The adventure continues as Eleven is seen in a memory getting to go on a journey anywhere she wants to go Hopper is telling her. Meanwhile, Donatello, Dustin, and Max are locked in cells with no way out until Raphael breaks free of his cell to free the others.
Down in the subway, Will, Mike, Leo, Mikey, and Lucas stumble upon a subway car that has a portal to the upside down leading to an epic showdown with the Demogorgons.
Back at the lab, the team discovers that Eleven is held captive in a state of psychosis which leads to her beginning to open a portal to the upside down against her knowledge. The team di1her crew in the subway is fighting for their lives leading Will, Mike, and Lucas to join in the fight.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/ Stranger Things #2 by Cameron Chittock, Fero Pe, Sofie Dodgson, and Rus Wooton. (credit IDW Publishing) cover – Jorge Corona
The Art:
Fero and Sofie bring a retro vibe to this comic making it feel as though it was really made in the 80’s while allowing the art and colors to speak for themselves.
The vibrant colors contrasting against the dark upside down play really well together in this issue encapturing you into the story. The action sequences are well drawn leaving the reader’s imagination to run wild from page to page.
The Story:
Cameron really understands this world that the crew is playing in. He captures the spirit and vibe of both the Turtles and our Hawkins friends blending the speech seemingly with the help of Rus Wooton. This story brings you in and it’s as though we are reading a Saturday morning cartoon in a comic form.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/ Stranger Things #2 by Cameron Chittock, Fero Pe, Sofie Dodgson, and Rus Wooton. (credit IDW Publishing) Cover – Adam Gorham
The only complaint I have and this goes for the show is I wish we could have Eleven do more than be captured and out of the game. However, I get the feeling she will have a large role coming up in the coming issues.
Verdict:
This story is a lot of fun and brings together two heartfelt and exciting worlds. Make sure you pick this up to read as it will be impossible to be in a bad mood afterward.
Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we’re diving back into the escalading mystery haunting comic’s most exciting line! Since it’s debut this past March, the newest addition to the Massive-verse has made a huge impact not only in the comic book world but in the land of podcasts.
Taking storytelling to this next level can be a daunting challenge but considering the masterminds behind it, fans know this is par for the course for Black Market Narrative. With its’ latest entry, the city of Pittsburgh braces for another blow as they try figuring out :Who Is No/One”?
NO/ONE #5 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou keeps readers guessing at the overall play of the major figures involved with the “Accountability Killer’s” legacy. Let’s not wait any longer and dive into the latest chapter!
With who the public thinks is the “Accountability Killer” is (Aaron Kern) behind bars, someone else has picked up his vision of “hacktivism”. This is leading to a rising body count from a copycat killer and a city closer to the brink of exploding. A figure claiming to be No/One has been watching and looking to see who is behind these attacks. The vigilante isn’t alone in the quest for truth. Multiple people are trying to solve the mystery before things can get possibly worse.
NO/ONE #5 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (credit: Image Comics via Black market Narrative) Cover: Klaus Janson
Former Assistant Chief Ben Kern (Aaron’s father) is conducting his own investigation into matters. Detectives Singh and Harper have been assigned the case by have to face a demanding public searching for answers. Pittsburgh Ledger Editor Teddy Barlow and reporter Julia Paige have started a podcast for their search which has lead Julia into danger more than once.
Last issue, Senator Noah Kemp unveiled Prop 87, which would give residents legal rights to “preemptive Immunity” against attacks from No/One essentially.
This issue kicks off with Aaron Kern recanting his original plea of guilty. The Pittsburgh Ledger team is debating on how to approach the story. Julia believes Kern’s change of heart might be in reaction to Prop 87. JC Randle (Head of PL Media) reacts in a different way to the news. Randle wants to steer the focus of the “Who Is No/One” podcast onto possible suspects.
Meanwhile in jail, Aaron Kern meets with his new attorney, Roger Dennehy, about his attempt to become free. After their meeting, Dennehy drives away and pops a tire heading onto a bridge. Once he gets out to check, a visitor has appeared wanting a word with the lawyer. No/One cuffs him and throws him over the bridge to talk! The message is clear: Aaron Kern doesn’t leave jail!
NO/ONE #5 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (credit: Image Comics via Black market Narrative) Cover: Mark Englert
How this interact ripples through the city will capture readers attention as they see the key players respond. Will Aaron Kern walk away? What does Ben Kern think of all this? What does this mean for No/One? Trust me when I say the mystery is anything but over by the time the closing image is seen.
Higgins and Buccellato fucus the theme of this issue on the Prop 87 ramifications. Seeing the Press reaction first reflected what the public is processing at the news. It’s a shocking turn of events as Kern has been adamant of his role being the “Accountability Killer”.
With the meetings he has later, the writing team sets up there is more to Kern’s agenda than readers have even begun to cypher. No/One’s time in the issue is maxed out perfectly, jumping in where needed. The clsoing act leaves much to be watchful for moving into the next chapter. At the halfway point, there is still much left to go before the answers are unveiled.
Borges and Englert keep panels driven by the expressions to Kern’s play throughout this issue. In the staff room, the debate about coverage highlights the mounting frustration at the bigger picture.
No/One’s confrontation with Dennehy is impactful and shows the reader how driven No/One is willing to go. The half page panels jump off the page making these moments stand out. It’s only topped by an action sequence later that is completed with an amazing full page panel. The art always shines in this book and maintains the grim overtones of the story.
FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10
The saga of the “Accountability Killer” takes a surprising twist in the pages of Image Comics and Black Market Narrative’s hit series. Higgins, Buccellato, Borges and the team showcase the cause and effect of a defining moment in the series with strong writing and incredible art. The story is more than a comic so make sure you pick up the latest issue and new podcast episode on New Comic Book Day!
Hit me up on ODPH Social Media and let me know your thoughts on No/One #5. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative.
Welcome to another New Comic Book Day review from the N.I. Bullpen!
This is the story of Rodger, a divorced dentist down on his luck. Until something extraordinary happens one day and everything changes. If you are looking for a superhero story about a not so super dentist, then this is right up your alley.
It’s a wonderful blend of action and comedy. When many of the comics coming lately being on the more serious side of things, The Schlub #1 from Image Comics is a very welcome breath of fresh air on comic shelves this week. Let’s take a look at this new action/ comedy series, The Schlub, from Image!
**POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD**
Meet Roger Dalton
Roger Dalton is not a bad guy. He is, by definition, a schlub. He just makes poor decisions…frequently. As such, he’s not a very happy or lucky guy.
We meet Roger while he is with a patient in his dentist’s office. At the same time, he is on the phone with his ex-wife Sara, attempting to convince her to go to dinner with him. She declines his invitation.
At the same time, there is a billboard going up across the street, plastered with his father and brother’s faces. They are about to open up their 13th location of their own dental practice, and they are opening up right next door to Roger.
On top of all of this, Roger is behind on his office’s lease payments. Life just isn’t going his way, and again, it’s not because Roger is a bad person or anything. He just can’t make a good decision if his life depended on it.
All of that is about to change. Except for the poor decisions, those will be a recurring theme here.
Just as Roger thinks his life can’t get any more miserable, his office is suddenly destroyed! The superhero known as Cirrus is in the middle of fighting one of his greatest enemies, Wyrm, Master of the Dark. Unfortunately for Roger, his office just so happens to be in their path.
As you can expect, Roger has simply had enough at this point. During the battle above his office, Roger is in the process of making a hasty retreat to escape the destruction around him. As he is lamenting on being a “Crap Magnet,” Cirrus and Wyrm happen to drop some kind of ancient relic that they have been fighting over this whole time.
Who happens to pick it up first? Yeah, you guessed it, it was Roger.
Yet Another Poor Decision
Roger picks up this relic and examines it for a moment. Cirrus and Wyrm both look on in horror as Roger makes yet another bad choice for himself and others.
On the relic, Roger sees a button. Now, a normal person would see a mysterious object with a glowing button, and most likely decide to steer clear or consult someone. Not Roger. Roger decides to press the strange glowing button without a second thought.
To Roger’s pleasant surprise, and Cirrus’ horror, Roger pressing that button has caused the pair to swap bodies!
Roger is completely ignoring Cirrus at this point. Cirrus is trying to warn Roger that he doesn’t know how to use Cirrus’ powers and he is putting the universe in danger. Roger isn’t even paying attention. He is reveling in the power he feels coursing through his new super human body. He tries to fight Wyrm and is best pretty quickly. He has no control over the strength or powers he now processes. As Cirrus bluntly points out;
“You’re a walking nuclear bomb. If you want to survive this and not kill a million people, you have to listen to me.”
The Fight Continues
Still, Roger is not listening. He goes to continue the fight, and grabs something familiar to use against Wyrm, his dental drill!
This seems to horrify Wyrm (aren’t we all a little scared of the dentist?) and leads him to lash out. He abruptly grabs Roger and throws him through the wall of the building and into the street below.
No matter the advice that Cirrus tries to shout, Roger just can’t do it. He can’t control the powers and he can’t understand half of what Cirrus is saying. Just as Wyrm is about to finish off our “hero” he makes a mistake. He calls Roger a failure.
This it seems is Roger’s equivalent to “You won’t like me when I’m angry” and his power surges and explodes outwards. This puts Wyrm on the defensive and causes him to finally flee the battle.
A Deal Is Made
After the fight, Roger and Cirrus fly off to a rooftop. Cirrus finally seems to get through to Roger here. He explains just how serious this is, and once it finally sinks in that Roger will be expected to take on Cirrus’ duties, he is hesitant.
Claiming that no one has ever stuck their necks out for him, he asks Cirrus why he should bother. Cirrus responds by saying that it’s because Roger knows how it feels to be crushed by the world, he believes that Roger can utilize Cirrus’ body for good, and not be crushed by the weight of responsibility it comes with.
Roger says that if Cirrus needs someone who knows how to keep getting back up after being slapped down, then Roger is the guy for him.
We do see shortly after, however, that this is not going to go the way Cirrus thinks, as Roger promptly uses his new laser vision to burn down his brother’s billboard.
Stegman and Porter have given us a fresh take on the superhero genre, while at the same time providing some much needed levity on the comic shelves this week.
Everyone knows someone like Roger. He is the very definition, in my mind at least, of the average joe or, The Schlub, if you will. He’s not a bad guy. He just can’t get his life together. He doesn’t think before making decisions and acts on impulse and emotion rather than reason or logic.
We as readers have been given something really fun and special this week from this writing team and I can’t wait to see what shenanigans Roger gets up to later.
Artwork Overview
The artwork and lettering from Cannon, Spicer and Hill match the vibe perfectly all throughout. It’s bold, bright and even a bit gross in some scenes. It’s a perfect blend for an action/ comedy series like The Schlub.
Cannon’s art is fantastic and the coloring work done by Spicer takes full advantage of the wackiness of this book. Even the lettering from Hill is just wild and over the top, which is exactly what you want in a series like this.
If you want something bold, bright and humorous you can’t go wrong with this one.
Overall Score: 9 OUT OF 10 – “Must Pull”
This was a lot of fun to read and review.
Don’t get me wrong, I love an earth shattering mystery story or a gore filled horror comic as much as the next person. Once in a while though, you need some laughs in your reading. This filled that need for me.
If you’re looking to literally laugh out loud this New Comic Book Day, I think you are going to have a hard time finding a better option this week than The Schlub #1 from Image Comics!
As always everyone Be Safe, Be Kind, and Take It Easy!
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #111: Darkest Hour by Melissa Flores, Simona De Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, Jose Enrique Fernandez, and Ed Dukeshire (credit Boom! Studios cover by Taurin Clarke
Creative Team:
Writer: Melissa Flores
Illustrator: Simona Di Gianfelice
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Colored By: Raul Angulo w/the assistance of Jose Enrique Fernandez
The Rundown:
The highly anticipated event of the summer is finally here as Boom! Studios continue their impressive dominance. We pick up in this story where we left off after Grace and Matt have a heartfelt conversation about having the courage and strength of being a Ranger.
Mistress Vile has begun her devilish plan which is to awaken Dark Specter to rule the universe and win the war once and for all. Matt has a showdown with Billy after seemingly killing Ms. Sterling and succumbing to the darkness for good.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #111: Darkest Hour by Melissa Flores, Simona De Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, Jose Enrique Fernandez, and Ed Dukeshire (credit Boom! Studios cover by Taurin Clarke
Meanwhile, the battle rages on as Lord Zedd is hunting Mistress Vile in his Zord as Zack and the crew square off across the other dimension. Finally, it all comes to a head after Matt is defeated and crawls back to Mistress Vile where she reveals he is still useful. t
The Rangers have a choice to save the universe or save him. This is when Mistress Vile unleashes dark magic and Dark Specter reveals himself.
The Art :
Simona and Raul along with Jose continuously nail the vibrant intrinsic sequences in this book. The action sequences are beautifully drawn and pop at you from the page. One thing the Power Rangers series always have are fantastic vibrant colors and this issue is no exception.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #111: Darkest Hour by Melissa Flores, Simona De Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, Jose Enrique Fernandez, and Ed Dukeshire (credit Boom! Studios cover by Taurin Clarke
It can be a tough task giving each Ranger a different look or emotion and the team brings their A-game once more to bring about their own flavor and individuality. They make the most of every page they are given and even do some fun things with the weapons they choose to showcase.
The Story:
It’s time we begin to fully recognize Melissa as the force of nature she has very much become. Her use of emotions blended against the various fighting drawn against the writing blends together seemingly making you feel every word on the page.
You truly feel as though Mistress Vile is the evil she has been made to become. Every Ranger has a voice and the stakes are higher than ever.
Rating:
This issue kicks off the 12-issue arc we are now entering with Darkest Hour and it serves its purpose and then some. This run arc is going to make fans happy and welcome new fans immediately. Make sure this is on your pull list going forward!
Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast!
For this entry, we’re checking out the latest installment from the epic return of one of comic’s most legendary fantasy series. Since its’ return after a LONG hiatus, the Image Comics series hasn’t faltered recapturing the magic that made this book popular in the late 1990’s! Two issues back and the fans have been greeted to a phenomenal run leading into this latest installment.
Battle Chasers #12by Joe Madureira and LUDO LULLABI continues the saga of Garrison, Red Monika, Gully, Calibretto aka Bretto & Knolan as the world of Gaia falls further into chaos! Let’s take a look at how the latest chapter progresses, shall we?
Last we saw our favorite characters, things were very grim. Garrison and Red Monika have been getting hunted by Mastreo and the Martial Paladins. Gully, Calibretto and Knolan have been under the watch of King Vaneer!
As readers start this issue, Knolan is pleading with the King about Gully being in possession of her father Aramus’s magical gauntlets. the King is none too pleased with this and gives a stern warning to Knolan about loyalty.
Meanwhile, Garrison has gone thru a transformation while facing certain doom from the Master Paladins. He has re-emerged as a blue-skinned figure, seething with energy. Limbo, one of the Paladins, looks ready to strike but is now not dealing with Garrison, but a figure named Wrenneth.
What happens now with Wrenneth in control? The action is taken up few notches as the darker side of Garrison is released. Does Mastreo know what is unleashed now? And what of Red Monika? There is no shortage of excitement coming from this issue as things shift in a new direction for Gaia’s fiercest warriors.
Madureira splits up time between Garrison’s and Gully’s stories more equally this go-around than previously. Garrison’s has a more balanced narrative with mystery and action. It’s caped off with big action and showing a possible threat to what the King has been preparing for.
Gully’s is slow-building into more but has many moving parts attached. With her brother arrested and facing a possible end, Gully is still searching for her own path. The supporting cast there gives more support to the story but has some ways to go which I’m assuming will be heavily feature in the next arc. The issue finishes with a solid build for that story whenever issue #13 hits the shelves.
LULLABI firmly establishes the terrifying potential of Wrenneth during the action panels. The pace is fast and holds nothing back as Wrenneth deals with the Paladins. Right down to the evil smile, the art reflects how much evil is flowing thru Garrison at those moments. the action involving Red Monika doesn’t hit any brakes either.
Fans who want big battles have plenty to enjoy. The Gully portion does more foundation building with Sebastian Nefar pulling the strings. Those panels ultimately lead to a definitive close for the return arc with plenty of ideas to where things head to next.
FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10
The first arc back for the legendary fantasy series wraps up one story while setting the stage to an ever bigger tale in the near future. Madureira and Lullabi continue their successful formula of strong writing and artwork to leave no doubt to new and old readers alike that Battle Chasers is back and here to stay!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Battle Chasers #12. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative.
The Rocketeer: In the Den of Thieves #2 by Stephen Mooney, David Messina, and Shawn Lee (Credit IDW Publishing – COVER: Gabriel Rodriguez)
The Rocketeer: In the Den of Thieves #2 – IDW PUBLISHING
Written by Stephen Mooney with art and colors by David Messina and letters and design by Shawn Lee.
The Story:
Cliff continues to try to come to terms with no longer being the Rocketeer and live a normal life. Meanwhile, Peevy has been kidnapped by a group of Nazis looking to use his engineering knowledge to perfect a new rocket for their own sinister goals.
The Rocketeer: In the Den of Thieves #2 by Stephen Mooney, David Messina, and Shawn Lee (Credit IDW Publishin
The Writing:
The Rocketeer: In the Den of Thieves #2 by Stephen Mooney, David Messina, and Shawn Lee (Credit IDW Publishing)
Stephen Murry does a masterful job building the tension of the issue while also keeping it lighthearted enough to keep the feeling of a Rocketeer story. Murry writes each character with their own, unique, voice and motivations. I especially enjoyed the writing for Betty, she was compassionate and caring as well as flirty and fun. These are not always qualities seen in female characters in comics and it was nice to see her as not just a love interest or sexual object but a full character and person in the few panels she was featured in.
The Art:
David Messina’s line work and colors are a real treat! This book has the distinct balance of modern artistic practices with a feeling of classic color palettes. The facial expressions and movement during action sequences were excellent. The framing and layouts give this issue a sense of scope and a cinematic style that is truly fantastic!
The Rocketeer: In the Den of Thieves #2 by Stephen Mooney, David Messina, and Shawn Lee (Credit IDW Publishing)
The Verdict: 9/10
The Rocketeer should always be, at it’s heart, a fun action story in the vein of swashbuckling adventures. This book is shaping up to be just that. While my only history with the character is the film adaptation, I never felt like I was lost or needed to go back to figure out any other comic backstory.
Issue #2 is a middle chapter and therefore it is setting up what is to come, this is the only reason it did not receive a perfect score. I have no doubt that by the time this story wraps up, it will be in my top books of 2023!
Fire Power #26 opens with some of the neighborhood kids talking about the Johnson family and if they will ever go back to school again. Robert Kirkman does a great job weaving in events like this which ground the story to everyday life to make it relatable.
The quipiness of Master Wei Lun is one of the many things I continue to enjoy in this series and this issue definitely has it! It’s hard not to read those parts without smiling! He is such a wholesome character that always steals the panels that he is drawn on.
The covers in this series have been nothing short of spectacular! The attention to detail and the shading done in the main cover makes a cinematic like experience making it hard not to pick up off the shelves. The variant cover by David Aja is a must order for all fire power fans and comic book collectors alike!
The combination of Chris Samnee’s Art, Matthew Wilson’s color and Rus Wootons letters provides an incredible action packed experience. Especially in the sequence where Owen is training with his two children. We learned in the previous issue that his daughter, Haley, has a blue fireball and in this issue it is confirmed that it is hotter than the others. Additionally, we see that Doug, Owen’s son’s fireball, appears to be able to be thrown in a curved way.
At the end of this issue we are left with more questions than answers. Does Owen’s firepower have some sort of special abilities? And is it just Owens family that has these special abilities or is it something that is unlocked with more training? How are these special abilities going to factor into the massive showdown with the great serpent and Master Shaw? Plus what special powers does Master Shaw have with his green fire power? And do the colors mean something with what special abilities people learn?
OVERALL GRADE: 8.6 OUT OF 10
Thanks for checking out my review for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let me know what comics you’re reading and hit me up on Twitter. Till next time…
The saying, a picture is worth a thousand words’ could not be more relevant to this story. The first two issues of Klik Klik Boom we learn that our main character, Sprout, communicates through polaroid pictures that she captures with a ‘klik’ of her camera.
We also learn she’s quite the badass. As Sprout continues to escape some bad guys who want nothing more than to kill her, she also makes a new journalist podcasting friend named Sabrina Biggs. Sabrina seems to have more questions than sense, but she moves the story along in a bit of a comical way, while not taking away from the seriousness of the overall plot.
The beginning of issue #3 picks up immediately where we left off: with the body of the dead judge. While Sabrina mourns the death of her friend, Sprout jumps into action. Using her polaroid pictures, she communicates with Sabrina to protect her.
Sabrina seems to have learned by now, that trusting Sprout is the only thing that will keep her alive. However, the journalist in her, still has questions and holds onto her doubts a little too close.
Similar to the first two issues, we flashback to scenes with Sprout and her grandfather. Each flashback sheds more and more light on what and who Sprout is. While the flashbacks answer questions the reader has, more questions and mysteries are created. We also see the deeper relationship between these two with each flashback.
We see how Sprout’s pictures are so much more than a way for her to communicate. They’re how she connected with her grandfather, and how she not only communicates, but also connects with people today.
The Art
The art is what makes a comic unique to a book. The picture tells as much of the story as the dialogue. Much like a polaroid can tell a story of an event or a moment. The art in this book is dark but beautiful at the same time.
In one scene, there’s beautiful imagery of a fatal fight scene. Then in the next, the background looks like a calm watercolor painting. The art also helps us better understand Sprout.
She may be fighting evil, but there’s still an innocence to her and it’s shown through the art. Her clothes, her freckles, her smile. They all show glimpses of the little girl from the flashbacks.
I have genuinely enjoyed all three issues. From beginning to end it kept my attention, and kept me wondering what was going on. I look forward to more of the relationship between Sprout and her grandfather. He suffers nightmares, and flashbacks from being a photojournalist during the Vietnam War, but it’s very clear he’s doing his best with Sprout.
It’s also clear the impact he had on her in more ways than one. While it doesn’t appear she had a healthy upbringing, she was loved, and she wants revenge. I am excited to see how she executes said revenge, and to learn more about the backstory that has led to her being chased, attacked, and wanted for dead .
Klik Klik Boom is now at the top of my pull list! I highly recommend adding it to yours.
KNIGHT TERRORS #4 by Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteriv (Credit: DC COMICS – Cover: Ivan Reis)
Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we’re continuing to follow the terror encompassing the DC Comics Universe. During their “Dawn Of DC” storyline, “Knight Terrors” has snuck up on the DC heroes, putting them in an endless nightmare landscape. With the crossover coming to a close soon, all bets are off on how the DC Universe survives.
KNIGHT TERRORS #4 by Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi,Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteri takes DC’s last standing defenders head on into the heart of the danger. Let’s see how the latest events unfold, shall we?
With the world put in an endless slumber, Insomnia has unleashed an evil in the DC Universe unlike anything else witnessed. The forces of good are trapped fighting their own personal demons. Who is left standing is a trio of heroes that have the fate of the world on their shoulders.
KNIGHT TERRORS #4 by Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteriv (Credit: DC COMICS – Cover: Casper Wijngaard)
DEADMAN (who is currently possessing Batman’s body), Wesley Dodds (the re-incarnated Golden Age Sandman) and Damian Wayne are the trio of heroes left standing (and awake) to save the day. Last issue, the group heads to the House Of Horrors for the Nightmare Stone, the key to ending this ordeal.
In Deadman’s possession, things seem to be looking up but is he really in control or has Insomnia been manipulating them all along?
This issue opens up with Deadman addressing the readers eluding to the story isn’t going to have a happy ending. The trio of Heroes make their way to Arkham Tower in search of Insomnia, whose body is inside. Deadman claims the stone is telling him to steal Insomnia’s power. The group heads inside, not knowing what to expect.
The building is clean and unphased by the event. As they progress, Damien is confronted by Batman, who praises what his son has done. Knowing something is off, Damian stabs him! Damian snaps back to the present and its’ revealed he is now starting to fall asleep. The trio finds Insomnia and Deadman leads the charge to end things once and for all.
What happens when he uses the stone to steal Insomnia’s powers? Readers bare witness as Deadman takes the lead with one last shot to save the day. Can he do the impossible? What happens if he fails? The events start becoming clear as secrets are revealed with a shocking play made that alters the course of the story. The closing moments will have readers talking as the final chapter appears to be at hand.
KNIGHT TERRORS #4 by Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteriv (Credit: DC COMICS – Cover: Darick Robertson)
Williamson speeds things up to brace readers for the upcoming conclusion with this issue. The segments with Robin give a small break to the overall theme. Readers can sense Damian’s closed emotions start peeking out when Batman speaks with him. However, this story has been all about Deadman.
With his venture to end this nightmares, he becomes challenged with a truth that he is not expecting. The flashback moment hear translates to the readers about another layer to Insomnia’s character. It plays strong into the set-up for the final act. With what lies ahead, fans can expect a big ending as the major players are set in place to face off.
Camuncoli, Nesi, and Wijngaard keep the chilling feel throughout this issue. The time in Arkham Tower sets up like a true horror movie. The expressions of “Batman” plays into Damian’s fears very good to progress his story. Insomnia’s body made for a strong visual to express the terrors at hand.
The flashback points hit their marks as Insomnia’s motives become clearer to a degree. It’s capped off with a solid two page spread late, leading readers into the final stage of the crossover.
FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10
Insomnia’s final play makes for an engaging issue to send readers into the upcoming finale of DC Comics’ massive crossover event. Williamson, Camuncoli, and the team give the major villain some definition to his character as the closing chapter is about to begin. Keep an eye out for this issue on New Comic Book Day!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Knight Terrors #4. Thanks for reading Parlay Points on Nerd Initiative.
Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast!
For this entry, we are checking out a brand new series from DC Comics that features one of the most iconic rogues in the history of BATMAN. Over the years, Oswald Cobblepot has evolved from a gimmick villain to a force of nature in Gotham City’s underworld. Now with a new lease on life and past behind him, it appears fate has decided to pull him back to where it all began.
The Penguin #1 by Tom King, Rafael De Latorre, Marcelo Maiolo and Clayton Cowles gives readers an exciting tale as the next phase of Mr. Cobblepot’s life begins. Let’s take a closer look and see what’s happening now, shall we?
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The story starts out with the Batmobile floating in the Gotham River. Readers quickly find out it has been damaged and its’ two passengers aren’t fairing well either. Batman is severely injured, to the point he cannot escape. With being in a weakened state, Bats tries not letting his guard down to his unlikely companion: Oswald Cobblepot aka THE PENGUIN!
Cobblepot is wounded as well. Batman can’t save them. Cobblepot doesn’t want his help. There’s more on his mind at the moment.
Readers are taken back to Metropolis one year prior. A tailor is working on a suit for Cobblepot. A smart joke slips out his mouth while working on the suit. The tailor panics with fear as he knows he shouldn’t have said this. However, in a surprise move, Cobblepot brushes it off and forgives him for the snark remark!
What happened to the feared crime boss of Gotham? The journey begins to reveal itself as Oswald has appeared to have left his past goodbye for the realm of normalcy. However, as with all good things, how long can they last?
An event transpires that changes the world Oswald has grown to love away from Gotham. Once the smokes clears, readers can fully expect big things forthcoming as the final image cements this story becoming an instant classic.
King sets up a complex foundation for the Penguin’s next journey. One area which King excels at is breaking down the inner thinking of his lead characters. In this scenario, Cobblepot’s life away from Crime seems to have given him some sense of peace. It is a vastly different approach to one of Batman’s most dangerous foes. The initial reaction I felt was Keyser Soze-esque. If you know, you know.
Once the scenario of events is presented for the reader, King leaves nothing to the imagination as Cobblepot’s return to the past is cemented with a final act. The build towards Cobblepot’s trouble was well-staged as the slow grind build will connect with readers that this will be something truly special to pick up at the LCS.
De Latorre and Maiolokicks things off with an exclamation point as the Batmobile is sinking with a striking full page panel. Seeing both Batman and Penguin worse for wear lead into the story’s flashback on a high note.
Their mannerisms of defeat were very noticable. Knowing their history (and How Bats was framed for Oswald’s “Death”), the art showcased their long-standing rivalry with a tensions feel. Their vision of Metropolis felt grounded and voided of anything connecting with the Man of Steel.
This played strongly into the shift in story. The panels had a distinct gritty feel heading into the final chapter. The tension grows as the art team goes for 9-panel pages before ultimately capping off this portion with a full-page climax to the big event happening with Oswald. The final few pages leaves o shadows of doubt that The Penguin is back in business and business is “good”.
FINAL POINT: 9.5 OUT OF 10
Oswald Cobblepot is dead. Long live Gotham’s Crime King. King shatters dreams of a peaceful life with superb writing. The panels by De Latorre and Maiolo’s bold visuals set the tone for a forging a new trail in what is sure to be a suspenseful tale for the ages. Make sure this issue is in your possession on New Comic Book Day!
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