Naomi #5 (Review): The Truth Will Set You Free
NAOMI #5
Writers: Brian Michael Bendis & David Walker
Art: Jamal Campbell
Publisher: DC Comics
9/10
SPOILERS AHEAD
This book continues to surprise me with each passing issue. Just when you think you have things figured out, you get thrown another curveball. Bendis, Walker, and Campbell have created something so special with this book. From it's fantastic story to jaw dropping visuals, it's one of the books I most look forward to reading every month.
MXLLS
This issue has finally revealed Naomi's true heritage, she's from another Earth. While many of you may have been hoping for a connection to someone on our Earth, this actually works way better for the story and sets up the future for Naomi in an interesting way.
At the conclusion of last issue, her adoptive parents finally tell her the truth of where she came from, well as much as the knew anyways. They showed her the ship she arrived in and when she picked up a black box, with a symbol reminiscent of the White Lantern logo, she was enveloped in light. We pick up shortly after that as Naomi seeks out her best friend Anna to tell her what just transpired. Bendis and Walker's deft characterization is on full display during this scene. Reading this interaction, I couldn't help but smile. It's such a natural reaction to run to your best friend when something major in your life happens, seeing these two characters dealing with the insanity of it all was executed perfectly.
Seeing the debut of Naomi's costume was epic. Jamal Campbell's design was beautiful and elegant, while also being completely badass. Campbell's art has been one of the major draws of this book. From his linework to his otherworldly coloring, this has been a visual masterpiece from the beginning. Campbell's career is getting ready to explode and I feel so privileged to be able to be apart of this, as a fan.
The scenes where Naomi is learning where she came from, by the message her biological mother left her in that black box, is where we learn that a "Crisis" was at the center of her creation. I can't wait to see where Bendis and Walker pick up on these threads in the future. With one issue left, I have no idea what this creative team has up their sleeves, but it's sure to be great. It won't be the end of NAOMI, with a "Season 2" already announced for the second wave of Wonder Comics books. But, it will be sad not getting to read her book every month. I never knew I could get attached to a new character in such a short period of time, but that's the magic of great storytelling. This is a book that is more than deserving of all the hype.