OMAC #1

Continuing our look at the "New DC"...

Probably the most un-DC-like book I've seen so far is OMAC, which is based on the Jack Kirby creation, in which OMAC stands for One Man Army Corps.

It's unlike most DC Comics for a couple of reasons - for one, artist Keith Giffen is channeling Kirby's art style. It's not a slavish imitation, but many of the touches are there, but it has enough of Giffen's own style to keep it from being a rip-off of the King.

Secondly, it's an all-action issue, something that's very rare at DC. If you're looking for a plot, you won't find much of one in evidence here.

Here's the story: OMAC, a hulking blue monster (who doesn't seem to be very intelligent) shows up at a company that is a front for the evil Cadmus Corporation. He smashes a lot of stuff. That's it.

So if you're looking for thoughtful storytelling, this isn't the comic for you.

But I have to admit - it's a lot of fun. Giffen's redesign of the character is visually arresting (although I find the weird energy effect in OMAC's long, flowing mohawk distracting), he has a great time with all the knock-down drag-out fights, and it's a snappy read (Giffen co-writes the book with Dan Didio).

There are no continuity problems that I can see (OMAC was originally set in the future, of course, so that helps avoid those complications). The series seems to be carving out its own place in the new DC, and that works fine with me - I'm anxious to see where they go from here.

OMAC is a fun read - and that's something more comics should aspire to.

Grade: A-

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