Oddly Normal #1
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Oddly Normal #1

Writer: Otis Frampton Artist: Otis Frampton Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: September 17, 2014 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 18 User Reviews: 3
8.2Critic Rating
8.5User Rating

Meet Oddly Normal, a ten-year-old girl with pointed ears and green hair--a half-witch who will be the first to tell you that having a mother from a magical land called Fignation and a father from Earth doesn't make it easy to make friends at school! On her tenth birthday, she blows out her cake's candles and makes a disastrous wish. Now, Oddly must travel to Fignation to uncover the mystery of her parents' disappearance.

  • 10
    Comic Bastards - Nick Philpott Sep 17, 2014

    Definitely pick this one up. Read Full Review

  • 9.3
    Rhymes With Geek - Denise Blakely Sep 17, 2014

    This is a great all ages comic. The artwork is great, the writing is wonderful and I can see this book moving into an awesome direction towards unexpected and mystical adventures. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something lighter. If I had a kid around Oddlys age I would pick it up for them for sure, this would make a great book to read together. Read Full Review

  • 9.2
    We The Nerdy - Kristina Poffenroth Sep 22, 2014

    The art in Oddly Normal has come a long way from its origins. Framptons drawings from the original web comic were very cartoony, complete with oversized feet. Now, Oddly Normal is a lot more stylized, though it maintains a sort of cartoon, all-ages aesthetic. Framptons drawings are detailed, and Oddly stands out in most of the pages, as shes a little bit more colorful than everything going on around her. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Backwards Compatible - Paul Fiander Sep 17, 2014

    Even though this is a farfetched story it has grounding in reality that should appease most readers. You even get the odd cultural reference which you cannot help but laugh at; this mix help to create a story that is truly charming and will be a series that I hope continues in this vein. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Capeless Crusader - Lindsey Bass Sep 16, 2014

    Once again Image has published a title that I find myself enjoying. Frampton has created a relatable character for many of us. It's a book I can see parents buying for their children. I would even encourage that they buy it for them. I look forward to learning more about Oddly and the outcome of her birthday wish. Frampton is sure to include some unusual characters given that Oddly is half witch. While she's not a studentHogwarts, she still has a magical power that's sure to capture the attention of young kids and potential new readers. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    AIPT - Jordan Richards Sep 17, 2014

    Oddly Normal #1 is a solid start for this new series. It's mostly setting things up at this point and laying out all the groundwork, but what I'm seeing here so far, along with some great looking artwork, could make for a very enjoyable comic for a young audience. As such, comic book reading parents: keep an eye out for this comic. You'll probably want to pick this up for your little ones. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - Brian Bannen Sep 22, 2014

    Oddly Normal is equal parts "careful what you wish for" and the adolescent need to belong, but rendered with palpable woe. The final page offers a glimpse of what is to come in Oddly's life and I'm sure she'll come to terms with her person, but the trip with be long and arduous - it usually is for everyone. And this is where Oddly Normal best succeeds. We've all felt out of place, and wondered what about our purpose in this world. Looking back on it, through Oddly's experience, is a reminder that we can and have survived. I can only hope the same for Frampton's character. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Multiversity Comics - Michelle White Sep 18, 2014

    In any case, the situation Oddly is in at the end of the issue opens up a whole new spectrum of possibilities, and seems to signal a shift in tone. Whatever awaits Oddly, it feels safe to assume that we'll get out of her head a little more in coming issues. At of the end of this chapter, though, "Oddly Normal" already has plenty to recommend it: subtly expressive art, a compelling viewpoint, and some really good-looking rain. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Geek Sushi - Peter Rodriguez Sep 16, 2014

    Creator Otis Frampton, who is writing and illustrating this series, promises a story about monsters, magic, super-heroes, and time travel. My initial thoughts after reading this first issue is that Oddly Normal is a tale about a typical teenage girl, one who must deal with everyday adolescent issues like bullying, school, and parents. She is self-conscious about her looks and seems to be in desperate need of a change of scenery. Again, be careful what you wish for. Frampton's art stands out more that the story itself here, as his cartoonish style receives a very impressive compliment from the colors of Thomas Boatwright his color work.The illustrations really made this book for me, and I look forward to more of the same in the next issue as well as the story and this strange new world that Oddly is about to embark on. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett Sep 17, 2014

    I'm excited to see Image publishing more comics targeted at a young adult demographic. It's a woefully underserved area within mainstream comics and one that can be appreciated by "full-sized" adults as well. Oddly Normal isn't the most engaging debut issue, but it is well told and holds lots of promise. There's a possibility that with time it could grow into a big hit with a demographic that mainstream comics typically ignore. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Resources - Doug Zawisza Sep 16, 2014

    While I would suspect none of "Oddly Normal" #1's readers have naturally green hair or pointed ears, Frampton constructs the character and her problematic world in such a wonderfully relatable manner that readers will find themselves aching for more by the time they finish this inaugural twenty-two page journey into the world of "Ordinary, U.S.A." The comic is as familiar and comfortable as "The Wizard of Oz," but juxtaposes the real and the fantastic, life "The Munsters" or "The Addams Family" once did. The truth is, "Oddly Normal" #1 quickly and smartly distances itself from any comparisons, showing readers it can stand on its own just fine. As a father of three young ladies, I relish the ability to share new comics and worlds with any of them, but with "Oddly Normal" #1, I've found a whole new world that I can share with all three. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Coming Up Comics - David Melton Sep 16, 2014

    Proving there doesn't always have to be violence or mature themes to the story, Frampton shows us a world built on imagination and comedy that is sure to delight anyone who reads it. A coming of age story with a twist. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Crusaders - Matt Deery Sep 17, 2014

    Oddly Normal is a charming little book, whilst its main audience is clearly preteens and young adults this is a book that anyone can pick up and enjoy. With the solicits giving us the hint that in future issues Frampton will explore the realm of Fignation the only limits is the creators imagination and I think it will be a joy to watch this world be built. If you are looking for a comic for a new budding young reader to get into look no further than this book but, be sure to read it for yourself as well as you will find yourself immersed in a wonderfully enchanting tale that has real depth and character. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Spectrum - Adam Alamo Sep 20, 2014

    Oddly Normal #1 is great start to a series that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. There are plenty of kids out there being alienated and bullied for being different. Look almost anywhere and you can find a teenager that feels his or her parents just don't understand. However, most kids don't have magical powers and that's what makes Oddly just a bit different while also remaining completely relatable. This ability sets up the adventure to come and I cannot wait to see where it takes her, I'll definitely be back for more. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicList - Brandon Borzelli Sep 20, 2014

    Oddly Normal is a good book to read with your kids, give to your kids or simply kick back and check out and remember what it was like to be a kid. The comic has a lot of charm, strong main character and a good gimmick attached to it. Normally it would be alarming when one creator takes on all duties, but with these being reprints you know you won't have to wait too long for the next issue. I urge you to check this book out. Read Full Review

  • 6.8
    IGN - Tres Dean Sep 18, 2014

    It doesn't scream smash hit, but the kids are sure to love it and you won't be outright disappointed if you pick it up. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    8CN - Matt Overstreet Sep 18, 2014

    That being said, some of the wonkiness of the story in this first issue makes a bit more sense when you view it through that lens, but I still wanted it to be a bit less on-the-nose, and a bit more real in how the characters are portrayed. Overall, though, it's entertaining enough and certainly features some competent cartoon skills, I just wish that the bones of the thing were a bit more solid. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Unleash The Fanboy - Eric Bridges Sep 16, 2014

    Oddly Normal is a mess of an unlikable character and shotty story points. Read Full Review

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