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OMAC Project #1 and #2
Book Released: 25 May 2005 (#2)
Review posted: 21 June 2005
Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Jesus Saiz
Publisher: DC Comics
2.50 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by John League
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Two issues into The OMAC Project readers have been treated
to some rewarding scenes, ranging from humorous to poignant to
chilling. Unfortunately, that's about all readers have gotten: scenes.
Greg Rucka's tale… has so far not
established the same compelling narrative that is Rucka's
bailiwick…
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Greg Rucka's tale of Batman's wrangling with Maxwell Lord for the
Caped Crusader's out-of-control set of spy satellites has so far not
established the same compelling narrative that is Rucka's bailiwick,
used to great effect in Queen & Country and even in his
contributions to DC's Countdown to Infinite Crisis.
The OMAC Project picks up moments after Maxwell Lord's
murder of Blue Beetle. Sasha Bordeaux, Lord's so-called Black King's
Knight, finds herself sickened by the way Lord has perverted the
Checkmate organization to his own ends. Nevertheless, she complies
with his instructions, hoping for a way to warn Batman — Sasha's
former love interest — about Lord's abuse of Batman's own
surveillance system.
Furious about having his memory altered by the JLA, Batman built a
system of surveillance satellites (now augmented with human agents)
that can see nearly anywhere in the world, including the Batcave and
the JLA's watchtower. Lord seizes control of the system and begins
selectively using its elimination systems to attack meta-humans,
ostensibly to throw the JLA off his trail.
Unable to control his own dangerous toys, Batman reveals the truth
about his surveillance capabilities — and Blue Beetle's death.
One of the better moments in the series is the ensuing confrontation
with Booster Gold, who lashes out at Batman both verbally and with his
powers.
Batman's pent up rage at his betrayal at the hands of the JLA comes
through clearly here, as does his cold frustration at being thwarted
by Maxwell Lord. One can argue whether the callous reserve that DC
editorial has built into the character is appropriate, but one cannot
deny the steely, palpable anger that Rucka has written in —
augmented by unique styling of Batman's cape-shrouded form by artist
Jesus Saiz.
Rucka has also done a fine job of blurring indications of where
Sasha's loyalties really lie. The second issue's cliffhanger ending,
where Sasha and Batman are under attack from Lord's seemingly
invincible robotic assassins, amplifies the confusion.
Still, the story so far has hit on too many seemingly disparate
points to drive readers on to the next issue. With the reunion of
Sasha and Batman to close issue #2, perhaps these various plots are
closer to being woven together. My enthusiasm, however, for this title
— and the entire “Infinite Crisis” hullabaloo
— is waning quickly.
An optimistic but unimpressed 2.5 stars.
—CCdC— Cover image used without explicit permission in accordance with the "Fair Use" provision of US copyright law.
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