Omega Men #1 Review

Written by: Tom King
Art by: Barnaby Bagenda and Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 3, 2015

Revelations 

The Omega Men may not be new, but the hype for them is.  I am a fan of Tom King, but I have to admit, if DC didn't release the sneak peek for this book, it would have probably been off my radar completely.  Of course, that's not here nor there because the preview was released and I'm sure my interest wasn't the only one it grabbed.  For those who didn't read it, the Omega Men killed Kyle Rayner in it.  You heard me right...killed Kyle Rayner.  While it was a little too Isis for me when I first read it, seeing and then thinking about it had me intrigued and excited for this book.  Was the wait worth it and did it live up to the hype?  Let's find out.



A #1 issue has a bunch of things on it's plate.  While writers can do whatever they like, most like to set up the main characters, the setting and the antagonist at the start of a series.  Of course, the methods vary and Tom King  uses the "show not tell" method that I am a fan of.  Sure, it takes some more effort, but the payoff is usually worth it.  So far, it looks like it will be here.

Tom King throws you in headfirst and the only thing I understood from the beginning of the issue was that people are after the Omega Men...very important and bad men.  We only get glimpses of scenes and dialogue, but that much is clear.  That whole killing the White Lantern thing will do that.

The reader also gets to watch as the setting envelopes the action.  It's a gritty sci-fi story from the get go and I want to see much, much more.  The thing that sticks in my mind is the awesome way that King gives it that lived in feel that made stories like Star Wars so special.


Then we are introduced to the Omega Men.  These guys are not heroes by the usual definition.  In fact, their introduction makes them out to be pretty damn horrible.  Pretty damn horrible and pretty damn awesome!  This is one of those team books where everyone can their favorite character and nobody would be wrong.  I cannot to see more of them.  Most of this issue involves fighting and while it's cool, I was hoping for more character moments. Tom King does end the issue with a great twist that should have everyone talking once again.

There are times when you read a book and know it's going to be one of your favorites.  It can be a matter of story, art, or a combination of both.  There's also something else...call it charm, that some books just have.  This book has all of the above.  Tom King leaves the story wide open and I liked it enough to want more right now.  Isn't that what a #1 issue is supposed to do?

This is my first experience with Barnaby Bagenda's art and I am impressed.  It is gory, exciting and has the grittiness that this story screams out for.  Bagenda is now on my list of artists to check out.


Bits and Pieces:

If you are looking for a kick ass science fiction story that's thrilling, gritty and gory, look no further. Tom King knows what he's doing and his slow burn story is off to a mysterious and intriguing start. Barnaby Bagenda's art keeps pace and if everyone feels the same about this issue that I did, we will have a surprise hit on our hands.  At least I hope so.

9.0/10