April 27, 2022

Ken M

Boom Studios, Comics, Entertainment, Horror, Pop Culture, Podcast

SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #22 (BOOM STUDIOS)

April 27, 2022

Ken M

Boom Studios, Comics, Entertainment, Horror, Pop Culture, Podcast

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! On this edition, we’re checking out the latest adventure of monster hunter extraordinaire Erica Slaughter. Something is Killing the Children #22 by James Tynion, Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design for Boom Studios came back with a solid return Slaughter last issue. Where does this new story take us now? Let’s check this issue out and deep dive, shall we?

Side Note: If this is your first time checking out SiKtC, it has elements of horror in it and some of the images aren’t the best for younger readers. Viewing discretion is advised.

Something is Killing The Children #22 - on sale April 27th
Creative: James Tynion, Werther Dell’edera, Miquel Muerto and Andworld Design
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Erica Slaughter has re-emerged in New Mexico investigating a serial killer. Slaughter does break away with the lone witness, Gabriella, to try getting information. However, that encounter doesn’t give her much info to work from. Erica starts scouring the town to get any information on the killer. All the while, the members of the town are trying to piece together what is going on as well. When Erica goes back to the crime scene, things do not go as planned.

Unfortunately, Slaughter won’t have that problem to solely focus on. She has now came across the radar of the House Of Cutter. They have their assignment: Take Out Erica Slaughter. Readers will be very interested to see how this starts to develop.

Tynion delivers on another great issue. The build of how Erica is working to figure this case out has been fascinating to read. The interaction with Gabriella was a strong part of this issue as Gabi’s story is a major factor of this current arc. Gabi’s relationship with the other members in town fees like there is more to her dealings than readers know yet. The introduction of the new Hunters was another strong point here as well. This should be something special by the time this arc wraps up.

Dell’edera pulls no punches with the imagery here. The opening sequences is graphic and telling at the same time. The rest of the issue is balanced well to capture the quiet moments of the town members reactions to these events. Seeing how they deal with the events gives the story a certain edge to the overall narrative. Great final image to close the issue out on as well.

Overall, Something Is Killing The Children #22 continues building forward on its latest story. Erica Slaughter's return continues to be one readers should definitely not be missing out on. Fantastic storytelling and art throughout this book. If you haven’t checked this book out yet, make a point to get this issue at the LCS this week and jump into the latest adventure.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Something Is Killing The Children #22.

As always, thanks for reading.

April 27, 2022

Ken M

Blog, Comics, Entertainment, Pop Culture, Super Heroes, Valiant Entertainment

THE HARBINGER #7 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

April 27, 2022

Ken M

Blog, Comics, Entertainment, Pop Culture, Super Heroes, Valiant Entertainment

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this edition, we’re taking a look at the penultimate (SAY IT AIN’T SO!) chapter in the latest adventure of Peter Stanchek. The Harbinger #7 by COLLIN KELLY, JACKSON LANZING, ROBBI RODRIGUEZ, RICO RENZI
& HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU by Valiant Entertainment has been on point since it’s debut. Where we last saw our lead character, it was definitely a mic drop cliffhanger moment, so let’s now waste any more time and jump into breaking this issue down, shall we?

THE HARBINGER #7 - On sale ARPIL 27th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+
Written by COLLIN KELLY, JACKSON LANZING
**Art by** ROBBI RODRIGUEZ
**Colors by** RICO RENZI
**Letters by** HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
**Cover A by** ROBBI RODRIGUEZ
**Cover B by** JONATHAN MARKS BERRAVECHHIA
**Pre-order Cover by** CULLY HAMNER
Credit: Valiant Entertainment

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Since his return appearance, Stanchek has been drawing attention from many people of the Valiant Universe. Obviously being one of the most powerful people on the planet will do that. Having his track record of actions will cause that as well. As this series has progressed, readers have found out that Stanchek has rewired his brain (literally) and become dedicated to be a beacon of hope for the people of Psiot City. This doesn’t go as easy as planned because he has one force standing right in his way: himself. The “evil” version of Stanchek is known as the Renegade who is trying to unleash chaos on the city.

From the fallout of their initial encounter, the Renegade has been working to build up an army of Psiots to assist in his plans. Harbinger’s mission is clear to stop “himself” at all costs. Luckily, he has some help in an old friend Faith aka Zephyr along with Cici and Young Ago. While en route flying to find the Renegade, Harbinger is SHOT IN THE HEAD by the assassin Blam!

This issue picks up literally as our hero is bleeding his mind out! With Cici and Ago trying to save Harbinger, Faith goes right after Blam. All the while, the Renegade has started the initial shot on his attack on Chicago with his army ready to go. Readers get a small glimpse of what’s to come if our heroes fail. Can our hero come back from Death’s door? Readers have seen Stanchek pull off some miracle moves before. Does he have one more left in his sleeve? And if so, is he ready for the battle ahead?

Kelly & Lanzing out do themselves on story ideas with this one! Their take on Harbinger and what Stanchek is capable with his powers is such a cool take. If anyone had questions of how powerful of a character he is had them answered with this issue. When they dive into moments like his “repair work”, it turns into the strongest part of the story. With all his powers, Stanchek is as fragile as ever finding his way to “Be Better”. The rest of the characters had solid moments as well with a final shot worthy of heading into a final battle.

Rodriguez crushes another issue! Holy Smokes! The imagery of Stanchek putting his mind back together was incredible! Rodirguez’s style is such a complement to the story. The full panel pages were excellent as well as the Renegade unleashing his first attacked (last picture in this blog) There’s no book out that captures such a unique trippy feel like Harbinger. It’s one of the best books out right now with a creative team that is leaving a tough act to follow. There’s much to enjoy with this issue.

Overall, The Harbinger #7 sets the pace for an epic finale to the current chapter of Peter Stanchek. Incredible storytellig with pushing the limits of psionic powers along with fantastic art makes this a must-have at your local comic shops this week! Also, get the first volume TPB if you haven’t already!

Hot me up on Twotter and let me know what you thought of The Harbinger #7. Thanks for reading.

April 13, 2022

Ken M

Blog, Comics, Entertainment, Magic, Podcast, Pop Culture

SHADOWMAN #8 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

April 13, 2022

Ken M

Blog, Comics, Entertainment, Magic, Podcast, Pop Culture

Welcome to an all new edition of Parla Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast. For this edition, we’re checking out the final issue of the current run of Shadowman by Valiant Entertainment! Shadowman #8 by CULLEN BUNN, PEDRO ANDREO, JORDIE BELLAIRE and CLAYTON COWLES closes the chapter of Valiant Supernatural protector to a great close for this run. The story of Jack Boniface will be continuing with Book Of Shadows, which is set to debut during the summer of 2022. This current run has been a fantastic read so let’s not waste any more time and jump into this final chapter of the Deadside War, shall we?

SHADOWMAN #8
Written by CULLEN BUNN
**Art by** PEDRO ANDREO
**Colors by** JORDIE BELLAIRE
**Letters by** CLAYTON COWLES
**Cover A by** JON DAVIS-HUNT
**Horror Movie Homage Variant Cover by** CLAUDIA IANICELLO
**Pre-order Cover by** MICO SUAYAN
**On sale April 13th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+**
**Credit: Valiant Entertainment**

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The Deadside War has taken a turn where Deadside & the blights have almost completely crossed over into the land of the living. With the assist of the Abettors, PUNK MAMBO & the entire Valiant Universe, Shadowman has been leading the resistance to little success. Even with the moments of self doubt, there can be no quit otherwise world as its known is over. With that gravity on his back, Shadowman leads his troops into the Deadside world itself to a confrontation with some notable figures. The power they possess is “borrowed” by the the Abettors leading to the final play they can make. The play: exorcise Deadside!

This leads to an epic final stand with the forces of Good and Evil. If you’re a fan of big action, you’ll LOVE this portion of the book. The moment that will have fans buzzing is the final resolution to this conflict. It’s somewhat of a surprise but knowing how Jack Boniface works, it’s not out of the realm of thought. What is it you ask? No spoilers here for that. All I will say is it wraps up the event to a satisfying conclusion leading into the next adventures of Jack Boniface in July.

Bunn caps off this run of Shadowman with a fitting conclusion. During both story arcs, Boniface is challenged to find a solution to the ever growing problem of the Blights. He is written as a conflicted hero and this plays well for both arcs (#1-4 and then 5-8). Deadside has proven to be a very intriguing character in her own right. The stakes of this event felt very heavy, as it should for such an event. The events to close the war feels like a surprising play, but that always leads to the best stories. With Bunn writing, there is no doubt of that not happening.

Putting this out into the universe: MORE PEDRO ANDREO PLEASE! With this story, Andreo really brought the action and fast paced war moments to panels with excellent art. Valiant couldn’t have picked a better person for this event. If you need proof of this, the 2 page spread (pages 10-11 I believe) will put all other doubts to rest. How Andreo showcased the use of the supernatural really connected and gave this event that shot of energy to feel epic. As a reader, The Deadside War truly felt like an event because of this!

Overall, The Deadside War closes on a fitting note. Bunn and Andreo put the final touches on this chapter of Jack Boniface with an incredible mix of strong writing & fantastic art. If Shadowman hasn’t been in your pull list for this run, fix that quick. Place your orders at the LCS now for Book Of Shadows cause the fallout from these pages are going to keep the Year of Valiant moving strong into the summer and beyond.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Shadowman #8, Thanks for reading!

March 16, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Blog, Podcast

BASILISK #8 (BOOM STUDIOS)

March 16, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Blog, Podcast

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book complementary blog to the ODPH podcast. For this edition, we’re entering back into the insane world Of Basilisk by Cullen Bunn, Jonas Scharf, Alex Guimaraes & Ed Dukeshire (Boom Studios). This book has been a dark & violent tale of the Chimera, five beings with powers based around the five senses. Their path of destruction has been a brutal one with one survivor on a suicide mission to stop them once and for all. After last issue’s events, let’s jump into the latest chapter of this insanely brutal tale, shall we?

Basilisk #8 Boom Studios — Basilisk #8 - On Sale March 16th
Creative: Cullen Bunn, Jonas Scharf, Alex Guimaraes & Ed Dukeshire
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

After a flashback of Hannah ( alone survivor from a Chimera attack) leaving the hospital, readers see her and Regan (a defected Chimera member) on the run from last issue’s events. What they find out (as readers did last issue) is a power play has started. Chimera member Vanessa killed Cara for her powers. Later in the issue, readers see a demonstration of this new Vanessa. Now more amplified, Vanessa tries baiting out Hannah and Regan for a final showdown. However, the best laid plans never go according to plan. What transpires next is a very well placed surprise along with a thought provoking final panel.

Cullen Bunn does it again! Just when we the readers think we know how this is all gonna play out, Bunn drops a great curve and changes everything. Vanessa’s story has really gone into another direction that I didn’t see coming. The story doesn’t shy away from the violence and brutality. Even the unlikely duo of Hannah & Regan can’t enjoy their wins because of how many twists this story takes. Issue #8 is no exception. It’s perfectly crafted to deliver on the action and drama. Very intrigued on where that last page is gonna lead to.

Scharf continues the strong work set with this series. The display of Vanessa’s new powers is perfect example of this. The story’s visuals have never steered away from being horrific and disturbing to show the Chimera’s capabilities. How Vanessa does this issue will shock some readers to think of what he can do now and what effect this will have on anyone who crosses her path. Even with the twists with this story, the visuals never let up and that’s a great compliment to the story. Another excellent issue.

Overall, Basilisk #8 continues it’s violent and terrifying saga with some great surprises mixed in. Bunn & Scharf deliver consistent quality work with each issue and there’s no drop off here. The fight against the Chimera has become a must-add on my pull list & should be for you as well at your LCS.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Basilisk #8. As always, thanks for reading.