Mad (Wynd), Joana LaFuente, and Jim Campbell (CREDIT: BOOM! STUDIOS)

BREAKDOWN: Pacat sets in motion a high-stakes challenge some team members might falter trying to hit their marks. This issue focuses heavily on Nicholas’s training as he pushes himself to become more. Readers see how he is trying to hone his skills for the bigger challenges and gives the sense that he, not Seiji, will be the one having to face off against their biggest rival at the end. The other key members of the team (Aiden, Harvard and Seiji) get time to give new readers a sense of their stories but not enough to get the full picture. The main takeaway is not everyone is ready for what’s coming. there is a distinct change when the team from Exton arrives. It closes events out with a solid ending leading into what will be the driving plot of the series.

Johanna The Mad and LaFuente bring a energetic view to the drama surrounding this tale. Nicholas’s drive is well-illustrated thru his facial expressions in this issue. Readers can easily connect with what he’s trying to accomplish and get a small payoff near the closing act. There is a great sequence where Bobby asks one of the Coaches about a technique breakdown. The art team displays this as a solid guide to readers not well-versed in the sport of fencing. The closing moments display the tension built with Seiji plus the reveal of what looks to be an underlying plot developing into next issue.

FENCE: REDEMPTION #1 by C.S. Pacat (Dark Rise), Johanna the Mad (Wynd), Joana LaFuente, and Jim Campbell (CREDIT: BOOM! STUDIOS)

FENCE: REDEMPTION #1 by C.S. Pacat (Dark Rise), Johanna the Mad (Wynd), Joana LaFuente, and Jim Campbell (CREDIT: BOOM! STUDIOS)

FENCE: REDEMPTION #1 by C.S. Pacat (Dark Rise), Johanna the Mad (Wynd), Joana LaFuente, and Jim Campbell (CREDIT: BOOM! STUDIOS)

FINAL POINT: 8 out of 10

Readers are welcomed back to the drama and emotions that can only be found with the team from King’s Row. Pacat, Johanna The Mad and company kick off this latest chapter with an enjoyable read, while firmly planting the foundation for a bigger story waiting to be fully unveiled. Check this book out on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Fence: Redemption #1. Thanks for reading.

THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1 (IMAGE COMICS)

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 title debuting from Image Comics that fans are not gonna want to miss. THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1 by Drew Craig and Jason Finestone welcomes readers to a new world with unlimited possibilities. If the last name “Craig” sounds familiar, Drew is the older brother to Wes Craig, who fans know from Kaya, Union and DEADLY CLASS. With this series, Drew is carving his own niche in the comic landscape so let’s take a closer look and see what’s happening here with the debut, shall we?

THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1 - On sale May 31st, 2023

Creative: Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Image Comics)

THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1 - On sale May 31st, 2023

Creative: Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Image Comics) - Cover 1B featured here - Wes Craig

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The saga kicks off an intimidating figure known as Draxus sitting at the helm of a spaceship. Draxus is leading a space fleet of immense size in search of the “Sharsrum” Weapon. Nothing more is known about this object’s capabilities, but looking at the size of the army trying to obtain it, the Sharsrum could be a game-changer for control of the universe.

Meanwhile on earth, a young man by the name of Grant Garrison is preparing to brave the dangers of High School. His past seems to be in question as he was found with amnesia on a highway. Principal Murray welcomes him and gives him an alibi to fit in undetected. From here, Grant is paired with Eli Sanchez. The pair makes fast friends as they head to class. In this classroom, Grant meets Jen, Eli’s step-sister. As the trio heads to lunch after class, no one is prepared for what happens next.

Grant witnesses a meteor heading right towards the school! There is no time to react. Everyone is caught in the impact!

Coming to from the crash, Jen sees Grant to find a whole new world in front of them. Everyone is gone. The only thing left is a creature in front of them looking primed to attack. As they process what is going on, an object attaches itself to Grant. The object shoots energy thru Grant, transforming him into something else. Grant mentions his mind is “Awakening”!

What has happened to Grant? Is this the key to his amnesia? What of his classmates? Readers witness first hand the birth of a hero as Grant steps up to face to creature. However, not everything is as what it seems. The mystery is just beginning but readers will want to buckle in as the story of Grant Garrison starts its’ journey.

THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1 - On sale May 31st, 2023

Creative: Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Image Comics)

THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1 - On sale May 31st, 2023

Creative: Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Image Comics)

BREAKDOWN: Craig drops an impressive debut issue pulling heavily at the influences of Jack Kirby. Grant’s mysterious background is a big part of this opening issue, but where it shines is post meteor. Once the connection is made with the “Starstorm”, Grant seems to have everything come back to him just enough to address the situation at hand. Craig still keeps some secrets kept close as the suit’s true potential hasn’t fully be unveiled. The story moves pretty swiftly leaving readers with enough to form ideas of where things are leading.

Doing double duty, Craig (w/ Finestone on the colors) dives into the classic sci-fi elements. The two-page full panel spread lets readers know how important the Starstorm is without even digging into its’ background. The reactions in high school play out as one would expect with a great panel pre-meteor impact. However, the image readers will most remember from this issue is the “Awakening” 2-page spread. Absolutely love the coloring and multiple character faces of what’s to come with Grant’s story. It is such a throwback to Kirby Sci-fi (and that is NEVER a bad thing) that it gives the following action such a vintage superhero feel. The final panel adds more questions to what is really going on but closes things out enough for readers to jump back in next issue.

THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1 - On sale May 31st, 2023

Creative: Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Image Comics)

THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1 - On sale May 31st, 2023

Creative: Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Image Comics)

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

Craig and Finestone introduce readers to a new hero with a modern throwback style all his own. Blending in classic sci-fi storytelling with excellent art, THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1 is sure to please fans looking for a new superhero universe to add to their collection. Check it out on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on THE SAVAGE STRENGTH OF STARSTORM #1. Thanks for reading.

LOCAL MAN #4 (IMAGE COMICS)

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

For this entry, we’re continuing to follow the story of JACK XAVER aka CROSSJACK and the latest escapades of a hero fallen from grace in the pages of Image Comics’ latest hit series. If anyone has ever wondered about recapturing the feel and energy from an early 90’s

Image series, this book has done it and given it a modern feel. LOCAL MAN #4 by by Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio dives further into the mystery surrounding Xaver’s return home and a mounting body count following him. Let’s take a closer look at the latest chapter, shall we?

LOCAL MAN #4 by by Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio (Image Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

JACK XAVER aka CROSSJACK’s tenure as a super hero has been put on indefinite hold after publicly being removed from the team Third-Gen. Returning home to Farmington, Wisconsin after the public disgrace, Jack tries assuming a “normal” life. However, his super hero past won’t let him go as he’s now connected to the deaths of former enemies The Hodag and Frightside. With a killer on the loose and setting Jack up for the fall, Jack breaks the rules of his Third-Gen termination & attempts to resume his heroics.

This issue picks up with Jack (and his dog) investigating a restricted water quarry where Hodag tipped off Frightside about before both were killed. He’s interrupted by Chief Bucholz who breaks the news about Frightside. Jack was last seen around both before their respective deaths. Not ready to be brought in, Jack jumps the fence and hits the water. During the swim, he finds an underground tunnel into a secret lair.

Once inside the lair, Jack begins to uncover some secrets he is not ready to deal with. He’s also paid a visit by an old teammate: Camo Crusader , who isn’t ready to forgive and forget what Jack “has done”. Readers find out more clues to why everyone hates Jack along with more clues to the bigger mystery at hand. However, nobody is ready for the later half of this issue with big surprises that change the course on everything! If readers think that’s a big deal, just wait for the final panels as there’s one last reveal to be told that gives some clarity on what to expect next.

The flashback flip-portion of this story will also give some deeper clarity on the love triangle between Crossjack/Neon/Camo Crusader that plays into present time. Expect more shocking moments with that concluding last image.

LOCAL MAN #4 by by Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio (Image Comics)

LOCAL MAN #4 by by Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio (Image Comics)

BREAKDOWN: Fleecs & Seeley start putting the puzzle pieces together behind the mystery unfolding. Seeing Jack being the only voice of reason has been a particular take that pays off each time. The meeting between him and Chief Bucholz worked to demonstrate this. Bucholz would like nothing more than to pin this on Jack due to his wife’s past with Jack. This blinds him from seeing what’s going on until he discovers evidence that backs up Jack’s actions. The moment fans will be talking about is the confrontation between Jack and Camo. The tension has been building for 4 issues now and readers get a solid payoff (even given more weight based off the flashback story). The pacing of the story keeps things moving along right to the huge reveal in the final moments. Jack’s road to redemption takes one step forward and two steps back making it compelling reading each time out.

The art reflects this heavily. Even when Jack appears to catch a break, his reactions never show too much joy. The events preceding have left him broken but he moves forward. The confrontation with Camo plays out well within the panels. The lead-in doesn’t falter when they meet. Seeing Jack outmatched and somehow maintaining made for great storytelling. Without revealing too much, the fallout of the Jack/Camo moments will be one readers will be chatting the most about. Those panels hold nothing back as the emotional build-ff comes thru with the action and resolution. The final panel leaves a few more questions to ponder.

The flip on the art style plays right into the nostalgia of those early Image comics. When readers see that, it literally is a trip back to that era and gives the current moments more weight for a bigger payoff.

LOCAL MAN #4 by by Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio (Image Comics)

LOCAL MAN #4 by by Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley, Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobrerio (Image Comics)

FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10

Being so close to solving the mystery has never felt further away. The build-up leading into the latest issue doesn’t miss Local Man #4 hits readers with long awaited moments and answers. Fleecs, Seeley and the team set up Jack Xaver with superb writing and art to challenge him with his most personal confrontation yet. Don’t miss grabbing this issue on New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Local Man #4. Thanks for reading!