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Omega: The Unknown Hardcover – January 1, 2008

4.3 out of 5 stars 75

Omega, a mute, reluctant super hero from another planet, shares a strange destiny with a teenager, and they both face danger when a legion of robots and nanoviruses are sent from afar to hunt the two of them down.

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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Marvel Enterprises (January 1, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0785130527
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0785130529
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.57 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 0.5 x 10.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 75

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
75 global ratings
"I wouldn't eat that if I were you."
5 Stars
"I wouldn't eat that if I were you."
This book was far and away my favorite comic book experience of 2008. I bought the series issue by issue when it appeared in comic stores, and then eagerly awaited the hardcover collection so I could recommend it to friends. But other reviewers have already commented on the actual story and its relationship to the late great Steve Gerber's compromised vision, so let me only add that the hardcover collection itself is wonderful and wondrously done. Dalrymple and Hornschemeier have created a fantastic shell for the collection, and the notes in the back by Lethem about his take on the Gerber original are truly priceless.Lastly, I thought it was quite amusing that the co-author Karl Rusnak chose to give the Mink's alter ego his own name in reverse, "Kansur."
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2012
If only soup had wings. Feathered things come to those who wait in trees. I opened the book completely at random, and those three sentences were on the page. And, in context, they actually make sense!

This book collects the 10 issue miniseries, which rebooted the original short lived "Omega the Unknown" series from the 1970's while maintaining its spirit. The plot can be summarized "where there's robots, there's blue guys." Robots have a... habit, let's say, of taking over or destroying planets, but a blue-suited, red-caped (hmmm...) hero arrives to fight them, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. When nanomachines invade the Earth, nothing is safe, not textbooks, not action figures, not fast food. Salt, on the other hand, might be a good thing. Speaking of hands, make sure you don't lose yours, or they may turn on you.

Again, in context, this makes all makes perfect sense. Normally, I wouldn't care for the "scratchy" art style, but it fits the quirky mood of the series. If you like Grant Morrison, particularly Doom Patrol, you should like this.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2019
Literary star Jonathan Lethem tells the story, and Faryl Dalyrymple brings interesting and unique artwork. I recommend this book for those who want to read something other than the standard superhero comic.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2008
This book was far and away my favorite comic book experience of 2008. I bought the series issue by issue when it appeared in comic stores, and then eagerly awaited the hardcover collection so I could recommend it to friends. But other reviewers have already commented on the actual story and its relationship to the late great Steve Gerber's compromised vision, so let me only add that the hardcover collection itself is wonderful and wondrously done. Dalrymple and Hornschemeier have created a fantastic shell for the collection, and the notes in the back by Lethem about his take on the Gerber original are truly priceless.

Lastly, I thought it was quite amusing that the co-author Karl Rusnak chose to give the Mink's alter ego his own name in reverse, "Kansur."
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars "I wouldn't eat that if I were you."
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2008
This book was far and away my favorite comic book experience of 2008. I bought the series issue by issue when it appeared in comic stores, and then eagerly awaited the hardcover collection so I could recommend it to friends. But other reviewers have already commented on the actual story and its relationship to the late great Steve Gerber's compromised vision, so let me only add that the hardcover collection itself is wonderful and wondrously done. Dalrymple and Hornschemeier have created a fantastic shell for the collection, and the notes in the back by Lethem about his take on the Gerber original are truly priceless.

Lastly, I thought it was quite amusing that the co-author Karl Rusnak chose to give the Mink's alter ego his own name in reverse, "Kansur."
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Customer image
Customer image
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2014
Written by Jonathan Lethem, the author of 'Motherless Brooklyn', 'The Fortress of Solitude' and 'Chronic City', this brilliant re-imagining of Steve Gerber's bizarre 70's superhero is illustrated by Farel Dalrymple, with guest art by legendary RAW-contributor Gary Panter and highly-respected MOME-regular Paul Hornschemeier (who also handles the colors). Any connoisseurs of Sequential Art -- an appellation I love; it gets to the most basic elements of the medium, technical without being pretentious; 'Graphic Novel', which I dislike, has been the preferred term since the 90's, but excludes short story collections, Non-fiction work, and wordless comics -- should check out the single most impressive book Marvel has produced.

Jonathan Lethem is one of the most imaginative and acclaimed novelists of his Post-Millennial generation. His work is idea-heavy, and though he often references comic-book and science-fiction themes, the awards piling up around him as he taps away on his keyboard, his skillfully crafted prose, and virtuoso plotting, all keep him well-ensconced in the 'Literature' section at the local bookstore, instead of the Genre Ghettos of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Michael Chabon, who is Lethems' nemesis in every way (or perhaps Lethem is Chabons' nemesis), is also devoted to comic-books, SF, and pulp-fiction. His Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, 'The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay', told the story of two young Jewish men who left Europe for America, where they made their names in the nascent comic-book industry of the 30's with 'The Escapist'. Loosely based on the creators of Superman, Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, it incorporates the experiences of the many young Jewish immigrants who helped build the comic-book format and the concept of Superheroes (Stan Lee, Joe Simon, Jack Kirby, Al Feldstein, Harvey Kurtzman, Bernie Krigstein, etc.). When he moved to try his hand as a comic-writer, telling the story of 'The Escapist' in a meta-textual spinoff Grant Morrison would approve of, it came out as a solid, but mostly uninspired debut in his newest medium. Douglas Rushkoff, a respected writer, created a dull mess called 'Testament' for Vertigo.

Lethem successfully makes the transition to sequential art, unlike his peers. He retains the weirdness of the 70's series and adds weirdness of his own. The character of 'The Mink', a nominal superhero whose boasting and shameless attempts at commodifying his brand contrasts with his occasional bravery and competence, is unforgettable and hilarious. This tale of an alien order of superheroes, determined to stop a nano-robotic epidemic that has wiped out planets across the galaxy, is perfectly suited for Lethem. When this plague reaches earth, turning humans into zombie-like slaves immediately compelled to build macro-scale robot warriors programmed to hunt down and kill their various Omega rivals, young Alexander Island is attacked by these Omega-hunters, losing both parents in the process. Even more disturbing, he learns that they were quite obviously not his biological parents, since they too were robots. As the incredibly bright young man finds a new home, a new school, and new friends (despite his intellect and manners), he begins to learn the secrets of his origin, and the role he must play in saving the planet he knows as home. This beautifully designed hardcover collects what is unquestionably one of the best mainstream comics of the new millennium. Farel Dalrymple is one of the most unique artists in comics and illustration, and his work on Omega the Unknown is 260 pages, two endpapers, two covers and a dust-jacket of the best art in modern mainstream superhero comics history. I know the names that people could throw like weapons in rebuttal -- Alex Ross (Marvels), Dave McKean (Arkham Asylum), Lee Bermejo (Joker), Paul Pope (Batman: Year 100), J.H. Williams III (Batwoman: Elegy), Frank Quitely (All-Star Superman), Eduardo Risso (Batman: Broken City) -- because those are the names I would throw. Those are personal favorites; but for one single virtuoso effort, Omega the Unknown is unassailable, the dark horse that takes it all. Apparently Marvel is letting this under-appreciated masterpiece go quietly out-of-print, and yet you can pick it up from marketplace sellers for the cost of shipping. It's such a great book, I had to buy a second copy... for this price, even at full price, this is a must-buy.
7 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2015
Some of the characters felt a bit flat, and certain tropes seem a little too standard for such an odd book. The good moments in this book (and there are many) more than redeem its sub-par elements, and the whole is something quite enjoyable indeed. Dalrymple's artwork, and guest artwork by Panter, are wonderful.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2022
I've been meaning to get ahold of the classic Steve Gerber series, but people say that it didn't age well. So when I come across this, it's a strangely entertaining series featuring a corner of the Marvel universe with a Napoleon Dynamite aesthetic. Every absurdity on display is objective, never downplayed or overdramatized. It's all just treated like everything is as normal as can be. Most of the time anyway. I'm of the mind to call this a hidden gem of Marvel.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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EisNinE
5.0 out of 5 stars Everything Comes Up Robots
Reviewed in Canada on June 20, 2014
Written by Jonathan Lethem, the author of 'Motherless Brooklyn', 'The Fortress of Solitude' and 'Chronic City', this brilliant re-imagining of Steve Gerber's bizarre 70's superhero is illustrated by Farel Dalrymple, with guest art by legendary RAW-contributor Gary Panter and highly-respected MOME-regular Paul Hornschemeier (who also handles the colors). Any connoisseurs of Sequential Art -- an appellation I love; it gets to the most basic elements of the medium, technical without being pretentious; 'Graphic Novel', which I dislike, has been the preferred term since the 90's, but excludes short story collections, Non-fiction work, and wordless comics -- should check out the single most impressive book Marvel has produced.

Jonathan Lethem is one of the most imaginative and acclaimed novelists of his Post-Millennial generation. His work is idea-heavy, and though he often references comic-book and science-fiction themes, the awards piling up around him as he taps away on his keyboard, his skillfully crafted prose, and virtuoso plotting, all keep him well-ensconced in the 'Literature' section at the local bookstore, instead of the Genre Ghettos of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Michael Chabon, who is Lethems' nemesis in every way (or perhaps Lethem is Chabons' nemesis), is also devoted to comic-books, SF, and pulp-fiction. His Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, 'The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay', told the story of two young Jewish men who left Europe for America, where they made their names in the nascent comic-book industry of the 30's with 'The Escapist'. Loosely based on the creators of Superman, Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, it incorporates the experiences of the many young Jewish immigrants who helped build the comic-book format and the concept of Superheroes (Stan Lee, Joe Simon, Jack Kirby, Al Feldstein, Harvey Kurtzman, Bernie Krigstein, etc.). When he moved to try his hand as a comic-writer, telling the story of 'The Escapist' in a meta-textual spinoff Grant Morrison would approve of, it came out as a solid, but mostly uninspired debut in his newest medium. Douglas Rushkoff, a respected writer, created a dull mess called 'Testament' for Vertigo.

Lethem successfully makes the transition to sequential art, unlike his peers. He retains the weirdness of the 70's series and adds weirdness of his own. The character of 'The Mink', a nominal superhero whose boasting and shameless attempts at commodifying his brand contrasts with his occasional bravery and competence, is unforgettable and hilarious. This tale of an alien order of superheroes, determined to stop a nano-robotic epidemic that has wiped out planets across the galaxy, is perfectly suited for Lethem. When this plague reaches earth, turning humans into zombie-like slaves immediately compelled to build macro-scale robot warriors programmed to hunt down and kill their various Omega rivals, young Alexander Island is attacked by these Omega-hunters, losing both parents in the process. Even more disturbing, he learns that they were quite obviously not his biological parents, since they too were robots. As the incredibly bright young man finds a new home, a new school, and new friends (despite his intellect and manners), he begins to learn the secrets of his origin, and the role he must play in saving the planet he knows as home. This beautifully designed hardcover collects what is unquestionably one of the best mainstream comics of the new millennium. Farel Dalrymple is one of the most unique artists in comics and illustration, and his work on Omega the Unknown is 260 pages, two endpapers, two covers and a dust-jacket of the best art in modern mainstream superhero comics history. I know the names that people could throw like weapons in rebuttal -- Alex Ross (Marvels), Dave McKean (Arkham Asylum), Lee Bermejo (Joker), Paul Pope (Batman: Year 100), J.H. Williams III (Batwoman: Elegy), Frank Quitely (All-Star Superman), Eduardo Risso (Batman: Broken City) -- because those are the names I would throw. Those are personal favorites; but for one single virtuoso effort, Omega the Unknown is unassailable, the dark horse that takes it all. Apparently Marvel is letting this under-appreciated masterpiece go quietly out-of-print, and yet you can pick it up from marketplace sellers for the cost of shipping. It's such a great book, I had to buy a second copy... for this price, even at full price, this is a must-buy.
One person found this helpful
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David Tembleque
5.0 out of 5 stars very good beginnings
Reviewed in Spain on February 7, 2015
Amazing art by Farel. Great drawing and colors. This artist is so amazing. Alzó recomendó The Wrenchies. Delivery speed a little slow.
Rainer Lingmann
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirierend
Reviewed in Germany on January 1, 2009
Ein herausragender Comic! Omega, the Unkown, ist die Wiederauflage und Weiterentwicklung eines gleichnamigen Comics aus den Siebzigern. Autor Jonathan Lethem hatte das Gefühl, dass das erste und letzte der zehn Originalhefte, die ohne Einmischung des Verlags entstanden, einen einzigartigen Ton anschlugen, während die Qualität der anderen Hefte kompromittiert wurde, indem beispielsweise Spiderman oder der Hulk dort auftraten. Lethem wollte die Geschichte, die diesen beiden Heften anklungen, endlich zu voller Blüte bringen.

Man kann sagen: Das ist voll gelungen! Omega, the Unkown, ist eine faszinierend und völlig untypisch erzählte Superheldengeschichte. Zahlreiche Gedankensprünge, Zwischenblenden, ein mystischer, fast göttlicher Erzähler lassen den Leser die Geschichte erst nach und nach erschließen, dabei aber immer neugierig auf den Fortgang der Dinge bleiben. Viele Details erschließen sich erst ein paar Kapitel später und machen Omega, the Unkown, zu einem großen Lesespaß, der einen schnell einsaugt und verlangt, in einem Zug durchgelesen zu werden.

Toll!
One person found this helpful
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Paul OKeefe
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastically crazy fun
Reviewed in Canada on January 5, 2021
This book came out of left field and it was awesome. Very different from typically marvel fair. Somewhat subversive and feels very underground or indy.
Martin
4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and fun
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 11, 2020
Very good reimagining of a forgotten character from Marvel comics past.
One person found this helpful
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