Share this
Barnstormers #5 – Comixology Originals via Best Jackett Press
Creative Team: Scott Snyder, Tula Lotay, Dee Cunniffe and Richard Starkings
Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast via Nerd Initiative!
For this entry, it’s time to say goodbye to a pair of high-flying fugitives in the pages of one of Comixology Originals best series (via the Best Jackett Press line). BARNSTORMERS by Scott Snyder, Tula Lotay, Dee Cunniffe and Richard Starkings, has introduced readers into the world of Bix and Tillie, who’ve been dodging danger since their initial introduction.
The pair of unlikely partners turned lovers has taken fans on a dramatic roller-coaster, bringing everything to a fever pitch with last issue’s game-changing moment. Now at issue #5, can the pair make it out of this situation to fly another day? Let’s not delay any longer and dive into the series finale, shall we?
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Wedding Crashed
Post World War 1, Hawk E. Baron aka Bix has taken up being an aerial showman as a way to make ends meat. On one fateful flight, little did he know how fast his life would change. Bix becomes an unlikely wedding crasher when he inadvertently disrupts the wedding of Peyton Carlyle and Tillie. Considering his family is very wealthy, Peyton shows he is not one to take kindly to this type of accident and imprisons Bix on the family’s property.
However, Bix has an unlikely ally in this mess: Tillie, who winds up freeing him and join him on the escape from the Carlyle estate! With the pair now on the run, there is no escape from the consequences of their actions in Peyton’s eyes. Peyton hires Zeke West to bring Tillie back, but little does he realize, that she doesn’t want to go back. Tillie and Bix become a pair of thieves as they steal from the wealthy while falling in love along the way. With the emotions building, a fateful encounter at a mansion party in Florida causes the situation to spiral further out of control.
Peyton Catches Up
When Peyton runs into the pair, his rage takes over as he begins firing a gun at them inside the mansion. One missed shot causes a deadly fire that the high-flying pair is ultimately blamed for. In a moment of panic, Tillie knocks Bix out and turns herself back over to Peyton and Zeke, thinking this will solve all the problems.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Peyton isn’t going to forgive and forget. Bix makes a heroic attempt to rescue Tillie but it doesn’t go exactly as planned. After striking Tillie in a fit of rage, Peyton starts fighting with, and gaining the upper hand on Bix. However, during the fight, Peyton loses his gun and is killed by Tillie!
Now What?
This issue picks right up in the aftermath of Peyton’s death. Zeke is at the morgue, pondering what his next move is going to be. With reporters asking questions surrounding a wealthy socialite’s death, Zeke gives no answers as he mentally prepares for the showdown with Bix and Tillie.
Meanwhile, Bix and Tillie resume their flying ways and have to make a stop by an airshow to refuel. Bix has a belief about fellow Barnstormers watching out for each other. Being spotted as public fugitives is a risk they take when they land. Readers find out if Bix’s theory is true as the pair prepares for their greatest spectacle yet.
There is no shortage of drama as the pair makes their latest escape from a growing past while trying to fly away into a better tomorrow. Without question, when all is said and done, readers will have a satisfying conclusion for this epic tale.
Love Reading Digital? Check This Out!
Story Review
The story of Bix and Tillie has been centered around a theme of rebirth. Both have pasts that they keep closed off, but once together, they become new people. Snyder presents them a pair finding optimism in each other, even though both know it’s on borrowed time.
Throughout this series, readers have seen how hard they’ve fought to hang on to what they have together. The finale never loses sight of that idea. Even with mounting pressure and danger out of their hands, the pair fights to the bitter end to hang on to what they have.
Even Zeke West has a moment of rebirth within this issue. He finds himself rededicated to finishing the job that has worn on him. Snyder sets a steady pace with excellent character moments sprinkled in heading towards its’ final act. Once there, the series concludes in a fitting way. There is nothing left on the table at the end of this issue. Excellent conclusion.
Artwork Overview
Every issue has been breathtaking to look at due to the phenomenal job by Lotay and Cunniffe. Capturing the feel of a historic period, and giving it an energy all its’ own has been a huge strength of this series. The coloring of the panels reflects the emotions of the characters involved with this issue. Such as Zeke’s darker tones reflecting on what is required to finishing his job. Or the fleeting moments of savoring the dream in the sky between Bix and Tillie before making an attempt for a final push. Lotay entices readers to bask in those panels.
The push toward the final act jumps out with a great full page aerial shot that needs to be seen! It sets the tempo for the final portion of the book. The drama never sits in coach for this creative flight. There are some sensational final panels to close out the story on.
Final Point
Barnstormers by Snyder, Lotay, Cunniffe and Starkings, presents a story based around a pair of unlikely lovers who risk everything for an impossible new life. The story kept soaring to new heights with incredible writing paired with fantastic artwork.
The complexity of Bix and Tillie’s characters engaged readers as they found themselves caught up in the spiraling drama unfolding around them. Heading into this final flight, readers will be left with a compelling adjournment to a must-have series for any comic book reader.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Barnstormers by Snyder and Lotay. Thanks for reading Parlay Points on Nerd Initiative! See ya next time!
