How does a small town in Oregon sound like for your next weekend away from the stresses of everyday life? I promise this town is quaint, cozy and, above all, quiet. Time just seems to move differently in Port Oswego. Hardly anything happens there. Well, except for that one time with Superman…
In the six-issue Naomi: Season One, a mystery unfolds panel by panel as an adoptee discovers there’s more to her story than she ever imagined. Naomi effortlessly transports you to the titular teen’s small hometown for the adventure of a lifetime. Let’s join Naomi for a Weekend Escape you won’t forget!
The Premise:
Seventeen-year-old Naomi McDuffie leads a pretty normal life. Her adoptive parents, Greg and Jen, dote on her and give her unwavering support. But after their small town is visited by Superman—just for a few seconds—Naomi feels strangely unsettled. And now every time she closes her eyes, she sees glimpses of another world. Who is she really?
Naomi is going to figure it out with the help of her amazing BFF, her protective parents and a massive mechanic hiding from his past. And when she discovers the truth, her life will never be the same again.
Let’s Talk Talent:
Jamal Campbell, David F. Walker and Brian Michael Bendis tried something shockingly fresh and sadly rare in modern superhero comics with Naomi—they created a brand-new hero from scratch, and one who’s both Black and adopted to boot! Campbell, who would go on to work on the equally striking and essential Far Sector, makes every page of Naomi a standout. Reading these six issues took me longer than usual because of all the time I spent just staring at the art. It’s dazzling.
Walker has written DC titles including Cyborg and Young Justice, along with the Eisner award-winning series Bitter Root. Bendis needs no introduction. He’s most recently known for his runs on Action Comics, Superman and Justice League, but the man helped shaped the competition’s universe and characters for decades. Both writers are comic book veterans, and their plotting expertise clearly shows in Naomi: Season One. This series wastes no time while telling the story, but still infuses each of the characters introduced with so much personality that you feel like you’ve been following them for years. Even once the main mystery of the book is revealed and her origin story complete, you’ll want to see more of Naomi and her family and friends.
A Few Reasons to Read:
- The grownups actually get it: In teen-focused books, the parents are usually clueless but well-meaning. Rarely, they’re just plain mean. Greg and Jen McDuffie are neither. Their love for each other and for Naomi is apparent in every panel they’re in. They listen, ask questions and, best of all, answer questions. When Naomi starts searching for clues about her birth parents, Greg and Jen accept her feelings. Most importantly, they get involved.
- No, you haven’t heard this one before: Okay, sure, this is a teen in the DC Universe who has questions about their adoption and feels like they don’t fit in, but Naomi isn’t Clark Kent. (She is slightly obsessed with Superman, though.) Naomi provides the comic’s authors with a chance to deftly explore the adoptive family experience through a modern lens. Just as you think you know where Naomi’s story is going, the book takes you by surprise with a twist about her adoptive parents that’s more sweet than shocking.
- A whole new corner of the DCU: While Superman (in a fierce battle with Mongul) makes a quick appearance in the graphic novel’s first chapter, don’t expect to see many familiar faces in Naomi: Season One. Bendis, Walker and Campbell strove to create a new city within the DC Universe in Port Oswego, with its own colorful cast of characters, many of whom are standouts. Trust me, you’re going to love the massive, tough-but-tender mechanic, Dee. And speaking of characters you’ll love…
- Annabelle: Naomi’s pink-haired best friend is the BFF you’ve always wished you had. They’re so close that they even have secret codewords. Annabelle’s superpower is knowing when Naomi needs a hug, and she gets it right every time. She’s open-minded, honest and easily forgives. And she practices cello in the most adorable garage-slash-music-studio you’ve ever seen? Annabelle is perfect.
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
Naomi: Season One is one of DC’s best stories in years, even though our regular superheroes aren’t part of the tale. Superman’s brief appearance is just enough to establish that they’re there, but they’re not part of Naomi’s life—yet. It’s a welcome story decision that gives the book time to focus on Naomi’s character and her relationships. If you’re looking for a more intimate superhero story that’s centered on a family instead of the fate of a multiverse, pick up Naomi: Season One for your next Weekend Escape.
Naomi: Season One is available in bookstores, comic shops, libraries and as a digital graphic novel. You can also read it in full on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.
Kelly Knox writes about all-ages comics and animation for DC.com and her writing can also be seen on IGN, Nerdist and more. Follow her on Twitter at @kelly_knox to talk superheroes, comics and pop culture.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Kelly Knox and do not necessarily reflect those of DC Entertainment or Warner Bros.
Source: DC Comics
