Grammaton Punch #2 – Comixology Originals

Creative Team: Miles Gunter, Briane Andan, Lee Loughridge, Taylor Esposito, Dee Cunniffe and Ed Dukeshire

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast.

For this entry, we’re checking up the next installment of a brand new series on the Comixology Originals line. Grammaton Punch #2 by Miles Gunter, Briane Andan, Lee Loughridge, Taylor Esposito, Dee Cunniffe and Ed Dukeshire, welcomed readers into the mysterious life of Van Nguyen.

Coming off the heels of an impressive debut, this supernatural saga left readers with quite the cliffhanger. Let’s take a closer look and see where things shape up now, shall we?

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Who Is Van Nguyen?

Van Nguyen’s life is anything but normal. Being born during a solar eclipse, Van developed an uncanny ability to see ghosts. Unfortunately, Van discovered this ability while being the power source for an evil spirit he referred to as “Eye Face.” For the first five years of his life, Van spent most of his time in an out of the hospital. His hair even turned “Ghost” white due to Eye Face’s feedings. This all changed when Van discovered another that not only could he SEE ghosts, but if they could physically touch him, Van could physically fight it back!

With a knockout punch Deontay Wilder would be proud of, Van knocked Eye Face into oblivion (or so he thought). Each time Eye Face came back, Van became stronger in fighting back. This seemed to be starting a new age for Van, as he is able to assume a (somewhat) normal life. However, like most best laid plans, this doesn’t go over well, as a trip to see his mom in a power-lifting contest turns into something else. More ghosts have arrived! Van learns very quickly that Eye Face was the least of his problems.

After a harsh defeat, Van leaves home while his mom is asleep, to take down more ghosts. Walking by a haunted house, Van runs into someone who might actually be able to relate to his issues.

What’s In Store Next For Van?

This issue opens up with a man named Rick Wallace telling Van how he knew he was born on an eclipse. Puzzled by his insight, Van starts digging into Rick’s knowledge of the house they are at. He tells Van (and the readers) about a serial killer named Dalton Wyngard, and what he did with his victims’ bodies.

This persuades Van to back off on his initial plan of dealing with the inhabitant ghosts of the house, and he follows Rick for more knowledge. After revealing that he is a witch, Rick breaks about how other kids haven’t been as fortunate as Van regarding their ‘gifts,’ due to being medicated.

Rick has more to show Van concerning their world, but Van remains skeptical. What does Rick want to show him?

Readers hop on-board as Rick shows Van a whole new reality in the land of the apparitions. How does the young hero handle this information? What other reveals does Rick have in store? Is there a big change in the story after? Readers will have a lot to process heading into the final page, which is guaranteed to have fans talking about what they just witnessed!

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Story Review

Gunter keeps readers on their toes with some solid reveals mixed in the overall story. The mystery behind Rick was an interesting dynamic to throw into the young hero’s world, but played a noteworthy role in expanding the landscape they’re currently in.

Van’s an emerging player at this age and has no idea what he’s now become involved with. Gunter doesn’t shy away from this and it made for some interactions that should play out bigger with the story’s progression. The big surprise in the final act brings about a huge shift in the story, but one that never loses focus on the main theme at hand.

Artwork Overview

Andan and Loughridge brings Van’s supernatural world a few different looks this issue. The panel sequence involving Dalton Wyngard jumps out with its’ use of colors and details on the victims.

Another great panel sequence involves Van, Rick and a police officer in pursuit. The set-up (along with Dukeshire’s lettering) gave a dose of intrigue to an otherwise brief scene. This was followed by an excellent full page showcasing more facts about the ghosts that lurk in Van’s world.

When the action hits, the pages feel fluid, and never ease up on delivering on the importance factor. The final act is shadowed well enough until the very end, where it adds a big close to a packed issue.

Final Point

The life and times of Van Nguyen continues to capture the imagination of comic readers with a grand follow-up to its’ thrilling debut. Gunter, Andan and the team dive deeper into the questions surrounding Van’s abilities and what challenges lie ahead. Definitely keep an eye out for this issue and series on New Comic Book Day on Comixology. 

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know what you thought of Grammaton Punch #2. Thanks for reading Parlay Points on Nerd Initiative! See you next time!

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