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Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points!
For this entry, we’re heading back into the quirky and mysterious world of Dark Horse Comics’ latest hit. The staff of Paradise Gardens have their hands full. Eclectic residents. Challenging cases. Double dealings behind the scenes.
What is in store for Loo as she navigates these ever changing waters?
PARANOID GARDENS #2 by Gerard Way, Shaun Simon, Chris Weston, Dave Stewart and Nate Piekos looks to double down on its’ creative tale in its’ next chapter.
Let’s not wait any longer and dive right in!
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
For this second chapter, the attention is thrown on the scheming of Dr. Zerc. Way and Simon have slowly started peeling back his true intentions. This chapter shows a cold and ruthlessness side to his nature. It is a contrast of what he has demonstrated to his fellow team at the Gardens. Zerc’s manipulations of a staff member and its’ outcome sends a loud message in the shadows of what lies ahead.
Way and Simon spread out Loo’s discovery mission throughout this chapter. She comes across with noble intentions but walks a very fine line of being caught. The pacing allows her moments to build for a solid payoff. It gets assisted by some well-timed humor from patients. The writing provides a solid foundation for both main characters to grow and set forth their journeys for a showdown forthcoming.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW
Weston and Stewart dive heavy into the emotional reactions of the Gardens staff with the art. Loo’s responses to her ever-evolving saga are filled with wonderment and apprehension. Readers see a prime example of this when she’s teaching a class and reacts to a flashback/Dream sequence.
Zerc’s planning works wonders as he blackmails the Gardens driver for his bidding. The devilish smirk he wears sets the unsettling tone. This mood flows into the closing conflict and disturbing resolution. Zerc’s distain body language in the closing half page panel sells the depths he’s willing to go. Readers watch as the chapter concludes on a very definitive point with more deceit en route to the care center.
FINAL POINT: 9.6
The quirkiness of Paradise Gardens steps back to allow a more grounded and concentrated tale with its’ two main characters. Fantastic writing and detailed art spotlight the measures Zerc and Loo are willing to go for what they’re searching for. There is nothing predictable about this story and that’s a huge win for readers.
Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Paranoid Gardens #2. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative.
