O.M.A.C. (One Man Army Corps) was originally created by comic legend Jack Kirby in the 1970s along with Kamandi and, most famously, the New Gods. As such, the character remains a favorite with creators and fans of that time period. Unfortunately, that version of O.M.A.C. was eliminated in ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’, when the parallel future in which he existed was removed from continuity. The O.M.A.C. concept has been revisited numerous time, most recently during ‘Infinite Crisis’ when the acronym was changed to “Omni Mind and Community”.
This book is a full-on Kirby homage, with Keith Giffen altering his typical art style to emulate The King’s. It’s also “big dumb fun.” This O.M.A.C. is an office worker at Project Cadmus named Kevin Kho, powered by a “mysterious” guiding force that, when it is revealed at the end, isn’t really a surprise if you know anything about the character’s history. O.M.A.C. is a hulking brute who doesn’t say much other than to echo the commands of his benefactor. This guide leads O.M.A.C. to the Cadmus Mainframe so it can reconnect with it, implying that this force was once part of the Mainframe but was purged from it for some reason. (Or did it escape?) Of course, in order to get to the Mainframe, O.M.A.C. must smash through level after level of security guards, super clones, and wacky Kirby creations like Dubbilex, Lord Mokkari, and my favorite a “build-a-friend” who isn’t just a “pretty face”. While there is a plot here, it honestly feels like page after page of smashing giant Kirby-like machines and Hulk-like rampaging. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing! Let’s face it, a lot of the New 52 titles that came out this week were pretty dark and violent! This was a lighter change-of-pace. It’s not my favorite of the bunch, but it was a welcome pallet cleanser.
O.M.A.C. #1
Story and Art by “Krackling” Keith Giffen and “Daring” Dan DiDio
Inks by “Sensational” Scott Koblish
Cover by Giffen and Koblish
