THE QUESTION: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER #4 (DC COMICS)

The JL Watchtower is under siege. A Challenger of the Unknown has fallen. Renee Montoya’s tenure as head of security has been pushed to the brink. The Mastermind behind all of this has been revealed. What chance does The Question have in surviving against Cyborg Superman and his revenge squad?

THE QUESTION: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER #4 (DC COMICS) by Alex Segura, Cian Tormey, Raul Fernandez, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Willie Schubert looks to answer this and much more!

Let’s take a closer look and what is unfolding now!

THE QUESTION: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER #4 (DC COMICS) by Alex Segura, Cian Tormey, Raul Fernandez, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Willie Schubert

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Segura pushes Montoya into dangerous territory for this chapter. Hank Henshaw makes his plans known. After systematically attacking key members, his grand scheme is exposed to readers. It is quite the elaborate plan. His destructive task carries a sense of fright. Readers watch as he dictates commands. Each move inches closer to certain victory. There is one person who Henshaw has disrespected as a foe. This causes a shift in direction that shows a last attempt to save the day.

The writing showcases Montoya’s strengths as a hero. Her escape plans hinge on the slick method of disruption. Its’ result launches the story into new territory. Pacing escalates as time is running out. There is a sense of elevated danger at play. Readers watch as this mood shuffles events to its’ close. Once at this stage, it becomes more apparent that hope might not save the day. The closing page leads the belief that victory is sinking faster than Montoya can grab it. With all the odds stacked against, its’ a strong cliffhanger to lock in the audience for another round.

Tormey, Fernandez, and Fajardo Jr. open up this chapter in a big way. From a full page image of Henshaw addressing Montoya to a two page splash, the danger is clear and present. This carries into a half panel close-up. In this panel, Henshaw is laying out al the cards onto the table. It strikes a chord with the readers. The unstable method of attack moves events solidly back into Montoya’s court.

There are moments of doubt mixed into Montoya’s panels. Only when she dons the mask does this mood disappear. The panels showing her breaking of Animal Man begin her road to reclaiming the tower. Readers watch as the action ramps up with Montoya’s group. Their maneuvering through the dangerous grounds leads to a shocking end. A striking image fills the last page as victory sink further away from Montoya. There’s much for readers to savor with this one.

OVERALL GRADE: 8.8

The true intentions of Cyborg Superman come to light with another excellent chapter. Segura’s writing displays the never quit attitude of The Question. The art team focus in on Henshaw’s maniacal vision as the tower continues to fall. Brace for impact with this one.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on THE QUESTION: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER #4. Thanks for reading!

THE QUESTION: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER #3 (DC COMICS)

Renee Montoya’s latest case is a doozie. As the new security on the JL watchtower, Montoya seeks answers. Kenn Kawa is left for dead. The evidence points to Batwoman. With the past personal relationship weighing in, Is Montoya’s judgement clouded? There’s little time to process as the Eradicator has entered the field. This problem might be more than The Question can possibly answer.

THE QUESTION: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER #3 (DC COMICS) by Alex Segura, Cian Tormey, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Willie Schubert continues to expose the attack on the Justice League’s home turf.

Let’s take a closer look at the latest installment.

THE QUESTION: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER #3 (DC COMICS) by Alex Segura, Cian Tormey, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Willie Schubert

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Segura puts Montoya into a very unforeseen scenario. The case has spiraled into a more complex situation. Kawa being the intended target remains a mystery why. As she goes through her findings, Montoya is forced into some confrontations. The tense reunion with Batwoman proves to create a difficult path for answers. The writing never lets the tension escape until a situation forces a pivot.

With the Eradicator involved, readers watch as Montoya amps up her efforts. The methods she evokes are driven by rage. Pacing has done a great job in slowly building this reaction up. Once Montoya unloads, it makes a statement. This blinds her to what is really going on. In the shadows, moves are being made. This is very familiar in set-up. The responsible party is anything but predictable. Once the mastermind behind all of this is revealed, this moves Montoya’s efforts into a dire corner. Rest assured, the last page will lock in readers for the next chapter.

Tormey and Fajardo Jr. break down recent events nicely within the first few pages. This leads into a full page image of Montoya’s reluctant partner on the case. Coloring works perfectly on the attack of Ted Kord. The use of shadows connects with readers as the mastermind is slowly revealed.

It’s a big contrast to Montoya questioning The Eradicator. The art depicts the emotional release that’s been growing in Montoya. Eradicator’s reactions only prompt more out of the The Question. It is a scene that steals what’s happening in the background. Once the main attack begins, the mood shifts. Montoya’s reactions reflect the shocking turn of events. The panel structure raises the moments before the final page. Once there, a full page image hits as business has picked up for Montoya’s search for truth on the watchtower.

FINAL POINT: 8.8

Lurking in the shadows is an unlikely truth in The Question’s latest case. Segura’s writing delves into the toll taken on Montoya while the mastermind makes their debut. Tormey, Fajardo Jr. and Schubert bring on the bad guys with strong imagery. Brace for the last page’s impact!

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on The Question: All Along The Watchtower #3. Thanks for reading!

THE QUESTION: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER #1 (DC COMICS)

With the “All In” movement full speed ahead at DC Comics, many popular characters are getting a moment in the spotlight. One of those characters is Renee Montoya aka THE QUESTION. The vigilante has had her life turned upside down in Gotham City. Montoya was removed as GCPD commissioner in favor of Vandal Savage.

That was then, this is now. Montoya has been offered a new job. Some would say its’ a bit more high profile. It’s not every day that the Trinity of the DCU comes calling with an offer. How does Montoya handle her new assignment with the Justice League?

THE QUESTION: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER #1 (DC COMICS) by Alex Segura, Cian Tormey, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Willie Schubert kicks off a brand new diretion for the faceless detective.

Let’s take a closer look at where events lead now.

THE QUESTION: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER #1 (DC COMICS) by Alex Segura, Cian Tormey, Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Willie Schubert (DC Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Segura lays the foundation for a very intriguing plot. Montoya is still reeling from her loss in Gotham. The writing reflects the emotional wear of that event. It’s quickly offset by the offer via Superman. With the sense of doubt in his voice, Montoya knows there is more at play than a social visit. With such a big concept as JLU is, The Question belongs in the mix. It also challenges Montoya on a few levels.

Giving The Question her own “team” looks to provide a fair share of laughs and heroics. It gives a bright spot before the true conflict comes in. Segura hides the real play at hand very well. Seeing Montoya in action gives readers a sense of belonging as she attacks the intruder. Once the closing pages start, it displays great action before the final reveal. Based of the closing page, the innocence of the League’s hope is forever changed.

Tormey and Fajardo jr. bring the vigilante front and center for this story. The new stat quo is explained with a fantastic two page spread. Montoya’s costumed entrance jumps off the page with a one panel image. This leads into a strong flashback sequence. Readers watch as the conversation between Superman, Batman and Montoya lead into a new home for the faceless vigilante. It only is upstaged by a full page image of Montoya’s ex, offering pleasantries behind their past.

The conflict introduces itself with big action panels. Montoya and her team waste little time jumping into the fray. The images flow very quickly as the team fights to neutralize the threat at hand. Montoya displays her unique weapon skills while turning the drama up. What lays in the aftermath is a puzzle starting to form pieces. The closing page leaves no hesitation that fears were correct. There is much to enjoy with the presentation of this chapter.

FINAL POINT: 8.8

The next phase in Renee Montoya’s life spirals towards conflict in the first issue. Segura brings out the best of The Question with the writing. Tormey, Fajardo jr. and Schubert depict a hero finding themselves along with a case that might be too great to overcome. Factor in the showstopping close and this opener gives readers much to speak about.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on THE QUESTION: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER #1. Thanks for reading!

ARAÑA AND SPIDER-MAN 2099: DARK TOMORROW (Disney Publishing Worldwide, Marvel Press)

Welcome to a very special edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we are checking out a brand new novel from Disney Publishing Worldwide and Marvel Press that fans of a few notable characters in the Spider-Man mythos are featured in. The timing couldn’t be more perfect with the new “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” gearing up to hit theatres on June 2nd with one of these characters is featured prominently in the animated film. ARAÑA AND SPIDER-MAN 2099: DARK TOMORROW by Alex Segura, who fans know from such great stories as The Black Ghost, Blood Oath, Poe Dameron: Free Fall, and the Anthony Award–winning Secret Identity just to name a few. Dark Tomorrow features Anya Corazon who fans know as Araña and Miguel O’Hara aka Spider-Man 2099 on an adventure that stretches throughout the timestream.

Both of these characters have been around the Marvel COMICS Universe for a while now and have built up a very solid fan base. Araña made her debut in the pages of Amazing Fantasy #1 in 2004. From there, she has impacted a few Spider-Man events and even assumed the mantle of Spider-Girl for her own solo series. Miguel O’Hara led the charge in 1992 of welcoming comic fans to the 2099 universe as “Spider-Man 2099”. Since then, he has been a fixture in the comics scene by popping back in from time to time into the present day timeline. Pairing them together for the first time has fans waiting to see how they work together while facing more challenges than just the rogues of Spider-Man.

DARK TOMORROW is scheduled to drop on May 2nd. I was honored to receive an advance copy so here is my SPOILER FREE review of the unlikely pairing of two popular characters in the Spider-Verse.

ARANA AND SPIDER-MAN 2099: DARK TOMORROW by Alex Segura

(Credit: Disney Publishing Worldwide, Marvel Press - On Sale May 2nd, 2023)

*** SPOILER FREE WARNING ***

The story kicks off with a great introduction into Araña as she handles a lesser-tier threat. Readers get a great introduction in how she deals with the threat. From here, Anya Corazon’s life and relationships come front and center all while trying to juggle life at Milton Summer High School located in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Segura paints a vivid picture of how Anya is coping with school and seeing how others react to her other life in her role as a super hero. A great aspect of the story is her interactions with Gilberto, her caring father. He looks out for the best interest of his daughter but doesn’t know about her superhero life. This expands further when fate brings her into contact with a very special figure named Miguel Legar who opens her world to secrets that have a big impact on her life. It sends the story into a new phase as the focus dives in on the young hero growing in her role with guidance until tragedy strikes.

A major threat arrives on the scene (that Spider-Man fans should definitely know) and is amplifiesd even more when Anya must deal with losing someone who has become a mentor to her. Being unprepared for what’s coming is an overwhelming feeling of doubt that Segura challenges Anya with in the writing. It is an easy connection to readers who have witnessed Anya’s beginning as a hero. Can she find a win where she is adrift on what to do next. All the while, the looming presence of a dangerous Spider-Man foe is haunting Anya. The theme shifts to can Anya triumph over tragedy or is she now destined to fail?

Anya doesn’t have time to process as an event happens involving an object known as El Obelisco. The object becomes the catalyst for an even bigger mystery with Anya is in the middle. Where it leads is to a place she would never expect: Nueva York and home to someone that might be able to help Anya in her time of need: Miguel O’Hara!

Readers are given a great backstory on Miguel’s current state. Segura brings out many emotions from Miguel that bear some similarities with Anya. The experience factor doesn’t matter here. The challenge is what makes the hero move forward when they feel they can’t. Elements of the past follow Anya to this new era. It adds into the weight of the desperation of the heroes’ feelings, especially when a connection is made that shakes both heroes.

Heading into the final act, Segura brings all the major themes to a head. Anya and Miguel’s stories depicted here has been grounded with the themes of life after loss respectively. It brings out the best in both as they rediscover what it means to be a hero. There is also a great surprise presence that fans will be excited to see added to the mix. The conflict resolution plays out perfectly to reflect why the overall challenges felt so grave. It lives up to the motto made famous by Ben Parker way back when: “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility.” The fallout concludes a fantastic story bringing into focus what Segura drives home with this tale. Readers will be very excited to pick this book up.

BREAKDOWN: Segura crafts an excellent take on this unique pairing of heroes and delivers on a tale for the ages. Both main heroes are given an ample amount of time to have their individual stories explained to new readers who may not be familiar with each. The structure flows smoothly, moving things right along without taking anything away from the overall picture.  Heroes are defined by their actions. In this world they live in, there are losses and set-backs. Resilience is key to the blueprint of a hero. Both main characters go through this with loss and both find strength in others (and each other) to overcome.

One of the highlights of this book is the personal conversations that the heroes display with their supporting cast. Anya’s with Gilberto and Miguel’s banter with Lyla (his virtual assistant) spotlight their awareness that they are both still searching to conquer their losses and become stronger from them. Segura hits the marks featuring this in many parts of the story. They add another layer to each lead. It plays in even deeper when the main antagonist is revealed, adding to the threat of their actions. Knowing what this individual is capable of, the heroes need to find that extra drive to fight back. Luckily, they have each other to lean on.  

The dynamic between Anya and Miguel (Spidey 2099) has many instances of bringing out the best in each other to face the threat at hand. Segura portrays different roles for both, even switching who is the seasoned veteran and novice rookie at times which pays off later in the novel. There is a moment involving a letter that captures that element superbly. It shows the effect of their partnership and is a moment that readers will have a strong positive reaction reading. By the time that its’ concluded, readers have no doubt that two heroes were forged thru this and are stronger coming out of conflict.

FINAL POINT: ARAÑA AND SPIDER-MAN 2099: DARK TOMORROW by Alex Segura brings out the best of what defines being a hero with two popular characters of the Spider-Verse leading the charge. The story is filled with great surprises along with superhero themes lead by Segura’s phenomenal writing. Readers see first-hand how insurmountable odds and personal setbacks are tackled head-on showcasing what is a fantastic read that shouldn’t be missed.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of ARAÑA AND SPIDER-MAN 2099: DARK TOMORROW. Thanks for reading.