Review: Naomi #3

If an embattled Superman rips up a couple of neighborhood streets in small town USA and no media reports it, did it actually happen? This is one of the many cryptic mysteries of the DC/Wonder Comics title, Naomi. Odd enough that a “superhero”“ comic named for its ”“ as of now ”“ normal protagonist, sans any superhero moniker, but add to that the layers of secrecy and the deliberate pacing of the story and what you have is one of the most intriguing comics on the market.

In Naomi“s first two issues, readers get the feeling that we“ve just missed something. Like Naomi, we show up just after Superman crash-battles onto the street or just after he returns the next day for an unexpected cleanup and repair mission. There is an abiding feeling of mystery just beneath the surface of each issue and like Naomi, we are eager to learn more about the town of Port Oswego and the life of Naomi.

Naomi #3 finds our title character determined to find answers. “Secrets Revealed”“ doesn“t reveal all of the secrets of this story, but it does unveil some significant ones, none of which will be spoiled here. Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker are at their best in terms of character development and craft. Each minor character in the story, Naomi“s bestie, Annabelle, her parents, and the massive town mechanic ”“ Dee ”“ are all walking mysteries with potential clues or keys to the story that readers will have to follow closely (and patiently) in order to fully appreciate.

Not to be outdone by the writing and in-depth character development, Jamal Campbell is delivering a clinic on the articulation of facial expressions in comics. The dynamic visuals will make you pay close attention to each panel. Sometimes a facial expression in the background of an image is just as significant as Naomi“s look when she seemingly breaks the “4th wall”“ and stares at the reader.

Naomi is a different kind of superhero comic ”“ one where the answers aren“t readily accessible or predictable. In some ways it fits within the detective genre more neatly than is does the superhero category. But something tells me the balance between detective fiction and superhero tale will come into equilibrium as the story progresses. Either way ”“ readers will have the best “seat”“ in the house as we follow the twists and turns of Naomi“s extra-ordinary story. 4.5/5!

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

(W) Brian Michael Bendis, David F. Walker (A/CA) Jamal Campbell