White Druid and Michael Nero #1, Review

White Druid and Michael Nero #1, Review

Review of Omen #1, Omen Comics.

Creator/Plot: Michael Nunneley
Co-Creator/Writer: Steve Sellers
Art/colors/cover: Awosika Tosin
Letters: Oluwadamilola Akinayo
Cover/logo design: Rolands Kalnins
Editor: Michael Nunneley

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD.

To begin this story with the juxtaposition of a Celtic Deity and a Punk Rocker may seem strange. Michael Nero, the Punk Rocker aligned with a Guardian that is devoted to civility, order, and natural law. Those are not the qualities you typically find in punks until that is, you look a little deeper. We have a Mystical Grandmaster paired with a paranormal investigator which makes sense. The world is in chaos, and supernatural occurrences become the norm.

The opening scene gives a sense of desolation. The Blood Moon ominously in the starless night cast its spell. Two lovers entwined in passion ends in tragedy. Studies show, crime increases during a full moon, but this is something more. Having the knife within reach may imply premeditation or the effect of the moon. On the wall, we see drawn in blood a symbol. What could it mean?

"Where there is an ill wind, there is ill magic." Time takes its toll on us all, even mystical druids. With age, inner sight may grow, but not for all. The young may be foolish, but in their confidence, they may be wise. The Young Of Heart T-shirt makes me wonder if we will soon see a "band of brothers?"

Michael puts me in mind of John Constantine.

The country songs, "Devil in a 3 Piece Suit" and "The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie" seems to be appropriate. Which is something most of us have encountered?

A demon with six legs is brilliant. The Mark of the Beast [666]  understood as 6 is the number of humankind, sin, and the beast. If you look closely at the demon, you can find what appears two other sixes.

The detective seems to have a little Adrian Monk and Sherlock Holmes in him.

A quote from Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes) appropriately placed, "Eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." At this point in the story, this quote seems to sum up what we have seen and read.

Next couple pages we get to know Michael a little better. A simmering stew of hubris, wit, and third sight.

Speaking of wit, the choice of names here is classic, Miss Vaneman. As in, vain man.
Nice.

The splash page [above] of Lugh O'Sidhe is wonderfully done. The use of wind and motion gives a sense of power. Not the ill wind from earlier but a healing wind. The black [death] fading to green [life] and specks of yellow [optimism] is a great artistic choice.

We learn the symbol drawn in the blood is the sign of "Azakiel."
Azakiel is the god of dark magic.
A twist of words from Robert frost's poem is called to mind, The Road Not Taken, "Our paths converge into one road." [Two roads diverged.]

The panels start to slant at this point. The slanted panels gave me the impression that the world is beginning to tilt on its axis. There may be a switch of power as well.

"I have learned to trust [did not come automatically; was earned] in his sight" - Lugh.

The elder learns to trust the younger. "And a child shall lead them."

"A dead man tells no tells." A famous quote popularized in the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean. The quote derived from the proverb, "A dead person can no longer reveal information, especially information which others wish to keep secret."
But here, it seems to have a foreboding tone.
The resurrection of Bloody Shane who "Killed for a fortune, Died for a nickel. Dead man's hand to blame." Bloody Shane is the Dead Man, but what tales will he tell? Or will he keep dead silent?
I wonder if the classic western, Shane inspired the name, Bloody Shane? 
Shane yells "Charge" like he's the Calvary. A moment of needed levity.

Detective Pennywise - what a clown?

I enjoyed reading this book. A mix of humor and wit kept me engaged. The action was well-timed. The flow was consistent, and the pace was efficient. I would recommend this book to everyone.