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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 the latest installment of BOOM! Studios spin-off series from the world of James Tynion IV. With the mysterious inhabitants of the “slaughter-verse” being featured, fans are being treated to great stories that are winning them over with each arc.
Now at the pen-ultimate chapter of this arc, the evil lurking is coming into focus. Can the protagonist find a way to stop it?
House Of Slaughter #19 by Sam Johns, Letizia Cadonici, Francesco Segala, and AndWorld Design along with Series development from James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera brings a fan-favorite White mask up close and personal to something he has been dreading confronting: the truth. Let’s take a closer look and see how things shape up, shall we?
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
read last issue’s review
In a small town in Pennsylvania, there has been a string of unexplained murders. This has caught the attention of The Order of St. George. To investigate, they have sent BAIT, a White Mask with no arms and doesn’t speak. Posing undercover at a foster home, Bait meets Nannette, who has more of a connection to the case than she or even he realizes.
There is a striking connection to Bait’s sister Ashley and his tragic background that is clouding his judgement. Can he refocus on what is causing the killings before another victim is claimed?
This chapter begins with Bait processing what is causing the monsters to appear. He is also dealing with new instructions about how to approach this case.
With time slipping away, a difficult choice needs to be made. The totem companion taking the form of cut-out dolls break down an uncomfortable truth. Nan is sick and the illness is causing the problems in the town.
The secret is somewhat figured out by more of the kids at the foster home. With the information becoming public, Bait has to act whether he wants to or not. Readers see what call Bait makes and it will throw some for a loop.
The drama that has been building finally comes to a a head. Brace for major fallout ramifications as the final image leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind how deadly a choice can be.
Johns delivers an emotionally charged issue within these pages. The conflict concerning Bait is more that just a routine job. Johns makes the struggle very clear as Bait fights to come to terms with what he’s discovered. The totem makes for a perfect devil/angel on his shoulder trying to talk him into making a decision.
Pacing constructs a smooth transition to a strong latter portion of the book. Everything from the previous issue have built to a certain moment and it doesn’t fail to hit its’ mark.
Just when readers come to terms with Bait’s direction, a closing image throws everything off. The forthcoming finale will be one fans are talking about.
Cadonici and Segala paint the picture of confliction and doubt through Bait’s eyes. Coming off such a tragic story last issue, the art mirrors the same overtones and lets Bait (along with the reader) time to let the gravity of the information sink into focus. The latter half of the book shines with the visual pouring with the deep-rooted feelings.
As the action unfolds, readers can sense the despair and fear running though the characters as a conflict merges. This all comes to a screeching halt with a huge full page final panel that will shock readers heading into the story finale.
FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10
The feelings of heart-break and danger flood the pages of this SIKTC spin-off, adding another layer to an already moving tale. Impactful writing sets up stunning visuals to carry Bait’s tale into the final moments. This is one issue you need to leave the local comic shops with in your possession. Fantastic work!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on House of Slaughter #19. Thanks for reading Parlay Points on nerd initiative!
