December 20, 2022

Ken M

Comixology Originals, Dark Horse Comics, Horror, Magic, New Wave Comics

BLOOD OATH #5 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

December 20, 2022

Ken M

Comixology Originals, Dark Horse Comics, Horror, Magic, New Wave Comics

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

For this entry, the combustible elements involved with a wildly imaginative story on Comixology Originals are about to explode! BLOOD OATH #5 by Rob Hart, Alex Segura, Joe Eisma, Hilary Jenkins, Jim Campbell, and Heather Antos brings an end to the initial first arc of this supernatural tale of criminal activity in the time of prohibition. The series has been a very fun read thus fan and all bets are off on what to expect for the finale. Let’s not waste another moment and jump into this issue, shall we?

Blood Oath #5 - On Sale December 20th

Creative: Rob Hart, Alex Segura, Joe Eisma, Hilary Jenkins, Jim Campbell, and Heather Antos

Credit: Comixology Originals via New Wave Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

In case you’re just joining, in 1922, Hazel Crenshaw runs her family farm in New York with her sister Geraldine. Hazel is also dabbling in the alcohol business which is illegal at this time. Her business partner Frankie is helping her pay the bills but their work draws some unwanted attention. That comes from Jotham, a mobster that is more than just a man. Jotham is a vampire. He leads his gang to Hazel’s farm and kidnaps her sister in the melee. From here, Hazel is out for revenge and isn’t alone in her anger towards Jotham. A “Blood Oath” between Vampires and the organized crime families was broken by Jotham’s power play. Hazel, Walt (Geraldine’s boyfriend) and Sister Theresa, a “vampire hunter” who’s been training for this day, are en routre to Jotham’s warehouse. The crime families are on the way. The Vampire Council is heading there as well. Now, there is hell to pay and everyone is in the crossfire.

This issue opens up with a flashback to Hazel and Geraldine fending off a threat to the farm, From here, the pace speeds up to the warehouse and Geraldine lighting the match to start the fireworks. Hazel and her team make their way into the fray between the mob and Jotham’s army. The vampire council finds Jotham who unleashes his forces on them in a power play move. Readers had better buckle up as the action is fast and not stopping for anything. Who makes it out alive from the battles? Can there be business as usual after all Jotham did to damage relationships? Readers will have those answers plus a final image after the smoke clears that leads no doubt this tale is far from over.

Blood Oath #4 - On Sale December 20th

Creative: Rob Hart, Alex Segura, Joe Eisma, Hilary Jenkins, Jim Campbell, and Heather Antos

Credit: Comixology Originals via New Wave Comics

Hart and Segura do not leave anything on the table with this finale issue. There is many moving pieces to keep track of. It never felt like anyone didn’t get enough page time to finish their story out. Geraldine’s story set the stage early for where the book was heading here. The issue had a “big fight feel” to it as every page seemed to build up the intensity more and more. The eventual Jotham/Sister Theresa run-in did not disappoint as well as Hazel navigating thru the melee to find her sister. The resolution won’t disappoint as the major players seem poised for further adventures. There weren’t too many lingering threads in the aftermath. The final parting image should have readers guessing at to what’s next for Hazel and company.

Eisma goes full throttle on this issue’s big moments. The fights pop off the page and bring an intensity to what’s about to unfold. The showdown readers have been waiting for didn’t falter. Seeing Geraldine navigate thru the inferno she created provided a break from all the furious action. The fallout images set the tone for what an event the melee was. The final moments of the book close out this chapter with a parting shot on where the characters are heading that fans can’t help but be excited about.

FINAL POINT: Big fights, bigger impacts. The first chapter of Hazel Crenshaw closes with an all out frenzy that doesn’t miss the mark. Hart, Segura, Eisma and the creative team keep readers on edge with a fast -paced conclusion filled with excellent moments that will carry thru till the next time we stop by 1922 New York. Don’t miss this issue (and series) on Comixology this week!

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

December 20, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Comixology Originals, Mystery, New Wave Comics

THE BLACK GHOST: SEASON 2 #5 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS/NEW WAVE COMICS)

December 20, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Comixology Originals, Mystery, New Wave Comics

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

For this entry, we have arrived at the final issue for the return of a fan-favorite character on Comixology Originals. In case you’re not too familiar, The Black Ghost is the story of reporter Lara Dominguez, whos’ taken on the mantle of the vigilante while battling her own personal demons (First season Print version available via Dark Horse Comics). Season 2 hasn’t missed a beat with the new story “Shame The Devil” and new challenges to face head on. With how intense this tale became, THE BLACK GHOST: SEASON 2 #5 by Alex Segura, Monica Gallagher, George Kambadais, Ellie Wright, and Taylor Esposito has a lot of fans waiting impatiently to see its’ conclusion.

Let’s not delay any longer and see how The Black Ghost’s latest adventure wraps up, shall we?

THE BLACK GHOST: SEASON 2 #5 - On Sale December 20th

Creative: Alex Segura, Monica Gallagher, George Kambadais, Ellie Wright, and Taylor Esposito

Credit" Comixology Originals via New Wave Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

This season has shown Lara’s difficulties of balancing her super-hero vs normal everyday life. Lara’s personal life has taken some hits as she delves into the mystery surrounding a new threat in town by the name of Harrow and the corruption and body count that is pilling up in her wake. The first encounter didn’t fare in Lara’s favor and only by Harrow’s decision assuming Lara wasn’t a threat did our hero survive. Now, with last issue’s revelation of Harrow’s true identity and a new danger making their presence known, The Black Ghost sets forth for the final showdown.

This issue opens up with Lara digging into more of the background of Deborah Alverne aka Harrow. Alverne is the widow of a former Creighton mayor who blames the Police Department. With her anger, she has assumed the identity of Harrow and is enacting her revenge. Lara gets some unlikely help from Boyle, a fellow reporter at the paper. With some research of old files, Lara makes the connection needed to bring down Harrow. While this is unfolding, Lara’s girlfriend, Molly, cals with good intentions but the talk goes south fairly quickly which eludes to the end of the relationship. While balancing out all this extra events, Lara sets forth to confront Harrow at an old church.

When she arrives, Lara sees her tech sidekick Ernesto, who was presumed missing or worse last issue, has found his way to Harrow himself. The pair starts making a picture of events and recognize that LONE has returned. Lone played a big role in season one and his return means the stakes have become even higher. Without a moment to spare, Harrow makes a grand entrance into the story and readers won’t be ready for what they see! Sporting a unique new look, Harrow has police commissioner Paul leGrande captured. It’s time for The Black Ghost to act, but can see pull this off?

Readers will sit ringside for this rematch as they get some lingering questions answered that will build up this confrontation even more. There are surprises galore going into the final act that won’t disappoint anyone. They’re well timed and take nothing away from the build-up readers have been waiting to see pay off. The conclusion delivers on closure for some stories while the final image will have readers guessing when, not if, will we see Crieghton’s defender sooner than later.

Fantastic conclusion by Segura and Gallagher tying up loose ends. This latest tale showcased Lara trying to stabilize her dual identities with varying success. Her personal life as a reporter and partner was pushed by her drive to bring down Harrow. Lara doesn’t do everything perfect and readers can’t help but to get behind her on facing these issues head on. This issue proved without question that Lara is a hero and has earned the mantle of the Black Ghost. How she handles herself against the final challenges is proof of that. Pacing was perfect for hitting all the big moments. There are great surprises mixed in the drama. Harrow and one other character have can’t-miss panels. Readers will have much to enjoy with this story and speculation of the final page’s parting image.

Kambadais sends readers home very pleased with the artwork this closing chapter. No one will be ready for what Harrow does with her look. It’s a great twist that plays well with the writing. The action scenes cap off some big story points. Great full page image to conclude the biggest fight of the issue. The character moments between Lara and Molly are ones that illustrate how much Lara is trying to maintain the balance and what the cost is for being the hero Creighton needs.

FINAL POINT: Season 2 of The Black Ghost ends on a very satisfying note. The latest saga of Lara Dominguez doesn’t hold back on the drama and surprises before setting the stage for her next phase as Creighton’s defender. Segura, Gallagher, Kambadias and the creative team pull out all the stops to give readers something to talk about after the last page. Make sure to get this series on Comixology this week!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of The Black Ghost: Season 2.

Thanks for reading!

November 29, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Comixology Originals, Dark Horse Comics, Entertainment, New Wave Comics, Mystery, Pop Culture

THE BLACK GHOST: SEASON 2 #4 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS/NEW WAVE COMICS)

November 29, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Comixology Originals, Dark Horse Comics, Entertainment, New Wave Comics, Mystery, Pop Culture

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast. For this entry, we’re checking out a fantastic series on the Comixology Originals line via New Wave Comics. With a spectacular first season in the books (and in print via Dark Horse Comics) Comic fans are in the midst of a strong return for Lara Dominguez and her champion ways with season number two. THE BLACK GHOST: SEASON 2 #4 by Alex Segura, Monica Gallagher, George Kambadais, Ellie Wright, and Taylor Esposito picks up with a new player making waves in Creighton while Lara is trying to fend off her past from defeating her future. Let’s take a deeper dive into what’s happening her, shall we?

THE BLACK GHOST: SEASON 2 #4 Creative: Alex Segura, Monica Gallagher, George Kambadais, Ellie Wright, and Taylor Esposito Credit" Comixology Originals via New Wave Comics — THE BLACK GHOST: SEASON 2 #4
Creative: Alex Segura, Monica Gallagher, George Kambadais, Ellie Wright, and Taylor Esposito
Credit" Comixology Originals via New Wave Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

In case anyone is new to the story of the Black Ghost, the story centers around Lara Dominguez, a Creighton police reporter formerly from Miami. Dominguez becomes entranced with the adventures of The Black Ghost. As the story progresses in season one, Lara faces her own personal issues all the while, readers have front row seats to see Lara emerging as a hero that her city needs. It’s a great read that you should definitely check out and as previously stated, it’s out on print via Dark Horse Comics for those looking for a physical copy. That being said, Season 2 hasn’t shown any signs of a sophomore slump.

Season 2 starts out with Lara trying to find a balance out with her personal and heroic identities. Readers see Lara trying to deal with her issues head on by attending AA meetings. The struggle of balancing hero vs human life takes many forms as her reporter instincts draw her into investigating Creighton’s shady police commissioner Paul leGrande while the hero side of things takes a shot as a mysterious letter emerges that shakes Lara to her core. Factor in a new player in town with a deadly agenda and Lara’s life has never been tested like this. That player is names Harrow. Making an impact right out the gate, Harrow’s actions have now set Creighton on the edge of a massive crime war that Lara might not be able to stop. With a growing body count, Lara and Harrow met last issue with Lara being left for dead, only surviving because Harrow didn’t see her as any threat to her. This left Lara in a very bad state testing her will with everything she’s been working to improve.

This issue opens up with a sequence to where Lara meeting Rebekah, a Creighton Homicide office whom Lara has some history with. Once back to present time, Lara is confronted by Rebekah and Molly, her current love. They try to reason with Lara but Lara claims she isn’t drinking and is ok from the encounter with Harrow. So much so that Lara is continuing to infiltrate the club where she thinks holds the key to stopping the war once and for all. Once diving head first back into her mission and dodging the intervention, Lara finds herself undercover at an establishment names Stallions. Once sneaking into an office, Lara discovers a board with the city’s major players on it. Digging into the pictures, Lara starts to uncover the secret of Harrow and how she’s involved with this whole puzzle. This leads Lara into a path for more information but at what cost.

Readers won’t be ready for what unfolds next. Even after Lara starts seeing the pieces fit, does she even see the picture? With all of her investigation skills, is Lara ready for what lies ahead. The final moments of this book will answer that and leave some jaws dropped to what is set to happen next. The tension and stakes have never felt heavier on our hero.

Segura and Gallagher really amps up the drama within these pages. Lara's struggles with balancing both lives drives this story into some interesting directions. Seeing how she deals with the intervention by Rebekah and Molly was a very strong moment. The writing team present Lara as an imperfect person who continuously is trying to improve herself. Yet, with all her falls, she still gets back up trying to do the right thing. The slow burn approach to Harrow’s reveal was a great twist as well. Seeing Lara’s investigative skills come into play made for very noteworthy moments, none bigger than the conversation she has right after getting the lead on Harrow. Pacing gave these type of moments time to grow and connect with readers. The build to the last act was exceptional. It all lead to a great conclusion for this issue, with a great cliffhanger to build off of heading to the final issue of the season.

Not to be outdone, Kambadais hits on all the key story elements . Seeing first hand how Lara bounces back from the initial encounter with Harrow added a small piece of anticipation of where the story was heading. the big reveal also put into perspective Lara’s reaction to the reveal. At first glance, she is celebrating but once readers dig deeper into her reactions, Kambadais’s art sells the moments surprise element incredibly. Another noteworthy moment was the initial timepiece of when Lara meets Rebekah at the bar. With the additon of Ellie Wright’s coloring, it came across as a more detailed moment than one that misses the mark. Fortunately, readers don’t have that problem with this issue. Each fragment of the story escalates an intense visual feel to connect with the words being stated in those areas of the book.

Final point: the latest chapter of Lara Dominguez takes readers on a steady building powder keg of emotional moments. Segura, Gallagher, Kambadais and the rest of the creative team keep applying the pressure to Creighton’s defender and never lets up on seeing if she can remain strong enough to handle the challenge ahead. Season two of the Black Ghost rolls on into a must-witness finale. It’s excellent work that shouldn’t be missed at the Comixology store this week.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of The Black Ghost: season 2 #4.

Thanks for reading.

November 29, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Comixology Originals, Dark Horse Comics, Horror, New Wave Comics, Pop Culture

BLOOD OATH #4 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS/NEW WAVE COMICS)

November 29, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Comixology Originals, Dark Horse Comics, Horror, New Wave Comics, Pop Culture

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast. For this entry, we’re checking out the pen-ultimate issue of a series making some waves on the Comixology Originals line. Blood Oath #4 by Rob Hart, Alex Segura, Joe Eisma, Hilary Jenkins, Jim Campbell, and Heather Antos brings the supernatural adventure of Hazel Crenshaw and her family during prohibition times to a fever pitch. The series has been a great read thus far with many imaginative takes. Let’s take a deeper look into what’s happening here leading into the finale, shall we?

Blood Oath #4 - On Sale November 29th
Creative: Rob Hart, Alex Segura, Joe Eisma, Hilary Jenkins, Jim Campbell, and Heather Antos
Credit: Comixology Originals via New Wave Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

In case you’re just hearing about this series, Hazel Crenshaw is running the family farm in 1922 New York. During this period, it is the era of prohibition when selling alcohol was illegal. However, Hazel dabbles into the outlawed profession as a way to make end’s meat. Being in this line of work draws some much unwanted attention and uneasy alliances. Being in business with organized crime isn’t something that goes easy for Hazel. As she navigates thru this world, her business partner Frankie mentions more danger is coming. This danger turns out to be a Vampire gang led by Jotham, who attack the farm for the alcohol and kidnap Hazel’s sister Geraldine.

From here, readers have been taken on a trip of Hazel trying to get her sister back. They also seen Jotham go into business for himself after a “blood Oath” was made between the vampires and crime families to preserve the alcohol business. Jotham thinks the deal isn’t very beneficial. This doesn’t sit well with the Vampire Council, who Uzziah is representing when he is brought to Jotham by Carlo, one of the mobsters for a meeting. When the meeting goes south, Carlo is detained and Uzziah is killed.The odds are stacking up badly against Hazel and Geraldine’s boyfriend, Walt. walt carries much self doubt so his help isn’t really felt to be enough. Luckily, Hazel has an ally to fight back in Sister Theresa, who’s been training to stop the vampires since she was born. It might not be enough as Jotham now knows they’re on the move and sends his minions to eliminate them once and for all.

This issue opens up with the council is sent a clear message from Jothan that he’s not working for anyone any more.the council addressing Jotham’s response to the council condemning his actions: the severed head of Uzziah! They demand that Jotham be killed. All the while, Jotham has made moves to a warehouse now preparing for the eventual war coming. With him in the warehouse is Geraldine, who’s being kept alive as a pawn to be used later. Jotham rallies his troops for the battle coming and makes an example out of Carlo. Carlo is released to the mob with a wooden stake and stabs Jotham, to no effect. The receipt Carlo gets is losing his head violently.

How did that happen?! With the trio in pursuit by Lehi, Jotham’s right hand man, will they make it to the warehouse in time? What happens when the crime meets the supernatural now that players have been taken off the board? And what about the final image? Get ready for all those answers as the series prepares to enter last call next issue.

There’s a lot to breakdown here. Hart and Segura shine some light on Jotham and how far he’s grown in his belief of his plan. Making the calculated moves has shown how vicious he is in winning this game. The example made of Carlo will catch readers off guard but it helps cement how dangerous Jotham has grown in such a short amount of time. It’s well placed in the story by the writers. All the actions have led to this point but Carlo’s death was the exclamation point needed. Hazel’s group gets their moments in this issue especially with Lehi, but this issue belongs to Jotham. That’s not a bad thing as Hazel’s tale has been established by now. Seeing the fruition of Jotham’s plans is what readers will take away here an be amped up for the finale.

Eisma doesn’t hold back on Jotham’s ruthlessness. Seeing in how he disposes of Carlo make quite the statement to readers. Another moment that jumps out from the art is the character moments with Walt this issue. Seeing how reluctant he is on himself to being given some confidence made for excellent character work. Proof of thisis shown later in the issue, but Eisma does capture that emotion of someone forced out of their comfort zone due to the situation they’re in. The build to the final page stands out to cap off this chapter in the story. You can’t help but be excited for what’s coming.

Final Point: The major places are set for what will be an epic conclusion to the story of vampires in prohibition. Hart, Segura, Eisma and the creative team set the table for a conclusion that has “big fight “ feel written all over it. The series has had fantastic writing and art to complement the imaginative take it’s been driving. With one issue left, make sure to get caught up on this series on Comixology.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Blood Oath #4. Thanks for reading.

August 30, 2022

Ken M

Comixology Originals, Entertainment, Horror, Pop Culture, New Wave Comics

BLOOD OATH #1 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS/NEW WAVE COMICS)

August 30, 2022

Ken M

Comixology Originals, Entertainment, Horror, Pop Culture, New Wave Comics

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this entry, we’re chcking out a new book under the Comixology Originals line via New Wave Comics. If New Wave comics and Comixology together sound familiar, it’s because you might know The Black Ghost, which is another great book out on this line and it’s season 2 starts this week as well. Blood Oath #1 by Rob Hart, Alex Segura, Joe Eisma, Hilary Jenkins, Jim Campbell, and Heather Antos has a very cool concept: vampires in the prohibition times. Let’s take a longer look at this debut issue and see what’s going on here, shall we?

Blood Oath #1 - On Sale August 30th
Creative: Rob Hart, Alex Segura, Joe Eisma, Hilary Jenkins, Jim Campbell, and Heather Antos
Credit: Comixology Originals via New Wave Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story centers around Hazel Crenshaw and the farm that she runs with her younger sister Geraldine in Staten Island of the 1920’s. What appears to be “small town” energy turns out to have a secret from most going on. Hazel is shipping alcohol out of the farm, which is against the law during this time. Prohibition (sale of alcohol is illegal) is running wild during this time. Surviving by selling in this era is crucial to keeping the lights on at the farm. However, when dealing with the dangers of prohibition, protection is needed. Hazel is confronted by Frankie about more muscle and product but they have an unexpected visitor crash their conversation.

Walt, Geraldine’s boyfriend returns to the farm bloodied and beaten. Walt tells the tale of the ill fated walk the pair was doing when they were attacked by some supernatural individuals that have a vested interest in the product on the farm. Supernatural might be an understatement as readers see a vampire gang attack the pair. How will this factor into Hazel’s plans moving forward? Is she ready for the fight when it's brought to her front door? Readers will get some answers and more raised by the time the issue is completed.

Solid debut issue. Hart and Segura are blending in a lot of elements with the concept here, which isn’t a bad thing. The issue’s strengths are seeing how Hazel reacts to the new threat at her doorstep. Considering the threats at hand, Hazel never falters and remains very calm (as one could be) with everything going on. The Vampire gang will be ones to watch. For making a more brief appearance, they hit the ground running to establish why they’re going to be cause for concern moving forward. Pacing moved things along quickly that never felt super rushed. There’s a lot more questions to be answered moving forward, but this series made a concrete base to work from.

The art captured the time period it was in very well. Eisma presented the horror with the action sequences to give the story a solid look. Never did it feel like things were toned down as a few vampire kills were gory enough to illustrate how dangerous they were. None drove a bigger point home than one last kill in this issue. Hazel’s conversations were also memorable in seeing how she is adjusting to the element of business she’s now apart of. It balanced out the overall story going on and set a nice tempo for where things are heading.

Overall, Blood Oath #1 hits the ground running with a great first issue. Mixing in the supernatural with modern history times is a fresh concept that should lock readers in for the series run. The creative team presents a very fascinating story that will only get more wild as it progresses (and that’s not a bad thing either). Make sure to check this book out on Comixology this week!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Blood Oath #1. thanks for reading.