ODY-C #1
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ODY-C #1

Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: Christian Ward Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: November 26, 2014 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 30 User Reviews: 10
8.0Critic Rating
6.9User Rating

An epic 26 centuries in the making: In the aftermath of a galactic war a hundred years long, Odyssia the Clever Champion and her compatriots begin their longest, strangest trip yet: the one home. A gender-bent eye-popping psychedelic science fiction odyssey begins HERE, by MATT FRACTION (CASANOVA, SEX CRIMINALS, SATELLITE SAM) and CHRISTIAN WARD (INFINITE VACATION, OLYMPUS).

  • 10
    Comic Bastards - Nick Philpott Nov 26, 2014

    According to the letters page, they were going for a mix of Barbarella and a Cirque de Soleil show, and they hit the nail on the fucking head. It's a kinetic, psychedelic, trippy journey through this new universe, this new history, with innovative panel layouts, action, and a musical quality to the whole thing. It's a helluva comic, unlike anything I've read in awhile, and I can't wait for the second issue to come out. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Nerds Unchained - Connor Frigon Nov 29, 2014

    ODY-C #1 is one of the best new series of 2014. Its the kind of Sci-Fi I want to see more of in the future: mature, adventurous and challenging. I can understand if some readers areturned off by its heady subtext, but I think this book is incredible. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Coming Up Comics - Timothy Merritt Nov 25, 2014

    Overall it's an intriguing first issue for what looks to be a monster series. Grab your copy when it releases and jump on one hell of an adventure. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Resources - Meagan Damore Nov 26, 2014

    Fraction and Ward's "ODY-C" #1 is the weird sci fi "Odyssey" fever dream you didn't know you wanted. Following the trials of trickster Odyssia -- plaything of the gods -- "ODY-C" gives new life to an old legend in a daring, profound way. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Doom Rocket - Molly Jane Kremer Dec 1, 2014

    "The heaviest trip is the one back home" was the promotional tagline for the book, and ancient language rhythms contrasting with gorgeous neo-futuristic visuals and a decidedly feminist approach make for a heavy trip indeed, and trigger an urge to reread as soon as you've finished the last page. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    PopMatters - Brett Mobley Dec 15, 2014

    Overall, Fraction and Ward present a stunning issue one in ODY-C. The art is superb, tremendous in its dream-like and highly symbolic style. The writing is clever, but also emotionally impactful. The layouts of each page require you to linger and contemplate. And last but not least we are treated to a powerful retelling of one of our oldest stories. I can't wait to read more. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    We The Nerdy - Guilherme Jacobs Nov 25, 2014

    On the art side, the abstract style remains strong. Characters feel like they're under some kind of wave, which may very well be Ward's intent. There's a big foldout page that is just mind-blowing and the way space is drawn throughout the entire issue is impressive. You've never seen space like this, I promise. The design for the ships and gods is also very unique, and it all adds to the trippy aspect of ODY-C #1. The colors are the big draw, though. The palette is luminous, vivid, psychedelic, bright and, while that may sound redundant, colorful. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Lost Lighthouse - thelostlighthouse Nov 27, 2014

    This was a really interesting read, and fans of mythology and sci-fi should really enjoy this. I've not really done the book justice in trying and failing to summarise the story, but definitely check this out at your LCS or digitally. Now. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    8CN - Matt Overstreet Nov 27, 2014

    Sure, this story isn't for everyone. Hell, there will even be those who enjoyed Hawkeye andSex Criminals who will probably hate this. But what Fraciton and Ward have created here is something big and larger than themselves - something that taps into art of the highest caliber. It's something that will sprawl and unfold over the next couple years, undoubtedly, and I can't wait to see it through. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Backwards Compatible - Paul Fiander Nov 26, 2014

    ODY-C is a bold project with great scope for exploring the oldest western text in modern civilisation. Fraction has worked hard to make the narrative feel like an epic space opera while keeping real to the original subject matter and Ward's strong and unique art style make this a serious proposition for readers looking for a change in their catalogue of comics to read. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Multiversity Comics - Matt Dodge Nov 26, 2014

    Despite the fact that the Odyssey is a very familiar story, Matt Fraction and Christian Ward play on audience expectations to craft a story that stands apart from the many adaptations of Homer's work. The abstract art creates a singular look for this world, which simultaneously appears futuristic and classic, and is rich in detail and subtle symbolism that elevates the story's themes. Fraction's decision to flip the genders is an interesting enough choice on its own, but he takes it on step further by playing against the contrasting warrior/mother sides of Odyssia. This team has singular creative vision, and they work together perfectly to execute it. Read Full Review

  • 8.7
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen Nov 26, 2014

    Let it never be said Fraction isn't trying new things and exploring new genres in his post-Marvel career phase. ODY-C #1 is one of the writer's more impressive debuts. It makes an old story feel fresh and new thanks to a combination of dazzling visuals and clever updates and overhauls. And the best part is that this is merely the first step in a long, epic journey. Read Full Review

  • 8.7
    The Latest Pull - Nicholas Turner Nov 28, 2014

    “ODY-C” is completely different to every other project Matt Fraction has been on. It is an even more poetic and radical interpretation that will please fans of the old classic and will entice new readers into finding out more about this tenet of western canon. Fraction has recently departed from his Marvel comics and has begun to focus entirely on his own creator owned comics. “ODY-C” is definitely one his new ventures to keep an eye on. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Geeked Out Nation - Jess Camacho Nov 30, 2014

    Despite this being a retelling of a famous work of literature, "Ody " C" is the most unique single issue of the year Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Comicosity - Aaron Long Nov 26, 2014

    ODY-C #1 is not for everyone, but for the comic fan who enjoys experimentation with the medium and bold storytelling choices – you need to get this and dive in head first. ODY-C #1 is a comic book experience that is innovative and bold and while I'm not sure it hit the bullseye for my tastes after a few readings, I respect what they are attempting to accomplish with this. This is no small undertaking and certainly not a typical comic book story, and I mean that in a good way. ODY-C #1 will blow minds and I definitely recommend people give it a shot to experience it for themselves. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Unleash The Fanboy - Russell Johnson Nov 29, 2014

    Don't pass this up even if it seems somewhat intimidating. The bottom line is that this is a complex and beautifully visual take of a classic and if invest the effort it is well worth reading. It's a great start to what will be an epic run from Fraction and Ward who takes chances and with ODY-C succeeds on every level. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    AIPT - Patrick Ross Nov 26, 2014

    ODY-C is extremely ambitious, and an entirely new spin on a classic everyone should know at least a little bit about. This must have been like what The Odyssey seemed like to the burnout kids in the back of my 9th grade English class. Might be a head-scratcher to some, but the pure grandeur in both the writing and the trippy artwork is to be admired. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    ComicBook.com - Chase Magnett Nov 25, 2014

    Ody-C #1 is a visually stunning and exciting adaptation of one of the oldest classics in Western canon. It seeks to reinterpret the source material not just through changes in place and character, but by focusing on the comics medium. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Bloody Disgusting - Bree Ogden Nov 26, 2014

    Im not going to go into a lot of plot detail because ideally, we all know the story of Homers Odyssey. I want to focus on the manner in which Fraction and Ward have adapted such difficult source material and made it uniquely their own, frankly, against al Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    BGCP - Jonny Stone Dec 5, 2014

    A promising reinterpretation of The Odyssey with stunning visuals and a compelling protagonist Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Forrest C. Helvie Dec 1, 2014

    Overall, ODY-C #1 is an ambitious book that, in spite of some initial shakiness, challenges readers familiar and unfamiliar with its literary antecedent, and that's a welcome pursuit. Read Full Review

  • 7.8
    Graphic Policy - Edward Wendt Nov 27, 2014

    The entire experience ends up being enjoyable though not particularly memorable. With a bit more balance in the writing, there would have been a better story to be told, including for the flow of the artwork. It is evident that the creative team has something grand in mind behind the concept for this series, it only seems as though that this first issue was not the best showcase for those ideas. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Weekly Comic Book Review - Loukas Dec 1, 2014

    Fraction has crafted a dream based on one of the classic stories of the Western canon. His play with gender and sexuality is interesting, sometimes fascinating. But his daring sometimes exceeds his ability to effectively combine ancient themes and modern interests, classic characters and present preoccupations. Where one would have wished for subtle resonance, Fraction often provides obvious messages. Where one would have liked layered metaphor, Fraction often crafts images meant to shock but merely seem silly. He has reached far across space and time, but until he grasps the substance of his tale more securely, Homer has very little to fear. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Rhymes With Geek - Denise Blakely Nov 25, 2014

    I'm not sure how to feel about ODY-C. I believe that this is going to be a hit or miss with people, some will fall in love while others will hate it or just plain not get it. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Newsarama - Lan Pitts Dec 1, 2014

    ODY-C is far from boring or unentertaining, and definitely fills the void that Saga fans might be looking to fill for their hard sci-fi needs while it's on hiatus. There are some parts that stick with you after you've put it down, but some might want to do an instant re-read just to be sure they've got it all, because there is a lot going on here. Fraction has proven himself a marquee name in recent years, but ODY-C gives him a chance to show off a newer, different and unproven side of his creativity. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    Buccaneer Book Reviews - Cap'n Aldous B. Adder Dec 2, 2014

    It's a good book. Not great, not bad, just good. Worth a try as something trying to push the envelope and not failing but I sincerely hope that future issues read better because this SHOULD be a good comic and COULD be if presented a little better " so here's hoping. SCORE : 6.5 / 10 Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    ComicList - Brandon Borzelli Nov 29, 2014

    Ody-C is an epic tale. This is merely the first chapter. I have no doubt that if you pick this up and stick with it then you will be thrilled and entertained. The first issue provides some promise with fantastic visuals. Reading Homer's, "The Odyssey" may be essential for this, which is disappointing. All in all this is a comic book to pick up and try out. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    All-Comic - Dan Pennacchia Nov 27, 2014

    As an opening chapter, Ody-C is a good introduction to a new world, but it doesnt completely succeed. While Fraction does a decent job adapting the elements of the original tale for this new setting, it is unclear just what he has to say in doing so. The first issue presents readers with a world, but fails to give it purpose. There appears to be a deep and distinct plan for the adaptation beyond the curious reworking of names and roles. Hopefully the rich character of Odyssia, matched with Wards work will move to incorporate a story that better justifies this exercise. For now, check out issue one, especially in print, and prepare for what lies ahead Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Big Comic Page - Shane Hoffman Nov 26, 2014

    I would suggest this to readers familiar with "The Odyssey" who know the story and what to expect, that way the new take to them makes it worth the read. But, again as a reader not strongly rooted in the base mythology I found it a daunting task to read and keep interested in as I was lost from the beginning. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Florida Geek Scene - Peter Schmeiser Jan 7, 2015

    The art style is a turn off, and Fraction has written better projects , so I would wait to read through this in its entirety before I grab another issue. Read Full Review

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