While the comics world continues to be enamored with DC’s official announcement of their Rebirth, the focus has seemingly shifted from the good of now to the promise of tomorrow. I’ll personally continue to bang the drum of DC Comics post Convergence (which can you believe was almost one year ago). As we enter the final three issues of this critically acclaimed darling, I began to reminisce about this series and whatever the conclusion may bring. Science fiction over the norm of what many consider typical of a DC comic within the spectrum of the New52. Let’s begin the march to Omega.
Many would consider that the philosophical nature that Tom King explore within The Omega Men is what makes this book stand out from any other DC comic on the stands. While that aspect is still intact, as I progressed through the issue itself and noticed how King attempts to weave more action than said philosophy within the context of this issue. Granted their have been dedicated action sequences in previous chapters, most of those fight scenes were to show off Bagneda’s amazing storytelling skills. However that doesn’t happen here, as most of the action sequences are one panel focusing on the character.
Given the nature of the story and how it ultimately ends with Kyle walking deep into what appears to be the wilderness, I couldn’t help but shake the feeling that Tom King wants us to see Kyle as a person with Stockholm syndrome. Kyle’s actions and words come off as someone who has surrendered to the situation he is in (despite having a White Lantern ring). His own inner heroism is still intact with him not fighting in the final battle of this issue, but it seems a bit off considering where he was after the previous two issues. The idea of a person like Kyle Rayner suffering from Stockholm syndrome is an interesting take on the character, and perhaps the time gap within the comics is the reason why Kyle has seemingly switched moods? The grudge of War and the ugliness can change a person.
On a more subtle note, it appears that King is indeed setting up Princess Kalista for something explosive within the last arc. King remains vague on what Kalista’s end game will be, but given that this series has focused more heavily on her characterization than any other member, it’s something that should pull at our heartstrings. Or it might be a complete reversal of due to the connection that she has made with readers.
Normally I praise Barnaby Bagneda, but this was possibly the worst art he’s done within the series. Granted it’s not his fault that most of the action sequences had to be squeezed into the nine panel grid, but even excluding that his line work was not up to snuff to what has been set before. It’s the last several pages that look like a completely different artist, that painterly style was gone in exchange for a more traditional look. I want to believe that due to DC rebirthing so soon, which means it might be crunch time for Bagneda and that could explain the drop in quality for the last several pages.
I wanted to enjoy this issue of The Omega Men more, but despite the pushing of Princess Kalista this issue felt like complete filler. To put it simply the standard of excellence that The Omega Men has maintained was just not met. Now that only two remain, I am still positive that both Tom King and Barnaby Bagneda will nail the landing.
The Omega Men #10 earns a 3/5