HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #16 – BAIT AND SWITCH THE HORROR

NI Staff

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August 9, 2023

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HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #16 – BAIT AND SWITCH THE HORROR

***House Of Slaughter #16 by Sam Johns, Letizia Cadonici, Francesco Segala, and AndWorld Design along with Series development from James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera*** (credit: BOOM! Studios)

House Of Slaughter #16 by BOOM! Studios

Creative: Sam Johns, Letizia Cadonici, Francesco Segala, and AndWorld Design along with Series development from James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast on Nerd Initiative!

For this entry, we are checking out the kick-off of a brand new story arc in one of Boom! Studios stand-out series. Spiraling out of the pages of the award winning Something is Killing The Children, House of Slaughter has carving its own spot as must-read stories on New Comic Book Day. The solo stories based in the SIKTC world has been winning over fans with each run. Now with a brand new arc and creative team, the series is ready to feature a certain character ready for the spotlight!

House Of Slaughter #16 by Sam Johns, Letizia Cadonici, Francesco Segala, and AndWorld Design along with Series development from James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera is hitting the Local Comic Shops this week. Let’s see how the latest tale kicks off, shall we?

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

A monster is reeking havoc. A group of White Masks have arrived on the scene. They are searching for the main point of the monster’s base. One White Mask breaks away from the plan and is caught in the monster’s grasp. Once one of their group goes down, two call a formation and ask for the bait to be brought out.

The story shifts to where a group of young White masks are enjoying some down time at the Order of St. George when Cecilia Slaughter interrupts their time. There’s one big reason for her appearance. She is adding the White Mask known as Bait to the mission in Erie, Pennsylvania. Bait had his arms amputated.

HORROR FROM DC COMICS?!

The other masks banter amongst themselves not knowing why Bait gets to be selected. Readers soon find out as he is updated on the mission at hand.

What exactly is happening to cause a rising body count? Why is Bait selected for this? How does the Order of St. George tie in with this case? Readers begin the journey into this latest mystery with a fantastic starting point.

Johns hits the ground running with setting the foundation of where this new venture is leading. Seeing the reactions after Bait was selected for the mission added to the mystique of his character. Johns also factors in a great comparison of Billiards and Alabaster.

Showcasing a piece of the Orders’ history in such a manner is a fun way to peel back a hidden layer of their past. Pacing gave every portion room to let each segment breathe. Much like anything in the SIKTC line, just enough is revealed without exposing the true nature of any plot. The same can be said here with a well-crafted debut chapter.

ANOTHER GREAT BOOM! STUDIOS TITLE!

Cadonici and Segala mix in personal reactions with the terrifying theme of the story with the visuals here. Right form the beginning, the altercation with the monster and White Masks make a big statement. Bait’s eyes speak volumes about what is happening around him. This is balanced by the reaction of the young group after his selection.

The banter about him leads readers into thinking how important he is to breaking this case open. This plays into the final arc of this issue, where the calm before the storm reigns down on readers closing the beginning of what is sure to be another classic HoS saga.

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

The latest phase of the hit spin-off series from SIKTC doesn’t skip a beat presenting a captivating kickoff. Johns, Cadonici and the team highlight a White Mask’s trek into danger with solid writing and artwork. The story of Bait has only just begun but it is one you won’t want to miss.

Hit me up on ODPH Social media and let me know your thoughts on House Of Slaughter #16. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative.

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Damn Them All No.7 – Angels Demons and Sigils

Jeremy Bowersock

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August 9, 2023

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Damn Them All No.7 – Angels Demons and Sigils

***Damn Them All #7* – *Boom! Studios***

Creative Team: Simon Spurrier, Charlie Adlard, Sofie Dodgson, Daniel Silva De Carvalho, and Jim Campbell

Welcome to another New Comic Book Day review from the NI Bullpen!

This is an intense story. In preparation for this review I went back and re-read the first 6 issues of this comic series. Dealing heavily with the criminal underworld and the occult in the UK, this is a must read for fans of the supernatural.

Before we get into my review for Damn Them All #7, I’d like to try and give you all a quick recap of where the story has been so far.

Let’s get right to it and talk about Damn Them All from Boom! Studios.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD
GRAPHIC/GOREY CONTENT WARNING

Damn Them All Beginnings

Our story follows a young woman named Ellie Hawthorne, who is neck deep in the occult underworld of Britain. Obtaining magical knowledge and powers from her late uncle Alfie, she finds work as muscle for a local crime lord and occult novice named Frankie Wax.

At the funeral reception of her uncle Alfie, who was also a well respected figure in the underworld, a group of masked gunmen burst into the reception. Just as they are about to be thwarted, one of them manages what’s called a “Summoning” calling forth an entity known as an Andromalius. This demon wreaks its havoc, then apologizes to Ellie before departing.

By the end of the first issue, we learn that something has gone wrong in the underworld and these ‘Andromalius‘ have been cast out. They have become servants of evil men, they are in pain, and they wish to be exorcized back home.

Along with a “disgraced” former New Orleans police officer named Dora Lafon, and the Andromalius which is now pledged to Ellie, they seek to uncover what has changed to force these Andromalius’ out of the underworld. As well as punishing the “Author” responsible.

The Ground Shakes

Issue 7 kicks off with ground tremors, greenhouse shattering and Angels appearing in West London. Ellie is fast asleep with her canine/ Andromalius companion named Glas by her side, and he knows something big is happening across town.

After waking Ellie out of her slumber, we see that the pair are outside the cemetery containing the grave of her uncle Alfie. It was Alfie who broke the human world and the underworld. He is the cause of the Andromalius’ being kept prisoner in the mortal realm, and it is apparently his SKIN that is needed to set things right. So Glas begins to dig.

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Where Is Alfie?

The grave is dug up, and they discover something they were not expecting. Instead of her uncle’s casket and corpse, they discover nothing but magical candles in an empty grave.

We are told that even if Glas knew which demon did this, he is magically prevented from revealing the identity or exact location. That being said, Ellie is not your average occultist. She has a loophole in mind.

Being that Glas is in the form of a dog, she wants him to get the scent off one of the candles. Thinking that if he leads her to the culprit by smell alone, he is not breaking any of the demonic rules by which he must follow. As they are discussing this, her companion can sense the “Unfallen” (Angels) are not only in London, “but they are having fun.” Which, from the panel we are shown here, is only fun for the Angels.

Getting A Sigil Back

Ellie and Glas are next shown attempting to retrieve one of the Sigils controlling the demons from an underworld occultist. This man informs Ellie that the Angels have been released upon the mortal world.

When Ellie then still demands the coin from the old man, he attempts to flee outside. After making it outside, Ellie is about to send Glas to give the old man a “Rendering-In-Twain” when the man is suddenly shot and killed.

The killer then appears to split into multiple versions of themselves and take the Sigil that Ellie and Glas had come for. Unfortunately, some kind of magic is throwing off Glas‘ senses and he doesn’t know which killer to pursue. And Ellie is left thinking she saw someone from her recent past, but did she?

Need More From Boom! Studios? Click HERE

Story Review

Simon’s writing for this series is top notch all the way through so far. Crafting an outstanding supernatural detective story full of magic, intrigue and drama.

The revelation that Alfie’s remains have been stolen was a big surprise. I wasn’t exactly expecting things to go smoothly for Ellie, but the body being gone all together I did not see coming. And you can feel her frustration leap off the page as she is devising her work around Glas’ demonic restrictions.

On top of the main plot going on throughout the series, this issue shows us that Ellie has burned a bridge with Dora over Cillian. She won’t return Ellie’s calls and her whereabouts are unknown. We see Ellie struggle with trying to heal the mortal world and underworld, while also trying to mend fences with those she holds dear. She says she needs Dora to help her fix things, but will Dora come to her aid?

Artwork Overview

Adlard and Dodgson come out swinging for this issue. The level of detail in each panel is nothing short of impressive, leaving readers completely immersed into the world they have created.

The two panels we are treated with showing the Angels, are intense to say the least. The almost blinding white glow combined with the level of havoc being wrought, makes the Angels seem like an immense threat. Those panels feel important and impactful, even though these are the only looks we get of the Angels for now.

Glas’ movements feel swift and vicious on the page. When he is in full blown demon mode it seems utterly terrifying. Harsh lines and deep heavy inks and colors give him a formidable presence that you would want in an all powerful demon.

Overall Score: 9 OUT OF 10 – “Must Pull”

If you are looking for something new and intense to read this week on New Comic Book Day, you would be hard pressed to find a better option this week than Damn Them All #7 from Boom! Studios. This is another leap forward for this creative team and this series as a whole.

Make sure to check this out on New Comic Book Day this week at your local comic book shop!

As always everyone, Be Safe, Be Kind, and Take It Easy!

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Pre-Order ‘Pocus Hocus’ Issue #1 TODAY!

THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #1 – BACK IN THE SADDLE

Matthew Roth

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August 9, 2023

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THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #1 – BACK IN THE SADDLE

The Enfield Gang Massacre by Chris Condon and Jacob Phillips (Credit Image Comics)

THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #1– IMAGE COMICS

Creative Team

Writer: Chris Condon

Artist: Jacob Phillips

Let’s Run Down the Story:

The story begins in Oklahoma in 1906 where at a carnival, a story is being told that leads to where we’re heading now. The story is a work of historical fact as it turns out being retold at what appears to be a county fair of sorts. This is about the five-day shootout between The Enfield Gang and the Sherrif and Deputies in the town of Fort Lehane, Texas in 1875.

The Enfield gang was known to rob and loot and be a problem however, one day it is believed they crossed the line. When an innocent banker Bill Barley is found murdered the town sets its sights on the gang and from there all hell breaks loose.

How Do We Feel?

One of my favorite things as a kid was sitting down next to my grandfather and watching an old Western tale. The days of Clint Eastwood or John Wayne always running on his tv and the old good vs evil battle raging on in the middle of nowhere towns.

Condon and Phillips do a great job of transporting me back to those days and capturing the vibe of a classic Western in this first issue.

Phillips works magic crafting a gritty scene mixed with blood and grime that you would expect set in this time period while Condon seemingly ties the slang and character of this period.

The duo do a great job setting the scene for the battle that is yet to come and if you know Image Comics, they are not one to shy away from a bloody battle.

Fans of old-time westerns will quickly find themselves enjoying this mysterious tale which as it turns out has some confusion behind it because the team also does a great job of adding in their newspaper clippings on the tale at the end of the issue.

Overall I would recommend this to be on your pull list and give it:

3.7 /5 Cigars

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MECH CADETS #1 – THE FUTURE IS NOW!

Matthew Roth

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August 9, 2023

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*Mech Cadets #1 by Greg Pak, Takeshi Miyazawa, Ian Herring, and Simon Bowland. (Credit: Boom! Studios Cover by Takeshi Miyazawa and Ian Herring)*

Creative Team

Writer: Greg Pak

Illustrator: Takeshi Miyazawa

Colorist: Ian Herring

Letters: Simon Bowland

Cover: Takeshi Miyazawa/ Ian Herring
Varian Covers: Sonny Liew/Junggeun Yoon

Synopsis

Set in a distant futuristic world we are given a rousing speech by a general to the Sky Corps Cadets about how one year ago the team of Mech Cadets that fought and won against the alien species Sharg. The Team led by Olivia Park, Maya Sanchez, Stanford Yu, and Francis Olivett makes their entrance to celebrate the day. As it turns out Olivia’s father is the general in charge of the team and the mech also known as Robo also bonds with their pilots.

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The team then is off on a mission to stop looters from robbing a store but, it turns out there is a flood and they are citizens trying to survive which leads Olivia to break the rules and ends up getting her fired as it is not her first time. As Maya takes over the team receives a distress signal in space leading them to find danger awaiting as the alien species have adapted and a bigger fight looms on the horizon.

How Do We Feel?

If you are a fan of franchises such as Pacific Rim, Godzilla, Gundam Wing, and more then this first issue will pique your interest right away. A tale of a young group of heroes that were forced to grow up fast during a surprise alien invasion is always a fun read in my opinion.

Sure, it has the cliché father/daughter rivalry to a degree but, it works in the context of this story as Olivia does what she feels is the right thing and General Park must toe the company line.

LOOKING FOR HISTORY?

The art in this book brings to life an epic Saturday morning cartoon as the colors and Mechs are done beautifully. As we dive into action sequences, Greg and his team deliver a seamless orchestra of action and adventure that will draw readers in closer to the pages.

Speaking of Saturday morning cartoons Netflix has turned the first 12 issues of this story into just that and will debut in August on the platform.

If you’re looking for a fun read and bring adventure to your imaginative minds, then this comic is one you should pick up. You can tell the team is having fun in this issue and the ending will leave you wanting more and running for the show all in the same breath.

RATING: 4/5 Cigars

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Kaya Issue 10 – The Battles Within!

Comic Books

martystoked

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August 9, 2023

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Kaya #10: Wes Craig (story, art and design), Jason Wordie (colors), Tom Napolitano (letters), Erika Schnatz (design) Credit Image Comics

Kaya Issue 10 – Image Comics

Creative team: Wes Craig (story, art and design), Jason Wordie (colors), Tom Napolitano (letters), Erika Schnatz (design)

For those that are late to this fantasy world crafted by writer Wes Craig, this book centers around the brother-sister relationship between Kaya and her half brother Jin. Both were raised from different sides of the fence. Kaya grew up as a hunter who lost her arm in an unfortunate accident and was gifted a magical golden arm to save her life. Jin was raised as a prince and perceived as the “Golden One” who is supposed to destroy the Robot Empire that decimated their village.

Issue 10 of Kaya continues to build on the brother-sister adventures of Kaya and Jin, who are looking for their true path even though one was already foretold.

This epic fantasy journey continues to produce some of the most interesting characters and lands that are out in comics today. We are introduced to a couple of new characters in this issue some of which might have a lasting impact on the broader storyline. The combination of Wes Craig’s art and designs along with Jason Wordie’s colors produces an immersive experience for readers of all ages.

One of my favorite parts of this issue and story in general is how reader friendly it is. This is a testament to both the panel layouts and Tom Napolitano’s lettering design. Napolitano’s unique approach to his word balloons in combination with his use of bolded font help the reader hear the voice of the character.

Kaya’s abrasive and strong inflections have square tails where Jin’s and some of the other weaker characters have long thin or short pointed tails. Some of my favorites are the lizard and spider-like characters that have a tail that is long and winding which makes the reader add the sssss sound to the end of the characters text.

I really enjoyed the internal struggle that Jin was going through in his dream state as he is continuing to question if he truly is the “Golden One.” The letters in these panels are literally weighing him down and trying to force him to change his perception that he grew up thinking to be true.

Overall this story continues to be one of my favorite daddy daughter reads that my oldest and I look forward to reading each month! Excited to see how things continue to pan out in this ever evolving universe and how the Robot Empire will be defeated.

Overall Rating: 8.4 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…

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KNIGHT TERRORS #3 – WILL HOPE SHINE IN THE DARKEST HOUR?

NI Staff

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August 8, 2023

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KNIGHT TERRORS #3 – WILL HOPE SHINE IN THE DARKEST HOUR?

***Knight Terrors #3 – Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteri (Credit: DC COMICS)***

KNIGHT TERRORS #3 BY DC COMICS

Creative: Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteri

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 the flagship title of DC Comics’ monster crossover of 2023! What happens when the DC Universe keeps living in an endless nightmare? Readers are quickly finding out in the pages of Knight Terrors and its’ companion stories. Issue #3 by Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteri pushes the attack of Insomnia forward with an unlikely pair getting a much needed assist.

Let’s take a deeper dive into what’s happening now, shall we?

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

***Knight Terrors #3 – Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteri (Credit: DC COMICS, Cover: Francesco Mattina)***

When a mysterious foe named Insomnia takes out longtime JLA foe Dr. Destiny in the Hall Of Justice, the trinity of the DCU (Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman) are challenged like never before. With the world put to sleep and cast into their own personal nightmares, things look very grim for both heroes and villains alike. There are only a few heroes left awake to fight back. One of which might be the key to ending the terror: DEADMAN, the body possessing spirit!

With Insomnia’s Sleepless Knights in hot pursuit for the Nightmare Stone, Deadman (who’s possessing Batman) involves an unlikely ally to help with the case. Wesley Dodds, the Golden Age Sandman has been brought from the dead to help with this battle. One is a spirit. The other is a zombie reincarnate. How does the pair survive the latest onslaught?

THE ADVENTURES OF JON KENT!

This issue opens up with Deadman giving a monologue to the readers in theatrical fashion. His grab looks that of Shakespearian times. In the present, “DeadBat” and Sandman are fending off some of the Sleepless Knights. As the pair looks to be overwhelmed, Robin (Damian Wayne) enters the fray, swinging his sword!

Deadman speaks of his interactions with Damian while readers see the young hero fight their way out of danger. This all leads to the Batplane making the save, lifting them to safety.

While on the ship, Damian forces Deadman to relinquish his possession of Batman. The trio try to assess what’s next. This leads Deadman to try connecting with Insomnia to find more information about his endgame.

***Knight Terrors #3 – Joshua Williamson, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Casper Wijngaard, Frank Martin and Troy Peteri (Credit: DC COMICS – Cover: Christian Duce)***

What does he find when they connect? Readers see first hand how unhinged this antagonist has become. With a flashback sequence that will send chills after reading, there appears to be a lead into where the Stone may be.

Where does the journey go from here? What are the trio willing to do to stop Insomnia? Readers see the dangers the heroes are prepared to cross to end this terror once and for all.

Insomnia isn’t going down without a fight. This makes for an interesting dynamic as the closing attack raises the stakes. This all leads to an ending page that will leave some with questions heading into the next chapter.

MORE DC COMICS!

First off, Williamson deserves all the praise for making Deadman the center of this story. The one-liners and banter with Damian (and Batman previously) have been fantastic. The pairing with Dodds works on various levels. Having another detective on the case brings a new perspective to the events unfolding.

Dodds has a whole vibe all his own (even in zombie form). This becomes evident in how things build into the final act. Williamson shows how Dodds plan has a certain confidence to it without coming across arrogantly. Pacing keeps things moving at a brisk pace but takes nothing away from the events playing out. The final page is a fitting close to what became an intriguing mix of characters and personalities.

Camuncoli, Nesi, and Wijngaard keep the horror aspects blended in with the action sequences for this chapter. The Damian Wayne full page panel introduction is a visual that will jump right off the page. It is preceded by an excellent two page spread building to that moment.

The dream/flashback sequence in Insomnia’s mind is another noteworthy portion of the story. The coloring gives these panels a somber feel as readers witness how troubled the villain has been. The third act moves at a quick pace but the team leaves no doubt that the story has much further to go. With a strong ending visual, fans will have much to ponder until the next chapter.

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

The latest installment of DC Comics’ horror-infused nightmare leaves fans wide awake with some impactful events to process. Williamson, Camuncoli, and the team deliver a solid companion piece to the larger story unfolding across the DCU. Keep an eye out for this on New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Knight Terrors #3. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative!

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SUPERMAN ANNUAL 2023 – THE CITY OF SECRETS EXPOSED

NI Staff

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August 8, 2023

0

SUPERMAN ANNUAL 2023 – THE CITY OF SECRETS EXPOSED

SUPERMAN ANNUAL 2023 #1 – ***Joshua Williamson***, ***Mahmud Asrar***, ***Edwin Galmon***, ***Caitlin Yarsky***, ***Max Raynor***, ***Jack Herbert,*** ***Dave McCaig,*** ***Alex Guimarães*** ***and Ariana Maher*** (Credit: DC COMICS)

SUPERMAN ANNUAL 2023 #1 by DC COMICS

Creative: Joshua Williamson, Mahmud Asrar, Edwin Galmon, Caitlin Yarsky, Max Raynor, Jack Herbert, Dave McCaig, Alex Guimarães and Ariana Maher

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast on Nerd Initiative!

For this entry, there is a newfound excitement happening at DC Comics with its “Dawn Of DC” movement. Arguably no character has reaped the benefits of this more than Superman. With books like Adventures Of Superman: Jon Kent and Steelworks making waves at the comic shops, fans have been praising the line featuring characters from the Man of Steel’s world.

This is especially noticeable in the brand new Superman series by Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell. The battle for Truth, Justice and a Better Tomorrow within those pages has been a fantastic read thus far.

SUPERMAN ANNUAL 2023 #1 by Joshua Williamson, Mahmud Asrar, Edwin Galmon, Caitlin Yarsky, Max Raynor, Jack Herbert, Dave McCaig, Alex Guimarães and Ariana Maher takes a further look at the new world of Metropolis and where things are heading for the DC Universe’s franchise character. Let’s take a closer look and see what’s happening now, shall we?

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

During this current run, the stat quo between Superman and his greatest enemy has changed dramatically. While Lex Luthor is incarcerated, Superman is still keeping tabs on him via super-hearing. That siad, he’s not ready for what Lex’s big move becomes! Lex has turned over Lexcorp to Superman! Now with an uneasy partnership formed and a rebranded “Supercorp” at their disposal, the pair have been thrown head first into a bigger threat from Lex’s past: Dr. Pharm and Mr. Graft!

Pharm and Graft have been using a Kryptonite Klaw to make walking weapons out of some of Superman’s biggest rogues. With Lex’s help, Supes has been able to fend off attacks from Parasite and Silver Banshee. The latter damaged his super-hearing in their encounter so badly, Superman can’t hear Lex’s cries for help in an attempt on Lex’s life.

SUPERMAN AND LEX!

Williamson does balance in a bit of super-heroics in with the reporting commencing. The Toyman story is brief but continues the overall story of Dr. Pharm and Mr. Graft without taking anything away from Lois’s gauntlet challenge to the Planet staff. The closing moments bring the issue to a finish with some very shocking moments. Like previously mentioned, Williamson is giving fans much to talk about with each issue elevating the Man Of Steel to new heights.

Giving each reporter their own art team for their stories gave a fresh approach to the story. Readers can sense that each team presents their arcs in varying ways to reflect the difference in reporters views. Asrar sets up a strong two-page full piece depicting Superman doing what he does best. The Jimmy Olsen portion had more of a brighter feel to the visuals. In comparison, Cat Grant’ had a gritter and more serious tone to it. The final moments conclude with an equally excellent two-page spread before ending with an image fans will be raving about. There is much to praise with the artwork featured in this special edition.

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

Taking the spotlight away from the Man of Steel and placing it on the Daily Planet team proved for an enjoyable read. Williamson and the teams present a grounded story recapping previous stories while setting the foundation for another go-around that simply can’t be missed. Make sure you pick this up on New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH Social Media and let me know what you thought of Superman Annual 2023 #1. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative.

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Washington’s Gay General: The Legends and Loves of Baron von Steuben

Matthew Roth

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August 8, 2023

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Washington’s Gay General The Legends and Loves of Baron von Steuben by Josh Trujillo and Levi Hastings (Credit: ABRAMS COMIC ARTS (ABRAMS BOOKS)

Washington’s Gay General: The Legends and Loves of Baron von Steuben – ABRAMS COMIC ARTS (ABRAMS BOOKS)

Author: Josh Trujillo

Artist: Levi Hastings

Overview

First off, if you enjoy historical deep dives or long nights on the couch longing for the History Channel before Pawn Stars ruled the world then this one is for you. The graphic novel tells a tale of love, of tragedy, and even a story of stark heroism as it follows the true-to-life story of Baron von Steuben. Haven’t heard of him? Well, he is instrumental in the founding of America as George Washington himself was. What’s more, he did all of this as a homosexual man living in the 1700s during a time when that term had not even been invented yet.

Josh and Levi go through this magnificent biographical tale to extreme detail leaving no stone unturned going from Von Steuben’s days in Prussia fighting to training Continental troops at Valley Forge. They highlight the importance of telling tales such as these to show just how important sharing queer experiences in American history is and how they are often overlooked.

How do we feel?

Washington’s Gay General The Legends and Loves of Baron von Steuben is a beautiful yet tragic tale of love and believe it or not believing in yourself in a way. Von Steuben always felt he portrayed a sense of power and of importance which helped him throughout his life. From his journeys in his home country to aiding in the American Revolution.

Josh and Levi do a wonderful job weaving their own personal stories of growing up as queer men during a time when it was not socially acceptable to be so. The love the two of these show through Levi’s art and through Josh’s writing is a reminder of the adversities the queer community faces still today.

As a history fan shedding light on one of the most important men in the foundations of our country, a man who without his help Washington’s army would have failed. And then seeing just how quickly politicians tossed him away (sounds familiar some things never change.)

It’s an important story that I do not believe anybody could have told any better. Levi’s work with a palette of blues, whites, and black colors assists in showcasing how deeply moving this story is.

At the end of the day whether you love history, whether you love anyone at all regardless of gender you should take 30 minutes out of your day and give this graphic novel a read when it hits stands August 15th.

This story earns 5/5 cigars.

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Iron Man Model 7 – Tony Stark’s Stealth Armor!

Derek Hoskins

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August 7, 2023

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Iron Man Model 7 – Tony Stark’s Stealth Armor!

Welcome to Paperweight Entertainment’s Hall of Armor: Reforged! New armors, new multiversal Tony Starks, same great content! We’re still digging into Iron Man’s bag of tricks, each week you’re going to get to take a look at a new armor or version of Iron Man from across comics, film, and TV!

This week we try to find Iron Man’s Stealth Armor! Introduced in Iron Man #152 by Bob Layton, David Michelinie, John Romita Jr., Glynis Oliver, and Joe Rosen, the Iron Man Model 7 was designed to go undetected and get Iron Man in to some of the most top secret and dangerous places in the Marvel Universe! Check out the video below to get to know this unique armor a little better!

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Did You Know? The Electric Pikachu Will Always Light Up Any Room With These Interesting Facts!

Mickey Smith

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August 7, 2023

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Did You Know? The Electric Pikachu Will Always Light Up Any Room With These Interesting Facts!

Pikachu Fun Facts

Pikachu is a well-known character in the world of Pokémon. However, despite its popularity, there are still some things that many people don’t know about Ash Ketchum’s best friend! For example, did you know that Pikachu’s name is a combination of two Japanese words that mean “sparkle” and “mouse”? Additionally, Pikachu’s design was inspired by a squirrel, which is why it has those distinctive red cheeks, which store up electricity!

Another interesting fact about Pikachu is that it is not just a cute and cuddly creature, but it is also a powerful fighter. In fact, Pikachu is one of the most versatile and beloved Pokémon in the franchise. Its signature move is the Thunderbolt, which can deliver a devastating electric shock to opponents. Pikachu is also known for its speed and agility, making it a formidable opponent in battles.

Origin and Creation of Pikachu

Pikachu is a popular character in the Pokémon franchise, known for its cute appearance and powerful electric attacks. Pikachu was created by Japanese video game designer, Satoshi Tajiri, and first appeared in the 1996 video games, Pokémon Red and Green.

Tajiri’s inspiration for Pikachu came from his childhood fascination with collecting insects. He wanted to create a character that would appeal to both boys and girls, and that could be easily recognizable and marketable. The name “Pikachu” is a combination of two Japanese words: “pika,” which means “sparkle,” and “chu,” which is the sound a mouse makes.

Pikachu’s design was created by Ken Sugimori, who also designed many of the other Pokémon characters. Sugimori wanted Pikachu to be cute and cuddly, with a round body and big ears. He also wanted Pikachu to have a lightning bolt-shaped tail to emphasize its electric abilities.

Since its creation, Pikachu has become one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in popular culture. It has appeared in numerous video games, movies, TV shows, and merchandise. Pikachu’s popularity has also led to the creation of other electric-type Pokémon, such as Raichu and Pichu.

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Interesting Facts About Pikachu

Pikachu is one of the most recognizable characters in the world, but there are still many interesting facts that people may not know about this beloved electric mouse.

Firstly, Pikachu’s name is a combination of two Japanese words: “pika,” which means “sparkle,” and “chu,” which is the sound that a mouse makes. This name perfectly captures Pikachu’s electric powers and adorable appearance.

Another interesting fact about Pikachu is that it was not originally meant to be the face of the Pokémon franchise. The original mascot was actually Clefairy, but Pikachu’s popularity exploded after it was featured prominently in the Pokémon anime.

Pikachu’s design was based on a combination of different animals, including mice, rabbits, and squirrels. Its iconic lightning bolt-shaped tail was inspired by the concept of electricity and lightning bolts.

Despite being known for its electric powers, Pikachu is actually weak against ground-type Pokémon. This is because electricity travels through the ground, making it difficult for Pikachu to use its electric attacks effectively.

Overall, Pikachu’s unique design and electric powers have made it one of the most beloved characters in pop culture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is a lot that is known about Pikachu, there are still many things that remain a mystery. Through research and analysis, experts have been able to uncover a great deal about this beloved character, but there is always more to discover.

One thing that is clear is that Pikachu has had a significant impact on popular culture and has become an icon in the world of entertainment. From its origins in the Pokémon franchise to its appearances in movies, TV shows, and video games, Pikachu has captured the hearts of fans around the world.

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Pikachu Fun Facts

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