INVINCIBLE SEASON 2 - Part 1 (AMAZON STUDIOS)

Welcome to a special edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast.

For this entry, we are checking out the long awaited return of a beloved animated series based off a legendary comic series from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment.

Since debuting in comic book from back in 2003, Invincible by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley made a huge impression with comic readers. The story of Mark Grayson’s coming of age journey into the world of superheroes was an instant smash. Running from 2003 to 2018, the series has left a lasting impression on how modern superhero comics are told.

In March of 2021, the comic transitioned into an animated show on Prime Video. Capturing the essence of the comic with a stellar voice cast led by Steven Yeun in the role of Mark Grayson, the eight episode season has been a huge success with fans, new and old alike.

Season 2 is set to finally premiere on November 3rd on Prime Video. The ODPHpod was granted early screening privileges to Invincible SEASON TWO - PART ONE so here is our SPOILER FREE review!

INVINCIBLE SEASON 2 promo art - season begins Nov. 3rd, 2023 - Credit: Amazon Studios

Season One focused on 18 year old Mark Grayson (Voiced by Steven Yeun) dealing with his developing super powers. Having his father Nolan aka Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons) guide him on his superhero path should have been a easy road to becoming a hero, right? That is until Omni-Man’s true intentions start coming into to light. With how season one ends, there is much still out of sync heading into the new season.

Keeping things SPOILER-FREE, part 1 delves into the growth of Mark and the supporting cast around him. The feeling of transition plays heavy through the episodes. Mark is heavily impacted by the near death experience at the hands of his dad in season one. His behavior harkens back to the classic comic trope: “With Great Power comes Great responsibility”. Seeing how power corrupted him (in his opinion), Mark is left with finding his own path to walk and is it the right path in the end?

Even with his strong moments, the true breakout character of these four episodes is Debbie Grayson (voiced by Sandra Oh). The estranged wife of Nolan is dealt picking up the pieces of her life while dealing with a son transitioning into adulthood. Without question, Debbie’s story steals the spotlight away from the super heroics every time she is on screen. Oh captures the pain and disbelief in her character’s voice flawlessly. It is fantastic acting that deserves a great deal of praise when the episodes hit.

Other familiar faces will have noteworthy moments in this initial start. Atom Eve (voiced by Gillian Jacobs) and Robot (Zachary Quinto) both have developing tales that will grab viewer’s attention. This provides a solid balance to the superhero action and bloody fighting which is a trademark for the comic. Trust me, there are plenty of those moments mixed in. Pacing helps to get the story moving in that direction with a superb parting conclusion. Get ready for a fun ride leading Mark and company into new territory.

FINAL POINT: 9.5 OUT OF 10

The return of Mark Grayson doesn’t miss a beat returning to Prime Video with an excellent start to Season Two. Strong writing mixed with phenomenal voice acting from Yeun, Oh and Jacobs leading an all-star cast makes this season a thrill-ride of emotions that’s just getting started!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts after you catch the return of Invincible Season Two Part One on November 3rd.

Thank you again to Amazon Studios and Prime Video for early screener access and thank you for reading!

EDGEWORLD #7 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

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

For this entry, we’re checking out the latest installment of a sci-fi western series which just returned to Comixology Originals for its’ second arc. Vol. 1 is currently out in print form via Dark Horse Comics with an animated series currently in development from Amazon Studios, so the expectations of EDGEWORLD’s second arc have been extremely high. Edgeworld #7 by Chuck Austen, Patrick Olliffe, Lee Loughridge, and Jodi Wynne picks up where the dysfunctional relationship between two characters explodes to a dire situation. Let’s not waste another second and jump right into this chapter, shall we?

Edgeworld #7 - On Sale February 14th, 2023

Creative: Chuck Austen, Patrick Olliffe, Lee Loughridge, and Jodi Wynne

Credit: Comixology Originals

Edgeworld #7 - On Sale February 14th, 2023

Creative: Chuck Austen, Patrick Olliffe, Lee Loughridge, and Jodi Wynne

Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Edgeworld centers around Killian Jess, a magistrate on the planet Pala. Jess is also a former solider for the United Authority and is now the “guardian/parent” of Cheela. Their relationship is the definition of “complicated” as to how Cheela became under the supervision of Jess. Last issue saw the pair in a tight situation on a stage coach which spilled over to the Moonlight, an establishment ran by an ally: Shay. The person responsible was a slaver who was trying to move some aliens against their will. The resolution was Shay shooting the trader’s face off. The moment was photographed and became part of a bigger mystery yet to be solved in the future.

However for this issue, it starts off with a literal BANG! Jess has been shot in the right arm. The shooter is….CHEELA?! From here, readers witness Jess fading in and out of consciousness. Flasback sequences of happier times are displayed as Jess is reliving a moment with Mia Sashessa presenting her (and her daughter Callista) with necklaces followed by a marriage proposal. It’s counter balanced with a moment from his time in the United Authority. All the while, Shay, Doc and Jasper are doing what they can to keep Jess alive. When Doc starts asking Cheela what happened, the conversation shifts back to present day and how Jess was mentioning how sentimental those necklaces were and why they weren’t buried with Sashessa and Callista.

At this stage, readers witness Jess walking away from Cheela after a fight about the necklaces. With anger flowing through her, Cheela vents how mad she was at Jess’s actions. Doc gives some clarity to who Jess acted in such a manner and how it might not have had anything to do with her, but with his past. What secrets are unveiled about Jess and his time in service? How does this play out to the situation now? Readers will get some answers to these questions with more raised as a new threat arrives which makes an immediate impact on the final page! In a short amount of time, Jess and company look to be facing a challenge none of which are ready for.

Edgeworld #7 - On Sale February 14th, 2023

Creative: Chuck Austen, Patrick Olliffe, Lee Loughridge, and Jodi Wynne

Credit: Comixology Originals

Edgeworld #7 - On Sale February 14th, 2023

Creative: Chuck Austen, Patrick Olliffe, Lee Loughridge, and Jodi Wynne

Credit: Comixology Originals

Edgeworld #7 - On Sale February 14th, 2023

Creative: Chuck Austen, Patrick Olliffe, Lee Loughridge, and Jodi Wynne

Credit: Comixology Originals

Austen hits the ground running with the tension this issue. From the opening event, the mystery behind it was a great journey to ride shotgun with (and it’s not as one and done as some might think). Seeing Cheela recant the events leading to the shooting was telling as it showed how unbalanced her relationship is to Jess. Granted, as I feel we will see next issue, her anger might not have been enough to cause the attack. As for the victim here, Jess’s story was fleshed out with great insight to his time with the United Authority. Seeing what he has gone through with them played a big factor into what lead him into the events following. Austen paints an interesting thought onto Jess’s character that readers can make a connection with. The final moments of the book are structured well to give the latest threat a big impression without full disclosure of what’s the endgame.

Olliffe presents some fantastic images to see the story unfolding within these pages. The facial expressions of both Jess and Cheela with the opening event were telling of how intense the action was. Cheela’s reaction to the shooting was telling as it felt as she even didn’t believe she was behind the shooting. With her reaction of shock, it alludes to more going on here than readers see right now. The flashback sequences of Jess fading in and out of life helped present the layers of his character. The portion involving the United Authority will be the moment that hits readers the strongest. the new threat is amde known through very simple panels that pack a huge punch. The final moments of the book capped off a great read, building towards what happens next.

Edgeworld #7 - On Sale February 14th, 2023

Creative: Chuck Austen, Patrick Olliffe, Lee Loughridge, and Jodi Wynne

Credit: Comixology Originals

Edgeworld #7 - On Sale February 14th, 2023

Creative: Chuck Austen, Patrick Olliffe, Lee Loughridge, and Jodi Wynne

Credit: Comixology Originals

FINAL POINT: Edgeworld #7 continues to ramp up the drama with the most unlikely father-daughter duo in comics. Austen, Olliffe and the team take readers on a ride with solid writing and art to set the tone for a dynamic tale. Make sure you check this out on NCBD for Comixology.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Edgeworld #7. Thanks for reading.

THE PERIPHERAL - "PILOT" (AMAZON STUDIOS/PRIME VIDEO)

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this entry We’re talking about a brand new series from Amazon Studios and Prime Video that has been generating a great deal of hype recently following a panel at this year’s New York Comic Con (NYCC). The Peripheral stars Chloe Grace Moretz, Jack Reynor, Gary Carr, Louis Herthum, along with a strong ensemble cast. The show is based off the novel by William Gibson & is set to debut the first episode on October 21st via Prime Video. The ODPHpod was granted early screening privileges to the series premiere so here is our SPOILER FREE review!

The Peripheral debuts October 21st

Credit: Amazon Studios/Prime Video

The story told here centers around Flynne Fisher (Chloe Grace Moretz), a young woman who lives in a small town in the year 2032. Fisher is taking care of her sick mother (Melinda Page Hamilton) with help from her brother Burton (Jack Reynor), a Marine veteran. As a way of making more money to help their ailing mother, Flynne and Burton have turned to playing VR Simulations or “Sims” with high-rolling clientele. Since they share the same game avatar, both are very skilled players. However, when a new test headset is sent to her brother to try out the Beta program, Flynne becomes the one to try it out. With that choice, her world as she knows it changes forever.

Once the headgear is activated, Flynne is transported to London (70 years in the future per the trailer), where this “Sim” is based. As the more time she spends in this world, Flynne realizes that this is no ordinary game. When a “routine” mission involves high-stakes action, the excitement and success lights a fire underneath Flynne to return to the game sooner that later. The following trip is not what she expected. The stakes have become higher. Who is the mysterious figure guiding Flynne in the sim? What has this game become? How does this all tie in with a man named Wilf (Gary Carr)? There are many questions surrounding this show but viewers will be locked in to see how Flynne and her family deal with the ramifications of saying “Game On.”

The Peripheral - Chloe Grace Moretz

Credit: Sophie Mutevelian/Prime Video

Copyright: Amazon Studios

Being a SPOILER-FREE review, there is much for viewers to enjoy about this episode. Chloe Grace Moretz wins fans over with a captivating performance that is just getting started. Moretz walks the line of a small-town grounded nobody and virtual optimistic somebody with great emotional balance. When given the chance to break out from the mundane settings she is in, Flynne celebrates with the idea & opportunity to be something better. When the dream turns into a nightmare, Flynne is torn on what to do next and if she even has a choice. Moretz locks viewers in with her journey and doesn’t let go until the credits hit.

The dynamic between Moretz and Jack Reynor works extremely well here. Reynor’s acceptance of seeing his sister surpass him in their side-hustle is another note-worthy factor in this opening pilot. From setting Flynne up to be the tester for the beta sim to how he handles a situation brought up by Flynne to close out the episode, Reynor plays his role in this setting well. His more memorable scenes in this episode are when he is Flynne’s avatar in the time in London. Acting how Flynne is feeling going thru a new persona was presented exceptionally to the viewers. The rest of the cast had building moments with the sotry behind Wilf (Gary Carr) being one to watch for as this series progresses.

Overall, The Peripheral starts off on the right course as a show to watch for. Sci-fi storytelling mixed with action and excellent acting makes this a show you won’t want to take your eyes off of. Don’t miss it when episodes roll out starting October 21st on Prime Video.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of The Peripheral “Pilot”. Thanks for reading.

PAPER GIRLS (PRIME VIDEO - AMAZON STUDIOS)

Welcome to a special edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog section of the ODPH podcast. For this edition, we’re checking out a brand new comic series heading to the small screen on July 29th. Paper Girls is the latest addition to what is slowly becoming the go-to landing spot for independent comics on TV/streaming via Prime Video. The 2015 Image Comic, created by Brian K. Vaughan (known for Saga, Runaways and Y: the Last Man to name a few) & Cliff Chiang , is a former Eisner winner and now joins the ranks of The Boys and Invincible as the latest independent comics to cross over to Amazon Studios along with Legendary Television, in connection with Plan B.

“Paper Girls” ran until July 2019. Shortly there after, a TV production deal was announced. The show was met with a very positive 2022 San Diego Comic Con panel and is set to premiere (all 8 episodes) with a ton of hype behind it. The ODPHpod was granted early screening privileges to the series so here is out SPOILER FREE review!

Paper Girls - Prime Video starting July 29th

Credit: Amazon Studios and Legendary Television, in association with Plan B

Copyright: Amazon Studios

The plot synopsis (quote courtesy of Amazon studios) reads as follows: “In the early morning hours after Halloween 1988, four paper girls—Erin, Mac, Tiffany, and KJ—are out on their delivery route when they become caught in the crossfire between warring time-travelers, changing the course of their lives forever. Transported into the future, these girls must figure out a way to get back home to the past, a journey that will bring them face-to-face with the grown-up versions of themselves. While reconciling that their futures are far different than their 12-year-old selves imagined, they are being hunted by a militant faction of time-travelers known as the Old Watch, who have outlawed time travel so that they can stay in power. In order to survive, the girls will need to overcome their differences and learn to trust each other, and themselves.”

The show stars Camryn Jones (playing Tiffany Quilkin), Sofia Rosinsky (Mac Coyle), Riley Lai Nelet (Erin Tieng) and Fina Strazza (KJ Brandman) as the four paper girls in the center of this story. The rest of the cast is filled out by Nate Corddry, Ali Wong and Adina Porter.

Paper Girls - Prime Video July 29th

Riley Lai Nelet (Erin), Camryn Jones (Tiffany), Fina Strazza (KJ), Sofia Rosinsky (Mac)

Credit: Anjali Pinto/Prime Video Copywright: Amazon Studios

Being that this a SPOILER-FREE review, trust me when I say: The show lives up to the early buzz behind it. Whenever time travel is used as a major plot point in a series, it can always be tricky to pull off. Where “Paper Girls” does things right with the series is that it doesn’t focus viewers on the issue at hand. Where this show finds its strength is in the four young actresses who make the show about their journeys finding themselves more than the travel in time. The show allows all four to have their own individual moments without feeling like one overshadows the other.

However, the two actresses that will make strong cases for breakout stars from this season will be Fina Strazza (KJ) and Sofia Rosinsky (Mac). Due to the nature of each of their character’s journeys, both have very impactful performances once the show starts heading into the middle act. This especially holds true for Rosinsky as she shows many different sides to her character. For being only 16 years old, this was a very noteworthy performance from first episode to last. In comparison, Nelet (Erin) and Jones (Tiffany)’s respective arcs tie more into the overall story.

The rest of the cast does a great job bringing the sci-fi aspect to life in this series. There are excellent performances from Porter, Corddry, and Wong who bring the uniqueness of a time traveled world to the viewers. The overall story is one that will have non-readers of the comics engaged but (imo) never feeling lost in where the show is moving. The handling of time travel moments never feels too much and are spaced out well to showcase the leads.

Paper Girls - Prime Video July 29th

Riley Lai Nelet (Erin), Ali Wong (adult Erin)

Credit: Courtesy of Prime Video Copyright: Amazon Studios

The show does an excellent job with capturing the time periods that they are in as well. For being in 1988 to start, everything from the images surrounding to the music gives the story solid footing. The only “drawback” that might be wrongly mentioned is viewer’s claims that this is too much like Netflix’s “Stranger Things”. In a time period where most of pop culture had its attention drawn into, everything remotely close is being compared to the smash streaming hit. While I can see the comparisons’ idea: (4 young kids fighting something in the 1980’s, weird colorful imagery in the skies), that’s where the arguments end.

“Paper Girls” stands more on the strengths of the leads finding themselves more than fighting monsters in the Upside Down. Once the story gets moving, the direction the story heads is one that is more character driven than most viewers might realize. Sure, there are very noticeable sci-fi elements throughout the show. Do they take anything away form the show. Absolutely not. If anything, they serve as a break from the internal discovery of the leads. At some points, it may not seem to mesh as well, but once you near the conclusion of this run, it pays off. There are a few moments that viewers will be very amped to talk about in that aspect.

Paper Girls - July 29th Prime Video

Camryn Jones (Tiffany)

Credit: Anjali Pinto/Prime Video Copyright: Amazon Studios

Overall, “Paper Girls” presents a strong character driven view into an ever changing landscape of time travel. Viewers will be immersed with the character portrayals of such a young cast. Each display their stories with many moving parts. It’s equally balanced out by a supporting cast that makes the fiction element feel somewhat normal without making the viewers disenfranchised to the overall theme.

As David Bowie once said: “Time may change me … But I can't trace time”

Don’t miss “Paper Girls” debuting all 8 episodes on Prime Video on July 29th

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of the series. Thanks for reading!

THE BOYS (SEASON 3 - AMAZON STUDIOS/PRIME VIDEO)

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast. However for this edition, we’re reviewing a TV series based off an incredible comic series from Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. The Boys from Amazon Studios returns to Prime Video with the first 3 episode debuting on June 3rd. I was fortunate to be allowed an early screening of the new season so here are my SPOILER FREE takes from the Boys season 3

The Boys Season 3 (debuting June 3rd)

Photo Courtesy of Prime Video ( Amazon Studios )

In case you’re new to this franchise, “The Boys” takes a different look at superheroes than you normally see. “The Seven” are the world’s greatest heroes sponsored by Vought, a corporation that isn’t anything that it seems. Think “Justice League” meets “Youngblood” from Rob Liefeld’s debut book for Image Comics in the 90’s. These “heroes” live and die by public image and popularity ratings. Vought goes to immense measures to cover up their power abuses and trust me, over 2 seasons, there has been plenty.

The Seven started the series with a lineup comprised of Homelander (played by Antony Starr), Starlight (Erin Moriarty), Queen Maeve (Dominique McElligott ), Black Noir (Nathan Mitchell), A-Train (Jessie T. Usher), The Deep (Chace Crawford) & Translucent.

Almost a mirror image of the DC Comics’ iconic Justice League Original 7 Lineup:

Homelander = Superman

Black Noir = Batman

Queen Maeve = Wonder Woman

A-Train = The Flash

The Deep = Aquaman

Translucent = Martian Manhunter

Starlight = Green Lantern

but these individuals are VASTLY different than the DC counterparts.

Opposing all that they are is “The Boys”, led by Karl Urban - Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), Hughie Campbell (Jack Quaid), Mother's Milk (Laz Alonso), Frenchie (Tomer Capone) & Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara). This group has one simple mission: take down the Seven and Vought at any costs.

Homelander (Antony Starr)

The Boys Season 3 (debuting June 3rd)

Photo Courtesy of Prime Video ( Amazon Studios )

During this ongoing struggle, viewers have seen members of the Seven killed, disgraced and replaced after being ousted. Some were more morally challenged (Looking at you Stormfront ) and ultimately defeated! Viewers have also seen Butcher and Hughie pushed and forced to grow together whether they were ready or not. Factor in the Romeo & Juliet style romance between Starlight and Hughie and this show has won fans over with its’ over the top moments balanced out with brilliant character building that challenge what we know of “super heroes”.

Season 3 picks up a year later from the events of Season 2. The Boys have now gone legit as they now work for a government agency. Instead of Butcher calling the shots, they now have to answer to Hughie who oversees the group for the agency. On the other side of the fight, Homelander is dealing with his public embarrassment being connected to the defeated Stormfront and what she truly was. With public opinion weighing so much, the cracks of Homelander’s psyche appear to show through more and more. The ceasefire that has been establish since the fallout of season 2 slowly starts to fade away as old habits die hard between the hated enemies.

Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles)

The Boys Season 3 (debuting June 3rd)

Photo Courtesy of Prime Video ( Amazon Studios )

The big X-Factor in their latest conflict is Butcher has now acquired something that grants powers for 24hrs. Where the group’s whole identity has been based around taking the Supes down since power in the wrong hands is dangerous has now been thrown right back in their faces. What is Butcher going to do with “an even playing field” as he said for the first time during this ordeal. However, that’s not the only new element thrown into this highly combustible mix.

Season 3 also leads to an addition to this world of heroes: Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles). Soldier Boy was the first superhero whose legacy is legendary. The easiest comparison is Marvel Comics’ Captain America, but this isn’t your normal leader of the Avengers. When one of history’s most legendary “good guys” returns to the world, how will he fare in this battle? The stakes have never been as high as they are this season. Can Butcher finally defeat Homelander or will the flagship member of the Seven continue to be the thorn in the sides of both the Seven and The Boys?

Starlight (Erin Moriarty)

The Boys Season 3 (debuting June 3rd)

Photo Courtesy of Prime Video ( Amazon Studios )

Being a Spoiler free review, trust me when I say that this season lives up to the standards set forth by the previous seasons. The moral questions of Super Heroes doesn’t stray but evolves within these eight episodes. For being a short season in comparison to other shows, “The Boys” waste no time getting into a rhythm with very little cases of “filler” scenes. This is largely due to the fantastic acting on the show.

Antony Starr deserves to be in all award contention for his portrayal this season. Starr brought out the truly broken character of Homelander. While last season focused more on him trying to balance connecting to his son and being manipulated by Stormfront, Starr really sinks his teeth into showcasing the fall from grace from America’s “favorite” superhero after being publicly disgraced. How does someone, let alone one with his powers, come back to win a public over that has clearly left him broken? Viewers will be locked into each episode to witness how this all unfolds.

Not to be outdone, Moriarty steals scenes battling Homelander’s antagonizing of her character. There’s also some great moments with Jack Quaid showing the struggle of trying to have a relationship with someone NOT a Supe and how that affects their lives. Moriarty & Quaid have fantastic chemistry on screen and gives a small sense of realism to this wild world they live in. Extravagant might be the perfect word to describe this world because there are moments that will leave viewers speechless and one episode in particular which pays homage to one of the most notorious stories in the Boys comics.

Ackles also shines thru this season as the hero the world “thinks” they know. His mannerisms match what you would expect from someone of Soldier Boy’s background in this story. His portrayal felt fresh and will standout on its own. There are differences between Solider Boy & Captain America and that’s not a bad thing. Viewers will definitely know the difference between the two as the season goes on. Ackles was a superb addition to an already stacked cast of talented actors.

The writing is as sharp and poignant as ever. Showrunner Eric Kripke and the rest of the executive producers (Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, along with comic creators Garth Ennis & Darick Robertson to name a few) make this show still engaging within a pop culture audience that gets over-exposed to the superhero world quite often. Everything about this show hits all the checkmarks for what you want to stand out with a story like this. It’s not for everyone but then again, the world of superheroes isn’t always good vs. evil all the time either.

Overall, The Boys delivers another incredible season. The outstanding performances from Antony Starr and Moriarty will get rightful praise but the rest of the cast stepped up to match them throughout this run. There is much to enjoy in this world of supes vs. everyone. Don’t miss it when it debuts on Prime Video on June 3rd with the first 3 episodes, then weekly after that.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you think of The Boys season 3. Special thanks to Amazon Studio and Prime Video for allowing the ODPH early screener access. Thanks for reading.