Naomi #5 delivers the goods at it takes the build up and actually pays off. Who is Naomi? Where did she come from? What can she do? And what does it mean for the rest of the DC Universe?
Even if you haven’t been reading this series, Naomi #5 is a surprisingly accessible issue. Writers Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker have put together an issue that feels like a classic origin. The promises and hype leading up pay off. Naomi #5 has been worth the wait.
In the previous issue we began to get a better idea of the wonderful world Bendis and Walker have put together and here we get the rest of the puzzle. The issue chronicles Naomi’s origin opening up so many possibilities of what’s to come. It’s the tone though that stands out. The issue is touching with heart and a sense of love throughout. It takes the best of classic origin stories and weaves it together with a modern narrative style. The end result is a magical experience and one of the best new comics of recent years.
The issue’s beauty is helped by the art of Jamal Campbell who along with letterer Wes Abbott create visual amazement. Traditional page, panels, and text layouts are gone at times. Instead, pages focus on Campbell’s art with a text overlay. The comic at times takes on the feel of a picture book creating a richer reading experience. Letter boxes would distract from Campbell’s art. Abbott’s lettering floating on the page instead adds to the magical nature of it all.
To say this issue is amazing and a thing of wonder is an understatement. The team has put together an origin issue far into their narrative. The issue delivers and does so in an amazing way. This series, and this comic in particular, recreates the magic of my childhood. Naomi #5 is a marriage of a wonderful narrative and beautiful artwork. It’s also a series that’s woefully overlooked and one of the best superhero comics on the market today.
Story: Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker
Art: Jamal Campbell Letterer: Wes Abbott
Story: 9.0 Art: 10 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
