Iron Man teams up with Dr. Strange in this dark, Lovecraftian story set during Tony’s time as Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The Story:
Tony Stark is seeing things, things that no one else can see. Colossal monsters, straight out of H.P. Lovecraft’s works are plaguing Iron Man. Each one with the same symbol on their forehead and wrapped in chains. While dealing with these visions, Tony and Maria Hill are chasing down a serial killer who is taking out extraterrestrial refugees that have been processed and placed by Tony himself.
Iron Man and Dr. Strange in I AM Iron Man #4
The Writing:
This is Murewa Ayodele’s best work yet! The story moves fast and builds in tension and intrigue effortlessly. Ayodele has a firm grasp on the character’s voices and motivations. As someone who read the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. storyline and loved it, this read as if it was being written at the same time as those stories. Tony Stark and Maria Hill were on point and the banter between Strange and Tony was fantastic!
Tony’s Lovecraftian Nightmare!
The Art:
Dotun Akande absolutely crushes the art in this issue, as usual. However, the added bonus of his take on giant Eldritch horrors was a treat I did not expect! The armor, characters, and backgrounds were beautiful as always but, once again, it was the movement between panels and action scenes that stole the show here!
Verdict:
This series continues to shine. This incredible creative duo is taking big swings and, in my opinion, they are connecting with each one. This is one of the best looking books that Marvel is putting out right now and the stories being told are bold and creative.
As a huge fan of H.P. Lovecraft’s work and as a fan of giant monsters and dark espionage thrillers, this issue seemed tailor made for me. I highly recommend you read this series if you haven’t yet! Each issue has been a quick and enjoyable read, and it’s been a fantastic tribute to my favorite character!
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 one boy’s search for his brother in the pages of the brand new series from Image Comics and Skybound Entertainment. The first issue made a big splash and the follow-up looks to continue to win another round. ARCADE KINGS #2 by DYLAN BURNETT, Walter Baiamonte and Sara Antonellini bring readers along for the journey through Infinity City as Joe pushes forward with more challenges in his way. Time to put some quarters into the game and level up for this review:
Years ago, Infinity City has been known as the home for fighting world champion Victor McMax! Watching in the crowd are his two sons Joe and Ken. Both boys show distinct differences about their “dad’s” line of work.Abruptly, McMax retires from fighting shortly after a title defense. From that moment on, to say things have changed is an understatement.
Fast forward to present time and Joe has emerged in Valleytown, a suburb of Infinity City. Joe has donned a helmet and has made the Round House Arcade his temporary home. However, when a stranger walks in to challenge the reigning arcade king, it turns out to be more than a game. The opponent has ties to Joe’s dad with a message to return to his side. Joe has other plans and survives the encounter. Unfortunately, winning means losing as Joe needs to leave the arcade to continue his quest: to find his brother Ken!
THE NEXT CHAPTER BEGINS…
This issue picks up with Joe and Ken fighting as young kids in their Dad’s estate. The brothers spar with Joe getting the upper hand. This pleases their dad but Ken is belittled for not measuring up. In this mix, Victor struggles breathing. The training continues but Ken is dismissed.
Jumping to present time, Joe is on a train to Rockview, which looks to be abandoned when he steps off. Walking the streets, Joe comes across a vandalized billboard for his father’s school. All the while, Plum Khurana makes her way through the vacant streets running into a group playing a game. When she interrupts, the favor is returned by Joe, who sees Plum as another obstacle to his quest.
Readers ring the bell and see how these two “talk”. How does the conversation go? Suffice to say, their conversation has another vested party interested. Who jumps into the fray? Can Joe stay out of his dad’s reach yet again? The final act provides some answers while a move is made setting up a twist to the story heading to the next issue.
Burnett keeps things moving with a very entertaining issue. Delving into the background of the brothers, Burnett gives some insight on what caused the rift between Joe and the family. The moment is brief but speaks volumes about the fractures with the family.
Switching to present time, Joe comes across as confident as ever without showing the true emotions behind the helmet. The introduction of Plum Khurana was a great addition to the cast of characters. Being the “protector” of Rockview, Plum demonstrates strong reactions to counter and align with Joe when it becomes needed.
When the third party arrives, Plum shows a change of character that gives a solid pause for Joe’s story. The moves made following the encounter is a very unique dynamic switch that is sure to keep readers on their toes.
The art flows very fast between panels. Rockview is displayed as broken and vacant. It is quite a contrast from Valleytown. Baiamonte and Antonellini (along with Simona Iurato and Sharon Marino) drive this point home when readers first see Plum wake up and head out into the street. The art team showcase her range of emotions to give her character a sense of varying levels.
BRING THE ACTION!
The action sequences recreates legendary fighting game energy with vibrant panels. Andworld Design’s lettering through these spots adds a fun look to the battles. There is an excellent image with Joe facing off against the challenger with the use of short panels to illustrate the action.
It balances out the figure standing in the center of the page with a different blue coloring to make the page pop. Excellent build-up for the next chapter with a strong final panel to leave things off on.
FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10
It’s a second round knockout with the latest chapter of Arcade Kings. Burnett ushers in the next level of Joe’s quest with an excellent story matched by the dynamic visuals which are quickly becoming this series calling card. Make sure it’s not “Game Over” at the LCS this week and get yourself this issue on New Comic Book Day.
Hit me up on ODPH Social media and let me know what you thought of Arcade Kings #2. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative.
ROGUE SUN #13 by Ryan Parrott, Abel, Marco Renna, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey (editor Michael Busittil – credit: IMAGE COMICS AND BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE)
Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast on Nerd Initative!
For this entry, Comics’ most exciting universe kicks off its’ next phase coming out of the huge crossover event “Supermassive 2023”. Leading the charge is one of the pillars of the Massive-Verse, who left readers hanging with a new stat quo in place before taking a small break for the Image Comics and Black Market Narrative event.
If you are jumping in for the first time, TPB for volumes 1 and 2 are in stores now, but shocking plot twists are nothing new to this series as longtime readers have known. Considering who is creating the series, fans know to expect the unexpected and fully get their moneys worth!
ROGUE SUN #13 by Ryan Parrott (POWER RANGERS, DEAD DAY), Abel, Marco Renna, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey (editor Michael Busittil) returns to comic shops with the next phase of challenges for Dylan Siegel. Let’s not delay any longer and jump into the next wave of massive-verse adventures, shall we? “ROGUE SUN!”
Check Out Massiveverse 101 from Nerd Initiative
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Dylan’s Stroy Thus Far
Dylan Siegel’s life has been anything but normal since the passing of his father Marcus Bell aka Rogue Sun. Being the heir to the mantle of a superhero changes a few things. With unexpected dangers, new adversaries and a new family dynamic unlike anyone else, Dylan has had an interesting start to his heroic career to say the least. And we haven’t even mentioned high school yet.
Dylan hasn’t been completely alone during this journey as he’s had astral mentors guiding him. The spirit of his late father and most recently Caleb Hawthorne, the KNIGHT SUN have been working on making Dylan the hero he potentially could be.
ROGUE SUN #13 by Ryan Parrott, Abel, Marco Renna, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey (editor Michael Busittil – credit: IMAGE COMICS AND BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE)
Last readers saw him, Dylan suffered an unexpected loss during a battle with Hellbent. One of his fellow classmates, Reggie, was killed standing up to the dangerous foe when Dylan was defeated. While distraught over the loss, Dylan turns control over his body to Caleb to finish the fight. When the battle has ended, Caleb surprises Dylan by maintaining control of his body, leaving Dylan as an astral spirit watching someone else control his physical body!
The next phase of Rogue Sun begins at the Crescent City Medical Center. The medical team on duty is finishing autopsies and one deceased body stands out for a gruesome image. Suddenly, one gets sick out of nowhere. They set outside to get some air and when they return, the body is gone but something else is in its place hovering overhead.
Meanwhile, Dylan is self reflecting on the recent events. Watching someone else live his life has made a strong impact on his view of the world. Caleb (as Dylan) makes his way to breakfast with the Bell family and the change is noticeable. Readers even see how the family is welcoming it. All the while Dotty is meeting with some of the well known villains of Dylan in an attempt to rehabilitate them but a warning is passed along that Mourningstar is coming.
ROGUE SUN #13 by Ryan Parrott, Abel, Marco Renna, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey (editor Michael Busittil – credit: IMAGE COMICS AND BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE)
The change is noted by his fellow classmates, especially his ex-girlfriend Vanessa. As much as things change, some things remain the same as Rogue Sun runs into an old friend with some unfinished business.
Readers witness how the new dynamic between Dylan and Caleb plays out with another shocking twist to the story coming in the final moments. Get ready for another mic drop moment when the last page hits. This next phase of Dylan Siegel isn’t short of surprises.
STORY REVIEW
Parrott continues to push this story into compelling themes with this issue. Dylan is in uncharted territory watching someone live his life. The conversations and reactions of those around him is telling of what kind of person he was prior to the change.
There is an epiphany starting to take place that Parrott begins to lead the readers on. Losing abilities he took for granted, Dylan lashes out at the worst time to Caleb concerning.
Their relationship has deteriorated rapidly and justifiably. It challenges the motto of “with great power comes great responsibility”. One moment that really jumps out within these pages is a conversation with Dylan, Vanessa and Reggie’s mother. Parrott pens the scene with great care and drives home the impact of Reggie’s noble actions. Great final sequence to end this issue on and kick the next chapter off in style.
ROGUE SUN #13 by Ryan Parrott, Abel, Marco Renna, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey (editor Michael Busittil – credit: IMAGE COMICS AND BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE)
Abel and Renna split the art duties for this issue. That is never a bad thing when you have 2 extremely talented artists such as them working on a story. The moment of the villains meeting with Dotty displayed as a pyramid of mirrors for a full page panel comes across as a huge event for the readers.
The emotional displays during the conversation about Reggie’s death hit very hard and add more weight to an already heavy moment. The action sequences complement the full page re-introduction of Dylan’s “Old Friend”. It’s fallout connects with readers sending them into the closing moments with a full page visual guaranteed to bring them back for more.
FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10
The new stat quo of Dylan Siegel shows no sight of slowing down what has already become a must-have series on NCBD. Parrott’s method of mixing in emotional moments with shocking twists delivers on another fantastic issue with amazing visuals form Abel, Renna and the rest of the team. The Massive-Verse is back in full swing and you don’t want to miss it!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Rogue Sun #13. Thanks for reading!
Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast On Nerd Initative!
For this entry, the current run of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from Boom! Studios can easily be defined as legendary (and its only just begun). It has almost been a year since the new creative team took the reins and never looked back.
In this time period, they have reinvented a classic villain and given the Rangers their biggest threat to date. With a HUGE storyline kicking off with “the Darkest Hour” in MMPR #111, the path to get there has been must-read material.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #109 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Taurin Clarke) for BOOM! Studios continues to ramp the tension up with hope slipping further and further out of the heroes grasps. Let’s take a closer look at the events unfolding here, shall we?
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #109 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Taurin Clarke) for BOOM! Studios
Rita Repulsa has returned in a monster way. Repulsa has transformed into the dangerous Mistress Vile. In her first move, Vile sends a huge message defeating Lord Zedd and leaving him lying near death at her feet. The Rangers have been on the defensive since the intial encounter and haven’t been able to catch a moment to bounce back.
Vile has been striking them with pin-point accuracy with her attacks. No greater move has struck the Rangers more than her kidnapping and brainwashing Matt the green Ranger.
Now with an army by her side led by Matt and “The Vessel”, the body of Zordon under an evil influence, Vile makes her biggest push to accomplish her plan of unleashing the evil of the Dark Spector by controlling the Morphin Grid.
Who Rises to the challenge?
There is an unlikely challenger to Vile’s plans that no one saw coming: A Morphin Powered Lord Zedd! With the huge showdown looming, a familiar face is lurking in the wing with plans all his own.
This issue picks up with Lord Drakkon freeing Kiya, the former Omega Ranger from her prison. With their past, the pair quickly become reluctant allies with the chaos swirling around them. Drakkon convinces Kiya to help activate the Morphin Arch on Safehaven.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #109 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Taurin Clarke) for BOOM! Studios
The pair is intercepted by current Omega Rangers Kevor and Yale. Kiya is none too pleased to see her replacement and make quick work of the pair until Zach and Trini arrive. Drakkon and Kiya escape with a warning to the Omega Rangers: Destroy the Arch before Vile finds it.
The Final showdown looms…..
Meanwhile on Earth, Vile has already made great strides in her plans and taken Grace Sterling hostage. On the cusp of winning, Vile thinks Vessel is returning after disposing of Zedd, but reality is quite the contrary. Zedd arrives and is ready to finally handle unfinished business.
As for the Rangers, they make a stand against Matt and Vile’s forces. Readers are in for an emotionally charged throwdown as the payoff for the builds hit their marks. On top of the action, there appears to be an unlikely shift of allies heading into an imposing final issue to lead into ending this arc before the darkest Hour begins.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #109 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Taurin Clarke) for BOOM! Studios
STORYBREAKDOWN
Flores kicks off the conclusion of the current arc with an issue fans will be very excited to read. The return of Drakkon and Kiya has been hovering in the background for a bit but their re-introduction plays into how desperate times have become. The theme of “Enemy of My Enemy is my Friend” shines thru and plants a seed for a later return with the Omega Rangers. The showdowns fans have been waiting for will lock in with readers.
The Zedd/Vile standoff presents the duel fans have been waiting for with great dialogue and a surprise factor thrown in the mix. The battle that will stand out the most is Matt vs. The Rangers. Setting up how he was before Vile captured him and referencing the potential romance with Aisha, Flores adds an extra level of emotion to the panels.
Readers will literally hear the drop in Aisha’s voice when she says “Yes”. Overall, the key players and stories all had enough time with the pacing to head into next issue bracing for the uncertain future ahead.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #109 by Melissa Flores, Simona Di Gianfelice, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Taurin Clarke) for BOOM! Studios
Di Gianfelice returns to art duties after Marco Renna filled in last issue and doesn’t skip a beat bringing the action to this issue. The battle with Zedd and Vile had a strong presence to it with big panels featuring the two finally squaring off. The coloring from Angulo (with an assist from Jose Enrique Fernandez) captured readers attention and never let go.
The emotional reactions were featured throughout this issue from Kiya seeing the Omega Rangers again and especially with Matt vs. The Rangers. The emotional reactions of Matt and Aisha during the fight never was lost in the shuffle.
Those moments told their own story which will link up with readers. The panel with Aisha says “Yes” is told just reading her eyes. Each sub-plot looks poised for a big conclusion next issue with the closing full page panel sending readers home on.
FINAL GRADE: 8.5 OUT OF 10
The dynamic duo of Flores and Di Gianfelice reunite to send the Power Rangers on the path to the Darkest Hour. With emotionally charged writing paired with incredible visuals, the hype surrounding this current story arc continues to be justified with another exceptional issue. There is something special unfolding with this series that all readers need to check out.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #109. Thanks for reading Parlay Points on Nerd Initiative!
In 1993, Last Action Hero was released as a film that aimed to poke fun at the adrenaline-fueled action genre.
Creators Zach Pin and Adam Left wrote the script with the intention of making a satire of Shane Black projects like Lethal Weapon and the Last Boy Scout, and using the rhythm of John McTiernan-directed films like Die Hard.
They also named the protagonist, Jack Slater, as a spoof of Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, the project took a different turn when Schwarzenegger ended up in the role and as an executive producer, and Shane Black was hired to rewrite the script. Despite being a critical and financial failure, Last Action Hero has become a cult classic among fans.
Key Takeaways
Last Action Hero was originally intended to be a satire of the action genre, but ended up being taken over by the same industry titans it was mocking.
The film’s protagonist, Jack Slater, was named as a spoof of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who ended up in the role and as an executive producer.
Despite its poor reception at the time of release, Last Action Hero has since gained a cult following among Die Hard fans.
Origins of Last Action Hero
Original Script Writers
The script for Last Action Hero was written by Zach Pin and Adam Left, who intended to create a film that would satirize adrenaline-fueled action movies. Their plan was to use the rhythm of John McTiernan-directed films like Die Hard and poke fun at Shane Black projects like Lethal Weapon and The Last Boy Scout.
Pin and Left initially wrote the script as a comedic love letter to the genre, with the main character’s name being Arno Slater as a spoof of Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, as they continued to develop the story, the punchlines took over, and the film became more of a straightforward action movie.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was initially intended to be spoofed, ended up in the lead role and as an executive producer. Shane Black was also brought in to rewrite the script, and John McTiernan was hired to direct the film.
Despite being a critical and financial failure upon its release, Last Action Hero has since become a cult classic among Die Hard fans. The film’s original writers, Pin and Left, were disappointed with the final product, as it was not the satire they had initially intended it to be. Nevertheless, the film’s unique blend of humor and action has earned it a place in the hearts of many fans.
Role of Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger played the lead role of Jack Slater in the movie Last Action Hero. Interestingly, the character’s name was originally Arno Slater, which was a spoof of Schwarzenegger’s name. However, Schwarzenegger not only ended up playing the role, but he also served as an executive producer for the film.
Schwarzenegger’s involvement in the project was significant, as he brought his experience and expertise in the action genre to the table. He had already established himself as a prominent action star with movies like Terminator and Predator, and his involvement in Last Action Hero lent credibility to the film.
Moreover, Schwarzenegger’s presence in the film added to its comedic value. The movie was originally intended as a satire of the action genre, and Schwarzenegger’s larger-than-life persona and self-awareness added to the humor. His performance as Jack Slater was both entertaining and self-referential, and it remains one of his most memorable roles.
Overall, Schwarzenegger’s role in Last Action Hero was crucial to the film’s success. His involvement in the project helped to legitimize it as a legitimate action movie, while his comedic performance added to its appeal as a satire. Despite the film’s initial critical and financial failure, it has since become a cult classic, in no small part due to Schwarzenegger’s contribution.
Critical and Financial Performance
1993’s Last Action Hero was a film that aimed to satirize the action genre, but it ended up being a critical and financial failure. The film received mixed reviews from critics and failed to attract audiences to theaters.
Despite having a star-studded cast and a budget of $85 million, the film only grossed $137 million worldwide, which was considered a disappointment. The film’s lackluster performance was partly due to its release date, which coincided with other blockbuster films like Jurassic Park and The Fugitive.
Critics were divided on the film’s merits. Some praised its self-awareness and humor, while others criticized its convoluted plot and over-the-top action scenes. Roger Ebert gave the film a negative review, stating that “it’s not funny enough to be a comedy, not exciting enough to be an action movie, not thoughtful enough to be a think piece, and not self-aware enough to be a satire.”
Despite its poor reception, Last Action Hero has gained a cult following among fans of the action genre. The film’s meta-commentary on Hollywood and its use of self-referential humor have been praised by some as ahead of its time.
In conclusion, Last Action Hero was a film that attempted to satirize the action genre but ultimately failed to connect with audiences and critics. Its poor critical and financial performance was a disappointment for the filmmakers and the studio, but the film has since gained a cult following among fans of the genre.
Cult Status Among Die Hard Fans
1993’s Last Action Hero may have been a critical and financial failure, but it has since gained a cult following among Die Hard fans. The film, which was originally intended as a comedic love letter to the action genre, ended up being taken over by the very industry it was mocking. However, this hasn’t stopped fans from appreciating the film for what it is.
One of the reasons for the film’s cult status is its clever use of meta-humor. The film pokes fun at action movie cliches and tropes, while also embracing them at the same time. This creates a unique viewing experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Another reason for the film’s cult status is its impressive cast. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Jack Slater, a fictional action hero who comes to life and enters the real world. The film also features appearances by several other notable actors, including Charles Dance, F. Murray Abraham, and Tom Noonan.
Despite its initial failure, Last Action Hero has since become a beloved film among Die Hard fans. Its unique blend of humor and action, combined with its impressive cast, make it a must-see for any fan of the genre.
Disney+ released the first episode of Secret Invasion, and fans are already buzzing about the grounded and intriguing spy show.
The episode features unexpected twists and turns, including the death of an original Avenger, which has sparked debate among viewers about whether the death was necessary or simply a plot device.
Many are speculating about the impact of Maria Hill’s death on Nick Fury, who seems to have lost his edge since the Blip and Thanos’ snap. While some believe that her death will motivate Fury to return to his former self, others argue that it was a cheap way to move the plot forward.
As opinions continue to circulate, one thing is clear: Secret Invasion is shaping up to be a thrilling and unpredictable ride.
Key Takeaways
Secret Invasion’s first episode has been well-received by fans, who appreciate its grounded and intriguing spy show format.
The unexpected death of an original Avenger, Maria Hill, has sparked debate among viewers about its necessity and impact on the plot.
While some believe that Hill’s death will motivate Nick Fury to return to his former self, others argue that it was a cheap plot device.
Secret Invasion Episode 1 Review
The first episode of Secret Invasion was released by Disney Plus and it did not disappoint. The show is very grounded and has a spy show vibe to it. The viewer is left wondering who to trust as the plot unfolds. The episode is extremely interesting and definitely worth watching.
However, the episode has a major shocker as an original Avenger is killed with very little fanfare. Agent Maria Hill is killed by the leader of the Skrull Rebellion, leaving the audience stunned.
The leader of the rebellion, along with other Skrulls, feel that Fury abandoned them and never followed through with his promise to find the Skrulls a new home planet.
Some viewers have questioned whether Hill’s is an example of fridging, as Nick Fury needs a little motivation to get back into his old self after the blip. Hill’s death may be the push that he needs, but some people believe that she was just a better.
For those who don’t know fridging is a literary trope in which female characters are injured or killed as a plot device intended to move a male character’s story arc forward.
Overall, the loss of Agent Maria Hill is a significant event in the first episode of Secret Invasion. While fans may have differing opinions on the handling of her death, there is no denying the impact it will have on the series and the characters involved.
Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast on Nerd Initative.
For this edition, we are checking out the debut issue from a well known horror universe from Image Comics that has an extremely popular creative team welcoming readers back.
Whenever fans see JEFF LEMIRE and ANDREA SORRENTINO paired up on a book, they know they are in for something special.
With a resume touting Green Arrow, Old Man Logan and Gideon Falls to name a few, a new title involving those two is going to create some excitement.
This issue begins with an ominous voice mentioning seven people who seem intertwined together by fate. Readers meet Issac, his mother Amamda, Justin, Felix, Tanya, Bob and Gary. All have a different story to tell. With a haunting narration, the story focuses on Issac, a young boy staring into a horrifying image. With bodies hanging from a tree bathed in a red sky, Issac stands frozen looking into a faceless stranger.
BONE ORCHARD: TENEMENT #1 BY JEFF LEMIRE, ANDREA SORRENTINO AND DAVE STEWART (Credit: Image Comics)
Before he can say anything, Issac is snapped back to reality. The sky changes back to a normal color. The tree he stared at has no bodies around it. The faceless stranger has turned into Justin, who’s trying to enjoy his cigarette in peace. Their common bond is revealed to be a Tenement. But as readers soon find out, this place has more than one sees on the outside.
Behind Door #1
The story shifts thru various interactions of the tenants of the building. Each one has an issue they deal with. Each relationship varies from pleasant to confrontational with all signs leading back to Issac. After the young boy has a conversation with another resident, what seems like a meaningless talk looks to bring something sinister in its wake. As Issac stares out into the sky, a book is nearby that is all too familiar readers of the Bone Orchard.
What could be transpiring in this building? Things begin to ramp up in the late hours of the night with a few restless neighbors. In an instant, an event happens that proves to be the match to the emotional timebomb ready to explode. The repercussions of this are felt with each tenant but one now appears to be heading towards a dark path with the closing image feeding readers worst suspicions. Get ready for something wicked on the horizon.
BONE ORCHARD: TENEMENT #1 BY JEFF LEMIRE, ANDREA SORRENTINO AND DAVE STEWART (Credit: Image Comics)
Story Review
Lemire gives readers a wide range of characters bound together with a sinister mystery looming. Each tenant of the building has their own tales but Issac quietly became the lead of this story. Lemire writes him as a normal child troubled by disturbing visions.
His interactions with the other residents seems normal at first but one seems to know what Issac is truly capable of and ushers him in that path of destiny. Even with Issac getting a good majority of panel time, pacing allowed fair time for readers to meet the group involved with this series.
The other neighbors each have problems they’re dealing with but none seem to know what is next. The book’s tone is troubling and grounded. The character’s own dramas might be blinding them but their roads seem to cross together with the event of the final act. Where things lead now is unknown but rest assured, there is much to be invested with this series.
If The Walls Could Talk (Artwork Overview)
Sorrentino and Stewart capture the grittiness of daily life with a supernatural shadow on the horizon. The initial introduction brings readers in with giving each major character a three panel mini story to clarify a piece of their daily activities.
This method varies later int he book but smaller panel usage give a more personal feel to each sub-plot. When the first supernatural visual hits, it’s a direct, blunt two page spread filled with the brooding sky and mysterious figure Issac is looking at. The intensity of this is mimicked later in the book as the late night hours portion builds readers’ anxiousness up to a big payoff. The full-page lightbulb panel kicks off the final act with some emotional outbursts leading to a calmer stage sending this book into its’ next chapter.
The Bone Orchard universe crashes back into comic shops with a defiant new story that readers won’t be able to escape. Lemire and Sorrentino orchestrate a brooding tale with superb writing and haunting art, reflecting the danger slowly revealing itself to readers with every page. You won’t want to miss this issue on New Comic Book day!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of BONE ORCHARD: TENEMENT #1. Thanks for reading Parlay Points On Nerd Initiative.
Whether or not you’ve seen a single Transformers movie or followed the iconic Hasbro brand itself, you most likely have an idea of what Transformers are. Through the mighty Optimus Prime and the beloved character of Bumblebee alone, we’ve at least thought about how cool it is to see cars transforming into fighting robots. Luckily this summer, we return to the world of warring robots with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. The film follows the Autobots led by Optimus Prime who encounter a dangerous threat to Earth and other planets. To fight against them and ultimately save the world, they must enlist the help of humans (Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback) as well as another faction called the Maximals.
Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal are voiced by Peter Cullen and Ron Perlman in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. All Rights Reserved by Paramount Pictures.
Rise of the Beasts isn’t a monumental film but the best part is that it never aims to be that at all. In fact, the film feels as if it’s transporting us back to a time of the 2000’s and 2010’s when films like Transformers existed purely for the fun and thrill of action-packed fight scenes in order to save the world. The film sets up its premise without delay and introduces both the Maximals and Terrorcons, before leading into a secondary introduction with our human heroes, Noah and Elena, as well as the fan-favorite Autobots.
Even with a few lengthy fight scenes, the film doesn’t stay in one place for too long in order to avoid running the risk of dragging or feeling stale. While explosions are a major part of any franchise led by Michael Bay, Rise of the Beasts remains quite tame. Action sequences have become less about explosive moments, spinning moves, and ultimate shutdowns with the heroes winning. Instead, they’ve become more about legitimate combat between robots with dire moments that make you wonder whether or not the good guys will survive and succeed.
Mirage is voiced by Pete Davidson in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. All Rights Reserved by Paramount Pictures.
While there’s an attempt to connect all the characters that the audience has been exposed to, it does falter at times. It is to the point where you almost forget about the opening scene and why our heroes are in the position they are in at all. However, the relationship amongst some of the main characters is incredibly fun to watch, particularly the friendship built between Noah and Mirage which goes from uncertain to a fun brotherly bond. This parallels perfectly with the bond that Noah has with his younger brother whom he aims to protect at all costs.
In contrast, Noah and Elena don’t necessarily have the chemistry for a romantic relationship but also don’t interact as though they are newly found friends, causing confusion as to what the intent is between the two. Individually, the two excel when leading the film. Anthony Ramos gives heart in meaningful and touching moments and while Dominique Fishback’s talents were severely underused, she shows promise in every scene she is in. Honestly, it would be wonderful to see them both return should a sequel make its way out to us.
(l-r) Anthony Ramos as Noah Diaz and Dominique Fishback as Elena Wallace in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. All Rights Reserved by Paramount Pictures.
A major surprise was being able to see the absence of leadership skills when it came to Optimus Prime himself. There is an attempt at being a leader that comes across as being more of an older sibling trying to take charge, which explains the dynamic he initially has with the other Autobots. Meanwhile, the logic and leadership shared by Optimus Primal of the Maximals is the perfect contrast that serves as a learning moment.
Is Transformers: Rise of the Beasts a fantastic, award-worthy film with the same emotional depth that you’d find in a critically acclaimed film? No. But is it fun? Absolutely. There’s a level of pride found within the film when it comes to being a summer blockbuster reminiscent of its predecessors that just takes your mind off whatever worries you have. At the end of the day, sometimes the only thing that matters is just being able to have a blast watching something that is action-packed and filled with jokes that may or may not land. And frankly, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts isn’t chasing recognition. It’s just here for the fun.
Samosa Rating:
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts receives 3 out of 5 Samosas.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is now playing in theaters. Runtime: 2h 7m
Welcome to Paperweight Entertainment’s Hall of Armor: Reforged! New intro, 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 take a look at the Silver Centurion Armor, one of Iron Man’s most popular incarnations of all time. The Silver Centurion was famously used in the fight against Iron Monger and in Tony Stark’s Armor Wars! Let’s find out more about the red and silver armor!
From developer Massive Entertainment and their parent company Ubisoft comes an exiting new Star Wars game! One set between the films of Episode 5: Empire Strikes Back and Episode 6: Return of the Jedi. Our new game will focus Kay Ness (Humberly Gonzalez) and her companion Nix (Dee Bradley Baker) as she navigates the underworld with all the different crime syndicate groups in the Star Wars universe.
The potential of this setting holds very interesting opportunities seeing that events such as Crimson Reign or the the War of the Bounty Hunters can inadvertently play a role in this game. The potential of seeing Qi’Ra or Doctor Aphra are also very likely when considering the setting which has unforeseen potential of banter and amazing character work.
The gameplay shown presented a variety of methods to go about facing scenarios with enemies and the way chosen to go about enemy encounters seem to actually impact your place in the galaxy and can have some genuine impact in the story. An example of this being Kay’s reputation with one of the major crime syndicates falling in poor favour when she is caught sneaking into one of their facilities, whereas if she were to have remained hidden then maybe in the future of the game she might be able to call upon their assistance.
It was mentioned and seen that we get to visit new and familiar planets alike in the Star Wars universe, from Kajimi, Batuu and maybe even Tatooine, so to see how the different planets might influence that gameplay is quite intriguing and if it adds a different experience from planet to planet it will be different from most Star Wars games that have existed over the years.
The excitement that this Star Wars fan holds is through the roof at the moment and all that comes from a mere trailer and gameplay. But above all that the biggest selling point is our protagonist of Kay who seems like such a loveable scoundrel with a heart of gold just trying to survive a deadly galaxy, but then to throw in a furry axcelotl and a Commando droid with a direct sense of humour who can be sarcastic with Kay, it all sounds like a recipe for an amazing time within the Star Wars universe.
Without a shadow of doubt Humbly Gonzalez is going to kill it as Kay and will probably be up there with Cal, Princess Leia and Crosshairs as complex but loveable characters.
![Secret Invasion Premiere – Did That Just Happen?!?! [SPOILERS]](https://nerdinitiative.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Screen-Shot-2023-06-21-at-1.12.44-PM.png "Secret Invasion Premiere – Did That Just Happen?!?! [SPOILERS]")
