In this ODY-C review, you will find an exceptionally unique comic book series crafted by Eisner Award-winning writer Matt Fraction, complemented by the striking artwork of Christian Ward.
ODY-C is an innovative comic book series that reinterprets Homer’s “Odyssey” through a futuristic, gender-swapped lens.
The weird ODY-C storyline follows Odyssia, Gamen, and Ene — reflective counterparts of Odysseus, Agamemnon, and Menelaus — as they embark on their journey home after a protracted century-long siege of the city Troiia-VII
The series debuted in November 2014 under the banner of Image Comics, culminating in a total of 12 extremely bizarre ODY-C issues.
One thing is for certain: ODY-C was never going to win any awards for simplicity! The first time I delved into this cosmic conundrum, it felt like trying to read Homer’s Odyssey while watching a mind-bending sci-movie simultaneously. Honestly, my mind experienced so many “WTF” moments that I nearly exploded from confusion!
It wasn’t until later that I stumbled upon some reviews that the pieces of this galactic puzzle began to fall into place, like a Jenga tower teetering on a shaky table. If you’re eager to dive into ODY-C yourself, I recommend brushing up on the plot by reading this review first — consider it a manual before assembling your new space ship! Trust me, your future self will thank you!
ODY-C Review: A Bold Reimagining of the Odyssey in a Sci-Fi Universe
Christian Ward presents the tale as a vibrant, psychedelic reimagining of the Odyssey, unfolding in a whimsical burlesque universe, while simultaneously weaving the heartfelt journey of a mother returning home to her family.
The central character, Odyssia, is a formidable female warrior whose commanding physique demands respect. Her intentionally ambiguous racial identity is a deliberate choice designed to enhance relatability for a diverse audience.
The Concept and Creation of ODY-C
Matt Fraction discovered Christian Ward’s exceptional talent while exploring his work as a graphic designer, sparking a desire to collaborate on a comic project. Inspired by Ward’s unique aesthetic, Fraction envisioned ODY-C specifically as “the greatest Christian Ward comic that could ever be.”
Set in a distant galaxy, the story unfolds in a kaleidoscopic universe where ancient myths intertwine with speculative fiction. The narrative revolves around the adventures of Captain Odyssia, a formidable warrior navigating a cosmos rife with peril, challenges, and surreal landscapes.
The decision to transform the male figure of Odysseus into the female Odyssia not only pays homage to the original tale but also introduces a contemporary twist, exploring themes of empowerment, identity, and the complexities of gender dynamics.
Return to Ithacca
The comic begins with a daring exploration of time and space, where Odyssea embarks on a quest to return to her home world of Ithaca, all while being pursued by her father’s enemies — a powerful coalition of royal godly beings (aka the Olympians)
Olympian alien-like gods make their entrance into the narrative with vibrant and surreal artwork exploding into a kaleidoscope of psychedelic visuals, amplifying the profound impact of divine presence.
Drawing upon the rich tapestry of Hindu iconography, these colorful deities embody a fusion of spirituality and creativity.
Themes and Symbolism in ODY-C
At its core, ODY-C delves deeply into themes of transformation, heroism, and the fluidity of identity. The very premise of flipping the gender roles in a well-loved Greek myth hero saga invites readers to question the conventions of traditional narratives.
Odyssea’s journey is not just a quest for home but also an exploration of self-discovery and personal strength. ODY-C tries to emphasize the idea that heroism can take many forms, allowing for a broader representation of what it means to be a hero in the galaxy.
The design of the main characters’ spaceships takes a bold turn, drawing inspiration from female reproductive organs rather than the traditional, phallic rocket shape. This fascinating choice not only challenges conventional space vehicle motifs but also invites a conversation about gender representation in science fiction. By utilizing such an imaginative and striking design, the series dares to reframe the understanding of spacecraft, blending the themes of femininity with the vastness of outer space in an intriguing and thought-provoking manner.
One of the most striking elements of ODY-C is finding out how Prometheus altered the course of humanity by introducing a third gender known as the Sebex. These luminous, feminine type beings possess the extraordinary ability to conceive from a woman’s egg, reshaping the very fabric of existence.
Odyssia: The Female Odysseus Character in ODY-C
The opening five issues delve into the life of Odyssia, a cunning trickster and devoted mother, who is driven by an unyielding desire to reunite with her wife and cherished young son, Telem.
Yet, fate continually ensnares her in a web of conflict and turmoil. In ODY-C, Odyssia embodies the dualities of a survivor grappling with the shadows of PTSD while simultaneously yearning for a life brimming with adventure — never truly content with the allure of peace and quiet.
Furthermore, the series tackles the ever-prevalent themes of war, power struggles, and the impacts of colonialism, echoing the sociopolitical landscapes of both ancient Greece and contemporary society.
The gods embody a wide spectrum of gender expressions, from the bearded Athena and Hera to Zeus, who uniquely blends the roles of both mother and father.
ODY-C: Greek Mythology Reimagined
Symbolism is omnipresent in ODY-C, from the mythological creatures that Odyssia encounters to the celestial bodies that frame her journey.
As readers traverse the galactic landscapes adorned with rich mythological elements, they are compelled to reflect on their own journeys and the inherent battles faced when confronting change. In straddling the line between homage and reinvention, ODY-C becomes not just a retelling but also an exploration of timeless questions regarding identity and the essence of heroism.
ODY-C takes familiar tales and flips them on their head in the most unexpected ways. With a captivating blend of the surreal and the fantastic, it reinterprets iconic figures like sirens and cyclops through a uniquely strange lens.
Prepare for a cosmic adventure that promises to be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced in a comic series! In fact, I’d argue that ODY-C dives even deeper into the surreal than the Promethea series, pushing the boundaries of imagination and creativity even further.
Sensual Themes in the ODY-C
The ODY-C comic series, a weird reimagining of Homer’s “Odyssey,” dives deep into a surreal universe where the bizarre is the norm. One of the most striking elements is its strikingly unconventional interpretations of familiar characters and themes.
In ODY-C, sexuality emerges as both a bewildering adventure and a profound exploration of identity within a kaleidoscopic universe.
Throughout the ODY-C journey, readers encounter surreal creatures such as cosmic sirens that twist and transform, manipulating time and space as they sing. The very fabric of reality shifts as Odyssia battles a crew of gender-bending Cyclopes, whose ever-changing forms mirror the fluidity of identity itself.
The art style, with its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, enhances the dream-like quality of the narrative, drawing the reader into a whimsical yet daunting odyssey.
The interplay between pleasure and peril is palpable, as characters navigate strange situations where desire can shift as quickly as the stars above.
With its fusion of mythology, science fiction, and gender exploration, ODY-C creates a truly unique tapestry of experiences that keeps mystery and intrigue at the forefront, making it a feast of weirdness that captivates the imagination. The only problem is trying to get your head around it.
The Impact and Legacy of ODY-C
Since its debut in 2014, ODY-C has become a vibrant beacon in the comic book universe, captivating readers and cultivating a devoted fanbase. This series masterfully weaves together stunning visual artistry with a complex, richly layered narrative that can sometimes be challenging to grasp. With its innovative storytelling, ODY-C boldly defies the conventions of traditional genres.
More than a mere graphic novel, ODY-C is a groundbreaking exploration of storytelling that challenges traditional boundaries and invites readers to reconsider the possibilities of narrative. The characters leap off the page, their journeys beautifully intertwining the ancient and the futuristic. Meanwhile, the intricate artwork transports you to a galaxy that is at once astonishingly unfamiliar and very inviting.
ODY-C Back Cover: Story Description
Like the ODY-C Volume 1 back cover says — the heaviest trip is the one back home. It’s a wildly imaginative work combining fantastic Greek mythology with futuristic science fiction.
“The Odyssey” gets reimagined and reinvented for the 21st century in this psychedelic, gender-broke and genre-bent science fiction epic by Matt Fraction.
ODY-C Comic Series
You can explore the entire ODY-C comic series in several exciting ways, as shown below. The easiest way is probably to obtain a hard cover copy of ODY-C: Cycle One, which contains all twelve ODY-C issues.
ODY-C Vol 1: Off to Far Ithacca
The first five issues #1-5 center on Odyssia, a cunning trickster and devoted mother yearning to return to her beloved wife and young son. Yet, fate seems determined to ensnare her in a web of relentless turmoil.
In ODY-C, Odyssia emerges as a complex figure, grappling with the haunting remnants of PTSD while simultaneously resisting the allure of a tranquil, uneventful existence. Her journey is one of conflict and desire, as she navigates the tumultuous landscape of her life, torn between her past battles and the longing for her family.
ODY-C Vol 2: Sons of the Wolf
In issues #6-10, the tale unfolds as Ene and He find themselves violently cast adrift by a tempest, landing them on the enigmatic planet of Q’af — a realm ensnared in the grip of time and ruled by the formidable sons of Herakles. As fate would have it, Ene becomes a captive of the elusive Proteus, a cruel sovereign who mercilessly bars any hope of escape from this frozen world. Meanwhile, He forges an unexpected bond with a spirited young boy, whose spirit remains unbroken amid the looming darkness.
Their lives take a harrowing turn when they are chosen to be the twin kings’ brides for a single fateful night, destined for a grim fate that has unfolded night after night since the kings’ tragic act of vengeance against their betrayed spouses.
In a desperate bid to escape the looming execution, He captivates the kings with mesmerizing tales each evening, weaving stories that blend hope and heartache, all the while longing for the return of his beloved Ene. This riveting arc delves into profound themes of survival, justice, and the shadow of trauma, exploring the complexity of revenge and the quest for redemption in a world where time stands still, and the past holds unforgiving sway.
ODYC #11 and #12: Found in ODY-C Cycle One
Issues #11 and #12 delve into Gamem’s return home, reinterpreting the tragic Fall of the House of Atreus. In a treacherous twist, Gamem’s wife, Menstra, schemes to murder him, driven by revenge for the death of their daughter and her desire to usurp the throne.
ODY-C Comic Series: Issues #1 to #12
If you prefer, you can also explore all twelve individual issues of the ODY-C comic series. While the initial vision called for a total of 24 comics — mirroring the 24 chapters of the Odyssey — this ambitious plan ultimately didn’t make it all the way there. The ODY-C series reached its conclusion with the release of the 12th issue in 2016.
Nonetheless, the potential for new installments of ODY-C to be crafted in the future always remains.
ODY-C Comic: Is ODY-C Too Weird for Its Own Good?
In wrapping up my thoughts on the ODY-C comic series, I find myself in a bit of a creative conundrum. The writing unfortunately didn’t resonate with me, leaving me in a haze of confusion rather than clarity.
However, let’s not overshadow the true star of the show: the artwork. It stands as a breathtaking testament to the power of sci-fi artistry, with vivid illustrations that transport readers to otherworldly realms. I would easily give the visuals an impressive 8.5 out of 10 for their ability to captivate the imagination.
Yet, when I step back to assess the comic as a whole, I’m compelled to give it a more tempered score of 5 out of 10. The disconnect between the intricate art and the muddled narrative was a barrier I couldn’t bypass.
If you’re a devoted aficionado of sci-fi art, you’ll discover incredible artwork hidden within these pages. However, I must caution you — be prepared for a journey that may leave some of you lost in this unbelievably weird cosmos.
One last thought: the ODY-C comic and volume covers really missed the mark in igniting excitement for the treasures hidden within. As the saying goes, “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” but in this case, it might have benefitted from a bit of flair! With a wealth of stunning artwork waiting on the inside, it’s a shame the covers didn’t pull out all the stops to show that off. Oh well, perhaps they were just playing hard to get!
ODY-C: Availability and Pricing
ODY-C, Vol 1: Off to Far Ithacca
ODY-C, Vol 2: Sons of the Wolf
ODY-C: Cycle One (Hard Cover – Complete Collection)
The Odyssey: Discover More Graphic Novels Inspired by the Classic Epic
If you’re hungry for more graphic novel goodness inspired by The Odyssey, you’re in for a treat! Check out these two guides: “The Odyssey: Graphic Novel Review” and “The Last Argonauts Review.”
These two Odyssey comic reviews will not only satiate your literary cravings but also serve up plenty of inspiration to keep your reading list overflowing! Happy exploring!
Bonus: Must-See Movies Inspired by The Odyssey
If you’re truly spellbound by the legendary escapades of Homer’s Odyssey, then you’ll absolutely want to plunge into “33 Movies Based on the Odyssey (and Adaptations).”
Here’s a little gem of wisdom: if you haven’t treated yourself to “Ulysses (1954)” or “The Odyssey (1997)” yet, track it down and get ready to set sail on an unforgettable cinematic journey!
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