Political intrigue, the power of hope, and a mystery that is slowly unfolding permeate every page of the intriguing and gorgeous “The Omega Men” #2. Writer Tom King, artist Barnaby Bagenda, and colorist Romulo Fajardo, Jr. are creating an operatic space story that is both exciting and thought-provoking.
Written by Tom King
Illustrated by Barnaby BagendaWhat do you do after the entire galaxy watches you murder the White Lantern Kyle Rayner? Run.
A planet must pay for the “sins” of the Omega Men. The Citadel and their Viceroy demand that their people, presumably because they are better than any other in the galaxy, must be avenged. Thousands must become political capital in order to quell a nation’s unrest, keep them docile, and remind them of who holds the political power over the entirety of the solar system. Meanwhile, former Green Lantern Kyle Rayner is gruesomely forced to work with the Omega Men and assist them in their mission, however muddled it may be in its righteousness.
Tom King revels in subterfuge, espionage, and enigmas. His writing only compels us to continue reading instead of repelling us from a story that contains rich concepts mirroring our society. These ideas are hinted at in “The Omega Men” #2 and promise future adventure and complex characterization. Although the plot may be slowly building, King and Barnaby Bagenda (along with colorist Romulo Fajardo, Jr.) have still crafted a fascinating and layered issue through sparse words and detailed art.
The complexity of war and the blurring between what is right and wrong is fascinatingly on display in “The Omega Men” #2. Scenes alternate between those with the ruling class and the rebellious Omega Men. King explores, through dialogue and action, the struggles of this unconventional band of outsiders. They fight for a virtuous cause, yet must decide whether to use tactics utilized by the enemy. Control and belief in one’s ideals are just some of the topics that King explores through the eyes of both a barbarous government and those who are being oppressed. He does so with an intricacy that is subtle and easily missed if one does not keep a careful eye upon the page.
Barnaby Bagenda’s artistic style is an apt choice for this book. His characters and settings appear as if chiseled from granite. Like King’s story in this second issue, Bagenda’s art exudes a militaristic and idealistic tone. It’s appropriate that the Omega Men and their enemies appear firm and unbending. Even the victims of oppression appear steadfast and exude visages of faith. The planet of Ogyptu and its surroundings are cold and desolate. An arena is inhospitable in its futuristic appearance, yet retains an old fashioned gladiatorial air about it. That timeless quality in King’s explorations merge seamlessly with the substantial weight of Bagenda’s art.
The granite quality to Bagenda’s art does not automatically mean that his characterization is cold and unfeeling. He gives the characters’ facial features a depth that expresses a myriad amount of emotion even when someone is attempting to hide exactly what they’re feeling. Primus is someone who is a prime example of that complexity. While talking to Rayner, Primus’ smile is just a tad bit forced. When he states that the Omega Men are not monsters, there is a touch of sorrow in the semi-smiling staunchness of his declaration. The Omega Men who appear more monster-like in appearance are even nuanced in their expressions. One leaps with ferocity, while a lumbering beast of a member has a serenity upon his face that belies his size.
Fajardo’s colors brings a muted and grimy quality to “The Omega Men” #2. The dirty browns and yellows of the Ogyptu skies match the barren brown land of the planet. Even the light emanating from a robotic doctor’s eyes is a subdued green and yellow. In one effective panel that encompasses the themes of King’s tale, the winds blow a swirling mass of yellow, brown, and red that symbolize a world of contained chaos. Fajardo, working with Bagenda, effortlessly express the complexity and pent up thoughts and emotions that match those of the powerful and the powerless. The final page features a lone character peering into a mirror and vowing a blood oath that is made that much more impactful by the boldly realistic red that drips down a symbol upon his chest.
Symbolism permeates every aspect of “The Omega Men” #2. There is rich detail in both King’s story and the artistry of the creative team that can easily be missed after simply one reading. This isn’t a book to only enjoy for that which is on its surface (however enjoyable it is) but rewards another read in order to understand meaning you might have missed the first time. I appreciated this book much more (as well as the first issue) after constantly flipping through it. The effort is definitely worth it and the journey of this new and growing band of freedom fighters portends shocking and exciting events to come.
Final Verdict: 8.9 – Tom King is an exciting writer who, with “The Omega Men” #2, proves he has a unique voice. King, Barnaby Bagenda, and Romulo Fajarda, Jr. are building a world that is both fascinating and frightening in its real world implications.
